
Class.: 

Book_J4iZ _ 
Copyright N°__ . 



COHYKiGUT DEPOSIT 



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H A M 



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G R EE NE COS 



THE 



HISTORY 



Madison County. 



OHIO, 



1 IN [NO 



A History of the County; its Townships, Towns, Churches. 

: CHOOLS, ETC. ; I I. AND LOCAL STATISTICS; PORTRAITS OF 

ki// Settlers and Prominent Men; History of 
The Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; 
Miscellaneous Matters, etc., etc. 



iltl.ttstir^tieid 



(II t C AGO: 



\V. II. BEERS & CO. 



1883 




V 118 








PREFACE. 



r |^HE history of a county may be written in so many different ways that 
I it will not be inappropriate, in placing this volume before the public, 
to state in a few words the plan which we have adopted and the chief 
objects at which we have aimed. It has been our earnest endeavor to disen- 
gage from the great mass of facts thoso which relate to the permanent forces 
of the county, or which indicate some of the more enduring features of its 
growth and prosperity. The history of an institution can only be written 
by collecting into a single focus facts that are spread over many years, and 
such matters may be more (dearly treated according to the order of subjects 
than the order of time, yet we have tried to preserve, as far as possible, a 
chronological system. 

We present, first, an outline history of the Northwest Territory and 
the State of Ohio. Beginning the history of the county with a chapter up- 
on the Mound Builders, followed by a similar sketch of the Indian tribes 
and their relations to Madison County, we then give an account of the 
advent of tho third race that has dwelt in the land. The record of the 
worthy pioneers, together with their trials, hardships, manners and customs; 
the early surveys, civil organization, topographical and geological outline 
of the county, etc., are each treated under a distinct head. These in turn 
are followed by a description of the institutions and improvements of civil- 
ization, and the gallant part- borne by Madison's sons in the Nation's bat- 
tles. Then comes the town, township and village history, in which a more 
detailed account is given of the pioneers and early settlers, of the material 
progress made, and of the churches, schools, societies, manufacturing inter- 
ests and other concomitants of the civilization that has, in the past three- 
quarters of a century, worked such a marvel in tho wilderness, and flour- 
ished to such full fruition upon the very ground which, within the recollec- 
tion of those now living, was tin* abode of wild beasts and savage men. 

The view is ;i comprehensive one. It extends from the scene of plenty 
and peace of well ordered society, of education and good morals, back to 
the time when all these things were not; from the scene c " mental, moral 
and material affluence; from the cultivated landscape, d< d with farm 
house, villa and town, busy and bustling with a hundred industries, back 
to tho days of the lonely log cabin, and farther, to the savagery and wild- 
u ess of I he periods which preceded the white man's occupancy. 

Our material has been obtained from State, county, township, town and 
village records, printed publications and family manuscripts, while a great 
deal of the matter had to be gathered from the early pioneers or their 
descendants, who, for the most part, were dependent upon their memories 
for dates and events. Thus conflicting testimony was oftentimes furnished, 
puzzling tho historian, who could do nothing better than to adopt the state 
mont which seemed to him the most probable and trustworthy; but we have 
aimed at accuracy, and believe we have been successful as far as success is 
possible in such an undertaking. 



iv PREFACK. 

The general history of the county was prepared by R. C. Brown. The 
history of the medical profession, included in Chapter XI, was written by 
William Morrow Beach, M. D., whose genial, kindly advice was always 
freely extended to us from the inception of our labors until the completion 
of the work. Chapters XVII and XYIII are from the pen of F. E. Weak- 
ley. The sketch of Darby Township was furnished by Dr. Jeremiah Con- 
verse, to whom we are indebted for material aid and assistance while com- 
piling several articles for different chapters comprised in this volume. Jef- 
ferson Township was written by W. H. White, and all the others by N. B. 
Holder, while the whole work was under the supervision of the genera! 
historian. 

The volume is one of generous magnitude, and we place it in the hands 
of our patrons with the belief that it will be found to be a valuable contri- 
bution to local historical literature. We return sincere thanks to the citi- 
zens of the county for the earnest co-operation we have at all times met with 
in our efforts to collect reliable material; but especially desire to mention 
the names of A. A. Hume, G. G. McDonald and William Warner, who, 
from memory, furnished us with many facts and events of by-gone days. 
The county officials, too, were ever ready to lend a helping hand in culling 
reliable data from the musty records in their respective offices; while mem- 
bers of every profession and calling did their share toward making our 
task a pleasant one. If what is worthy of consideration in the history of 
the county has been rescued from oblivion and placed in readable form 
for the present generation, the object of this work has been fully accom- 
plished. 

The Publishers. 




< c a *&>" 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 
1BINTOKY OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



PAGE. 

Geographical Position 1!' 

Early Explorations 20 

Discovery of Ohi 32 

English Explorations and Settle- 



i • a < ; i- . 

mollis 34 

American Settlements 59 

Division of the Northwesl Terri- 
tory 65 



Tecumseh and the War of 1812 69 

Black Hawk and the Black Hawk 
War 7:; 



PART II. 

HISTORY OF THE STATK OF OHIO. 



History of Ohio 93 

I m m b History 96 

Ordinance of 1787, No. 32 105 

The War of 1812 122 

Banking 126 

The Canal System 128 

Ohio Land Tracts 129 

Improvements 132 

State Boundaries 136 



Organization of Counties 137 

Description of Counties 137 

Early Events 137 

Governors of Ohio 160 

Ancient Works 171 

Some General Characteristics 177 

outline Geology of Ohio 179 

Ohio's Hank During the War 182 



A Brief Mention of Prominent 

Ohio Generals 191 

Some Discussed Subjects 196 

Conclusion 200 

Comments upon the Ordinam f 

1787, from the Statutes of Ohio, 
Edited bj Salmon P. Chase, and 
Published in the year 1833 204 



PART III. 

HISTORY OF MAl>ISO\ COUUfTT. 



CHAPTER I.— Archaeology Mound Builders 
and Indians — Antiquitie The Different 
Classes of Mounds- Effigies and [nolo ure 
Sepulchral Mounds Sacrificial Mounds 
Temple Mounds— Mounds of < observation- ■ 
Memorial or Monumental Mounds Effigies 
'niinal Mounds Enclosures — Covered 
Ways Sacred Enclosures — Lessons Taughl 
by these Works The Implements used by 
the Mound Builders and Indians— Mounds 
of Madison Countj Their I oral ion, class 

ami Size 

CHAPTEE II. - 'I'ln: North American Indians— 
Cheir Lifi ; Places of Abode and 

( 'haracter- -The Medicin Indian 

Squaw— Marriage and Social Relations- 
i.il ( diio Tribe M L- 
ami Confederacy Six Nations Location of 
Tribes and their Strength Indian Wars and 
pedil ions— Sites of Village \ ictories 
and I »efea1 1 i inal i tefeat of the I ndians — 
Leading Chiefs Simon Girty Peace ol 179 
Tecumseh and the War of 1812 Subse- 
quent i real tes I adian Keserv at ion 
I motion of Indian Title in Ohio -Resume 

from 1754 1 I idisoi uty as a 

Hunting G round I ndian < 'ainping I 
Burying-i 1 rounds and Relics Captain John. 
i H M'TKi; III. First White Mi 

Missionaries— French and English Trading 
Posts Fort Laurens Attempted Settlemenl 
ai the Mouth of the Scioto Sail Works 
i ri nch and English Claims Englisl 

Aim : it ompa 'I'. 

Purchase -Symmes Purchase— Fort Har- 

i 'ioneer Settlements along t he < fhio 
i "M Washington Firs! Settlemenl in the 
■nia Military District Nathaniel Mas- 
ai Gallipolis For- 
mation of Adams < ounty I loss County Set- 
tled ami Erected Settlemenl of Madison 
County Territorial Legislature Ohio be- 
comes a State Franklin i ounty Erected 
Lead in ue Scioto Valley 



230 



Cll A PTER [V.— Pioneers Trior to 1800 Jona- 
than Aldei Benjamin pri e I ual < >s- 
born .lam. s and Joshua I Iv ing David 
Mitchell ' ither Settlers Michael Jol 
- - William Lapin .i.un. and W illiam Hew- 

David Martin William Alkire 'J7I 

i HAPTER V.- Principal Land Division- of 
Ohio mia Military Land- Perils 

of the Sui vi • ' trials— 

Pioneer ( labin i urniture, I ood and Medi- 
. im Habitsand Labor Clothingand Bi 
Early Mann rs and I ustoms, etc. Mills, 

Store Goods -Period of 1812 301 

(I! M"i id; VI. Events Leading to the Crea- 
tion of Madis.m County Darby Township 
on Countj Erected Surveys of 
Boundary Lines First Election Eai 
cense Bates and I Listei 

—Wolf Scalps Taxation and I spenditures 
< ountj Seal ami i lounty Buildings -First 
Court House and Jail Second i ourl House 
andJail Present Buildings Prison Bounds 

Count; i u li ri'iiirv, etc 31S 

( HAPTEE \ [I. Boundaries of Madison County 
ion of To\, nship ■ i.rea and si roams 
i opo raphy Appearance of the country 
ftrsl Settled Prai] ie Fires 

and Soil Water 

Supply— Wild Animals and Reptiles 339 

CHAPTER \ 111. Publii f ol 

i ongress Presidential Electors Members 

of the Territorial Assembly Senators Rep 

ntatives Associate Judi "'- 

attorneys ' ounty < lommissi 

Surveyors i 'on 

Probate Judges Bic 

i Uncials Politics 

ell VPTEE IX. Territorial Judicial 

Judiciary Prior to 1851 Supreme I ourl 

Court of ' ' ' '"' 

Su- 
preme 

trict tices of the 
Courts of Madison County :;> " 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER X. Judicial Che Bench — Presi- 
dent Judges Judges since i s, i The Bar 
— Visiting Lawyers Resident Attorneys — 
Madison County Bar Association 391 

CHAPTER XI, Medical Profession of Madison 
County — Past and Present- Physicians 
of London— Plain City — JefFerson Mt. 
Sterling — Amity — Midway La Fayette- 
Somenord — Liverpool— South Solon—* al i- 
fornia -Tradersville -Newport Danville — 
Lilly Chapel— Madison County Medical As- 
sociation — Army Surgeons from Madison 
County .* > 430 

CHAPTER XII.— Education School Lands- 
Pioneer Schools -Growth of Education — 
Schools for* olored South — Present Govern- 
ment of Schools i">^ 

CHAPTER XIII.— Agriculture— Its Growth and 
Progress— Buildings, implements, I Irops an. I 
Stock of the Early Settlers Pioneer Farm- 
ing—Madison County Agricultural Society — 
The Madison County Stock importing* om- 
pany— Madison < lounty Stock Sales..... 171 

CHAPT1 R XIV. Military Historj of Madison 
County — War of 1812— Mexican War Civil 
War Roll of Honor— Seventeenth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry — Twenty- 
sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer infantry- 
Fortieth Regiment < (bio Volunteer infantry 
— Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer in- 
fantry -One Hundred and Thirteenth Reg- 



itii.ni Ohio Volunteer infantry Squirrel 
Hunters and Militia- One Hundred and 
Fifty-fourth Regiment* >hio National Guards 
Return of Peace is? 

( II \ i ' ri : i; XV. Resident Land* iwnersof Mad- 
ison County in March, 1819 Che Sickly Sea- 
sons of 1822 23— Causes— Symptoms Treat- 
ment fli. Blalock Tragedy 512 

CHAPTER XVI. Public Highways The Old 
State Road Firsl Roads Opened by Madison 
County The National Road- Corporation 
Pikes— The Roads of 1883— Railroads— Sta- 
tistics 

(II \l'Ti:i; XVII. Seat of Justice London in 
1812 — Original Lots and Lot Owners- Early 
Industrial interests— London in 1835 Post- 
masters Electric Telegraph and telephone 

llir Conflagration of 1854 Dr. Kane 
First Street Sprinkling in London— Distin- 
guished Men Visit London Fire Depart- 
ment—Schools oi London — The Newspaper 
Press — Hanks 533 

CHAPTER XVIII. Toland Hall Past and 
Presenl Manufacturing interests —Grain 
Elevators — Burying Grounds The Centen- 
nial Fourth The London Gas Company — 

Churches The London Library Association 

— Societies The Woman's Anti-Liquor Cru- 
sade- Sales Day incorporation and Growth 

of London '. 564 



PART IV. 



TOWXMIII1* I5JST01UI.S. 



( HAPTER I, Takui Township .-.97 

SI r.anis .-,97 

Soil 598 

Physical Features 598 

Topography, with Pre-Historic Deductions.. 599 

< leologj fioi 

Pioneers 602 

Earlj Stock Speculators 618 

Plain City 619 

Churches 620^ 

Plain 1 ityChurches 621 

I. O.O. F. 621 

i rania Masons 621 

Rectifiers 622 

Cemeteries 622 

Soldiers 622 

CII \PTI l; II. jEFFEKSOJi TOWNSHIP 623 

Topography, Soil and Timber i\::\ 

Pioneers and Pioneer Life 624 

Roads 632 

Early incidents, Customs, and Reminiscen- 
ces 633 

Licenses 

. Caverns and Stage Routes 634 

Churches 

Schools 639 

Cemeteries 640 

- ly Now Hampton) 641 

Secret Societies 648 

il Jefferson Book societj 644 

Manufacturing 644 

('HAITI. I: III. ; cm ik Township 647 

Suii'aoijiind Soil r,|7 

Pioneolrs 648 

c.inilicts and Trials 

Early < onditions ' 65] 

i arly Elections and Township < ifficials 651 

Schools 

I hurches 

Cemeteries 

Towns 66] 

Pikes 662 

I arly Marriages 

An Incident 664 

'MAPI ER IV. I miin Township 

Pioneers 668 

Surface, Soil, etc 

Pikes and Roads 681 

Churches 681 

< oiueteries 682 



Schools 687 

Mills 687 

Officials 687 

CHAPTER V.— Pleasant Tow nship 691 

Surface, Soil, etc 698 

Officials 699 

Loads and Turnpikes 700 

Schools 7(10 

Mills 701 

Tou ns and \ illages 702 

< 'emeteries and Burying Grounds 703 

Churches 704 

Secret Societies 71111 

CHAPTER vi Stokes Township 710 

Surface, Soil, etc 7lu 

Pioneers 711 

1 11 iv Settlers 714 

Township! Uncials 717 

Towns 719 

Schools 720 

( hurdles 7_'l 

CHAPTER VII.— Range Township 722 

Pioneers 724 

Towns 731 

Schools 7:;:; 

< hu relies 73 I 

Mills 38 

Roads and Turnpikes 738 

. i Societies 7.;: 1 

Remarkable Storms 7: , .'.( 

Township Officials 789 

CHAPTER VIII. -Piki Township 7 ij 

Surface, Soil, etc 7/42 

Pi iers 7 1 1 

Tow ns ami Business 75] 

Mills 752 

I'll es and Roads 753 

Schools 

Churches 

1 emeteries 754 

CHAPTER iv Monroe Township 757 

Surface, Soil, etc 757 

Pi ers 7-".s 

Scl l- 761 

1 lunches 7'.1 

Co in el erics 762 

Pikes an.l Roads 763 

Mills 763 

Business interests 768 

Incidents 763 



CONTENTS. 



vn 



PAGE. 

rii \ ITER X— Canaan Township 768 

Surface, Soil, etc 781 

Towns and villages 782 

Schools 7s:; 

i h ii relies 784 

< Cemeteries 7ss 

Epidemic at Amity 788 

Mills and Factories 788 

Pikes and Roads 790 

l <>u Qship < ifficers 790 

CHAPTER XI— Fairfield Township 793 

Surface, Soil, etc 793 

Streams 7'J7 

Pioneers 798 

Churches 800 

Cemeteries 802 

Schools 803 

Mills 807 

I 'ikes 807 

Towns 01 

Secret, Societies 809 

CHAPTER XII. SOMERPORD P/OWNSHIP 810 



PAGl 

Surface, Soil, etc 810 

Pioneers >. i \ 

1 11< ■ i ton and Town tip i ifficials 817 

Schools sis 

i Churches 820 

Cemeteries 822 

Mills 822 

Towns 822 

Secrel Societies 823 

CHAPTER XIII.— Paint lows. hip 824 

Erection of Paint Township 832 

Officials of the Township 832 

i Churches 833 

< Cemeteries 

Schools 837 

Towns s:;7 

Roads and Pikes 837 

CHAPTER XIV. Oak RunTownship 838 

Surface, Soil and Streams 840 

Pioneers 841 

Mills - $ 

Schools 843 



PART V. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Union Township 849 | Pike Township |n,l 

Darby Township 958 Monroe Township lor,:; 

Jefferson Township 986 < Canaan 'Township 1070 

Deei < reek rownship 1016 Fairfield 'Township losi 

Pleasant Town- hip 1030 Somerford 'Township l ln7 

Stokes Township 1035 Paint Township n 17 

Ran ;e Township 1045 Oak Run Township Hi; I 



'ORTRAiTS. 



John F. Chenoweth 115 

1 Or. McDonald 134 

David Watson, Sr. (decea ed) 151 

Theophilus McKinnon (deo laed 170 

Rea deceased 187 

Washington Withrow 206 

I 'a i rick VIcLene decea ed) 211 

Henry Alder (deceased) 226 

Aquilla 'Tolland (deceased) 235 

lli'iii\ Warnei decea ed) 246 

A. A. 1 1 1 > 1 1 1 • - 2.7.7 

John Dungan 266 

W. H. Chandler 27.7 

-annul T. 1'eaieo 286 

Jerialt Swetland 295 

.loll n .lours 306 

William Riddle (deceased) 315 

John w. Byers (deceased) 326 

.lames i.iiis (deceased) 335 

James Q. Minshall (deceased) 346 

IP W. Smith 355 

Auburn Smith (deceased) 366 

Robert Boyd 375 

J. C. Bridgman 386 

P. P. (lark 395 

Robert M. Hanson (decea ed 406 

John F. Locke 117 

William Farrar 426 

'.. W. I.ohr 135 

.1. B. Sprague, M. D 446 

John I.ohr 1.7.7 

John P. Searle 166 

Wilson 475 

William .Morrow Beach, M. D 186 

Alexander Wilson (deceased) 495 

David Selsor (decea ed) 506 

Charles Phellis 

.1. Bailey, Morgridge :>-!<'• 

Daniel Boyd 535 

K C. McCloud 546 



Thomas Thnmon (deceased) 555 

.lames Boyd 566 

\ nd iv» Cary 

Russel B. Converse 

Dr. J. Converse 596 

W. I. Ballinger, M. D 605 

John Taylor 616 

A hra m Carey 62 i 

I. E. Bigelow 636 

Jam< T. Bradley (deceased) 645 

\\ llliani Wilson 656 

James ( Converse 665 

J. T. Dominy 

Put her Pane 685 

ElihuKnapp 696 

Thomas Kilhuvy 705 

John Trice 716 

S. McClintick, tf. D 725 

R. N". Brown (deceased).. 736 

James Milliken 745 

Jacob McNeal 756 

Ephraim Bidwell (deceased) 76.7 

Joseph King (deceased) 776 

Oramell Eennedj 785 

I lenrv I in rn ham 796 

Edward Fitzgerald 805 

R. M. Johnson sir, 

W. D. Pringle 825 

A. Cartmill 836 

.1. B. I.auck 845 

P.. P. Welch, M. I> 

John Roberts (deceased 865 

Benjamin Thot ed ' s ' ,; 

John C.Jones 

N. Milchel 896 

William Allen (deceased) 905 

I. \\ illard 916 

I. V Gardner 925 

Philip Markl.-v 936 

David Haskell 945 



CONTENTS. 



ll.lil STKATIOXS. 



Soureeof the Mississippi 22 

La Salle Landing on the Shores of Green Bay... 24 

Buffalo Hunt 26 

Trapping 28 

Mouth of the Mississippi 31 

High Bridge • 33 

Pontiac, the Ottawa Chieftain 42 

Indians Attacking Frontiersman 55 



Presenl Site of Lake Street Bridge, Chicago, i 

A Pioneer Dwelling 60 

Lake Bluff \\\i 

Tecumseh, the Shawnee < Ihieftain 68 

Indians Attacking a Stockade 71 

I '.lack Hawk, the Sac Chieftain 74 

Vm - tfonunient, Cleveland 91 

Niagara Falls 92 



>II*i<KLLASiK(HS. 



Map of Maili<on County Front. 

Constitution of the United States 79 

Aiva of Hi«' United Stales 203 

Area of the Principal Countries in the World.... 203 



Population of the Principal Countries in the 

World 203 

Population of Ohio bj Counties 202 

Population of Madison County 530 




PART I. 



The Northwest Territory. 



^ 



The Northwest Territory. 



GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. 

When the Northwestern Territory was ceded to the United States 
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the 
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the 
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States 
of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of 
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United 
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi 
River ; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the western boundary 
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the 
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National 
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the 
"New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old "Northwestern 
Territory." 

In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast 
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater 
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States, 
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected 
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, with an aggregate popula- 
tion, at the present time, of 18,000,000 inhabitants, or nearly one third of 
the entire population of the United States. 

Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent 
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial valleys and far- 
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the 
highest percentage of the cereals than of any other area of like extent 
on the globe. 

For the last twenty years the increase of population in the North- 
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United 
States. 

(19) 



20 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 

In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great "West in the New 
World. He, however, penetrated no farther north than the 35th parallel 
of latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than 
half his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence 
to Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded no 
settlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that 
he awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and 
disheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery 
for better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize 
upon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by 
DeSoto's defeat. Yet it was more than a century before any adventurer 
took advantage of these discoveries. 

In 1616, four years before the pilgrims " moored their bark on the 
wild New England shore," Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene- 
trated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (Hurons) to the streams which 
run into Lake Huron ; and in 1634, two Jesuit missionaries founded the 
first mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from 
the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian 
envoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Mary, 
below the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent 
result; yet it was not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders 
attempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes, 
nor was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by 
Mesnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude 
Allouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the 
Indians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette 
founded the mission of Sault Ste. Marie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two 
years afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen- 
eral of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the 
present City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a 
grand council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, where they were 
taken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken 
of the Northwest. This same year Marquette established a mission at 
Point St. Ignatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac. 

During M. Talon's explorations and Marquette's residence at St. 
Ignatius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied 
— as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's 
children resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come. 
Filled with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 21 

request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his 
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico 
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe- 
dition, prepared for the undertaking. 

On the 13th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist- 
ant French Canadians, set out from Mackinaw on their daring voyage of 
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were 
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endeavored to dissuade 
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as 
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of 
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But, 
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he 
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region 
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which 
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they 
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the 
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and 
Lake Winnebago to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar- 
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the 
town ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows, 
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to 
thank him for the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in 
giving them an abundant " chase." This was the farthest outpost to 
which Dablon and Allouez had extended their missionary labors the 
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed 
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake. 
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to 
Joliet, said: " My friend is an envoy of France, to discover new coun- 
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths 
of the Gospel." Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct 
them to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on 
the 10th of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to 
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet 
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage, 
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin, 
which they descended to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown 
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as they struck 
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were 
now upon the bosom of tli3 Father of Waters. The mystery was about 
to be lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is 
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June must have been 
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of 



22 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is said that the bold bluffs on either hand 
"reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of 
France." By-and-by, as the}' drifted along, great herds of buffalo appeared 
on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could see a 
country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of inhab- 
itants yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under the fas- 
tidious cultivation of lordly proprietors. 




SOURCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 



On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men upon 
the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in the 
boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a 
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a 
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They were received most 
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person. 
After remaining a few days they re-embarked and descended the river to 
about latitude 33°, where they found ;i village of the Arkansas, and being 
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 23 

up the river, and ascending the stream to the mouth of the Illinois, 
rowed up that stream to its source, and procured guides from that point 
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, *' did we see 
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffaloes, deer, wildcats, bustards, 
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River." 
The party, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and 
reported their discovery — one of the most important of the age, but of 
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by 
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette 
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them 
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the 
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake Michigan — he asked 
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe, 
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time 
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found 
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefully passed away while at 
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place 
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving 
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been 
called Marquette. 

While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in 
the West, two men, differing widely from him and each other, were pre- 
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun 
by him. These were Robert de La Salle and Louis Hennepin. 

After La Salle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see 
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French 
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the pet project of 
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an 
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific, 
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind 
of LaSalle received from his and his companions' stories the idea that by fol- 
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous 
western tributaries, the object could easily be gained. He applied to 
Frontenac, Governor General of Canada, and laid before him the plan, 
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that 
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf 
of Mexico would bind the country so wonderfully together, give un- 
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis- 
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized. 

LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who 
warmly approved of them, and made him a Chevalier. He also received 
from all the noblemen the warmest wishes for his success. The Chev- 



24 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at 
once rebuilt Fort Frontenac and constructed the first ship to sail on 
these fresh-water seas. On the 7th of August, 1679, having been joined 
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Griffin up Lake Erie. He 
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and 
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were 
some time at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed 
on to Green Bay, the " Baie des Puans " of the French, where he found 
a large quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with 
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors, 




LA SALLE LANDING ON THE SHORE OF GREEN LAY. 

started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard 
of. He remained about these parts until early in the "Winter, when, hear- 
ing nothing from the Griffin, he collected ail the men — thirty working 
men and three monks — and started again upon his great undertaking. 

By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, called by 
the Indians, ."Theak eke," wolf, because of the tribes of Indians called 
by that name, commonly known as the Mahingans, dwelling there. The 
French pronounced it Kiakiki, which became corrupted to Kankakee. 
"Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the 
country," about the last of December they reached a village of the Illi- 
nois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 25 

no inhabitants. The Seur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstuffs, 
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi- 
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes 
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village 
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored, 
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward evening, 
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which must have 
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Pim-i-te-wi, that 
is, a place ivhere there are many fat beasts. Here the natives were met 
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent 
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that 
place, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were 
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men 
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel. 
He called this fort " Crevecoeur''' (broken-heart), a name expressive of the 
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship, 
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the 
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause 
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was 
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered. 

While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to 
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to 
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in 
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party 
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour- 
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and 
was successfully made, though over an almost unknown route, and in a 
bad season of the year. He safely reached Canada, and set out again for 
the object of his search. 

Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecceur on the last of February, 
1680. When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he 
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to 
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven days after 
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up the 
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River 
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a 
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen- 
nepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy- 
age they found several beautiful lakes, and " saw some charming prairies." 
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux 
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May, when 
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Falls of St. Anthony 



26 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



in honor of his patron saint. Here they took the land, and traveling 
nearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brought them to their villages. 
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by their 
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen, 




: &-^$&^^0j 




BUFFALO HUNT. 



headed by one Seur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene- 
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior; and with these fellow- 
countrymen Hennepin and his companions were allowed to return to the 
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had 
returned to the wilderness on his second trip. Hennepin soon after went 
to France, where he published an account of his adventures. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 27 

The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his 
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring, 
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander- 
ings, fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May died. His followers, 
reduced by fatigue and disease to less than three hundred men, wandered 
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them- 
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, called bric- 
antines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, supposing it 
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea (Gulf of 
Mexico), and by September reached the Island of Cuba. 

They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi ; but, 
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country, 
and hardly had an intelligent idea of what they had passed through. 

To La Salle, £jie intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the 
first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess 
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1G82, he and his band of 
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed 
the Portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6th of February 
reached the banks of the Mississippi. 

On the loth they commenced their downward course, which they 
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the 6th of March they dis- 
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters 
into the gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event : 

" We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three 
leagues (nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de La Salle 
went to reconnoiter the shores of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti 
meanwhile examined the great middle channel. They found the main 
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the eighth we reascended the river, 
a little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond the 
reach of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole was here about 
twenty-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross, and to 
the column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription : 

" Louis Le Grand, Roi de France et de Navarre, regne ; Le neuvieme April, iCSc." 

The whole party, under arms, chanted the Te Deum, and then, after 
a salute and cries of " Vive le Roi,'" the column was erected by M. de 
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority of 
the King of France. La Salle returned and laid the foundations of the Mis- 
sissippi settlements in Illinois ; thence he proceeded to France, where 
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in two 
succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing along 
the shore of the gulf. On the third voyage he was killed, through the 



28 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



treachery of his followers, and the object of his expeditions was not 
accomplished until 1699, when D' Iberville, under the authority of the 
crown, discovered, on the second of March, by way of the sea, the mouth 
of the " Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives 
** Malbouchia" and by the Spaniards, " la Palissade" from the great 

r 

r A , 







TRAPPING. 

number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets, 
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its western 
outlet, and returned to France. 

An avenue of trade was now opened out which was fully improved. 
In 1718, New Orleans was laid out and settled by some European colo- 
nists. In 17G2, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by 
France under the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 29 

the United States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory 
of Louisiana and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the 
charge of the United States. Although LaSalle's labors ended in defeat 
and death, he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown 
open to France and the world an immense and most valuable country ; 
had established several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one 
settlement there. " Peoria, Kaskaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monu- 
ments of LaSalle's labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them 
(unless Peoria, which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecceur,) 
it was by those whom he led into the West that these places were 
peopled and civilized. He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of 
the Mississippi Valley, and as such deserves to be known and honored." 

The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the 
year 1698, the Rev. Father Gravier began a mission among the Illinois, 
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary 
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil- 
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of 
these missions is learned from a letter written by Father Gabriel Marest, 
dated " Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de l'lmmaculate Conception de 
la Sainte Vierge, le 9 Novembre, 1712/' Soon after the founding of 
Kaskaskia, the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while 
Peoria arose near the ruins of Fort Crevecoeur. This must have been 
about the year 1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river, 
(pronounced Wa-ba, meaning summer cloud moving swiftly) Avas estab- 
lished in 1702, according to the best authorities.* It is altogether prob- 
able that on LaSalle's last trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia 
and Cahokia. In July, 1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartrain 
were laid by De la Motte Cadillac on the Detroit River. These sta- 
tions, with those established further north, were the earliest attempts to 
occupy the Northwest Territory. At the same time efforts Avere being 
made to occupy the Southwest, which finally culminated in the settle- 
ment and founding of the City of New Orleans by a colony from England 
in 1718. This was mainly accomplished through the efforts of the 
famous Mississippi Company, established by the notorious John Law, 
who so quickly arose into prominence in France, and who with his 
scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed away. 

From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the 
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis- 
sippi, and the war with the Chicasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated 

* There is considerable dispute about this date, some asserting it was founded as late as 174-J. When 
the new court house at Vincennes was erected, all authorities on the subject were carefully examined, and 
1702 fixed upon as the correct date. It was accordingly engraved on the corner-stone of the court house. 



30 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company 
did little for Louisiana, as the entire "West was then called, yet it opened 
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains 
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of 
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until this time that the 
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the 
New World, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary 
among the Illinois, writing from " Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort 
Chartres, June 8, 1750, says: "We have here whites, negroes and 
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages, 
and three villages of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues 
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid 
(Kaskaskias). In the five French villages are, perhaps, eleven hundred 
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The 
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all 
Id. Most of the French till the soil; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and 
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can 
be consumed ; and great quantities of grain and flour are sent to New 
Orleans/' This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and 
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were 
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France 
by the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem- 
ber 7, 1750, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the 
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low 
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially 
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I 
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all lumber, 
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork 
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty 
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans, 
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of 
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty -five 
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five 
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther 
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners 
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Coupee, they raise 
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas, 
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river 
traders. * *' * From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred 
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, however, a fort at 
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the 
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no oue to 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



3t 



work them as they deserve." Father Marest, "writing from the post at 
Vincermes in 1812, makes the same observation. Vivier also says : " Some 
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada. 
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are 
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find 
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also 
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large 
pieces are found in the streams." 




MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 



At the close of the year 1750, the French occupied, in addition to the 
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at 
the Maumee in the country of the Miamis, and one at Sandusky in what 
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest 
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan, 
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac, 
Fox River of Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams of 
LaSalle were now fully realized. The French alone were possessors of 
this vast realm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another 
nation, however, was now turning its attention to this extensive country, 



32 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for 
securing the great profits arising therefrom. 

The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the 



DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO. 

This " Beautiful " river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La- 
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet 
and Marquette. 

While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found 
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois. 
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed 
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident 
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition. 

While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the 
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a 
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state- 
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream. 
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great 
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to 
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to 
the commerce of China and Japan. 

He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov- 
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant, 
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro- 
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul- 
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition, 
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money, 
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred 
dollars were raised, with which LaSalle purchased four canoes and the 
necessary supplies for the outfit. 

On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons, 
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes 
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the 
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the 
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present 
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to 
conduct tliem to the Ohio, but in this they were disappointed. 

The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected 
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After 
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



33 



from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them 
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence. 

On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they 
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving 




HIGH BRIDGE, LAKE ELUFF, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned 
from a Shawanee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks. 
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume 
their journey ; but just as they were about to start they heard of the 
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved 
to be Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He 



34 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

had been sent by the Canadian Government to explore the copper mines 
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his way back to Quebec. 
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the 
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Indians in 
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the 
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the 
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet 
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and 
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at 
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers, 
Marquette and Dablon, occupying the field. 

These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted 
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron 
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following June 
without having made a single discovery or converted a single Indian. 

After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois 
village at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence to a 
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far 
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the 
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669. 

The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony- 
mous paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle 
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count 
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he 
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the falls. This was regarded as 
an indisputable fact by the French authorities, who claimed the Ohio 
Valley upon another ground. When Washington was sent by the colony 
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why the French 
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec 
replied : " We claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discoveries 
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to 
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley." 

ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

When the new year of 17o0 broke in upon the Father of Waters 
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts 
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri- 
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States 
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet 
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 35 

conclusively of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as 
1710, Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, had commenced movements to 
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In 
Pennsylvania, Governor Keith and James Logan, secretary of the prov- 
ince, from 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces- 
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, however, by that 
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain 
to this unexplored wilderness. 

England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a 
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants 
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This was not all her claim. 
She had purchased from the Indian tribes large tracts of land. This lat- 
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord H oward, Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the 
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei- 
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were 
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations. 
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in 
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed 
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has 
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was 
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of 
Virginia," for which the Indians received £200 in gold and a like sum in 
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be paid. 
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel 
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was 
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains with 
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa- 
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings 
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment, 
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desire the 
cultivation of the country, but the monopoly of the Indian trade. In 
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant 
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was granted, and the government 
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun- 
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of 
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and wist was 
made to the Loyal Company, and on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000 
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French 
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in the 
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French 



3G THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

settling upon it, but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain 
possession of the whole country. Upon the 10th of May, 1774, Vaud- 
reuil, Governor of Canada and the French possessions, well knowing the 
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading- 
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further 
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, in 1749, sent Louis Cel- 
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds 
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which 
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and 
within the memory of residents now living along the tw Oyo," as the 
beautiful river was called by the French. One of these plates was found 
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and 
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the 
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society, 
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not, 
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and 
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and 
it was only a question of time when the storm would burst upon the 
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio 
Company to examine its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees, 
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He 
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down 
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville, 
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur- 
ino 1 the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the 
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were busy in preparing 
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also sent a small party 
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng- 
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and 
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of 
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison. 
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were 
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This 
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the 
king's ministers refers to it as " Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri- 
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some 
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones 
Pickaweke." 

• The following Is a translation of the inscription on the plates "In tin- year 17 19. reign of Louis XV., 
King of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis .it Gallisoniere, com- 
mander-in-chief of New France, to establish tranquility in certain Indian villages of these cantons, have 
buried this plate at the confluence of the Toradateoln, this twenty-ninth ol July, near the river Ohio, otherwise 
Beautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we bave taken of the said river, ami ail its 
tributaries; Inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France bave enjoyed It, and maintained It by their arms and 
treaties; especially by those of Ryswick, Utrecht, and Alz La Chapclle." 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY, 37 

This was the first blood shed between the French and English, and 
occurred near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about 
forty-seven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter- 
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter- 
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to 
occupy, and Messrs. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing- 
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and 
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to held a conference with the 
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan- 
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties. On the 9th of June, 
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the 
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts- 
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban- 
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize 
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour, 
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catharine Montour, and a 
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their 
favor. This he did, and upon the 13th of June they all united in signing 
»a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a 
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should 
not be disturbed by them. These were the means used to obtain the first 
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley. 

Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manceuvro 
each other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally 
outwitted the Indians, and failed in many instances to fulfill their con- 
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further 
increased the feeling by failing to provide them with arms and ammuni- 
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1758 : " The Indians on the Ohio 
left you because of your own fault. When we beard the French wen 
coming, we asked you for help and arms, but we did not get them. The 
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. Tin 
Governor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when 
we wanted help, forsook us."' 

At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by 
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon 
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng- 
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until 
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans. 
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them 
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts 
already begun, and would not abandon the field. 

Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard- 



68 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ring the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of 
Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from 
-them, if possible, their intentions. For this purpose he selected a young 
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank 
^f major, and who was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This 
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then 
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just 
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as his guide, the two, accompanied 
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's 
Creek on the 10th of November, 1753, and on the 22d reached the Monon- 
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they went to 
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference with the chiefs of 
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and 
also heard of their determination not to come down thq river till the fol- 
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to 
turn either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral. 
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to 
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the 
French had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flatter^ 
of the French, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothing 
of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the 
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here 
lfe delivered Governor Dinwiddle's letter, received his answer, took his 
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one 

oil Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him, 

lot withstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their 
homeward journey was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet; 
■they reached home in safety on the 6th of January, 1754. 

From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by 
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would 
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made 
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French 
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications, 

ind gathered their forces to be in readiness. 

The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center of great 

tctivities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring 
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac 
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised 
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were 
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent 
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who Avere 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 39' 

working away in hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of 
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest. 

" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift 
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of 
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian, 
scouts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet, 
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent, 
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten 
miles up the Monongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder- 
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchment rising at the fork, and 
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning 
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw 
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and 
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and 
stores. * * *" That evening he supped with his captor, Contrecceur r 
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men 
and tools, inarched up the Monongahela." 

The French and Indian war had begun. The treaty of Aix la 
Chapelle, in 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and 
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the 
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi 
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue 
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New- 
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The 
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the 
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted 
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed 
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured, 
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing- 
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the capture of the fort arrived- 
He at once departed to recapture it. On his way he entrenched him- 
self at a place called the " Meadows," where he erected a fort called 
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of 
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked 
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the 
morning of July 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia. 

The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one 
against Fort DuQuesne ; one against Nova Scotia ; one against Fort 
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755-6, 
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions. 
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General 
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those 



40 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

acquainted with Indian warfare, suffered such an inglorious defeat. This 
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle 
of Monongahela, or " Braddock's Defeat." The war continued with 
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence- 
ment of 1758, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre- 
tary of State, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to 
carry on the war. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one, 
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abercrombie, 
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against 
Fort DuQuesne. On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a 
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the 
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie 
captured Fort Frontenac, and when the expedition against Fort DuQuesne, 
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it was 
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession, 
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, changed the 
name to Fort Pitt. 

The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of 
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to 
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to 
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant 
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor- 
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September loth, defeated 
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement 
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor, 
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of 
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was 

lit one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It 
alted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal. 
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was 
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it 
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England 
were signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and 
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of 
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same 
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain. 

On the 13th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rogers was sent 
from Montreal to take charge of Detroit, tin: only remaining French post 
in the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum- 
moned the plaee to surrender. At first the commander of the post, 
Beletre, refused, but on the 2'Jth, hearing of the eontinued defeat of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 41 

French arms, surrendered. Rogers remained there until December 23d 
under the personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom, 
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the 
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was 
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not 
desire their country. This answer conciliated the savages, and did much 
to insure the safety of Rogers and his party during their stay, and while 
on their journey home. 

Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one 
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence 
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com- 
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of 
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is, 
crossed the Huron river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to " Mohickon 
John's Town" on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White 
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town 
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one 
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of 
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across 
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork. 

The Northwest Territory was now entirely under the English rule. 
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large 
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises 
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe- 
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital. 

The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these 
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading- 
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regarding this 
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader named 
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as 
far as Missillimacnac. Pontiac was then a great friend of the French, 
but a bitter foe of the English, whom lie considered as encroaching on his 
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian 
to insure safety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached 
him and the English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He 
declared that no treaty had been made with them; no presents sent 
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation. 
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and was 
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies. 

The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina, 
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified 
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly 



42 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORX". 




PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 43 

upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead. 
Pontiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander 
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares 
and Mingoes, who had, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unite 
in this enterprise. 

The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 1762. 
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow 
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton. 

Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit. 
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing 
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out, 
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when 
Major Gladwyn, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian 
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed 
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He 
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He 
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt 
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe 
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post. 

Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace 
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August, 1764, 
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular 
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark, 
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. At 
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he went 
further south, living many yeaus among the Illinois. 

He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a 
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis 
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a 
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon 
afterwards killed him. His death was, however, avenged by the northern 
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed. 

Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan 
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly 
have been carried out. 

It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers' visit that Alex- 
ander Henry went to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest 
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and 
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief, 
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their 
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said : 
" Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not 



44 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

yet conquered us ! We are not your slaves ! These lakes, these woods, 
these mountains, were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance, 
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like 
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you 
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided 
food for us upon these broad lakes and in these mountains." 

He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them, 
no presents sent them, and that he and his people were yet for war. 
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after 
the English took possession of their country. These feelings were no 
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the 
French arms might prevail. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the 
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going 
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments. 

In 1762, France, by a secret treat}', ceded Louisiana to Spain, to pre- 
vent it falling into the hands of the English, who were becoming masters 
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon- 
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question. 
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States 
and England, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great 
Lakes, comprehending a large territory which is the subject of these 
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and 
twenty years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to 
France, and by France sold to the United States. 

In the half century, from the building of the Fort of Crevecceur by 
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set- 
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been 
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia, 
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocker, on the American Bottom, a large tract 
of rich alluvial soil in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St. 
Louis. 

By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including 
all these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England; 
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when 
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him- 
self at Fort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage, 
dated December 30, 1704, which promised religious freedom to all Cath- 
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their 
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen. 
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the 
war with Pontiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that 
chieftain. By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 45 

ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the year 
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, his confed- 
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon- 
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the Illinois, among whom 
he afterward lost his life. 

As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began 
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. Daring the 
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces 
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga- 
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This 
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing- 
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford 
and others, on the 20th of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts- 
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen 
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which 
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort. 

Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which was clus- 
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This 
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages. 
He found there about sixty-five resident families, and at Cahokia only 
forty-live dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and 
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a }'ear 
or two settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally 
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main- 
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the p< 
was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and 
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the 
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension 
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by royal 
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the 
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance 
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement 
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy 
reach of Great Britain. 

The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 17G9 : " In the 
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they 
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for 
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother 
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow. 

In accordance with this policy, Gov. Gage issued a proclamation 
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set- 
tlements and join some of the Eastern English colonies. To this they 



46 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

strenuously objected, giving good reasons therefor, and were allowed to 
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its 
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French 
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned 
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which 
was granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2, 1774, extend- 
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present 
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. 

In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern- 
ment toward the French settlers in the West, they were disposed to favor 
that nation in the Avar which soon followed with the colonies ; but the 
early alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side 
of the war for independence. 

In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encourage emigration 
to the "Western lands. He appointed magistrates at Fort Pitt under the 
pretense that the fort was under the government of that commonwealth. 
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the 
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it 
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for 
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indians, who yet claimed 
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the 
famous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and 
driven across the Ohio. 

During the years 1775 and 1776, by the operations of land companies 
and the perseverance of individuals, several settlements were firmly estab- 
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land 
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held 
in Kaskaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of English traders, calling 
themselves the " Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the 
Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on 
the east side of the Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer- 
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes 
as the agent of the association called the " Wabash Land Company." On 
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for 
37,497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested 
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in 
the office of a notary public at Kaskaskia. This and other land com- 
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all 
were frustrated by the breaking out of the Revolution. On the 20th or 
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated underthe name of ih 
k> United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." They afterward madr 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 47 

strenuous efforts to have these grants sanctioned by Congress, but all 
signally failed. 

When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor- 
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders. 

In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time 
" Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in- 
habitants — the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con- 
tains 50 houses and 300 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were 
east of the Mississippi River, about the year 1771 " — when these observa- 
tions were made — " 300 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230 
negroes." 

From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and 
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a report 
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following 
extract is made : 

" Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which 
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of 
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la 
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There 
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five 
miles further up the river." 

St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con- 
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred whites and one 
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country 
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until 
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the 
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there 
were, according to Capt. Carver, who was in the Northwest from 1766 to 
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more 
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged 
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here 
relate. 

It is the oldest town in the Northwest, having been founded by 
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an 
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width. 
As described by A. D. Frazer, who first visited it and became a permanent 
resident of the place, in 1778, it comprised within its limits that space 
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block) and Capt. Perkins' house 
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public barn, 
and was bordered in front by the Detroit River. It was surrounded by 
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had 
four gates — east, west, uorth and south. Over the first three of these 



48 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six- 
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a 
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running 
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen 
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten 
to fifteen feet in width. 

At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the 
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present 
northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The citadel was 
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two 
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and also barracks sufficient 
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The 
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of 
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story, 
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some 
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance, 
called the " King's Palace," two stories high, which stood near the east 
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned 
by the British. There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and 
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of 
twenty-four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning 
between nine and ten o'clock, Each furnished four sentinels, who were 
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who per- 
formed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset, 
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were 
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened 
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter 
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand- 
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of 
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were 
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians were 
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only 
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the 
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house 
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians. 
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two 
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by 
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present " new " 
town was laid out. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of 
importance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of 
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 43 

and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in 
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those 
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their 
civil privileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Gallaway, 
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state. 
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held 
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, who had arrived 
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which 
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty 
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented 
her the year previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move 
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the 
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. Ht 
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes, 
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy 
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British 
intended to penetrate the country from the north and south, ana annihi- 
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was Colonel, 
afterwards General^George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not 
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could 
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives 
might be easily awed into neutrality ; and by spies sent for the purpose, 
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlements 
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the 
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on 
November 5th. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th, 
Burgoyne had been defeated, and the spirits of the colonists greatly 
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at 
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been 
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark 
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the 
scene of action to be able to guide them. 

Clark, having satisfied the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of his 
plan, received, on the 2d of January, two sets of instructions — one secret, 
the other open — the latter authorized him to proceed to enlist seven 
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three 
months from their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him 
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand 
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country. 

With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather 
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed 
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Hoi- 



50 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ston for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required 
number of men. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their 
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to 
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private 
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he 
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified 
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville, 
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may 
yet be found. At this place he appointed Col. Bowman to meet him 
with such recruits as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and 
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to 
the men their real destination. Having completed his arrangements, 
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the 
2-ith of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured 
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with 
his chosen band, fell down the river. His plan was to go by water as 
far as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia. 
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to 
Cahokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he 
intended to march directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the 
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor- 
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the 
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois 
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to 
believe by the British that the " Long Knives" or Virginians, were the 
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With 
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would 
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati- 
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency. 

The inarch to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun, 
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort 
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without 
the loss of a single man or by killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently 
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per- 
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the 
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity 
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab- 
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the uhlooked 
for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and 
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom- 
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place 
surrendered, and gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 51 

the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English 
into the possession of Virginia. 

In the person of the priest at Kaskaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a 
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain possession 
of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun- 
daries, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. 
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken 
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that 
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw off its connection 
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July, 
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of 
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with the cheerful intelligence 
that the post on the " Oubache " had taken the oath of allegiance to 
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts, 
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his 
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville, 
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who 
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond. 
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature 
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor, 
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of 
the Old Dominion through their Legislature. 

In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the 
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle- 
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton, 
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down 
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing 
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the 
rebels from the West. Gen. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault, 
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, with an attend- 
ant named Henry, across the Illinois prairies to command the fort. 
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly 
surprised on his arrival to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at 
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail- 
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of the 
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to 
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the 
force in the garrison. 

Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was 
contending, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four 
-hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio, 



52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and to annoy the Americans in all ways, and sat quietly down to pass the 
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he 
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless 
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the 
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi- 
ciently garrisoned Kaskaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi 
a " battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and 
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray. 

On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and 
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching 
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring 
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his " battoe," at 
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back- 
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the 
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind- 
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was 
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement. 
During his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes 
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him, 
and had earned in consequence thereof the title " Hair-buyer General," 
by which he was ever afterward known. 

Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising 
Virginian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being 
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con- 
cluded to wait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts. 
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in 
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West 
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny 
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from 
the commencement, by the British. 

" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, the 
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might 
have been effected, and the whole current of our history changed." 

At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern- 
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the 
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in- 
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde- 
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the 
Ohio frontier, Col. Bowman, acting under the same general's orders, 
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These 
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled 
to sue for peace. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 53 

During this same year (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of Virginia 
were passed. The passage of these laws was of more consequence to the 
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian 
conflicts. These laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed 
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the 
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at 
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature 
sent four Virginians westward to attend to the various claims, over many 
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These 
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and 
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided 
three thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, who 
came in the person of Mr. George May, and assumed his duties on the 
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the 
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis- 
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in 
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States 
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right 
to navigate its channel. To enforce their claims, a fort was erected below 
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle- 
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur- 
ing this year that the first seminary of learning was established in the 
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth. 

The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a 
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had 
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence, 
and though for a while this friendship appeared in danger from the 
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the 
satisfaction of both nations. 

The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones 
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the 
"Great Cold."' Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few 
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians 
and Indians attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it 
in consequence of the friendly disposition of Spain to the revolting 
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the 
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were 
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the 
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some unaccountable 
manner, they fled the country in great haste. 

About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con- 
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts 



54 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this subject finally led New 
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele- 
gates of that State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for 
the benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Congress 
during the next month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep- 
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States 
claiming western lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body. 
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative 
measures which resulted in the creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December cff the same 
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might 
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished 
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Government knew 
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in the capture 
and retention of that important post, the only unconquered one in the 
territory. 

Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun- 
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson, and the act establishing the Town 
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of 
American history as the year in which occurred Arnold's treason to the 
United States. 

Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d 
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United 
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and 
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was 
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies 
were busily engaged in the struggle with the mother country, and in 
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settlements. 
Upon the 16th of April, 1781, the first birth north of the Ohio River of 
American parentage occurred, being that of Mary Heckewelder, daughter 
of the widely known Moravian missionary, whose band of Christian 
Indians suffered in after years a horrible massacre by the hands of the 
frontier settlers, who had been exasperated by the murder of several of 
their neighbors, and in their rage committed, without regard to humanity, 
a deed which forever afterwards cast a shade of shame upon their lives. 
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indians 
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and 
1772 in the history of the Northwest. 

During the year 1782 a number of battles among the Indians and 
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravian Indians and the Wyan- 
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives, 
manv of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notorious 



THK NORTH WICST TERRITORY. 



55 



frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers, 
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio 
valleys. Cotemporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky, 
in which the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill 
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel destruc- 




INDIANS ATTACKING FEONTIEItSMBN. 



tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the American 
banner, and on the 30th of November, provisional articles of peace had 
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon- 
querable colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October 
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th oi 
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was 



56 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the 8d of the next 
September, the definite treaty which ended our revolutionary struggle 
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West 
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend along the center of 
the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Superior to Long Lake ; 
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi 
River ; down its center to the 31st parallel of latitude, then on that line 
east to the head of the Appalachicola River ; down its center to its junc- 
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and 
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts 
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these 
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements 
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Indiana occurred, upon whose 
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been acquired by 
the proper treaty. 

To remedy this latter evil, Congress appointed commissioners to 
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the set- 
tlement of the territory until this could be done. Before the close of the 
year another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however, 
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest 
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of 
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded 
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March following, and 
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion. 
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred 
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the 
Ohio wherever they chose to locate them. They selected the region 
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of 
Clarksville, about midway between the Cities of New Albany and Jeffer- 
sonville, Indiana. 

While the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit 
refused to evacuate alleging that he had no orders from his King to do 
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring 
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur 
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian 
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in 
appearance. He says : 

" Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who 
live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or 
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being 
bought at the vast expense of forty-five shillings per pound from Phila- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 57 

delphia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flonr, wheat, skins and 
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a 
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel." 

Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and 
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A 
land office was opened at Louisville, and measures were adopted to take 
defensive precaution against the Indians who were yet, in some instances, 
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year, 
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no 
entries were recorded until 1787. 

The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They 
held large tracts of lands, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress 
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the 
surveys of the lands gained thereby, as well as for those north of the 
Ohio, now in its possession. On January 31, 1786, a treaty was made 
with the Wabash Indians. The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made 
in 1784. That at Fort Mcintosh in 1785, and through these much land 
was gained. The Wabash Indians, however, afterward refused to comply 
with the provisions of the treaty made with them, and in order to compel 
their adherence to its provisions, force was used. During the year 1786, 
the free navigation of the Mississippi came up in Congress, and caused 
various discussions, which resulted in no definite action, only serving to 
excite speculation in regard to the western lands. Congress had promised 
bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution, but owing to the 
unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi respecting its naviga- 
tion, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had, in 1783, declared 
its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could be concluded 
between the two Governments. Before the close of the year 1786, how- 
ever, it was able, through the treaties with the Indians, to allow some 
grants and the settlement thereon, and on the 14th of September Con- 
necticut ceded to the General Government the tract of land known as 
the " Connecticut Reserve," and before the close of the following year a 
large tract of land north of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once 
took measures to settle it. By the provisions of this grant, the company 
were to pay the United States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction 
of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. They received 
750,000 acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the 
seventh range of townships, on the west by the sixteenth range, and on 
the north by a line so drawn as to make the grant complete without 
the reservations. In addition to this, Congress afterward granted 100,000 
acres to actual settlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the 
resolutions of 1789 and 1790. 



58 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



While Dr. Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing 
its claims before Congress, that body was bringing into form an ordinance 
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the 
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected. 
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition 
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered, 
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina. 
By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states 




illi 



PRESENT SITE OF LAKE 



LE STREET BRIDGE, CHICAGO, IN 1833. 



by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten 
states, which were to have been named as follows - beginning at the 
northwest corner and going southwardly: Sylvania, Michigama, Cher- 
sonesus, Assenisipia, Mesopotamia, Illenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly- 

potamia and Pelisipia. 

There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of 
names -the boundaries. The root of the difficulty was in the resolu- 
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, which fixed the boundaries 
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 59 

square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir- 
ginia and Massachusetts, they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the 
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into 
not more than five states, and not less than three. This was approved by 
the State Legislature of Virginia. The subject of the Government was 
again taken up by Congress in 1786, and discussed throughout that year 
and until July, 1787, when the famous "Compact of 1787" was passed, 
and the foundation of the government of the Northwest laid. This com- 
pact is fully discussed and explained in the history of Illinois in this book, 
and to it the reader is referred. 

The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company 
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis. 
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 1786, and, 
being greatly pleased with them, offered similar terms to those given to the 
New England Company. The petition was referred to the Treasury 
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following 
year. During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company 
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the 
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty-seven men, 
under the superintendency of Gen. Rufus Putnam, to set forward. Six 
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January the sur- 
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart- 
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as 
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the 3d of October, 
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and 
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur 
St. Clair Governor of the Territory of the Northwest. 

AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS. 

The civil organization of the Northwest Territory was now com- 
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian affairs, settlers from 
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England 
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over 
the Alleghenies by the old Indian path which had been opened into 
Braddock's road, and which has since been made a national turnpike 
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled 
on, and by April were all gathered on the Yohiogany, where boats had 
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived 
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded 
as the pioneers of Ohio, this little band can justly claim that honor. 



60 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



Gen. St. Clair, the appointed Governor of the Northwest, not having 
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by 
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed 
to administer them. 

Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the 
Northwest, said : " No colony in America was ever settled under 
such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum. 
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know 
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calcu- 
lated to promote the welfare of such a community." 




A PIONEER DWELLING. 



On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held 
on the banks of the Muskingum, " for the purpose of naming the new- 
born city and its squares." As yet the settlement was known as the 
"Muskingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor 
of Marie Antoinette. The square upon which the block - houses stood 
was called '■'•Campus Martins ;" square number 19, " Capitol ium ;" square 
number 61, " Cecilia ;" and the great road through the covert way, " Sacra 
Via." Two days after, an oration was delivered by James M. Varnum, 
who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been appointed to the 
judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October, 1787. On July 9, 
Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The act 
of 1787 provided two district grades of government for the Northwest, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 61 

under the first of which the whole power was invested in the hands of a 
governor and three district judges. This was immediately formed upon 
the Governor's arrival, and the first laws of the colony passed on the 25th 
of July. These provided for the organization of the militia, and on the 
next day appeared the Governor's proclamation, erecting all that country 
that had been ceded by the Indians east of the Scioto River into the 
County of Washington. From that time forward, notwithstanding the 
doubts yet existing as to the Indians, all Marietta prospered, and on the 
2d of September the first court of the territory was held with imposing 
ceremonies. 

The emigration westward at this time was very great. The com- 
mander at Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Muskingum, reported four 
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that post between Feb- 
ruary and June, 1788 — many of whom would have purchased of the 
"Associates," as the New England Company was called, had they been 
ready to receive them. 

On the 26th of November, 1787, Symmes issued a pamphlet stating 
the terms of his contract and the plan of sale he intended to adopt. In 
January, 1788, Matthias Denman, of New Jersey, took an active interest 
in Symmes' purchase, and located among other tracts the sections upon 
which Cincinnati has been built. Retaining one-third of this locality, he 
sold the other two-thirds to Robert Patterson and John Filson, and the 
three, about August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which 
was designated as being opposite Licking River, to the mouth of which 
they proposed to have a road cut from Lexington. The naming of the 
town is thus narrated in the "Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filson, who had 
been a schoolmaster, was appointed to name the town, and, in respect to 
its situation, and as if with a prophetic perception of the mixed race that 
were to inhabit it in after days, he named it Losantiville, which, being 
interpreted, means : ville, the town ; anti, against or opposite to ; os, the 
mouth ; L. of Licking." 

Meanwhile, in July, Symmes got thirty persons and eight four-horse 
teams under way for the West. These reached Limestone (now Mays- 
ville) in September, where were several persons from Redstone. Here 
Mr. Symmes tried to found a settlement, but the great freshet of 1789 
caused the " Point," as it was and is yet called, to be fifteen feet under 
water, and the settlement to be abandoned. The little band of settlers 
removed to the mouth of the Miami. Before Symmes and his colony left 
the " Point," two settlements had been made on his purchase. The first 
was by Mr. Stiltes, the original projector of the whole plan, who, with a 
colony of Redstone people, had located at the mouth of the Miami, 
whither Symmes went with his Maysville colony. Here a clearing had 



(52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

been made by the Indians owing to the great fertility of the soil. Mr. 
Stiltes with his colony came to this place on the 18th of November, 1788, 
with twenty-six persons, and, building a block-house, prepared to remain 
through the Winter. They named the settlement Columbia. Here they 
were kindly treated by the Indians, but suffered greatly from the flood 
of 1789. 

On the 4th of March, 1789, the Constitution of the United States 
went into operation, and on April 30, George Washington was inaug- 
urated President of the American people, and during the next Summer, 
an Indian war was commenced by the tribes north of the Ohio. The 
President at first used pacific means ; but these failing, he sent General 
Harmer against the hostile tribes. He destroyed several villages, but 



LAKE BLTTF 
The frontage of Lake Bluff Grounds on Lake Michigan, with one hundred and seventy feet of gradual ascent. 

was defeated in two battles, near the present City of Fort Wayne, 
Indiana. From this time till the close of 1705, the principal events were 
the wars with the various Indian tribes. In 1796, General St. Clair 
was appointed in command, and marched against the Indians: but while 
he was encamped on a stream, the St. Mary, a branch of the Maumee, 
he was attacked and defeated with the loss of six hundred men. 

General Wayne was now sent against the savages. In August, 1794, 
he met them near the rapids of the Maumee, and gained a complete 
victory. This success, followed by vigorous measures, compelled the 
Indians to sue for peace, and on the 30th oi July, the following year, the 
treaty of Greenville was signed by the principal chiefs, by which a large 
tract o( country was ceded to the United States. 

Before proceeding in our narrative, we will pause to notice Fort 
Washington, erected in the early part of this war on the site of Cincinnati. 
Nearly all o( the great cities of the Northwest, and indeed of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 63 

whole country, have had their nuclei in those rude pioneer structures, 
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon- 
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago, 
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west 
of the Mississippi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a 
rude but highly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of 
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks 
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters 
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished. 
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an 
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles. 

The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground 
upon which it was erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets 
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending oast of Eastern Row, now 
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern boundary of 
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river, 
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the 
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by 
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of 
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house, 
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of 
the Quartermaster General. For many years this was the best finished 
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was 
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments 
of the Northwestern Territory. 

Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec- 
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain 
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands. 
These were generally discovered in time to prevent the outrageous 
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war. 
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain 
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured. 

No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began 
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the 
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was 
this year, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British 
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel 
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit 
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were 
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Wayne, who 
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before 
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head- 



(J4 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

quarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after 
him was formed, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan, 
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were 
formed at the present City of Chillicothe, along the Miami from Middle- 
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators 
began to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland 
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and 
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufactory of paper — the " Red- 
stone Paper Mill" — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy 
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous 
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians, 
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that 
part of the Northwest. 

The election of representatives for the territory had taken place, 
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at Losantiville — now 
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gov. St. Clair, and 
considered the capital of the Territory — to nominate persons from whom 
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with 
a previous ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly 
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named 
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg, 
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob 
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th 
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two 
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President 
of the Council. 

The message of Gov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature 
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to 
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes 
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of 
Gen. St. Clair. 

The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved by 
the Governor, were thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received 
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to 
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of December this pro- 
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the 
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Bryd to the 
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to 
Congress. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domain, 
and the inconvenient modes of travel, made it very difficult to conduct 
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action 
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to 
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a 
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution. 
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported that : 

" In the three western countries there has been but one court having 
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders 
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim- 
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements 
in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist- 
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. * * * * To 
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this committee 
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and 
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made 
by a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running 
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States 
and Canada." 

The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its 
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri- 
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these : 

" That from and after July 4 next, all that part of the Territory of 
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward 
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the 
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north 
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and 
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a 
separate territory, and be called the Indiana Territory." 

After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of 
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further provides: 

" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the 
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the 
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the 
Ohio River ; and that St. Vincennes on the Wabash River shall be the 
seat of government for the Indiana Territory." 

Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut 
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law 



6G THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

was passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon 
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven 
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November 
the General Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the year, 
the first missionary of the Connecticut Reserve came, who found no 
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of 
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the 
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province 
of Louisiana. 

In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char- 
tered the college at Athens. From the earliest dawn of the western 
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787, 
newspapers were issued from Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read 
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the close of this year, the 
Congress of the United States granted to the citizens of the Northwestern 
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of 
the "compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit- 
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they should be entitled to 
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a 
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number, 
and on the 80th of April, 1802, Congress passed the act denning its limits, 
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Ohio, 
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came 
into existence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known, 
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly 
within the territory of Indiana. 

Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties 
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next year is 
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from 
Fiance by the United States for $15,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode, 
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of 
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction 
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early 
part of this narrative, was called the "New Northwest." The limits 
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same year 
large grants of land were obtained from the Indians, and the House of 
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the 
College Township in the district of Cincinnati. 

Before the close of the year, Gen. Harrison obtained additional 
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present 
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1804, completed a treaty at 
St. Louis, whereby over 51,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. Q\ 

aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in 
and about Detroit. 

C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri- 
tory, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that rjost : 

" The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles 
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is now, 
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those 
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town 
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four 
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Win. 
Macomb. * * * A stockade incloses the town, fort and citadel. The 
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The 
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right 
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant." 

During this year, Congress granted a township of land for the sup- 
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these 
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to 
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also, 
a law was passed organizing the Southwest Territory, dividing it into two 
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of 
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the 
domain of Gen. Harrison. 

On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed, 
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the 
change to take effect on June 80. On the 11th of that month, a fire 
occurred at Detroit, which destro} r ed almost every building in the place. 
When the officers of the new territory reached the post, they found it in 
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild- 
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more 
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built. 

While this was being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade 
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large 
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian, 
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause 
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the 
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the 
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at 
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest, 
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life, 
and his connection with this conflict. 



6£ 



THE SOUTHWEST TERRITORY* 




TECUMSEH, THE SHAWANOE CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 69> 



TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812. 

This famous Indian chief was born about the year 1768, not far from 
the site of the present city of Springfield, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa, 
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation, and his 
mother, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same 
people. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century 
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be 
chief, was slain at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum- 
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1705 he was 
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the 
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one year, when he 
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. In 
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced 
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given 
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chief 
comes into prominence. He was now about thirty-seven years of age, 
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of 
enormous powers of endurance. His countenance was naturally pleas- 
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed 
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi- 
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who 
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first 
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered 
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of 
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the 
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land 
could be made save by the consent of this confederation. 

He traveled constantly, going from north to south ; from the south 
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a 
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect. 

Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, by watching the move- 
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was 
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumseh's. 
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning; 
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity. 

During the year 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre- 
paring for the work. In that year, Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty 
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians 
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon 
the Wabash, to all of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring- 



70 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

as one principal reason that he did not want the Indians to give up any 
lands north and west of the Ohio River. 

Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and 
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly 
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after 
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict. 

Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chief's headquarters at 
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the 
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the 
prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten- 
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped 
near the village early, in October, and on the morning of November 7, he 
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of 
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken 
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his 
brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating 
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans. 

Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned 
from the South, and was ready to visit the President as had at one time 
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go 
as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never 
made. 

In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent at 
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against 
the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his 
people. The agent replied to this ; Tecumseh listened with a cold indif- 
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew 
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai- 
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard. 

He remained under this Government, doing effective work for the 
Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was, 
however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allow- 
ing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wan- 
tonly murder the captive. 

In the Summer of 1813, Perry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and 
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On the 
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for 
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai- 
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand- 
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of 
the Thames. On the 20th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen. 
Mc Arthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



Tl 



On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor, 
whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed. 
Early in the engagement, Tecumseh who was at the head of the column 
of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chief- 
tain, fled. The victory was decisive, and practically closed the war in 
the Northwest. 




INDIANS ATTACKING A STOCKADE. 



Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ; 
but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson, 
who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal. 

In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. He took possession of a 
beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged 
by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His 
plans were frustrated by the general government, his property confiscated 
and he was compelled to flee the country for safety. 



72 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territory, made a 
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the 
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about 
Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavored 
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby 
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts, 
however, all signally failed. 

In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory. 
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western 
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year, 
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and 
then began the events already narrated. 

While this war was in progress, emigration to the West went on with 
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the 
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of 
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the 
" monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the 
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being 
nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on its 
downward trip. 

The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, T818. It 
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not 
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green- 
ville, under the direction of General Harrison, between the United States 
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should 
cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such, 
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty 
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United 
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with various 
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again 
restored in this part of the new world. 

On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city. 
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its 
manufacturing interests. On April li>, Indiana Territory was allowed 
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties 
organized, containing about sixty-three thousand inhabitants. The first 
election of state officers was held in August, when Jonathan Jennings 
was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and 
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For 
some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central 
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana), 
was laid out .January 1, 1825. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 73 

On the 28th of December the Bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, was 
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were 
under the control of the. States, and were allowed to establish branches 
at different convenient points. 

Until this time Chillicothe and Cincinnati had in turn enjoyed the 
privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the 
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a 
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col- 
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State. 
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was 
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the state 
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable 
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend. 

In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her 
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich- 
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes 
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of 
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that 
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to 
navigate the bosom of that inland sea. 

Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War, 
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were 
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab- 
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan 
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were 
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended, 
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the 
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros- 
perity. 

BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in 
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part 
of the United States. 

Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal 
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the 
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ; 
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early 
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted 
to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he 
went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one 



74 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 




BLACK HAWK, THE SAC CHIEFTAIN. 



THI-: N0ETHWE8T TBEBITOET. 75 

of whom he killed and scalped, and fox this deed of Indian bravery he was 
permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, a1 the 
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition againsl the 
ages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to 
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce 
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The 
Saes Lost only about, nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherok 
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present, City 
of St,. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking ;- d of 

the '•• Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation. 
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, ai the 
head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred Iowa . he 
war againsl the Osage nation and Bubdued it. For two years he battled 
succe fully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered. 

Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to 
the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his "Spanish 
Father," he declined to see any of the Americans, alleging, as a reason, 
he did not want two fathers. 

The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the 
United States Government erectedafort near the head of the Des Moines 
Rapids, ''ailed Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who 
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of 
the Misi issippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was 
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The diffieui 
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812 
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by 
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the 
Americans. In August, 1812, Llack Hawk, at the head of about five 
bundled braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on 
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massi 
had a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British 
Government but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended 
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard ' 
was defeated. 

Iu the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi 
were notified that peace had been declared between the United St 
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not 
sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. !!'■ then r< 
nized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1801. From the time of 
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he 
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life. 

Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox 



76 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

Indians were urged to join the Xowas on the west bank of the Father of 
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of 
which Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal, 
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of 
the Government. This and various actions on the part of the white set- 
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his 
native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and 
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been 
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would 
have been prevented. 

Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted 
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three 
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived 
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them, 
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their 
time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village 
and the quality of their lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who 
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From 
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white 
men gained a foothold, until through whisky and artifice they obtained 
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were 
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the 
Iowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the 
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he 
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged 
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty 
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to 
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the 
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On 
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a 
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were 
defeated. 

This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men 
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the 
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of 
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was 
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri- 
can army continued to move up Rock Rivei toward the main body of 
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, 
and defeated them near the Blue Mounds. 

Before this action, Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main 
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 77 

Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the 
Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle 
which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He 
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites. 

On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con- 
cluded a treaty with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes by which they 
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain 
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi- 
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that 
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs 
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure 
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons. 

The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken 
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe, 
"there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify 
their being set at liberty." They were retained here until the 4th of 
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal 
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white 
people. Everywhere they were observed by thousands, the name of the 
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they 
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon 
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth- 
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His village 
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had 
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer. 

On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and 
his lodge. His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder 
of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re- 
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among 
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years. 

Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel- 
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all 
times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten- 
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County, 
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem. 
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his 
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted 
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3. 
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply 
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre- 
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in 
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. " The 



78 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a 
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him 
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. 
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some 
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons." 

No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began 
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin, 
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had 
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence. 
In 1835, the formation of a State Government in Michigan was discussed, 
but did not take active form until two years later, when the State became 
a part of the Federal Union. 

The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of 
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, was its alluvial 
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this 
region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 188(5 was 
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State 
was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a 
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various 
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from 
the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances 
compelled its present division. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 79 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, 
establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the comnmn 
defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution 
for the United States of America. 

Article I. 

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in 
a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem- 
bers chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the 
electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of 
the most numerous branch of the State Legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the 
age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in 
which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the sev- 
eral states which may be included within this Union, according to their 
respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole 
number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of 
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. 
The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first 
meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subse- 
quent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The 
number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, 
but each state shall have at least one Representative ; and until such 
enumeration shall be made the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled 
to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations one, Connecticut five, New York six. New Jersey four, Pennsylva- 
nia eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, 
and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the 
Executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such 
vacancies. 

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other 
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two 
Senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ; 
and each Senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first 
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. 
The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expira- 



80 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

tion of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth 
year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that 
one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state, 
the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next 
meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age 
of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and 
wiio shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he 
shall be chosen. 

The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the 
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro 
tempore, in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise 
the office of President of the United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When 
sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 
President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside. 
And no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds 
of the members present. 

Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to 
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of 
honor, trust, or profit under the United States ; but the party convicted 
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, 
and punishment according to law. 

Sec. 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for Sen- 
ators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the Legis- 
lature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter 
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators. 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such 
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by 
law appoint a different day. 

Sec. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns, and 
qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute 
a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to 
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members 
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish ita 
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, 
expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to 
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, 
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house 
on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered 
on the journal. 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the 
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other 
place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compen- 
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the 
treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 



81 



felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their 
attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and 
returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house 
they shall not be questioned in any other place. 

No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was 
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United 
States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall 
have been increased during such time ; and no person holding any office 
under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his 
continuance in office. 

Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of 
Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments 
as on other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and 
the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President 
of the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it ; but if not he shall 
return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have origi- 
nated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and 
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two-thirds of that 
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec- 
tions, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if 
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all 
such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by \eas and nays, 
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered 
on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned 
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted), after it shall have 
been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he 
had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its 
return, in which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the 
Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a 
question of adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the 
United States, and before the same shall take effect shall be approved by 
him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of 
the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and lim- 
itations prescribed in the case of a bill. 

Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power — 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts, 
and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United 
States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout 
the United States ; 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States ', 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several 
States, and with the Indian tribes ; 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on 
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and 
fix the standard of weights and measures ; 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and 
current coin of the United States; 

To establish post offices and post roads ; 



g2 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

To promote the progress of sciences and useful arts, by securing, 
for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their 
respective writings and discoveries ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
seas, and offenses against the law of nations ; 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules 
concerning captures on land and water ; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that 
use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions ; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the 
United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the 
officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the disci- 
pline prescribed by Congress ; 

To exercise legislation in all cases whatsoever over such district (not 
exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the 
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United 
States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the 
consent of the Legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for 
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful 
buildings ; and 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying 
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this 
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any depart- 
ment or officer thereof. 

Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the 
states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited 
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, 
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten 
dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may 
require it. 

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion 
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. 

No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or rev- 
enue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels 
bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in 
another. 

No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of 
the receipts and expeditures of all public money shall be published from 
time to time. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 83 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : and no 
person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the 
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title 
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. 

Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confeder- 
ation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of 
credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of 
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. 

No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts 
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary 
for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and 
imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the 
Treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the 
revision and control of the Congress. 

No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on 
tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any 
agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or 
engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will 
not admit of delay. 

Article II. 

Section 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of 
the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term 
of four years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same 
term, be elected as follows : 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole number of Senators 
and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress ; 
but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or 
profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. 

[ * The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by 
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of 
the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the 
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they 
shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government 
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pres- 
ident of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. 
The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal 
number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately 
choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no person have a ma- 
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like 
manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote 
shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one 
vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be 
necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President, 

•This clause between, brackets bas been superseded and annulled by tbe Twelfth amendment. 



84 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

the person having the greatest number of votes of the Electors shall be 
the Vice-President. But if there should remain two or more who have 
equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-Presi- 
dent.] 

The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and 
the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same 
throughout the United States. 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United 
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible 
to the office of President ; neither shall an}' - person be eligible to that 
office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been 
fourteen years a resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said 
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-President, and the Congress 
may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inabil- 
ity, both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall 
then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the dis- 
ability be removed, or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com- 
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the 
period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive 
within that period any other emolument from the United States or any of 
them. 

Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol- 
lowing oath or affirmation: 

" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the 
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Sec. 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the army and 
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when 
called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the 
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive 
departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective 
offices, and lie shall have power to grant reprieves and pardon for offenses 
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

Pie shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present con- 
cur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice of the Senate, 
shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of 
the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose 
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be 
established by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment 
of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in 
the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may 
happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which 
shall expire at the end of their next session. 

Sec. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information 
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea- 
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may on extraordinary 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 85 

occasions convene botli houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree- 
ment between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may 
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive 
ambassadors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be 
faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United 
States. 

Sec. 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the 
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con- 
viction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

Article III. 

Section I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested 
in one Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as the Congress may from 
time to time, ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and 
inferior courts, shall hold their offiees during good behavior, and shall, at 
stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be 
diminished during their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and 
equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and 
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases 
affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls ; to all cases of 
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a party ; to controversies between two or more states; 
between a state and citizens of another state ; between citizens of differ- 
ent states ; between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants 
of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign 
states, citizens, or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, 
and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have 
original jurisdiction. 

In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall 
have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions 
and under such regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by 
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall 
have been committed ; but when not committed within any state, the 
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have 
directed. 

Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levy- 
ing war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid 
and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes- 
timony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
court. 

The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, 
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, 
except during the life of the person attainted. 

Article IV. 

Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the 
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And 



86 \M> ITS AMENDMENTS, 

the Congress may, by genera] laws, prescribe the manner in which saoh 
acts, records, ana proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. 

Sec. 2. The citizens 01 eaoh state shall be entitled to all privileges 
and immunities of citizens in the several states. 

\ person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other orime, 
who shall flee from justioe and he found in another state, shall, on demand 
of the executive authority of the state from whieh he tied, be delivered 
up, to he removed to the state having jurisdiction of the orime. 

No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof 
escaping into another, shall, in oonsequence o( any law or regulation 
therein, he discharged from suoh service or labor, but shall be delivered 
up on the claim of the party to whom suoh service ov labor may be due. 

Sec. 8. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; 
but 110 new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction o( any 
other state; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, 
or parts of states, without the consent o( the Legislatures o( the states 
concerned, as well as of the Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging 
to the lniw*l States : and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed 
as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular state. 

SEC. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this 
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each oi them 
against invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu- 
tive (when the Legislature can not be convened"), against domestic vio- 
lence. 

An nci e V. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds o( both houses shall deem it 
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the ap- 
plication of the Legislatures of two-thirds ol the several states, shall call 
a convention for proposing amendments, whieh. in either ease, shall be 
valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, when rati- 
fied by the Legislatures oi three fourths o( the several states, or by con- 
ventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi- 
cation may be proposed by the Congress. Provided thai no amendment 
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and 
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth 
section of the first article: and that no state, without its consent, shall 
be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 

Article VI. 

AH debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adop- 
tion of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under 
this Constitution as under the Confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be 
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made. 
under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the 
land : and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in 
the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mein- 

: 



[1 [JTION 01 THE UNITED 



87 



bei of fche several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial offi- 
. both of fche United States and of the i • shall be hound 

by oath or affirmation fco support fchis Constitution ; but no religious fcest 
shall ever be required as a qualification fco any office or public trust under 
the United States. 

Article VII. 

The ratification of the Convention! of nine states shall be sufficient 
for fche establishment of this Constitution between fche state-, so ratifying 
fche same. 

Done in convention by the tmanimon con enl of fche fcate present, the 
enteenth day of September, in fche year of our Lord one fchou 
en hundred and eighty-seVen, and of the independence of the 
United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereoi 
hereunto i Lbed our nan 

GEO. WASHINGTON. 

President and Deputy from Virginia. 



New Hampshire. 
John Langdon, 
Nicholas Oilman. 

Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel Gobham, 
Rufus King. 

Connei ticut. 
Wm. Sam'l Johnson, 
Roger Sherman. 



Delaware. 
Geo. Bead, 
John Dickinson", 
Jaco. Broom, 

riNG Bedford, Jr., 
Richard Bassett. 

Maryland. 
James M'Henry, 

•.. Carroll, 
D ... or St. Tho.s. Jenifer. 



New York. 
A LEXANDER HAMILTON. 

New Jersey. 
Wil. Livingston, 
Wm. Pateri 
D lvid Brearley, 
Jona. Dayton. 



Virginia. 
Jon:.- Blair, 
James Madison, Jr. 

North Carolina. 
Wm. Blount, 

If: . WILLIAMSON, 

Rich'd Dobbs Spaight. 



Pennsylvania. 
B. Frankxin, 
Robt. Morris, 
Thos. Fitzslmons, 
James Wil i 
Thos. Mii i lin, 
Geo. Clymer, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
Gtouv. Morris. 



South Carolina. 

J. RUTLEDGE, 

Charles PnrcE ey, 

Chas. Cotesworth Pincknef, 

Pierce Butler. 

Gf-eorgia. 

William Few. 
All. Baldwin. 

WILLIAM JACKSON, St cretary. 



88 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 



Articles in Addition to and Amendatory of the Constitution 
of the United States of America. 

Proposed by Congress and ratified by the Legislatures of the several states, 
pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution. 

Article I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment cf religion, 
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of 
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, 
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 

Article II. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free 
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 

Article III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without 
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be pre- 
scribed by law. 

Article IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, 
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be vio- 
lated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by 
oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched 
and the persons or things to be seized. 

Article V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous 
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in 
cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual 
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject 
for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall 
be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor 
ehall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. 

Article VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a 
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district 
wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have 
been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and 
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; 
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to 
have the assistance of counsel for his defense. 

Article VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed 
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 89 

tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United 
States than according to the rules of the common law. 

Article VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, 
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

Article IX. 

The enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be 
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

Article X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, 
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, 
or to the people. 

Article XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to 
extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one 
of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or sub- 
jects of any foreign state. 

Article XII. 

The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot 
for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an 
inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they shall name in their 
ballots the person to be voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the 
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of 
all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice- 
President, and of the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign 
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United 
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the 
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person 
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the 
highest number not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as 
President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by 
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be 
taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two- 
thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to 
a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Presi- 
dent whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the 
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as 
President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of 
the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice- 
President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be the majority 
of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a major- 



90 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

ity, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose 
the Vice-President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds 
of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number 
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible 
to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the 
United States. 

Article XIII. 

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a 
punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, 
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their juris- 
diction. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro- 
priate legislation. 

Article XIV. 

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and 
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and 
of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law 
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United 
States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction 
the equal protection of the laws. 

Sec. 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several states 
according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of per- 
sons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed ; but when the right to 
vote at any election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice- 
President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the execu- 
tive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the Legislature 
thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being 
twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way 
abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis of 
representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the num- 
ber of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens 
twenty-one years of age in such state. 

Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, 
or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or 
military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previ- 
ously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the 
United States, or as a member of any state Legislature, or as an execu- 
tive or judicial officer of any state to support the Constitution of the 
United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, 
by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability. 

Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States author- 
ized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and boun- 
ties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be ques- 
tioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall pay any debt 
or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebellion against the 
United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but such debts, 
obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



91 



Article XV. 

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not 
be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of race, 
color, or previous condion of servitude. 




PERRY'S MONUMENT, CLEVELAND, OHIO. 

On Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. 



PART II 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 




—^ 



HISTOEY OF OHIO. 



IT is not our province in a volume of this description, to delineate the chronol- 
ogy of prehistoric epochs, or to dwell at length upon those topics pertaining 
to the scientific causes which tended to the formation of «a continent, undiscov- 
ered for centuries, by the wisdom and energy of those making a history of the 
Old World, by the advancement of enlightenment in toe Eastern Hemisphere. 
Naturally, the geological formation of the State of Ohio cannot be entirely 
.separated from facts relative to the strata, which, in remote ages accumulated 
one layer above the other, and finally constituted a "built-up" America, from 
a vast sea. The action of this huge body of water washed sediment and what- 
ever came in its way upon primitive rocks, which were subjected to frequent 
and repeated submersions, emerging as the water subsided, thus leaving a 
stratum or layer to solidify and mark its number in the series — a system of 
growth repeated in trees of the forest — in those descermble rings that count so 
many years. The southeastern part of North America emerging a second 
time from the Silurian Sea, which extended west to the Rocky Mountains and 
north to the primitive hills of British America, a succession of rock-bound, 
salt-water lakes remained. These covered a largo portion of the continent, and 
their water evaporating, organic and mineral matter remained to solidify. This 
thick stratum has been designated by geologists as the Avater-lime layer. This 
constitutes the upper layer of rock in the larger portion of the west half of 
Ohio. In other sections it forms the bed rock. 

Following the lime-rock deposit, must have been more frequent sweeps of 
the great sea, since the layers are comparatively thin, proving a more speedy 
change. During this scientific rising and falling of the sea, other actions were 
taking place, such as volcanic and other influences which displaced the regular- 
ity of the strata, and occasionally came out in an upheaval or a regular perpen- 
dicular dip. A disturbance of this character formed the low mountain range 
extending from the highlands of Canada to the southern boundary of Tennes- 
sec. This "bulge" is supposed to be the consequence of the cooling of the 
earth and the pressure of the oceans on either side of the continent. Greolo- 
designate this as the Cincinnati arch. This forms a separation between 
the coal fields of the Alleghanies and those of Illinois. 

Passing over several periods, we reach the glacial, during which the topog- 
raphy of the continent was considerably modified, and which is among the 
latest epochs of geology, though exceedingly remote as compared with human 



94 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

history. Previously, a torrid heat prevailed the entire Northern hemisphere. 
.Now the temperature of the frigid zone crept southward until it reached Cincin- 
nati. A vast field of ice, perhaps hundreds of feet thick, extended from the 
north pole to this point. As this glacial rigor came southward, the flow of 
the St. Lawrence River was stopped, and the surplus water of the great lake 
basin was turned into the Ohio and Mississippi. This glacial sea was by no 
means stationary even after its southern limit had been reached. It possessed 
the properties of a solid and a fluid. Its action was slow but powerful, grind- 
ing mountains to powder and forming great valleys and basins. Separating 
into two glacial portions, one moved toward the watershed north of the Ohio 
River ; and, continuing westerly, it hollowed out the basin of Lake Erie and 
crushed the apex of the Cincinnati arch. From this point, it turned south- 
ward and swept with a regular course through the Maumee and Miami Valleys 
to the Ohio River. The southern border constantly melting, and flowing toward 
the Gulf of Mexico, the great field was pressed forward by the accumulations 
of ice in the northern latitudes. Thus for ages, this powerful force was fitting 
the earth for the habitation of man. The surface was leveled, huge rocks 
broken and reduced to pebbles, sand, clay, etc., other soil and surface-material — 
while the debris was embedded at the bottom. In some sections, as the ice 
melted and freed the bowlders and rocks, the lighter material was swept away. 
The glacier moving forward, and the forces proving an " equilibrium," the 
edge of this ice-field was held in a solid stronghold, and the material thus de- 
posited forms a ridge, called by geologists "terminal moraine," first exemplified 
in Ohio by the "Black Swamp," in the Maumee Valley. 

The most extreme rigor of this period beginning to wane, the ice of the 
Maumee and Miami Valleys began to move slowly forward, toward the north, 
reaching the points now termed Hudson, Mich.; Fort "Wayne, Ind., and Kenton, 
Ohio — reaching somewhat further south than Lima and Van Wert. The edge of 
the glacier was defined in outline by the present western border of Lake Erie, and 
parallel with it. Climatic influences " acting and counteracting," the glacial 
force was concentrated, the Maumee Valley being subjected to a grinding proc- 
ess, and a deposit of material going on, which now forms the boundary of the 
"Black Swamp."' As our readers are aware, the waters of the St. Joseph and 
St. Mary's meet at Fort Wayne, and their united waters form the Maumee; 
thence the turn is northwest, and, wearing an outlet through the ridge, it 
reaches the head of Lake Erie. 

The torrid zone yet gaining the ascendency, the ice-fields continuing their 
reverse motion, and retreating toward the north, the basin of the great lakes 
was formed; and the blocks of ice melting therein, avast sea of fresh water was 
formed, which gradually overflowed a portion of Canada and Michigan But 
the St. Lawrence, that important outlet, was under the restraint of an ice 
blockade, and the surplus water of the fresh sea was turned into the Ohio and 
and Mississippi. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 95 

Later, mountains of ice-float were drifted from the north by winds and cur- 
rents, into temperate latitudes, and melting, deposited rocks, stones and general 
debris. Following the iceberg-drift, came the permanent elevation above the ocean- 
level. The St. Lawrence outlet was formed. The inland sea was assuming its 
division into lakes. The united waters of Erie and Huron flowed through the 
Wabash Valley and into the Ohio, until, through some agency, that section was 
dry, and the lakes drained in another direction. The action of the glacial 
period in the Erie basin vicinity created what is known as the "Niagara lime- 
stone," by grinding upper strata and drifting the debris elsewhere. This seems 
to have occurred at intervals, exposures being made in Seneca, Sandusky and 
Wood Counties, and beneath the axis of the Cincinnati arch. Oriskany lime- 
stone is also available in another stratum, which has been brought to the surface. 
Again, there is a carboniferous stratum of limestone, and along the Maumee is 
a thin exposure of the Hamilton limestone and shale. 

A glacier having both fluid and solid properties, it will readily be compre- 
hended that obdurate projections of rock resisted its action, and created currents 
in other directions, for its forces. When this specified epoch had ceased to be, 
Ohio was a rough, irregular and crude mixture of ridges and knobs and pinnacles, 
which were " leveled up " and finished by iceberg-drift and inland-sea deposits. 
Tli is settled and accumulated, and the work of hundreds of years produced a 
beautiful surface, its inequalities overcome, the water having receded and " terra 
firma ' ' remaining. A deep bed of clay, sufficiently compact to hold the germs 
of organic matter, and sufficiently porous to absorb moisture, was especially 
adapted to encourage the growth of vegetation. These seeds had been brought 
by the winds and waves and natural agencies, and now began to produce plants 
and shrubs, which withered to enrich the soil, after scattering broadcast seeds 
that would again perpetuate verdure. Worms, land crabs and burrowing ani- 
mals assisted in the creation of soil, while the buffalo, deer and bear followed, 
as soon as forestry appeared. Decomposed foliage and fallen timber aided in 
the great work of preparing the present State of Ohio for the habitation of man. 
Prairie, marsh, forest, rivers and lakes were formed, which, in turn, were modi- 
fied and prepared for a grand destiny by other influences. 

In glancing over the compiled histories of Ohio, those containing details of 
her early struggles, afflictions and triumphs, we are especially impressed with 
its near and sympathetic relation with the great Northwest, and the republic of 
the United States of America. From the early years when white men built 
their rude cabins in the then tangled wilderness, to the opulent and magnificent 
present of this united nation, Ohio has been stanch, loyal and earnest, both 
in action and principle. 

We shall endeavor to trace the history of the State concisely and accurately, 
according to the data given by the most reliable historians. We are obliged to 
glean the prominent events only, our space being limited, compared with the 
multitudinous interests connected with this important part of the United States. 



96 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

FRENCH HISTORY. 

All through early French history, is the fact especially prominent, that in 
their explorations and expeditions, they united piety and business. They were 
zealous in sending out their missionaries, but they were always attended by 
traders and those who were as skilled in the world's profit and loss, as their 
companions were in propagating Christianity. 

Prior to the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers upon Plymouth Rock, the 
Upper Lakes were visited by the French, and records prove that during the first 
half of the seventeenth century, a vagabondish set, working in the interests of 
the fur company of New France, understood the geographical position of the 
lakes and their tributary streams. M. Perrot, an intelligent explorer, made 
overtures of peace to the Indian tribes around these bodies of water, and 
effected a treaty, which, it is claimed, established the right for the French, in 
the name of their king, to hold the place near St. Mary's Falls. They further 
assert that the Mississippi was discovered by the French from Lake Superior, 
but this is not authenticated, and Father Marquette and M. Joliet are accepted 
as the first who found this large stream, in 1763. The good missionary won 
his way with his patient and sympathetic nature. 

Ohio was, like the other portions of the West, originally in the possession 
of aborigines or Indians. Of their origin, many suppositions are advanced, 
but no certainties sustained. From practical evidences, the Mound-Builders 
were active in Ohio, and here as elsewhere, their work marked retrogression 
rather than advancement. The territory of Ohio was claimed by the French, 
and included in that wide tract between the Alleghanies and the Rockies, held 
by them under the name of Louisiana. Before the year 1750, a French trad- 
ing-post was established at the mouth of the Wabash, and communication was 
established between that point and the Maumee, and Canada. Between the 
years 1678 and 1682, the intrepid La Salle and Father Hennepin, assisted by 
Fondi, an Italian, with a small band of followers, inaugurated a series of 
explorations about the great lakes and the Mississippi, building forts on their 
way and planting the French priority. In 1680, La Salle erected a stockade at 
the foot of the rapids of the Maumee, which was a general rendezvous for mission- 
aries, traders and explorers, besides constituting a primitive "stock exchange." 

The English colonies were at this time east of the Alleghanies, while the 
French were establishing themselves west of this range, gaining an entrance 
north and south, the two portions separated by hostile and barbarous foes. 
La Salle's spirit of adventure led him into new fields, but Father Hennepin 
was detailed to investigate that part of the world now known as the State of 
Ohio. The records assert that he published a volume containing an account of 
his observations "in the country between New Mexico and the frozen ocean." 
in 1684, together with maps of Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, and a plat 
of the larger streams in Ohio. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 97 

Apparently, the French more speedily comprehended the value of their 
advantages in the New World than[the English, and vigorously inaugurated and 
sustained commercial and religious projects. They were essentially benefited 
by the mediation of the Catholic priests between settlers and Indians, this 
really earnest class everywhere ingratiating themselves with the savages. The 
Order of Jesuits were very vigorous, and representatives were stationed at every 
trading-post, village and settlement. The English colonists engaged mostly in 
agriculture, while the French took a lively interest in the fur trade with the 
natives, probably from their former settlement in Quebec and thereabouts, where 
the climate is advantageous for this business. This added to the influence of 
the priests, and the natural assimilation of French and the Indians, through 
the tact and amiability of the former, the French possessions gained more 
rapidly than the English or Spanish. They courted their daughters and 
married them. They engaged in fasts and trades, and took advantage of 
those unimpeded times to extend their dominion with surprising celerity. A 
chain of trading, missionary and military posts extended from New Oilcans to 
Quebec, by way of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, thence via Mackinaw and 
Detroit to Lakes Erie and Ontario. This route was shortened thereafter by 
following the Ohio River to the Wabash, following the latter upward, and 
down the Maumee to Lake Erie. 

About the same time, and to check the advancement of the French, the 
Ohio Company was formed by the English. This was an outgrowth of the 
contest between these two nations for the ascendency, whether empire, settle- 
ment or individual. After thirty years' peace between these two nations, 
"King George's War" opened the campaign in 1744, but terminated in 174<S, 
the treaty at Aix-la-Chapelle unfortunately omitting a settlement of any division 
of claims in America. The English, French and Spanish were the first to 
enter America, and the right of possession by each monarch or empire was 
held by right of a first discovery. The only right that England could advance 
regarding Ohio was that the portion of the Six Nations found in the Ohio 
Valley had placed some of their lands under British jurisdiction, and that other 
portions had been purchased at Lancaster, Penn., by means of a treaty with 
the same nations. All this was strenuously denied and ignored by the French. 
Thus several conflicting influences swept carnage over fair Ohio. The Indians were 
allied to one side and the other, and were against each other. The Indians and 
French would advance against the English, and they, in retaliation, would 
make a raid into the Indian territory and overcome a French settlement. 
Whenever they could as well, Indians would take the cause in their own keep- 
ing and fight each other. The wide, verdant fields of Ohio were drenohed 
ghastly red under a glowing sun, and the great forests echoed moans from the 
dying and distressed. The English colonists had partially overcome their 
deprivation, caused by a struggle for subsistence, and means to guard against 
the savages — this distress augmented by campaigns against Canada — by their 



98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

increased numbers and wealth, but were now alarmed by the French rule in 
America, which gained so rapidly, unmolested as it was by Indian raids and 
other devastating circumstances. A constant conflict was going on between 
Lake Erie and the Upper Ohio. Atrocities and massacres were commit ted 
indiscriminately, which opened the way for a desperate class of marauders and 
villains from the colonies and European States. These people enlisted with 
the Indians on either side for the purpose of leadership and plunder. Every 
fortification, trading-post and settlement was garrisoned or deserted, and the 
ground 'between the Alleghanies and the Maumee became a conflict field, rife 
with thrilling deeds, sacrifice and adventures, the half never having been 
chronicled, and many heroes tailing uncrowned by even a lasting memory, since 
during these times the people kept few annals, and cared less for historical 
memories than anything on earth. They were Living, and dying, and struggling, 
and that was more than they could carry through safely. The French formed 
a road from the Ohio River to Detroit, via the foot of the Lower Rapids of the 
Maumee, and the foot of the Lower Rapids of the Sandusky. 

The Ohio Company obtained a charter under English views, from the 
British Government, with a grant of 6,000 acres of land on the Ohio. The 
English now reverted to the times of the Cabots, and protested that by right 
they held the entire country between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, bounded 
by those parallels of latitude defining their Atlantic coast settlements. France 
claimed the region drained by the Mississippi and tributaries, the great lakes 
and their tributaries, the area being west of the Alleghanies. Ohio was thus 
included in the disputed tract. 

The Ohio Company was formed in 174S, by a number of Virginians and 
Londoners, two brothers of George Washington taking conspicuous parts in the 
movement : Thomas Lee was especially active. When the surveys were begun, 
the Governor of Canada entered vigorous protests, and indicated his displeasure 
by a prompt line of posts from Erie to Pittsburgh, named respectively, Presque 
Isle, Le Boeuf, Vedango, Kittaning and J)u Quesne. The latter was begun 
by the English, captured by the French, and by them completed. 

The tirst English settlement of which we can find traces was a block-house 
at Piqua, about the year 1752. It was attacked, and a bitter struggle ensued, 
resulting in the death of fourteen of the assailants. Those within the garrison 
suffered severely, many being burned, and the remainder captured and dis- 
patched to ( lanada. 

In 1753, the French and Indian war actively began. It did not extend 
beyond the American continent until 1750, when the home governments took 
an interest in its progress beyond encouraging their respective colonists to pur- 
sue the war-path to a direful finale for their adversaries. For four years, the 
French captured and conquered, spreading terror wherever they went, and 
they followed every Englishman that set his foot on Ohio soil to the death. 
We may state that these people had not retained their civilized habits, and 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 99 

■constant association with savages had embued them with barbarous methods of 
warfare which were sickening and revolting to the English, and to which they 
could not resort. It is highly probable that French success was" vastly brought 
about by these means, together with the assistance of their Indian allies. In 
1758, when the English hope was almost exterminated, the elder Pitt being 
placed at the head of the administration, a new and energetic system was 
inaugurated, wise measures instituted, and military science triumphed over 
savage cunning; and French intrigue. The first brilliant English achievement 
was the conquest of Canada. When the home governments interfered, the 
war assumed the character of a French and English conflict, regardless of 
Indian right, yet the tribes continued to participate in the carnage. 

A certain Christian, Frederick Post, a Moravian missionary, located upon 
the Muskingum, near Bcavertown. Heckewelder consented to become his 
associate. The Indians receiving them kindly, under conditions that Post 
should serve as tutor, this missionary began clearing a field for the purpose of 
planting corn for sustenance. This did not accord with Indian logic. They 
had stipulated that he teach and he was planting corn, which to them was a 
signal of the coming of other whites, the building of a fort and encroachments 
upon the Indians. They referred to the French priests, who were in good 
physical condition, did not till land, but were in charge of the Great Spirit 
who provided for them, a conclusive proof to them that when divine work was 
acceptable to the Great Spirit, priests were somehow sustained by other than 
the plans which disturbed their great hunting-grounds. However, they 
allowed him a small space, and he remained with them, preaching and teaching 
during the summer of 17G2, when, accompanied by one of the principal chiefs, 
he returned to Lancaster, Penn., where a treaty was concluded. On his return 
to his post, he was met by Heckewelder, who imparted the tidings that friendly 
Indians had warned him that the war was about to sweep over their section, 
and destruction awaited them if they remained. The mission was accordingly 
abandoned. This failure was not so bitter as the English effort to sustain their 
trading-post in 1740, on the Great Miami, afterward called Laramie's store. 
It pursued a feeble existence until 1752, when a French raid upon the Twig- 
twees and English colonists proved fatal. 

A European treaty now excluded the French from any rights to make 
treaties with the Indians, and the English, in their flush of victory after Pitt's 
succession, assumed the authority over Indians and lands. The savages did 
not accept the situation with anything resembling the gentle spirit of resigna- 
tion, and the Ottawa chief, Pontiac, led the several tribes into a general war 
against the intruders. It was no longer French and English, but Indian and 
English, the former being instigated and assisted many times by the French, 
now desperate and unscrupulous in a mad spirit for revenge. 

The intention of the Indians was to drive the whites east of the mountains, 
destroying their numerous strongholds in Pennsylvania and Virginia, if they 



100 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

failed in their hope of utterly exterminating them. Pontiac had effected a 
consolidation of the tribes ranging from Mackinaw to North Carolina, thus 
being enabled to swoop down upon all the settlements simultaneously. A 
deadly beginning was made in the Ohio Valley, and only two or three English 
traders escaped out of the one hundred and twenty located in that vicinity. 
The forts at Presque Isle, St. Joseph and Mackinaw, were captured amid scenes 
of slaughter too terrible to perpetuate in description. The years 1763 and 
1764 were literally drenched in human carnage and anguish. Ohio was a 
great field of crime, murder, pain and horror. The expeditions of Bradstreet 
and Bouquet crushed the war in 1764, and Pontiac with his Ottawas removed 
to the Maumee and settled. English settlement now progressed with great 
rapidity, but this was destined to be disturbed in 1774, by the action of Lord 
Dunmore, who led an expedition against the tribes of the Ohio country, termi- 
nated by his treaty on the Scioto plains. At this period, the colonists were not 
in strict harmony with England, and the spirit of revolution was spreading 
every day. 

When Lord Dunmore made his treaty, the affirmation was made and gained 
ground that he, being a thorough loyalist, had compromised under such terms 
as held the Indians British allies against the settlers. Directly following this 
treaty, was the deliberate murder of a number of Indians, near Wheeling, 
including the family of the great chief, Logan — which inaugurated retaliating 
atrocities. 

In the year 1781, April 16, the first white child was born, within the pres- 
ent limits of Ohio, and was christened Mary Heckewelder, daughter of a Mora- 
vian missionary. All the settlers of these Moravian towns on the Muskingum 
were made prisoners in September of the same year. Heckwelder was trans- 
ported to Detroit, but English tyranny failed to find any evidence against him 
or his colaborers, and they were reluctantly released, and returned to their fam- 
ilies in Sandusky. Poverty added to their sufferings, and in the forlorn 
hope of finding a remnant of their property at the old settlements, which might 
assist in mitigating their necessities, they wearily went thitherward. They 
began gathering their grain, but the Wyandots attacked them, and many lives 
were lost. Frontiersmen had also grown jealous of them, and a body of about 
ninety marched out together, for the fiendish purpose of pillaging, slaughtering 
and laying waste all Moravian towns and posts. With the wily insidiousness of 
savages, they went about their diabolical plan. The Moravians were cordial and 
bade this band welcome, when they reached their towns in the guise of friend- 
ship. Williamson, the leader, and the gleaners, were called from the fields, 
when, to the dismay of these trusting and frank people, they were all bound, 
and only fifteen out of the marauding band of ninety were in favor of even 
sparing the lives of these hapless men, women and children. Forty men, 
twenty-two women and thirty-four children were then cruelly and heartlessly 
murdered, their sufferings laughed to scorn, and the last sound that fell on their 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 101 

ears was exultant derision. It would seem that whatever the. Indians left un- 
done, in the way of horror, in the State of Ohio, the whites improved upon, and 
blackened the pages of American history with deeds of blood. Succeeding this 
barbarity, was the expedition against Moravian Indian towns, upon the San- 
dusky. Not an Indian, whether an enemy or friend, old or young, male or 
female, Avas to escape the assault, including an extermination of the Moravian 
element. 

Col. William Crawford led the expedition, which counted 500 men, in their 
dastardly work. Warning had in some manner reached the towns, and 
the troops found them deserted. But the Indians were incensed, and 
their wrath had not driven them to hiding-places, but to a preparation to 
meet their foes. They fought desperately, and Crawford's troops were defeated 
and scattered, many being captured, and among them, Col. Crawford himself. 
It is hardly probable that Crawford could justly expect much mercy at the 
hands of his captors. His battle-cry had been "no quarter," and yet he evi- 
dently hoped for some consideration, as he requested an interview with Simon 
Girty, who lived with and influenced the Indians. Accounts state that Craw- 
ford implored the aid of Girty, and at last secured a promise to use his power 
to obtain the Colonel's pardon. However, this was of no avail, and it is doubt- 
ful whether Girty was disposed to intercede. The prisoners were tortured and 
put to death, and Crawford's agonies were protracted as long as possible. Dr. 
Knight managed to disable the Indian who had him in charge, and made his 
escape to the settlements, where he related the result of the expedition and the 
tortures of the captured. 

On October 27, 1784, a treaty was concluded, at Fort Stanwix, with the 
sachems and warriors of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Onei- 
das and Tuscarawas, and the Six Nations then ceded to the Colonial Govern- 
ment all claims to the country west of a line defined by the western boundary 
to the Ohio — thus rendering the Indian claim to a large portion of Ohio lands 
practically extinct. 

Although the French and Indian war was a series of heart-rending events, 
it was a serious and remarkable school of discipline for the untrained troops 
which soon engaged in the Revolutionary struggle. On the fields of Ohio, many 
valuable officers, who earned distinction in the war of independence, learned their 
first lessons in intrepid valor. 

During the Revolution, the colonial troops were engaged east of the moun- 
tains, and western settlements and frontier people were left alone to defend them- 
selves and their property against encroachments and attacks. 

The Indian tribes again became belligerent, and united with the English 
against the "Americans." The latter held a line of posts along the Upper 
Ohio, while the British were stationed in the old French strongholds on the 
lakes and the Mississippi. The unscrupulous whites and Indians ranged at ran- 
dom between this boundary and the Cuyahoga, thence southerly to the Ohio, 



102 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

thus including the Scioto and Miami Valleys. Southeastern Ohio constituted 
"the neutral ground." 

Gen. Clarke's expedition, although chiefly confined to Indiana and Illinois, 
areatly influenced the settlement of Ohio. His exploits and the resolution of 
his troops were chiefly instrumental in holding the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies, and insuring its possession by the United States during the Revolution. 
The Bi itish had been emphatic, in the Paris treaty, at the time of the settlement 
of the French and English difficulties, in demanding the Ohio River as the 
northern boundary of the United States. The American Commissioners relied 
upon Gen. Clarke's valor and energy in holding the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies, which he had conquered, and the British Commissioners wen' compelled 
to give their consent, under civil and military measures. In 1T83, by the 
treaty of Paris, at the close of the Revolutionary war, the English relinquished 
all rights to the fertile territory between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi, 
and the United States held undisputed possession. 

January 10, 1T86, (ions. Rufus Putnam and Benjamin Tupper circulated a 
pamphlet, proposing the formation of a company for the purpose of settling the 
Ohio lands, and soliciting the attention and consideration of all those desiring a 
future home and prosperity. A meeting was also called, to assemble during the 
following February, and select delegates to represent each county in Massachu- 
setts. These dignitaries should convene during the month of March, at the 
" Bunch of Grapes " tavern, in Boston, for the purpose of definitely forming the 
association, and adopting such measures as would benefit all directly interested. 
The meeting and lt convention " followed, and the subscription books were opened. 
One million dollars, chiefly represented by Continental certificates, was the 
price of the land. The shares were valued at $1,000 each, and there was a 
division of a thousand shares. The first payment was to be $10 per share, this 
money to be set aside for such expenses as might accrue. A year's interest was 
to be devoted to the establishment of the settlement, and those families who 
were unable to incur the expense of moving were to be assisted. Those who 
purchased shares to the number of twenty were entitled to a representation by 
an ao-ent, who was permitted to vote for Directors. This plan matured and was 
acted upon during the following year. It may be that the action of Connecti- 
cut, in ceding her territorial claims to the General Government, with few excep- 
tions, greatly encouraged this new undertaking. That tract was, until recently, 
designated the "Western Reserve" — an extent 170 miles from the western 
boundary of Pennsylvania, and parallel thereto, being reserved. 

( )n < Ictober 27, 1787, a contract was made between the Board of the Treas- 
ury, for the United States, and Manasseh Cutler and Winthrop Sargent, agents 
for the Directors of the New England Ohio Company, for the purchase of a tract 
of land, hounded by the Ohio, and from the mouth of the Scioto to the inter- 
section of the western boundary of the seventh townships, then surveying ; 
thence by said boundary to the northern boundary of the tenth township from 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 103 

the Ohio; thence, by a due west line, to the Scioto; thence, by the Scioto, to 
the beginning. 

However fertile and attractive Ohio was known to have been, settlement did 
not gain rapidly after the close of. the war with England, although the United 
States has gained her freedom. It was more than six years after Cornwallis 
laid down his sword, before a white settlement was formed on the Ohio side of the 
river. The French and Indian war had incited the English to be jealous of her 
colonial conquests, and mistrusting their loyalty, they had, so soon as the French 
claims were annulled, taken measures to crush all colonial claims also, and a 
royal proclamation rescinded all colonial hind grants and charters, holding all 
the country west of the sources of the Atlantic rivers under the protection and 
sovereignty of t!:u king of Great Britain, for the use of the Indians. All white 
persons were forbidden to remain or settle within the prescribed limits. Parlia- 
ment then attached this tract to Quebec, and the English Government fit assured 
that the thirteen colonies were restricted and held secure east of the Allesrhanies. 

The result of the war between the colonies and England did not constitute 
an Indian treaty. Although England signed over her title and right, the sava- 
ges held the land and ignored all white agreements, one way or the other. 
Whenever an attempt at settlement was undertaken, Indian depredations proved 
disastrous. The tribes were encouraged by the English fur traders, and the 
English commandant at Detroit incited them to destroy all Americans who 
attempted to usurp the rights of red men. 

Added to this serious difficulty was the unsettled debate regarding State 
chums, which rendered a title precarious. A treaty, signed at Fort Mcintosh, 
previous to the war, and authenticated, shows that during the conflict the Dela- 
wares and Wyandots occupied the Indian and British frontier, on the southern 
shore of Lake Eric, from the Cuyahoga to the Maumee, and from the lake to 
the sources of its tributaries. Later, these two tribes ceded to the United 
States "the neutral ground," by warranty deed, and by quit-claim, the terri- 
tory south and west of the described tract, set apart for their use. 

By special measures, the grant of Congress in the matter of the Ohio Com- 
pany extended to nearly 5,000,000 acres, valued at $o,500,000. The original 
Ohio Company obtained 1,500,000 acres, the remaining being reserved by indi- 
viduals, for private speculation. 

The same year, Congress appointed Arthur St. Clair, Governor, and Win- 
throp Sargent, Secretary, of the Territory. 

Fort Harmar had previously been built, at the mouth of the Muskingum, 
and in 1788, a New England colony attempted the " Muskingum settlement," 
on the opposite side, which was afterward named Marietta. In July, 1788, the 
Territorial officers were received in this village, and there established the first 
form of civil government, as set forth in the Ordinance of 1787. Three United 
States Judges were appointed, and Courts of Common Pleas, Probate and 
Justice were established. 



104 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

If the stormy times were supposed to be of the past, that composure was 
rudely broken by the utter disregard of the Shawnee and other Indian tribes, 
who soon induced the Delawares and Wyandots to repudiate their consent in the 
matter of settlement. The miseries of frontier horrors were repeated. The 
British commandant at Detroit instigated many of these hostilities, yet the 
American Government took honorable action in assuring the English represent- 
ative that American military preparations in the West was not an expedition 
against Detroit, or other British possessions, although the possession of Detroit 
by that nation was in direct opposition to the treaty of 1783. Gov. St. Clair, 
to avert the direful consequences of a border war, dispatched a Frenchman, 
Gameline, to the principal Indian towns of the Wabash and Maumee countries, 
to request them to meet the United States agents, and make a compromise for 
the benefit of both parties, at the same time reiterating the desire of the General 
Government to adhere to the Fort Ilarmar treaty. The Miamis, Shawnees, 
Ottawas, Kickapoos and Delawares received this representative kindly, but 
declined the wampum sent by the Governor, and deferred giving an answer 
until they had considered the subject with the " father at Detroit." 

Blue Jacket, chief of the Shawnees, informed the Frenchman that the Indi- 
ans doubted the sincerity of the Americans. The new settlement on the Ohio 
was a proof that the whites intended to crowd further and further, until the 
Indians were again and again robbed of their just right. Ho then emphatically 
asserted that unless the north side of the river was kept free from these inroads 
there could be no terms of peace with the Shawnees, and many other tribes. 

Blue Jacket was unusually intelligent and sagacious, and expressed himself 
eloquently, lie was persistent in his determination to engage in the war of 
extermination, should the white settlements continue north of the Ohio. 

These overtures were continued, but they failed in producing any arrange- 
ment that permitted the whites to locate north of the Ohio. 

Congress called upon Kentucky and Pennsylvania to lend the aid of their 
militia. Gen. Ilarmar was instructed to destroy the Miami villages at the 
head of the Maumee. Late in the fall of L790, he executed this order. 

The Indians had stored a, large quantity of provisions, in expectation of a 
Campaign, and this dependence was devastated. Without authority, and witli 
undue carelessness, he divided his army and attempted to achieve other victo- 
ries, lie more than lost what lie had gained. Two raids upon the Wabash In- 
dians, thereafter, proved successful, but the campaign under Gov. St. ('lair was 
not calculated to establish peace or obtain power, and was deemed but little less 
than a failure. 

The year 1792 was a series of skirmishes, so far as a settlement was con- 
cerned, but L793 succeeded well enough to convene a meeting of United States 
Commissioners and representatives of the hostile tribes, at the rapids of the 
Maumee. It is highly probable that a satisfactory treaty might have been 
arranged, had it not been for the intervention and malicious influence of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 106 

British Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Col. McKee, his assistant Capt. 
Elliott, and the notorious Capt. Simon Girty, who instigated the savages to 
deeds more horrible than their own barbarisms. • 

It was evident that a severe struggle must ensue, and Capt. Wayne, in 
1792, appointed to the command of the Western army, was called upon to con- 
duct the campaign. He exhibited his wisdom in the beginning, by preparing 
his men in military discipline and fully equipping them before marching to meet 
a savage foe in a wilderness. Various causes detained the army, and it was not 
until the fall of 1793, that the force marched from Fort Washington (Cincin- 
nati) to begin the battle. 

It was already late in the season, and, before any progress had been made, 
tbe army went into winter quarters at Greenville, on a branch of the Big 
Miami. 

In the mean time, the Ohio Company had not matured its practical "settle- 
ment plan," although a generous grant had been obtained. In 1792, they 
received a clear title to 750,000 acres of land, for which the full price had pre- 
viously been paid, in Continental currency. Congress set aside 214,285 acres 
as army bounties, and 100,000 acres to actual settlers. The two latter appro- 
priations joined that of the Ohio Company. 

There had been numerous conventions, discussions and other fruitless 
attempts to somehow form a plan for the government of the Northwest Terri- 
tory, but it was not until July 13, 1787, that an ordinance was passed, and that 
was the result of Dr. Cutler's efforts. Every State sustained its measures. 

This ordinance was the foundation of the constitution of the future State of 
Ohio, and indeed, permeates the entire Northwestern creed. 

ORDINANCE OF 1 787.— No. .32. 
An Ordinance fob the Government op the Territory of the Dnited States, Northwest of 
the On id River. 

Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, That the said Territory, for tlio pur- 
pose of government, be one district; subject, however, to be divided into two districts, as future cir- 
cumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the estates of both resident and non-resident 
proprietors in the said Territory, dying intestate, shall descend to and be distributed among their 
children and the descendants of a deceased child, in equa] parts; the descendants of a deceased 
child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them. And 
when there shall he no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal 
degree; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall 
have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parent's share; and there shall in no case be a 
distribution between kindred of the whole and half blood, saving in all cases to the widow of 
intestate, her third part of the real estate, for life, and one-third part of the personal estate; and 
this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in full force until altered by the 1/ 
lature of the district. And until the Governor and Judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter 
mentioned, estates in said Territory maj be devised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed 
and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of full age), and attested by three 
witnesses; and real estate may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed and 
sealed, and delivered by the person (being in full age) in whom the estate may be, and attested 



106 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, anil such conveyances be acknowledged, or 
the execution thereof duly proved and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, 
courts and registers shall be appointed for that purpose. And personal property may be trans- 
ferred by delivery, saving, however, to the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of 
the Kaskaskias, St. Vincent's and the neighboring villages, who have heretofore professed them- 
selves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the 
descent and conveyance of property. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That there shall be appointed from time to time, by 
Congress, a Governor whose commission shall continue in force for a term of three years, unless 
sooner revoked by Congress. He shall reside in the district and have a freehold estate therein, 
of a thousand acres of land while in the exercise of his office. 

There shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a Secretary whose commission shall 
continue in force for two years, unless sooner revoked. He shall reside in the district, and shall 
have a freehold estate therein in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be 
his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the Legislature, and the public records 
of the district, and the proceedings of the Governor in his executive department, and transmit 
authentic copies of such acts and proceedings every six months, to the Secretary of Congress. 
There shall also be appointed a court to consist of three Judges, any two of whom to form a 
court, who shall have a common law jurisdiction and shall reside in the district and have each 
therein a freehold estate in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of their office, and their 
commissions shall continue in force during good behavior. 

The Governor and Judges, or a majority of them, shall adopt and publish in the district 
such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary and best suited to the 
circumstances of the district, and report them to Congress from time to time, which laws shall be 
in force in the district until the organization of the General Assembly therein, unless disapproved 
by Congress. But afterward, the Legislature shall have authority to alter them, as they shall 
think fit. 

The Governor, for the time being, shall be commander-in-chief of the militia, appoint and 
commission all officers in the same, below the rank of general officers. All general officers shall 
be appointed and commissioned by Congress. 

Previous to the organization of the General Assembty, the Governor shall appoint such mag- 
istrates and other civil officers, in each county or township, as he shall find necessary for the 
preservation of the peace and good order in the same. After the General Assembly shall be 
organized, the powers and duties of magistrates ami oilier civil officers shall be regulated and 
defined by the said Assembly, but all magistrates and other civil officers not herein otherwise 
directed, shall, during the continuance of this temporary government, be appointed by the 
Governor. 

For the prevention of crimes and injuries, the laws to be adopted or made shall have force- 
in all parts of the district, ami for the execution of process, criminal or civil, the Governor shall 
make proper divisions thereof, and he shall proceed from time to time as circumstances may 
require, to lay out the parts of the district in which the Indian titles shall have been extin- 
guished, into counties and townships, subject, however, to such alterations as may thereafter be 
made hy the Legislature. So soon as there shall lie 5,000 free male inhabitants of full age in the 
district, upon giving proof thereof to the Governor, they shall receive authority with time and 
place, to elect representatives from their counties or townships, to represent them in the General 
Assembly. Provided, Thai for every 500 free male inhabitants, there shall lie one representative, 
and so on progressively with the number of free male inhabitants, shall the righl of representa- 
tion increase, until the number of representatives shall amount to twenty-five. After which, the 
number shall be regulated by the Legislature. Provided, Thai no person he eligible or qualified 
to act as a representative unless lie shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three 
years, and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three 
years, and in either case, shall likewise hold in his own right in fee simple 200 acres of land 
within the same. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 107 

Provided, Also, that a freehold in 50 acres of land in the district, having been a citizen of 
one of the States, and being a resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years' resi- 
dence in the district, shall be necessary to qualify a man as an elector of a representative. 

The representatives thus elected, shall serve for the term of two years. And in case of the 
death of a representative or removal from office, the Governor shall issue a writ to the county or 
township for which he was a member, to elect another in his stead, to serve for the residue of the 
term. 

The General Assembly or Legislature shall consist of the Governor. Legislative Council, and 
a House of Representatives. The Legislative Council shall consist of five members, to com i ;: la- 
in office five years, unless sooner removed by Congress; any three of whom to be a quorum. 
And the members of the Council shall be nominated and appointed in the following manner, to nit : 

As soon as representatives shall lie elected, the Governor shall appoint a time and place for 
them to meet together, and when met, they shall nominate ten persons, residents in the district, 
and each person in a freehold in 500 acres of land, and return their names to Congress, five of 
whom Congress shall appoint and commission as aforesaid. And whenever a vacancy shall hap- 
pen in the Council by death or removal from office, the House of Representatives shall nominate 
two persons, qualified as aforesaid, for each vacancy, and return their names to Congress, one of 
whom Congress shall appoint and commission for the residue of the term. And every five years, 
four months at least before the expiration of the time of service of the members of the Council, 
the said House shall nominate ten persons qualified as aforesaid, and return their names to 
Congress, five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as members of the 
Council five years, unless sooner removed. And the Governor, Legislative Council and House 
of Representatives shall have authority to make laws in all cases, for the good government 
of the district, not repugnant to the principles and articles in this Ordinance, established and 
declared. 

And all bills having passed by a majority in the House, and by a majority in the Council, 
shall he referred to the Governor for his assent. But no bill or legislative act whatever, shall lie 
of any force without his assent. The Governor shall have power to convene, prorogue and dis- 
solve the General Assembly, when in his opinion it shall be expedient. 

The Governor, Judges, Legislative Council, Secretary, and such other officers as Congress 
shall appoint in the district, shall take an oath or affirmation of fidelity and of office. The Gov- 
ernor before the President of Congress, and all other officers before the Governor. 

As soon as a Legislature shall be formed in the district, the Council and House assembled 
in one room, shall have authority by joint ballot to elect a delegate to Congress, who shall 
have a seat in Congress, with a right of debating, but not of voting, during this temporary gov- 
ernment. 

And for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which forms 
the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions, are created ; to fix and establish 
those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions and governments, which forever hereafter 
shall be formed in said Territory. To provide for the establishment of States, and pern i 
governments therein, and for their admission to a share in the Federal Council on an equal footing 
with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest. 

It is hereby ordained and declared by the authority aforesaid, Thai the following article- shall 
be considered as articles of compact between the original States and the people, and States in 
said Territory, and forever remain unaltered unless by common consent, to wit : 

Article II. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the l>cnetit> of the 

writ of habeas corpus, and of the trial by jury; of a proportionate representation of the ; pie 

in the Legislature, and of judicial procedure according to the course of common law. All per- 
sons shall be bailable, except for capital offenses, where the proof shall he evident or the pre- 
sumption great. All fines shall be moderate, and no cruel or unreasonable punishment - 
inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty or property, but by the judgment of his 
or the law of the land. And should the public exigencies make it necessary for the common 
preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, full compensation 



108 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

shall be made for the same. And in the just preservation of rights and property, it is under- 
stood and declared that no law aught ever to be made or have force in the said Territory, 
that shall in any manner whatever interfere with or effect private contracts or engagements bona 
fide and without fraud, previously formed. 

Art. III. Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the 
happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. The 
utmost good fait h shall always be observed toward the Indians; their lands and property shall 
never be taken from them without their consent; and in their property, rights and liberty they 
shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress. But 
laws founded in justice and humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs 
being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them. 

Art. IV. The said Territory and the States which may be formed therein, shall ever remain 
a part of the confederacy of the United States of America, subject to the articles of confedera- 
tion, and to such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made, and to all the acts and 
ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled conformable thereto. The inhabitants and 
settlers in said Territory shall be subject to pay a part of the federal debts contracted or to be 
contracted, and a proportional part of the expenses of the Government, to be apportioned on 
them by Congress, according to the same common rule and measure by which apportionments 
thereof shall be made on the other States, and the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid 
and levied by the authority and directions of the Legislature of the district or districts or new 
States, within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. The Legisla- 
tures of those districts or new States, shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil 
by the United Stales in Congress assembled, nor with any regulations Congress may find neces- 
sary for securing the title in such soil to the bona-fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on 
lands the property of the United States, and in no case, shall non-residents be taxed higher than 
residents. The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St Lawrence, and the carry- 
ing places between the same, shall be common highways, and forever free as well to the inhabi- 
tants of the said Territory as to the citizens of the United States and those of any other States 
that may be admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost or duty therefor. 

Art. V. There shall be formed in said Territory not less than three, nor more than five, 
States, and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of cession and 
consent to the same, shall become fixed and established as follows, to wit: The western State in 
the said Territory shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Wabash Livers ; a direct 
line drawn from the Wabash and Post St. Vincent, due north to the Territorial line between the 
United States and Canada: and by the said Territorial line to the Lake of the Woods and Missis- 
sippi. The middle State shall be bounded by the said direct line, the Wabash from Post St. Vin- 
cent to the Ohio, by the Ohio, by a direct line drawn due north from the mouth of the Great 
Miami to the said Territorial line. The eastern State shall be bounded by the last-mentioned 
direct line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania and said territorial line. Provided, however, and it is further 
understood and declared, that the boundaries of those three States shall be subject so far to be 
altered, that, if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have authority to form one 
or two States in that part of the said Territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn 
through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. And whenever any of the said States 
shall have 00,000 free inhabitants therein, such State shall be admitted by its delegates into the 
Congress of the United States on an equal -footing with the original States in all respects what- 
ever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and State government. Provided, 
The constitution and government so to be formed, shall be represented, and in conformity to the 
principles contained in these articles; and so far as it can be consistent with the general interest 
of the confederacy, such admission shall be allowed at an earlier period, and when there may be 
a less number of free inhabitants than 60,000. 

Art. VI. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory, 
otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. 
Provided always, That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or service is lawfully 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 100 

claimed in one of the original States, each fugitive may be lawfully claimed and conveyed to the 
person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the resolutions of the 23d of April, 1784, 
relative to the subject of this ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed and declared null 
and void. 

The passage of this ordinance, since known as the " Ordinance of 1787/ 
was immediately followed by an application to the Government, by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, in behalf of the country, between the Miamis, and a 
contract was concluded the following year. The Ohio Company were exceed- 
ingly energetic in inaugurating settlements. Gen. Putman, with a party of 
forty-seven men, set out on an exploring expedition, accompanied by six boat 
builders. On the 1st of January, 1788, twenty-six surveyors followed, from 
Hartford, Conn. They arrived in Ohio on the 7th of April, 1788, and their 
active energy founded the permanent beginning of this great Western State- 
When we review the dangerous experiments that have been made, in this land 
west of the Alleghanies, the horrors which had overwhelmed every attempt, we 
can faintly realize the stalwart courage that sent these men on their way, and 
sustained them in their pioneer hardships. With characteristic vigor, they 
began their little town. Enthusiastic and happy, they did not rest from their 
toilsome march over the old Indian roads, but kept busily at work to estab- 
lish an oasis in this wide expanse of wilderness, before they should take nec- 
essary ease to recuperate their strength. 

The wise men met on the 2d of May, and the little town was named 
Marietta. Situated as it was, in the midst of danger, they had used precaution 
to build and equip a fortified square, which was designated Campus Martius ; 
Square No. 19 was Capitolium, and Square No. 61 was Cecelia, and the main 
street was Sacra Via. 

Marietta was especially fortunate in her actual "first families." Ten of the 
forty-eight men had received a thorough college education ; the remaining were 
individuals of sterling merit, honorable, and several had already attained reputations 
.for superior excellence of abilities. Patriotic and brave, the settlement certainly 
possessed a foundation that promised well for the future. The following 4th of 
July was an auspicious event, and the Hon. James M. Varnum was the eloquent 
orator of the occason . 

The opening of the court, on the 2d of September, was a solemn ceremonial, 
the High Sheriff leading with drawn sword, followed by citizens, with an escort 
of officers from Fort Ilarmar, the members of the bar, the Governor and Clergy- 
men, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas — Gen. Rufus Putman and 
Benjamin Tupper — all these constituted an imposing spectacle, as they pro- 
gressed over a path which had been cut through the forest to Campus Martius 
Hall, the edifice of law and order. 

The Judges took their seats, a prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, 
and immediately the Sheriff, Col. Ebenezer Sprout, proclaimed the response, 
and the court of impartial justice was convened. 



110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

This ceremonial was, perhaps, made all the more impressive by the presence 
of several powerful Indian chiefs, who had journeyed to Marietta for the pur- 
pose of making a treaty. 

The settlement now increased rapidly, new cabins were erected constantly. 
On the 17th of December, a society event occurred, in the form of a grand ball, 
fifteen ladies being present. 

John Cleves Symmes had contracted for 2,000,000 acres of land, and suc- 
ceeded in obtaining his grant, but circumstances prevented him from meeting 
his part of the obligations, and the specification was reduced to 1,000,000. 
After vain attempt to make his payments, a settlement was finally effected for 
248,540 acres, and Symmes was prepared to dispose of clear titles to new-com- 
ers. In 1788, a town was established within the boundaries of his grant, at the 
mouth of the little Miami, known as Columbia, and in the early part of 17*7 
another was formed opposite the mouth of the Licking River, by name Losanti- 
ville, analyzed by a frontier scholar — ville, the town ; anti, opposite to ; os, the 
mouth of; L, Licking. 

Judge Symmes had projected building his main town at North Bend. This 
plan was frustrated by reason of Ensign Luce — who had been commissioned by 
Gen. Harmar to erect a fort — deciding that North Bend was not suitable for the 
purpose. He selected Losantiville for the purpose, and Fort Washington was 
the result. In 1790, Gov. St. Clair was called to inspect the settlement, and 
proceeded to organize Hamilton County, at the same time calling the town 
Cincinnati. 

It will be remembered that Connecticut ceded most of her western lands to 
General Government, retaining, however, a minor portion. As the settlements 
began to increase on the "Virginia Reserve" and between the Scioto and Miami 
Rivers, all those holding claims were not disposed to part with them, -while 
others were anxious to secure grants for the purpose of speculation, rather than 
the advancement of civilization. The Scioto Company was a questionable ad- 
herent of the Ohio Company, and began operations, which resulted well, what- 
ever their purpose may have been. 

Gen. Putnam cleared the land and directed the building of 100 dwellings and 
Bix block-houses. During 1791, the colony arrived, consisting of 500 persons. 
Only ten of these were tillers of the soil. Viscount Malartie ventured into the 
wilderness, but instead of settling, joined Gen. St. Clair's army, and was ulti- 
mately bis aid-de-camp. Indian conquests were not to his taste, and he soon 
returned to France. This new colony was essentially French, and its location 
was Gallia County. The name " Gallipolis " was selected. 

These settlers, being unaccustomed to severe toil, and disinclined to learn 
its hard lesson, soon became demoralized, through deprivation and absolute 
want. Congress came to their aid with a land grant of 24,001) acres, but few 
of them cared to enter claims, and soon all traces of the old town were lost, and 
its inhabitants scattered. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. Ill 

Gen. St. Clair having become unpopular, through repeated failures in Indian 
campaigns, and Gen. Anthony Wayne having wintered at Fort Washington, 
the spring of 1793 was opened by a march of the army, well disciplined and 
led by " Mad Anthony," on a campaign that must crush the rapidly increasing 
depredations of the Indians, notwithstanding which these new settlements had 
been made. All winter, Gen. Wayne had dispatched scouts, spies and hardy 
frontiersmen on errands of discovery, and his plans were, therefore, practically 
matured. His army cut its way through the forests, gathering horses, provis- 
ions, etc., as they marched, and finally came nearly up to the enemy before dis- 
covery. They again returned to Fort Washington, as the Commander-in-Chief, 
under the order of the Executive, had proclaimed inaction until the Northern 
or British Commissioners and Indians should convene and discuss the situation 
and prospects. Gen. Wayne, meantime, drilled his men at tw Hobson's Choice," 
a place near Fort Washington. 

The Commissioners came from Detroit, and assembled at Capt. Matthew 
Elliot's house, at the mouth of the Detroit River. 

A meeting was called at Sandusky, and twenty Indian representatives were 
present, to argue the grounds of a treaty. Simon Girty acted as interpreter, 
and has been vehemently accused of unfaithfulness in this trust, since he did 
not advocate the adjustment of matters on any grounds. The Indians reiterated 
their rights and wrongs, and offered to receive the half of the purchase money, 
provided the actual settlers would accept it as the price of the land, move away, 
and leave the original owners the proud possessors of their lands. The Govern- 
ment would then expend less money than they would have done in a full Indian 
purchase, or a long and cruel war. This being out of the question and rejected, 
a decided specification was made that the Ohio boundary was to be obliterated, 
and a new one adopted, that encompassed a mere fraction of territory. This 
was also rejected, The Indians indignantly bade the Americans to go back to 
their father, and they would return to their tribes. 

The council was terminated in confusion. It is highly probable that some 
settlement might have been made, had it not been for English influence which 
instigated the savages, in the hope of ultimately making conquests for them- 
selves. The commander at Detroit evinced great uneasiness whenever there 
was a shadow of an opportunity for a peaceful understanding. 

On Christmas Day, 1793, a detachment of the army encamped on the 
identical ground made memorable by St. Clair's horrible defeat. A reward was 
offered for every human skull that was found, and 600 were gathered. The 
bones of the victims were removed from the spot where they built Fort Recovery. 
This point was left in charge of Alexander Gibson. 

Early in the year 1794, Lord Dorchester addressed the Commissioners in 
behalf of the English. Even at this time, Gen. Wayne, to avoid the terrors of 
a great war, again made overtures of peace, dispatching Freeman, Trueman and 
Hardin, all initiated in savage tactics, on errands of mercy — and the three men 



112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

^ece inhumanly murdered. The English went so far as to order Gov. Simcoe 
to erect a fort, in April, 1794, on the Rapids of the Maumee, thus rousing the 
Indians by a bold proof that they had espoused their cause. In May, the 
Spanish, who were ever jealous of colonial encroachments, were willing to aid 
in a general raid against the Americans. 

In June, a scoutirlg party from Fort Recovery, fell into an Indian ambush 
and suffered severely, their foes following them to the very entrance. The siege 
continued for two days. It was plainly evident that white men augmented the 
Indian force ; ounce balls and buck-shot surely came from their rifles. Again, 
the Indians immediately began a search beneath the logs where pieces of artillery 
were hidden during the great battle of St Clair, but fortunately, Fort Recovery 
had the use of them and they accomplished much. 

On July 26, Scott joined Wayne at Greenville, with 1,600 mounted 
Kentuckians, and on the 28th, the legion took up its line of deadly march. 
Halting at Girty's Town, they built Fort Mary's, later on Fort Adams. Throw- 
ing the enemy off their guard by feints and counter-inarching, the troops surprised 
the Indians, and without the slightest resistance took possession of their villages 
at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee. They found provision in 
abundance, and tarried a week building Fort Defiance. 

Again Gen. Wayne would have made terms of peace, on the principle of the 
Government to arrest bloodshed, but the Indians were rendered cruelly intent 
on war by an addition of a body of British militia from Detroit, and by regulars 
stationed at a fort they had built on the left bank of the river, below the rapids, 
called Fort Miami. The "Fallen Timber" ground was selected as the field 
for a battle by the savages, in the expectation that the trees cast down by a 
tornado and there remaining, would seriously impede American progress. 

August 15th, Wayne marched down the river, and at Roche de Boeuf, erected 
a fortification for their stores and luggage, naming it " Fort Deposit." On the 
20th, the American army began the attack. Maj. Price and Maj. Gen. Scott 
were heroic in their assistance, and after a sharp, deadly conflict, the enemy 
was routed, fleeing in confusion, and leaving their dead and wounded strewn 
thickly over the field. The savages were pressed to the front always, and when 
the carnage was painful, the British troops not engaged looked on coolly from the 
fort and offered no assistance, aiding their own, however, when possible. Gen. 
Wayne being an ardent soldier, was apt to forget his position, and impetuously 
place himself constantly in danger. Lieut. Harrison is reported to have 
requested the General not to forget to give him field orders, in his own partici- 
pation in the battle, and to have received the reply that the standing order was 
always to charge bayonets. 

Notwithstanding the treaty of 1878, and the fact that the British were tres- 
passing, they encroached upon the Ohio soil, and essayed to vindicate their 
action by discarding American claims and recognizing the Indian rights, whereby 
they might seek their own colonization and make treaties. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. lit 

Maj. Campbell was in command at Fort Miami, and when he saw the sava- 
ges being cut down almost mercilessly, he not only refrained from offering aid, 
but when, in their desperate retreat, they attempted to enter the fort for pro- 
tection, he ordered the doors closed in their faces. 

On the following day, Campbell sent a message to Wayne, demanding a 
reason for hostile action, adding that Great Britain was not now at war with the 
United States. He received a characteristic reply. 

During the Revolution, Detroit was an important British point, and the 
Maumee was its outlet. Therefore, the English clung tenaciously to this pos- 
session, giving, as it did, the advantage of the great fur trade. The English 
Government evidently regretted ceding so much of her territory in the West, 
and were searching for an excuse to quarrel and attempt to regain at least a part 
of what they had lost. Their policy was to sustain the bitter hatred between 
the Indians and the Americans. 

The settlement of the Maumee Valley had been rapid, but the very name 
was an agony of remembrance of frightful massacres and atrocities. Col. 
McKee, the British Indian agent, and his assistant, Capt. Elliott, were from 
Pennsylvania, but being Tories, they had assimilated with the Indians. They 
joined the Shawnee tribe and married Indian wives, and made their fortunes 
thereby, through British appointments to secure the savage interests. The 
Indians were directly served by McKee and Elliott, with ammunition and sup- 
plies, during the Wayne conflict. . 

Several skirmishes ensued, but severe weather approaching, the troops 
moved for quarters, and on the 14th day of September, they attacked the Miami 
villages, captured them with provisions and stores, and erected a fort, leaving 
it in charge of Lieut. Col. Ham tram ck. With cheers and rifle-shooting, this post 
was named Fort Wayne. The main army marched into Greenville and went into 
winter quarters. 

Wayne had achieved a brilliant victory, but his success did not overcome his 
practical reasoning, and he was unwilling to subject his men to a severe winter's 
campaign unless necessity was peremptory. 

Gov. Simcoe, Col. McKee and a few of the most savage Indian chiefs 
attempted to rally the Indians for a new attack. Gov. Simcoe, of Detroit, was 
aware that the mounted volunteers under Wayne had been allowed to return 
home, and that the term of service of a portion of the " Legion " was about to 
expire. 

The British and Indians held a conference, but the latter were weary with 
fighting for the glory of the Great Father at Detroit, and did not enter into the 
plan. The Avinter proved most poverty stricken to them, the English failing to 
supply them, and their crops and sustenance having been destroyed by Wayne. 
They were then fully prepared to listen to the faintest signal from Wayne to 
conciliate affairs, and the Wyandots and Delawares were the first to confer with 
him on the subject. Their position was exposed ami they had suffered severely. 



114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

They soon influenced other tribes to consider the question. As a mass, they 
were convinced of their inability to overcome the Americans, and had become 
impatient and disgusted with the duplicity of their British friends, who had n >t 
hesitated to sacrifice them in every instance, and who deserted them in their 
hour of distress. United, they sued for peace. Terms were made, and about 
the 1st of August, the famous Greenville treaty was ratified and established, 
and the old Indian war in Ohio terminated. 

The Wyandots, Delawares, Shawnees, Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatomics, 
Miamis, Eel Rivers, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws and Kaskaskias were thus 
conciliated. The old Indian boundary Line, settled upon at the Fori Mcintosh 
treaty, was retained, and the southwestern line was prolonged from old Fort 
Recovery, southwest of the Ohio River. 

"■ The general boundary lines between the lands of the United States and 
the lands of the said Indian tribes shall begin at the mouth of the Cuyahoga 
River, and thence run up the same to the portage between that and the Tus- 
carawas Branch of the Muskingum ; thence down that branch to the crossing- 
place above Fort Laurens : thence westerly to a fork of that branch of the 
Grreal Miami River (running into the Ohio), at or near which fork stood Lar- 
amie's store — Mary's River, which is a branch of the Miami that runs into Lake 
Erie ; thence a westerly course to Fort Recovery, which stands on a branch of 
the Wabash ; thence southwesterly on a direct line to the Ohio, so as to inter- 
sect that river opposite the mouth of the Kentucky or Cuttawa River." 

This boundary line has, ever since this memorable treaty, been a prominent 
landmark, and may now be traced as the southern boundary line of Stark, Ash- 
land, Richland ami Marion Counties, and the northern line, in part, of Tuscar- 
awas and Knox. Old Fort Recovery was located in Mercer, near the Indiana 
line. Laramie's store was in Shelby. 

Within the Indian Reservation, the United States held sixteen distinct sec- 
tions of land. Tor the purpose of military posts, so arranged that the Govern- 
ment had full right of way north and west. 

The "Joy treaty " between England and the United States was ratified early 
in 1796, and the British were obliged to vacate Detroit and Fort Miami, and recall 
the fact that they had no claim or right to either points, (ien. Wayne received 
them, and accompanied by Gov. St. Clair, proceeded to Detroit. Here the lat- 
ter laid out a county, calling it Wayne, and designated Detroit as its scat of 
justice. This was the fifth county in the Northwest Territory, north of the 
Ohio River. Washington County, with Marietta as a seat of justice, was first 
established; next Hamilton, with Cincinnati as a county seat. Wayne County 
was organized in 1796, and included about twenty-six of the present counties, 
in the northwest part of the State, covering about a quarter of its area, besides 
parts of Indiana and Michigan. 

In other parts of the State, the population was rapidly increasing. In May, 
1795, the Legislature authorized a committee to institute measures for the 






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«.'--■ ■. 





HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 117 

disposal of their Western lands. The Virginia and Connecticut Reservations 
required some action on the part of Government, inasmuch as ceding a portion 
and re-selling had in a measure disturbed free titles. Fifty-six persons negoti- 
ated and purchased lands, receiving quit-claim titles and entire rights. They 
re-sold to John Morgan and John Caldwell and Jonathan Bruce, in trust. Thus 
3,000,000 acres were prepared for settlement. Upon the quit-claim deeds of 
these representatives, the full title of lands included within the old Western 
Reserve rests. 

Judge Symmes began his active operations in 1700, and by the close of 
1797 all lands east of the Cuyahoga were laid out in townships, five miles square. 
The agent of the Connecticut Land Company was Gen. Moses Cleveland, and in 
his honor the leading city in the Reserve was named. Some townships were 
retained for private sale, and others were disposed of by lottery, in 1798. 

Wayne's treaty led to the formation of Dayton, and the peopling of that 
section. A difficulty arose regarding the original Symmes grant and its modifi- 
cation. Symmes had sold land titles, in good faith, beyond his vested power, 
and Congress was now called upon to adjust these claims and titles. Seventeen 
days after the Wayne or Greenville treaty, St. Clair, Wilkinson, Dayton and 
Ludlow contracted with Symmes for seven and eight ranges, between the Mad 
and Little Miami Rivers. November 4, 1705, Mr. Ludlow laid out Dayton. 

During the years 1700 and 1795, the Governor and Supreme Judges of the 
Northwest Territory had published sixty-four statutes. Thirty-four of these 
were ratified at Cincinnati, for the purpose of forming a complete statutory. It 
was termed the " Maxwell Code." 

Mr. Nathaniel Massie founded a town on the Scioto, which was called 
Chillicothe. The Iroquois treaty had previously invited settlement, and embryo 
towns had begun as early as 1700, under the protection of the Connecticut 
Company. A land" company was organized in Hartford, Conn., in 1795, sending 
out forty-three surveyors to divide the townships of that part of the Western 
Reserve, east of the Cuyahoga, five miles square. The first resident of the town 
of Cleveland was Mr. Job Stiles and family, and Mrs. Stiles was the mother of 
the first white child born on the Reserve. Some other parts of the territory 
progressed more rapidly in population. 

Along the Muskingum, Scioto and Miami, towns began to spring up, which 
might perhaps better be termed farming settlements. 

Cincinnati was increasing, and in 1790, had reached 100 cabins, 15 frame 
houses and 600 persons, with prospects for a firm future. 

The Virginia Military Land District was between the Little Miami and 
Scioto, and was rapidly increasing in population. 

Mr. Massie was unceasing in his efforts to advance the West, and laid out 
Manchester, offering inducements that could not fail to attract settlers. 

Ebenezer Zane procured a grant in consideration of opening a bridle path 
from the Ohio River at Wheeling, over the country via Chillicothe, to Limestone, 



118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

in Kentucky. The year following, the United States mail was taken over 
this route. 

The comparatively tranquil condition of the country and the inducements it 
had to offer encouraged a rapid settlement of the Territory. A prominent 
feature of the early growth of Ohio was the general prevalence of reliable, 
stanch principle. The people were of the good colonial stock. 

In 1800, Chillicothe was denominated the seat of the Territorial govern- 
ment, and the first stone edifice in the State was begun in this town, soon after 
this appointment. About this time, a serious difficulty suddenly occurred to 
those individuals who had taken lands on the Western Reserve of Connecticut. 
That Eastern power had, it is true, ceded a part of her claim to the General 
Government, and had stipulated for the sale of certain other tracts. At the 
same time, the State had not signed away her jurisdiction over some sections of 
her claim, and those unfortunate people in and about Dayton found themselves 
without any government upon which they might depend in a case of emergency. 
The matter was, accordingly, presented to the Territorial government, which 
interceded with the Eastern State, and, sanctioned by the Assembly at Congress, 
Connecticut relinquished her jurisdiction in 1800. 

Cleveland was an important point, and was growing in the mean time. How- 
ever, it had suffered exceedingly from the ravages of fever and ague. For a 
period of two months, there was not an individual, but a boy thirteen years 
of age, able to procure food for the others. Flour was out of all rational con- 
sideration, and the meal upon which they lived was pounded by hand. In 
1799, Williams and Myatt erected a grist-mill at the falls, near Newbury. 

A startling agitation occurred in 1801, which in these days would cause but a 
ripple in the political sea, but happening during a time when legislative dignity 
and state authority were regarded with reverential awe, it created the most 
intense feeling. Great indignation was openly expressed. 

The Governor and several legislators felt that they had been insulted in 
the performance of their respective duties, at Chillicothe, while the Assembly 
was in session in 1801. No measures being taken by the authorities at the 
capital to protect the Executive, a law was passed removing the seat of govern- 
ment to Cincinnati. 

This eireumstance led to a general consideration of the advantages of a. 
State government, and a popular desire was expressed for a change in this 
respect. Gov. St. Clair had fallen into disfavor through his failure as a military 
leader and his failures in the Indian campaigns, and from his assuming powers 
which were not vested in him, especially the subdivision of counties. He was 
also identified with the Federal party, which was not popular in Ohio. The 
opposition was strong in the Assembly, but was in the minority in the House of 
Representatives. The boundary question was agitated at the same time. The 
intention was to thus effect the limits of Ohio that a State government would 
necessarily have to be postponed. Against this measure, Tiffin, Worthington, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 119 

Longham, Darlington, Massie, Dunlavy and Morrow strenuously objected. After 
considerable discussion, Thomas Worthington obtained leave of absence from 
the session, and journeyed to Washington in behalf of a State government. It 
was obvious that the Territory, under the ordinance, was not entitled to a 
change. Massie suggested the feasibility of appointing a committee to address 
Congress on the subject. This the House refused to pass. 

An effort was then made to take a census, but any action on this subject 
was postponed until the next session. 

During all this ineffectual struggle, Worthington was doing his best in Wash- 
ington, and succeeded so well that on March 4, a report was made to the House 
in favor of the State government. This report was made on a basis that the 
census, in 1800, summed up over 45,000 for Ohio. 

April 30, Congress passed a law carrying into effect the views expressed on 
this subject. A convention met on November 1. Its members were generally 
Jeffersonian in their views. Gov. St. Clair proposed to address them as their 
chief executive magistrate. Several members resolutely opposed this action, 
insisting upon a vote, which, through courtesy and not a sense of right, resulted 
in permitting him to address them. He advised the postponement of the State 
government until the original eastern portion of the State was sufficiently pop- 
ulated to demand this right. Only one, out of thirty-three, voted to sustain 
the Governor in these views. 

The convention agreed to the views of Congress. November 29, the agree- 
ment was ratified and signed, as was the constitution of the State of Ohio. 
The General Assembly was ordered to convene the first Tuesday of March, 1803. 

This was carried into effect. A constitution was framed for the new State, 
adhering to the Ordinance of 1787. The rights and duties of citizens were 
plainly set forth, and general business was transacted. The new State consti- 
tution was signed by : 

Edward Tiffin, President and Representative from Ross County. 

Adams County — Joseph Darlington, Israel Donalson, Thomas Vinker. 

Belmont County — James Caldwell and Elijah Woods. 

Clermont County — Philip Gatch and James Sargent. 

Fairfield County — Henry Abrams and Emanuel Carpenter. 

Hamilton County — John W. Brown, Charles Willing Byrd, Francis Dun- 
lavy, William Goforth, John Gitchel, Jeremiah Morrow, John Paul, John Riley, 
John Smith and John Wilson. 

Jefferson County — Rudolph Blair, George Humphry, John Milligan, Nathan 
Updegraff and Bezaleel Wells. 

Ross County — Michael Baldwin, James Grubb, Nathaniel Massie and F. 
Worthinston. 

Washington County — Ephraim Cutler, Benjamin Ives Gilman, John Mc- 
Intyre and Rufus Putnam. 
Thomas Scott, Secretary. 



120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

The first Legislature of the State, under the new constitution, created eight 
new counties, viz., Gallia, Scioto, Franklin, Columbiana, Butler, Warren, 
Greene and Montgomery. 

The first State officers were : Michael Baldwin, Speaker of the House ; Na- 
thaniel Massie, President of the Senate ; William Creighton, Secretary of 
State ; Col. Thomas Gibson, Auditor ; William McFarland, Treasurer ; Return 
J. Meigs, Jr., Samuel Huntington and William Sprigg, Judges of the Supreme 
Court ; Francis Dunlavy, Willis Silliman and Calvin Pease, Judges of the Dist- 
rict Court. 

The General Assembly held a second session in December, at which time 
the militia law was revised, also giving aliens equal proprietary rights with native 
citizens. The revenue system was modified and improved. Acts authorizing 
the incorporation of townships were passed, and for the establishment of coun- 
ties. Furthermore, Jacob White, Jeremiah Morrow and William Ludlow were 
authorized to locate a township for collegiate purposes, according to previous 
specified terms of Congress. The Symmes grant and the college specification 
collided materially, but the irregularity of the former was not to create any 
inconvenience for the latter. Mr. Symmes had in good faith marked off this 
township, but eireumstances preventing the perfection of his plans, that lapsed 
with the others, and the original township was now entered by settlers. 

Accordingly, thirty-six sections, west of the Great Miami, were selected, 
and are now held by the Miami University. 

Gov. St. Clair, notwithstanding his unpopularity, was re-appointed. 

Ohio was under a system of government which guaranteed the best improve- 
ments ; her Legislature being composed of her best statesmen, and the laws 
passed having the general interest of the people embodied in them. 

A bill was passed, appropriating the net proceeds of the land lying within 
^aid State, sold by Congress after the 20th day of June, 180:?, after deducting 
all expenses incident to the same, to be applied to the laying-out of road-, 
leading from the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic to the Ohio, to 
the said State, and through the same ; such roads to be laid out under the 
authority of Congress, with the consent of the several States through which the 
road shall pass. In conformity with these provisions, steps were taken, in 1805, 
which resulted in the making of the Cumberland or National road. 

Burr, at this time, begun an organization for the ostensible purpose of 
making a settlement on the Wachita, but his party being armed and his plans 
not being frankly disclosed, an investigation proved that his real design was a 
mutinous revolt against Governmental powers, and to gratify his ambition by 
founding his own kingdom in Mexico, and defeating the Spanish. If success 
crowned his efforts, his ultimate victory was to rupture the Union by forcing the 
Western States to withdraw from their allegiance. By gaining an influence 
over the noble but misguided Blennerhasset, he established his headquarters on 
his island in the Ohio. The history of Burr's expedition is already well known. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 121 

The final capture by Gov. Tiffin, of ten boats loaded with stores, on the Mus- 
kingum, and four near Marietta, decided the fate of this scheme, and Burr was 
finally arrested and put on trial May 22, 1807. 

The advancement of the settlement of the State was in no manner impeded, 
and towns sprang up, farms were laid out, and all other improvements inaugu- 
rated which tended to a permanent prosperity. 

In 1808, Tecumseh left Greenville to join the Prophet on the banks of the 
Tippecanoe, a tributary of the Upper Wabash, on a tract of land granted herein 
by the Pottawatomies. 

The Indians were virtually by treaty allowed but a small proportion of land 
within the boundaries of the State, and were maintaining peaceful attitudes 
toward the whites, with exceptional border depredations, which were settled by 
mutual understanding. 

Although the United States had gained independence, and was treating with. 
England as with other foreign powers, the British persisted in violating the 
national rights of the United States, impressing American seamen into the 
British service, seizing American vessels engaged with France in trade, and 
otherwise violating the rights of an independent nation, at peace with the Brit- 
ish power. 

The mission upon which Henry was sent by the British, to create disturb- 
ance between the States, and thus broken, to weaken the strength of the Gen- 
eral Government, added fuel to the fire, and united indignation cried for war. 

British agents again bargained with the Indians of the Wabash and Maumee 

o O o 

Valleys, desiring them to inaugurate another war upon the western sections and 
to make a desperate attack upon the settlements south of the lakes. The Brit- 
ish agent at Maiden negotiated in rifles, powder, ball, merchandise, lead, blank- 
ets and shirts. The Indians were inspired again with the hope that the whites 
would be driven back, and that all the country north of the Ohio would again 
revert to them. 

The Canadians in league with the English, gave the savages unlimited 
quantities of whisky, which naturally aroused their fierce natures to acts of 
violence and blood. It is highly probable that the use of liquor was the main 
cause of the deterioration of the besl traits of the Indian character, after the 
Revolution. Again, many unscrupulous men upon the frontier did not hesi- 
tate to commit the most merciless crimes against the Indians, such was the 
prejudice againsl them, and the courts invariably failed to indict them for these 
atrocities. This error on the part of the Americans served to influence the 
Bavages againsl them. 

At this time, the seats of justice were distant over a hundred miles each 
from the other, uninhabited tracts frequently extending between them which were 
absolute wildernesses. The routes were in many cases difficull and circuitous. 

As early as 1808, there was a mail communication for the people on the 
Lower Maumee, many days elapsing between the arrivals and departures of 



122 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 

the same, however. Horace Gunn was the carrier. Benoni Adams brought 
the news from Cleveland to the same point, his trip requiring a fortnight. It 
must be remembered that this journey was mostly made on foot. The Black 
Swamp could not be traversed in any other manner. 

THE WAR OF 1812. 

The war of 1812 can be called a continuation of the Revolution, with all 
justice. Although rumors had reached Ohio, that active preparations were 
being made for general action, no official tidings had been sent to Hull, com- 
mander-in-chief of the Western forces. 

The Secretary of War, instead of sending a special messenger directly to 
Hull, communicated with the post adjacent, depending upon a continuation of 
the news from that point. At the same time, advices were sent the British 
post at Maiden and Detroit. Hull sent out a packet with official papers, stores, 
etc., the day previous to that on which the official intelligence arrived that an 
open rupture existed between the two powers, and this was of course captured. 

The Western forces marched to Detroit and crossed over to Sandwich, pre- 
paratory to attacking Maiden, a post most favorable for the transportation of 
stores, troops, etc. which was therefore considered valuable. 

Peter Minard first gave the news to the settlers of the Maumee. He had 
heard from a Delaware chief, who assured him a general massacre was to take 
place in the valley. Maj. Spafford paid no heed to this "idle fear,"' until a 
few days thereafter a messenger came to his quarters, reporting a band of fifty 
Pottawatomies on the march to join the hostile tribes near Maiden. They had 
plundered and burned Monclova, and hail nearly reached the rapids. 

The Major, with his family and settlers, immediately launched a barge on 
the river and were able to reach old Fort Miami just as the savages reached 
Maumee City. They could plainly witness the flames that devoured their old 
homes. They kept on their way in their miserable craft, until they reached 
Milan, where they learned that the entire country was in danger. 

Although the Indians were defeated in the battle of Tippecanoe in the fall 
of 1811, they plotted vigorously with the English for the invasion of Ohio. 

Gen. William Hull marched from the southwestern part of the State 
directly north, crossing the counties of Champaign, Logan, Hardin, Hancock 
and Wood, establishing military posts along the route and cutting a way 
through the wilderness of the unsettled portions. He crossed the Maumee on 
the 1st of July, and marched to Detroit. 

Hull was evidently actuated in his succeeding disgraceful failures by two 
fears — lack of confidence in the ability of his troops, and the belief that they 
might desert him in action. He proclaimed freedom, and a necessity of sub- 
mitting to the Canadians under existing circumstances. He held out induce- 
ments to the British regulars to desert their cause and essayed to pacify the 
savages, bu1 he accomplished nothing beyond jeopardizing the American cause 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 123 

and disgracing his army. His men became restless. Col. Miller and Col. 
Cass were delighted when detailed on scouting expeditions, and did not hesi- 
tate to attack advancing squads of the enemy. At last, an attack was made on 
the Niagara frontier, and Hull speedily abandoned his project and collected his 
forces at Detroit. 

Meantime, Col. Proctor had reached Maiden, and quickly perceiving the 
advantage of a post at that point, whereby he could cut off supplies and starve 
Hull into subjection, he massed his forces about this section, captured Van 
Horn and his two hundred men, and withstood the attack of Miller, although 
he gained nothing by so doing. Again Hull displayed his weakness by recall- 
ing his forces from further molestations. 

Gen. Brock, however, reached Maiden on the 13th of August, 1812, and 
began war preparations. 

Gen. Dearborn placed a force on the Niagara frontier, but an armistice was 
made with the British. Hull dispatched a third party under McArthur, to 
open communications to the Raisin River. 

Gen. Brock appeared at Sandwich and began to erect batteries, which Hull 
would not allow to be molested. The result was, that on the 26th of August 
Detroit was surrendered to the enemy, and not a blow had been struck in its 
defense. 

By this dastardly act, 1,400 brave men who had not been permitted to 
make a single effort to sustain the American cause, were surrendered to 300 
English regulars, 400 Canadians and their Indian allies. Gen. Hull was, in 
consequence of this series of "mistakes," accused of treason and cowardice, 
and convicted of the latter. By the middle of August, the British had gained 
the control over most of the Northwestern Territory. 

The appointment of William Henry Harrison to the position of com- 
mander in chief of the Western forces, was most opportune. He speedily 
raised a vigorous army, and advanced by three routes to the foot of the rapids. 

Gen. Harrison commanded the right wing, and marched by the way of Upper 
Sandusky, where he located his depot of supplies. Gen. Tupper commanded 
the center, Fort McArthur, in Hardin County, being his base, while Gen. Win- 
chester marched from Fort Defiance down the Maumee to the foot of the rapids. 

A large force of British and Indians moved up the left bank of the Mau- 
mee toward Fort Wayne, and Gen. Harrison, to intercept them, marched to 
the confluence of the Auglaize with the Maumee. 

Harrison was aware that the enemy would be also hemmed in by Win- 
chester. The weather was rainy, and the prospects were that a most unfortun- 
ate season was to follow the expected engagements. Harrison heard that 
A\ inchester had reached Fort Defiance, and that the Indians and British were 
retreating down the Maumee. He followed, and marched to Winchester's 
camp, where he arrived in season to quell a mutiny under command of Col. 
Allen, of the Kentucky troops. 



124 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

In January, 1813, Winchester had reached the rapids, where he received 
tidings that Frenchtown was menaced and exposed. Without orders, he sent a 
party to the rescue, which defeated the enemy. The weather was intensely 
cold, and the company lay within eighteen miles of Maiden, where the enemy 
was collected in full force, consequently re-enforcements must be dispatched 
immediately or the town again left to its fate. 

Winchester then marched with a force of 259 men, and upon arriving at 
nightfall, insisted upon remaining on open ground, although warned repeatedly 
that this would be a most dangerous experiment. 

In the morning, he was surprised by the enemy, massed directly before 
him, with a battery within three hundred yards of his camp, and a shower of 
bombs, balls and grape-shot falling among his exposed troops, and the yells of 
Indians reminding him of his fatal error. Lewis, who led the party out in the 
beginning and had apprehended the danger, bravely defended himself behind 
garden pickets. Winchester was defeated on the 22d of January, 1813, and 
the Indians were permitted to massacre the prisoners and the settlers. 

Harrison fell back to the foot of the rapids. On the 1st of February, he 
began the construction of Fort Meigs. On the 27th of April, Proctor and 
Tecumseh attacked this fort, and laid siege with the full expectation of success. 
The stipulation was that Gen. Harrison was to be delivered to Tecumseh. 
While the balls and bombs were making havoc with the fort, the Indians were 
climbing trees and pouring a galling fire down upon the troops. Gen. Proctor 
invited Harrison to surrender, which was politely declined, with the assurance 
that the British General would have the opportunity to distinguish himself as a 
soldier before such a proceeding was enacted, ^ 

Gen. Clay was descending the Maumee with 1,200 Kentuckians in flat 
boats. Orders went from Harrison that 800 men should land on the left bank, 
take and spike the British cannon, and then to enter the fort, from which 
soldiers were to issue to assist the re-enforcements. 

Capt. Hamilton was to pilot Gen. Clay to the fort, cutting their way 
through. All succeeded, Col. Dudley taking the batteries and spiking the 
cannon. But his men, too much elated by their success, against orders, and 
against the repeated expostulations of Col. Dudley, insisted on pursuing the 
Indians. Col. Dudley would not desert them. This act proved their ruin. 
By a decoy, they were led into a defile which proved an ambush, and the men 
found themselves surrounded by savages, without means of escape. 

A most frightful massacre began, and every man would have fallen had not 
Tecumseh sternly forbidden the cowardly carnage. One of his principal chiefs 
ignored this order, and the next instant the great warrior buried his hatchet in 
his head. The brave Col. Dudley was, however, tomahawked and sculped. 

There were no immediate signs that the fort would be surrendered, and the 
siege was raised on the 9th of May. It was renewed on the 20th of July, and 
abandoned a few days later. The enemv decided this stronghold was invulnerable. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 125 

On the 1st of August, the enemy proceeded to Fort Stevenson, at Lower 
Sandusky, garrisoned by 150 men under Maj. Croghan. The fort had the 
use of but one piece of cannon. The enemy with Tecumseh's Indians num- 
bered 3,300 strong, with six pieces of cannon. 

Gen. Proctor again tendered the offer to surrender, adding that a refusal 
would only bring about a useless resistance, and a massacre by the Indians. 
The reply was, that before the fort went over to the British, not an American 
would be left to be massacred, as they should hold out to the last man. Proc- 
tor opened fire. The first movement was an assault upon the northwest angle 
of the fort, as if to make a breach and thus carry the works. The command- 
ant strengthened that point by bags of sand, and during the night stealthily 
placing his one cannon in a concealed position, he filled it with slugs. 

The following day, the fire again swept the northwest corner, and, evening 
approaching, a column of 350 men swept up within twenty yards of the walls. 
They were met by the musketry, which had little effect, and the ditch was soon 
filled with men. The next instant the hidden cannon, so placed as to sweep 
the ditch, suddenly began action, and the surprised assailants cpuickly recoiled, 
and the fort was saved, with the loss of only one man. 

The next morning, the enemy had disappeared, evidently in haste, as guns, 
clothing and stores were left behind. They had lost over one hundred and 
fifty men by this useless attempt. Croghan had previously received orders to 
evacuate the fort from Gen. Harrison, and his determination to hold the position 
merited Harrison's reprimand and remand of commission. Such was the sev- 
erity of military law. However, the rank of Colonel was immediately conferred 
upon him by the President, for his gallantry. The ladies of Chillicothe pre- 
sented him with an elegant testimonial in the shape of a sword. 

It was decided to make a naval warfare effectual in the recovery of the 
Northwestern Territory, and accordingly vessel-building began under Commo- 
dore Perry's supervision. 

The British looked upon this proceeding with derision, fully intending to 
use these boats for their own purpose. They publicly proclaimed their intention. 

By the 1st of August, 1813, Commodore Perry set sail a flotilla, the Law- 
rence and the Niagara, of twenty guns each, with smaller vessels following. 
Some difficulty was encountered in launching the larger vessels, on account of 
the shallowness of the water. 

Perry's first destination was Put-in-Bay, thirty miles from Maiden, where 
the British fleet lay under the guns of the fort. On the 10th of September, 
the British fleet — exceeding the American by ten guns — under Commodore 
Barclay, appeared off Put-in-Bay, distant about ten miles. Perry immediately 
set sail. The wind shifting, the Americans had the advantage. 

Perry hoisted the Union Jack. A general preparation was made for the 
conflict. An ominous silence settled over all as the fleets approached. A 
bugle sounded on the enemy's ship Detroit, and ;i furious lire was opened upon 



126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the Lawrence. The frightful and desperate battle that ensued is so familiar 
that it is not necessary for us to repeat its details. It forever remains in his- 
tory as a prominent, desperate struggle that turned the tide most decisively in 
favor of the Americans. Hand to hand, for three hours, this furious struggle 
surged, resulting in a pronounced victory for the Americans. 

Commodore Perry immediately requested parole for his severely wounded 
antagonist, Commodore Barclay. Capt. Elliott was at this engagement highly 
commended by Perry for his bravery. 

Gen. Harrison now made preparations to follow Proctor, and reached Mai- 
den on the 27th of September. 

Proctor had retreated to Sandwich, and thence Harrison followed him, 
overtaking the enemy on the 9th of October, on the bank of the Thames. An 
engagement ensued, which was not particularly marked in its events, but which 
practically terminated the war in the Northwest. 

Tecumseh fell during this battle, and his death disheartened the savages to 
such an extent that they were willing to make terms of peace. Accordingly 
a treaty was concluded on the 22d of July, 1814, with the Wyandots, Dela- 
wares, Shawnees, Senecas and Miamis, the tribes engaged in hostilities. 

Again Ohio was able to turn her attention to the improvements within her 
own boundaries. Weary and disabled though she was, her ambition and 
energy were unimpaired. The struggle had been severe, but a grand reward 
had been won, and peace and independence belonged to these sturdy, earnest, 
pioneers. 

In 1815, a town was founded near Fort Meigs, and, in 1816, Gen. John 
E. Hunt and Judge Robert A. Forsythe located at Maumee. 

BANKING. 

Up to the year 1817, Ohio had no banking system, and on the 28th of 
January of that year, the United States Bank opened a branch at Cincinnati, 
and yet another during the following October at Chillicothe. These branches 
found a large amount of business to transact, and while being of assistance in 
various ways to the State, also received a fine revenue themselves. The State 
therefore resolved upon a tax levy, and, in 1810, the branches were to pay 
$5< 1.000 each, and the State Auditor was authorized to issue his warrant for 
the collection of the same. 

The bank branches' demurred, but the State was decided, and the banks 
accordingly filed a bill in chancery, in the United States Circuit Court, setting 
forth reasons whereby their prayer that Ralph Osborn, State Auditor, should 
be restrained from making such collection, should be seriously considered. 

Osborn being counseled not to appear on the day designated in the writ, an 
injunction was obtained, with t lie security given in the shape of bonds from the 
bank, to the amount of $100,000. On the 14th of September, the bank sent a 
commissioner to Columbus, who served upon the Auditor a copy of the petition 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 127 

for the injunction, and a subpoena to make an appearance before the court 
on the first Monday in the following January. Osborn submitted both the 
petition and the injunction to the Secretary of State, with his warrant for col- 
lecting the tax. Legally, the matter was somewhat complicated. 

The Auditor desired the Secretary of State to take legal advice, and if the 
papers did not actually amount to an injunction, to give orders for the execu- 
tion of the warrant. 

The decision was that the papers did not equal a valid injunction. The State 
writ for collection was therefore given over to John L. Harper, with directions 
to enter the banking-house and demand the payment of the tax. In case of a 
refusal, the vault was to be entered and a levy made upon the amount required. 
No violence was to be used, and if force was used to deter the act, the 
same was to be reported to a proper magistrate and an affidavit made to that 
fact. 

On September 17, Mr. Harper went about his errand, taking with him T. 
Orr and J. MacCollister. After securing access to the vault, a demand was 
made for the payment of the tax. This was promptly refused, and a notice 
given of the granting of the injunction. This was disregarded, and the officer 
seized $98,000 in gold, silver and notes. This was placed in charge of the 
State Treasurer, Mr. H. M. Curry. 

The officers were arrested and imprisoned by the United States Circuit 
Court, and the money returned to the bank. The case was reviewed by 
the Supreme Court, and the measures of the Circuit Court were sustained. The 
State, therefore, submitted. In the mean time, the Legislature had prepared 
and passed a resolution, as follows: 

Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That in respect to the powers of the 
Governments of the several States that compose the American Union, and the powers of the Fed- 
eral Government, this General Assembly do recognize and approve the doctrines asserted by the 
Legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in their resolutions of November and December, 1798, 
and January, 1800, and do consider their principles have been recognized and adopted by a 
majority of the American people. 

Resolved further, That this General Assembly do assert and will maintain by all legal and 
constitutional means, the rights of States to fax the business and property of any private corpo- 
ration of trade, incorporated by the Congress of the United States, and located to transact its 
© rporate business within any State 

Resolved further, That the bank of the United States is a private corporation of trade, the 
capital and business of which may be legally taxed in any State where they may be found. 

Resolved further, That the General Assembly do protest against the doctrines that the politi- 
cal rights of the separate States that compose the American Union and their powers as sovereign 
States, may lie settled and determined in the Supreme Court of the United State-, so as to con- 
clude ami bind them in cases contrived between individuals, and where they are, no one of them, 
parties ilirect. 

The bank was thus debarred from the aid of State laws in the collection of 
its dues and in the protection of its rights. An attempt Avas made to effect a 
change in the Federal constitution, which would take the case out of the 
United States Courts. This, however, proved ineffectual. 



128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

The banking system in Ohio has, by reason of State surveillance, not been 
subjected to those whirlwind speculations and questionable failures which have 
marked many Western States, in the establishment of a firm basis upon which 
a banking law could be sustained, with mutual benefit to the institution and the 
people. 

THE CANAL SYSTEM. 

In the first part of 1817, the Legislature considered a resolution relating 
to a canal between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. No action was taken and 
the subject was not again agitated until 1819. Gov. Brown appointed three 
commissioners in 1820, for the purpose of employing an efficient engineer and 
such assistants as he deemed necessary, for the purpose of surveying a practical 
route for this canal. The commissioners were restricted in their actions until 
Congress should accept a proposition in behalf of the State, for a donation and 
sale of the public lands lying upon and near the route of the proposed canal. 
A delay was thus occasioned for two years. 

In 1822, the matter was referred to a committee of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. This committee approved and recommended the employment of the 
engineer. They furthermore added illustrations to prove the feasibility of the 
project. 

James Geddes, a skillful engineer of New York, was in due time appointed 
to the position and instructed to make the necessary examinations and sur- 
veys. 

The surveys were made, and estimates given of the expenses, which docu- 
ments were laid before the Legislature at several sessions. 

In 1825, an act was passed providing for the internal improvement of the 
State by navigable canals. Directly thereafter, the State set vigorously about 
the work of constructing two canals, one leading from the Ohio to Lake Erie, 
by way of the valleys of the Scioto and Muskingum, the other from Cincinnati 
to Dayton. 

The first canal-boat from Cincinnati to Dayton, reached her destination in 
1829, on the 25th of January. This outlet of communication was extended 
to Lake Erie, and was completed in 1845. The largest artificial lake now 
known is on the elevation between the Ohio and the lake, in Mercer County, 
and supplies the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Canal, about three miles dis- 
tant, eastwardly. This reservoir is about nine miles long, and from tAvo to 
four broad. 

Two walls of earth, from ten to twenty feet high, were formed, on the east 
and west, which united with the elevations north and south, surrounded this 
basin. When the water was admitted, whole farms were submerged, and the 
"neighbors" complained lest this overflow should tempt miasma. So great 
was the excitement, that over one hundred and fifty residents of the county 
united, and with shovels and spades, made a breach in the embankment. 
Many holding prominent positions in the county were engaged in this work, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 120 

and all laid themselves liable to the State laws, which made the despoiling of 
public works a penitentiary offense. 

The matter was taken up by the courts, but a grand jury could not be 
found in Mercer County to find a bill of indictment. 

The officers who had charge of the work, ignored the law requiring the cut- 
ing and saving of the timber on lands appropriated, for canal reservoirs. The 
trees were ruthlessly girdled, and thousands of acres of valuable timber that 
might have been highly desirable in the building of bridges, etc., were 
destroyed. However, an adjustment was finally effected, and the work was 
prosecuted with the entire approbation of the people, who were convinced that 
convenient transportation was to be desired. 

OHIO LAND TRACTS. 

After the Indians relinquished all claims against the lands of those States 
west of the Alleghanies, as they had been obtained by conquest, the United 
States, as a government, owned the soil. When Ohio was admitted into the 
Union, a stipulation was made that the fee simple to all the lands within its 
boundaries, with the exception of those previously sold or granted, should vest 
in the General Government. At the present writing, but few tracts remain 
that can be called " public lands." In this, as in other States, tracts are des- 
ignated by their pioneer signification or the purpose to which they were origi- 
nally devoted. In Ohio, these tracts are known as : 



1. 


Congress Lands. 


8. 


Symmes' Purchase. 


15. 


Maumee Road. 


2. 


United States Military. 


9. 


Refugee Tract. 


16. 


School Lands. 


3 


Virginia Military. 


10. 


French Grant. 


17. 


College Lands. 


4. 


Western Reserve. 


11 


Dohrman's Grant. 


18. 


Ministerial Lands. 


5. 


Fire Lands. 


12. 


Zane's Grant. 


19. 


Moravian Lands. 


6. 


Ohio Company's Purchase. 


13. 


Canal Lands. 


20. 


Salt Sections. 


7. 


Donation Tract. 


14. 


Turnpike Lands. 







The lands sold by the direct officers of the Government, under the direc- 
tion of Congress, according to the laws, are known as Congress lands. They 
are properly surveyed, and laid out in townships six miles square, under the 
direction of the Government, and the expense incurred settled by Congress. 
These townships are subdivided into sections, containing 640 acres. One sec- 
tion is reserved, in every township, for educational purposes, to be utilized in 
any manner approved by the State as being the best to aid the cause for which 
they are assigned. 

The Western Reserve will be remembered as the tract originally belonging to 
Connecticut. It lies in the northeast quarter of the State. A half-million acres 
were donated by the old Eastern State, when her claim was in force, to sufferers 
from fire during the Revolutionary war, which created the name, " fire lands." 
Many settled here whose homes were destroyed by the British during the war. 

It will be remembered, that on account of discoveries by subjects of empires, 
in the New World, the " Old World " kings laid claim to different portions 



130 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

of the young continent. At that period, European knowledge of American 
geographical positions and limits was exceedingly meager, which occasioned 
several wars and more discussions. These Old-World sovereigns also assumed 
the authority to sell or present tracts of land to their subjects, in those terri- 
tories they deemed their own. 

King Charles II of England granted to his loyal subjects the colony of 
Connecticut, in 1662, placing with them a charter of right to all lands within 
certain prescribed boundaries. . But these " boundaries " frequently conflicted 
with those of others, and sometimes extended to the Pacific Ocean, or " South 
Sea," as it was then termed. Connecticut, by her original charter rights, held 
all lands between the forty-first and forty-second parallels of north latitude, and 
from Providence Plantation on the east, to Pacific Ocean on the west, except- 
ing the New York and Pennsylvania colonies. As late as the establishment of 
the United States as an independent government, those colliding claims fre- 
quently engendered confusion and warm discussion between the nation and 
Connecticut, regarding the original colony claim. This was compromised by 
the national claims being relinquished in regard to the territorial claim in Ohio, 
and Connecticut holding the 3,800,000 acres described as the " "Western Reser- 
vation." The Government held the right of jurisdiction. 

In 1796, Congress set aside a certain division of land, to satisfy the claims 
of officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary war. It includes the 2,500,000 
acres between the Greenville treaty line and the Congress and refugee lands, 
and " VII ranges of townships," on the east, and the Scioto River, west. This 
constitutes the " Military Tract." The " Virginia Military Tract " lies between 
the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, and extends south to the Ohio. v 

James I, in his authorized charter to the Virginia colony, in the year 
1609, made rather visionary boundary lines, sweeping over the continent, west 
of tlte Ohio River, "of the north and south breadth of Virginia." Virginia 
reconciled the matter by relinquishing all her claims northwest of the Ohio 
River, with the exception of a tract for the purpose of donating the same to her 
troops of the Revolution — their claims demanding such a return in some section. 
Unfortunately, this tract was not regularly surveyed, and conflicting " lines " 
have given rise to litigation ever since that stipulation was made. 

The Ohio Company's Purchase has already been described — as has the 
Svnimes Purchase. 

The Refugee Tract covers an area of 100,000 acres, extending eastwardly 
from the Scioto River forty-eight miles, in a strip of country four and one-half 
miles broad, north to south. Columbus, the capital of the State, is situated in 
the western portion. This land was donated by Congress to those individuals 
who left the British dominions and rule, during the Revolution, and espoused 
the American cause. 

The French Tract borders on the Ohio River, in the southeastern quarter 
of Scioto County. It includes 24,000 acres, and was ceded to those French 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 131 

families that lost their claims at Gallipolis, through invalid titles ; 12,000 acres 
were added, after the above grant of 1795. 

Dohrman's Grant includes a section, six miles square, in the southeastern 
portion of Tuscarawas County. It was granted to Arnold Henry Dohrman, a 
Portuguese merchant, as a token of appreciation of the aid and shelter he ren- 
dered American cruisers and vessels of Avar, during the Revolution. 

The Moravian Lands were originally grants by the old Continental Con- 
gress, in 1787, and confirmed by the act of the Government Congress, in 1796, 
to the Moravian Brethren, of Bethlehem, Penn., in sacred trust, and for the 
use of those Indians who embraced Christianity and civilization, desiring to live 
and settle thereon. These three tracts include 4,000 acres each, and are situ- 
ated in Tuscarawas County. In 1823, the Indians relinquished their rights to 
the 12,000 acres in this county, for 24,000 acres, in a territory designated by 
the United States, together with an annuity of $400. 

Zane's Tracts included a portion of land on the Muskingum, whereon Zanes- 
ville was built ; another at the crossing of the Hocking, on which Lancaster is 
located ; and yet another on the left bank of the Scioto River, opposite Chilli- 
cothe. These grants were made to Ebenezer Zane, by Congress, in 1796, as a 
reward for opening a road from Wheeling, Va., to Maysville, Ky. In 1802, 
Mr. Zane received three additional tracts, one square mile each, in considera- 
tion of being captured and held a prisoner, during the Revolutionary Avar, 
when a boy, by the Indians. He lived Avith these people most of his life, secur- 
ing many benefits for the Americans. These tracts are located in Champaign 
County. 

The Maumee Road Lands extend the length of the road, from the Maumee 
River, at Perrysburg, to the western limits of the Western Reserve, a distance 
of forty-six miles — in a strip tAvo miles Avide. This includes about 60,000 
acres. These lands Avere ceded by the Indians, at the treaty of BroAvnstown, in 
1808. The original intention of Congress Avas to mark a highway through this 
strip, but no definite action Avas taken until 1823, when the land Avas ceded to 
the State of Ohio, under an obligation that the State make and sustain the pro- 
jected road, Avithin four years after the transfer. 

The Turnpike Lands extended over 31,360 acres along the western side of 
the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike, in the eastern parts of Seneca, Craw- 
ford and Marion Counties. They were designed for the transportation of mail 
stages, troops and other United States property, free from toll. The grant was 
made in 1827. 

"The Ohio Canal Lands" comprise about 1,000,000 acres, set aside for the 
purpose of canal construction. 

When Ohio was admitted to the Union, a guarantee was given that the State 
should not tax Government lands until they should have been sold for five years. 
That the thirty-sixth part of all territory within the State limits should be de- 
voted to educational purposes, for the general benefit of the population. In 



132 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

order to secure tracts which would prove available, and thus insure returns, 
they were selected in small lots. No. 16 was designated as the sectional portion, 
in each township of Congress lands, the Ohio Company's and Symmes Pur- 
chases, the United States Military Lands, the Connecticut Reserve, and a num- 
ber of quarter townships. These school lands were selected by the Secretary 
of the Treasury. 

The college townships are thirty-six miles square. A section, thirty-six 
miles square, in the center of Jackson County, in the vicinity and containing 
the Scioto Salt Licks, was also reserved by Congress, together with a quarter- 
mile township in Delaware County. This swept over 27,040 acres. In 1824, 
Congress authorized the State to sell these lands. The proceeds were to be 
devoted to literary requirements, such as might be specified by Congress. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

We have heretofore briefly alluded to the canal system of Ohio, which in 
the beginning caused considerable anxiety to settlers directly in the course of 
its survey. The Legislature passed the " Internal Improvement by Navigable 
Canals " act, in 1825, and the work was immediately inaugurated and hastened. 
The " Ohio Canal " extends from the lake to the Ohio, and the " Miami " con- 
nects Cincinnati with Dayton. The latter was completed to Toledo in 1844. a 
length of 493 miles. Its total cost, including reservoir cutting and feeders, was 
$7,500,000. The Ohio Canal was finished in 1833. 

During the construction of these canals, the curiosities which have attracted 
antiquarians and scientists, in the State of Ohio, were found in various places. 
Relics were discovered that must have belonged to a giant race. Nearly 3,000 
graves were found, of the " mound type." 

A third canal was begun in 1836, reaching from Walhonding, in Coshocton 
County, to Roscoe, its length being twenty-five miles, involving an expense of 
$610,000. This was completed in 1842. The Hocking Canal, between Car- 
roll, in Fairfield County, and Athens, in Athens County, a distance of fifty- 
six miles, was also cut, about the same time, at a cost of nearly $1,000,000. 

The Muskingum improvements were also being carried forward. Locks and 
dams were requisite for the perfection of navigation in this water-course, from 
Dresden to Marietta, a distance of ninety-one miles. This added an expense 
of $1,630,000 to the call for improvement appropriations. To the Miami Canal 
was added a feeder, known as the Warren County Canal — extending from 
Franklin to Lebanon, which was not completed, although over $250,000 were 
expended in its construction as far as it went. 

Railway transportation was a subject which engrossed the attention of those in- 
terested in State perpetuity and general prosperity. About the year 1831, the Leg- 
islature received applications for railway charters. The first one granted was the 
" Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad," on June 5, 1832. The " Sandusky, 
Mansfield & Newark Railroad " obtained a charter in 1836, March 11, followed, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 135 

three days thereafter, by the " Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad." 
The " Little Miami " was begun in 1837. Notwithstanding these chartered 
rights, but 129 miles were completed in 1847, and in operation. In 1878, 
the mileage had increased to 6,264. The valuation of the operating roads 
was estimated the same year, at $76,113,500. Their taxation summed up 
$1,128,116. 

No State in the Union has been more zealous in her educational interests than 
Ohio. Public lands were generously granted by Congress, and the State added 
her affirmation. However, no practical and effectual system was adopted until 
1825. 

An act was then passed to tax all real property one-half mill per dollar for 
the establishment of schools in each township, and the support of the same. 
An act of 1829, increased the tax to three-fourths of a mill. Trustees of 
townships were instructed to make divisions and locate convenient school dis- 
tricts. Householders were to elect three school directors, a clerk and treasurer 
annually. Privileges and restrictions were enjoined in all cases. The house- 
holders were allowed their discretion, governed accordingly, in imposing taxes 
for the erection of school buildings. The Courts of the Common Pleas 
appointed a committee to examine the qualifications of those individuals mak- 
ing application for the position of teachers. The school extended equal privi- 
leges to all white children. Those of colored parentage were excluded, and no 
tax was levied for school purposes upon colored parents. An amendment has 
admitted the children of colored parents. The system has continued the same, 
with a few amendments. A State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected 
every third year, who has general charge of the interests of public schools. A 
State Board of Examiners, composed of three persons, appointed by the State 
Commissioner, for two years' term, is authorized to issue life certificates of high 
qualifications, to such teachers as it may find to possess the requisite scholarship, 
character, experience and ability. These certificates, signed by the Commis- 
sioner, are valid throughout the State. A County Board of Examiners, of 
three members, is formed in each county. Boards of education, for cities, are 
made up of one or two members from each ward. City Boards of Examiners 
are also appointed. Section 4 of the law of 1873, was amended in 1877, which 
made the territory annexed to an incorporated village, at the option of the 
voters of the village and tributary section, whether it be included with the vil- 
lage as one school district, or left as two school districts. Section 56 of the law was 
amended, in its bearing upon cities of 30,000 to 75,000 inhabitants, by limiting 
to five mills on the dollar of taxable property, the levies in such cities for con- 
tinuing schools, for purchasing sites for schoolhouses, for leasing, purchasing, 
erecting and furnishing school houses, and for all school expenses. The public 
funds are subject to the discretion of voters, and boards are authorized, under 
instructions, to make the best use of such funds. Taxation is subject to the 
discretion of the State, certain limits being prescribed. 



136 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

In 1878, the number of youth of the school age numbered 1,041,963. 
On the rolls, 740,194 names were recorded. In the year 1878, 23,391 teach- 
ers were employed, receiving $4,956,514.46 for their services. 

Ohio not only sustains her public schools on a broad, liberal basis, but she 
encourages educational pursuits in superior universities and colleges throughout 
the State. These institutions are not aided by State funds, but are sustained by 
society influence, added to their self-supporting resources. Ohio also possesses 
a large number of normal schools, academies, seminaries and business colleges. 
These are not entitled to the privileges of the school fund. Scientific, profes- 
sional, theological, legal and medical instructions are in no manner limited in 
their facilities. Industrial and reformatory schools are especially thorough. 
Institutions for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and blind, and feeble- 
minded, are under the best discipline. 

We may add, many female seminaries have been established which are entirely 
sustained by other than State aid. Ohio has, from its inception, been solid and 
vigorous in whatever tended toward improvement and enlightenment. 

We have also referred to the banking system of this State, as being first 
established on a basis through a contest between the State and the General 
Government. Authorities differ regarding the exact date and location of the 
very first house established in the State for the purpose of transacting banking 
business. It is highly probable that Marietta is more directly associated with 
that event than any other town. There are at present over one hundred and 
sixty-seven national banks, with an aggregate capital of $27,794,468. It also 
has eighteen banks of deposit, incorporated under the State banking laws of 
1845, representing an aggregate capital of $539,904. Twenty-three savings 
banks, incorporated under the State act of 1875, with an aggregate capital of 
$1,277,500. Of private banks it has 192, with an aggregate capital of 
$5,663,898. The State represents in her banking capital over $36,275,770. 
The First National of Cincinnati has a capital stock of over $1,000,000. 
The others fall below that sum, their capital diminishing from 10,000 shares of 
$100 each. The valuation for taxation is $850,000 — Merchant's National of 
Cincinnati — to the valuation of a tax of $5,000 on the First National of 
Beverly. 

BOUNDARY LINES. 

We must not omit the subject of the State boundaries. Ohio was especially 
the field for most animated discussions, relative not only to State limits but 
county lines and township rights. In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which 
was settled only after violent demonstrations and Government interference. 

In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities 
were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not 
have been more at variance with actual facts had they been laid out " hap- 
hazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north of its 
real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and location had not been 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 137 

definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spafford addressed a clear, com- 
prehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject, relative to the 
boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first 
course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case. This 
culminated in 1835, when the party beginning a "permanent" survey began 
at the northwest corner of the State, and was attacked by a force of Michigan 
settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No effort was made to 
return to the work until the State and various parties had weighed the subject, 
and finally the interposition of the Government became necessary. 

A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the north by Lake Erie 
and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia, on 
the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana. 

It is situated between the 38° 25' and 42° north latitude, and 84° 50' 
west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30' and 7° 50' west from Washington. 
From north to south, it extends over 210 miles, and from east to west 220 
miles — comprising 39,964 scpuare miles. 

The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern 
counties, the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the 
excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion 
of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central and 
northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed 
between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than 
in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears 
to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six 
hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these 
precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations, 
and toward the sources' of the river the land is low and marshy. 

Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a favorable 
river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient 
water transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio 
River on her southern limit, afford most convenient outlets by water to impor- 
tant points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior in 
every respect, and are constantly being increased. 

ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES AND EARLY EVENTS. 

Adams County was named in honor of John Adams, second President of 
the United States. Gov. St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July L0, 1797. 
The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made 
within its boundaries was in this county in 1795, between the Scioto and Little 
Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town was held the 
first court of the county. 

West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Hon. Thomas 
Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The surface of this county is 



138 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

hilly and broken, and the eastern part is not fertile. It produces corn, wheat, oats 
and pork. Beds of iron are found in the eastern part. Its hills are composed of 
aluminous shale. The barren hills aiford a range for cattle and hogs. A sort 
of vagrant class derive a support by collecting stones, hoop-poles and tanners' 
barks from these hills. 

Ashland County is one of the finest agricultural sections. It was formed 
February 20, 1840. Wheat comprises its principal crop, although large quan- 
tities of oats, corn, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county 
seat, and was laid out by William Montgomery in 1810. It was called Union- 
town for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county 
limits in 1811. 

Auglaize County was formed in February, 1848, from Allen and Mercer 
Counties. Wapakoneta is its county seat. 

Allen County was formed from the Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Lima 
is its county seat. 

Ashtabula County was formed June 7, 1807, and was organized January 
22, 1811. The surface is level near the lake, while the remainder is undulat- 
ing. The soil is mostly clay. Very little wheat is raised, but considerable 
corn and oats. Butter and cheese are the main marketable productions. This 
was the first county settled on the Western Reserve, and also the earliest in 
Northern Ohio. On the 4th of July, 1790, the first surveying party arrived 
at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who 
wintered there with his family. He was the first man to use a sickle in the 
first wheat-field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the 
Western Reserve, and was starved to death. The first regular settlement was 
at Harpersfield, in 1798. 

Jefferson is the county seat. Ashtabula is pleasantly situated on the river, 
with a fine harbor two and a half miles from the village. 

The first church on the Western Reserve was founded at Austinburg in 
1801. 

Athens County was formed from Washington March 1, 1805. It produces 
wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. The surface is hilly and broken, with rich bot- 
tom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial 
value. It has the advantage of the canal, as well as other transportation. 
Athens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking River. The Ohio Uni- 
versity, the first college founded in the State, is located here. We have 
mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county, heretofore. Yellow pine is 
abundant in the lower part of the Hocking Valley. 

Brown County was formed March 1, 1818, from Adams and Clermont. It 
produces wheat, corn, rye, oats and pork. The southern part is prolific in 
grain, while the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surface is undu- 
lating, with the exception of the Ohio River hills. Over this county Tecumseh 
once held sway 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 139 

Georgetown is the county seat, and was laid out in 1819. Ripley is the larg- 
est business town in the county. 

Belmont County was announced by Gov. St. Clair September 7, 1801. It 
produces large crops of wheat, oats, corn and tobacco, an annual crop of over 
2,000,000 pounds of the latter being the average. It also trades largely in 
wool and coal. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the 
pioneers in the early settled portions. 

In 1790, Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's 
Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian bat- 
tles were fought within the limits of this county, and the famous Indian scout, 
Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region. 

St. Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fer- 
tile district. Capt. Kirkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fame, were early 
pioneers here. 

Butler County was formed in 1803, from Hamilton. It is within the blue 
limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. It produces 
more corn than any other county in the State, besides fine crops of wheat, 
oats and large quantities of pork. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the 
Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water-power. Rossville, 
on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town. 

St. Clair passed through this county on his Indian campaigns in 1791, 
building Fort Hamilton on the Miami. 

Champaign County was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin. 
It is drained by Mad River and its tributaries, which furnishes extensive mill 
privileges. Nearly a half is undulating, a quarter rolling, a fifth hilly, and 
5 per cent wet prairie. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, corn, oats, 
barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the 
county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He was chief owner 
of the land and donated many lots to the county, under condition that their 
proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George 
Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807. 
The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit. 
Many Indian councils were called here, and Tecumseh was located for a time 
near Deer Creek. 

Carroll County was formed from Columbiana in 1832-33. It produces 
wheat, oats and corn, and valuable coal and iron. The surface is hilly. Car- 
rollton is its county seat. Ar Harlem is a celebrated chalybeate spring. 

Clark County was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and 
Greene. Its second settlement was at Kreb's Station, in 1790. It is highly culti- 
vated, well watered and very fertile. The Mad River, Buck and Beaver < 'reeks 
furnish abundant water-power. It produces principally wheat, com and oats. 

Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian vil- 
lage of Piqua, on the Mad River, on the site of New Boston. Piqua was 



140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

destroyed by Gen. George Rogers Clarke. Skeletons, beads, gun barrels, 
tomahawks, kettles, etc., have been found in the vicinity. 

Springfield, the county seat, is situated on the National road. It has con- 
venient transportation facilities, is handsomely laid out, and is noted for its 
cultured citizens. It is near Mad River, and Buck Creek runs through it. 

Clinton County was formed in 1810. It produces chiefly wheat, oats, 
wool and pork. Its surface is undulating, in some parts hilly, and the soil fer- 
tile. Its streams furnish desirable water-power. The county was settled in 
1708—09. Wilmington is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810. The first 
log house was built by William Hobsin. 

Clermont County was the eighth formed in the Northwest Territory, by 
proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is exceedingly 
rich, and the surface is broken and, near the Ohio, hilly. Wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, potatoes, tobacco, barley, buckwheat and rye form the main crops, while 
beef, pork, flour, hay and whisky constitute its main exports. Its streams 
furnish good water-power. Batavia, its county seat, is situated on the Little 
Miami River, and was laid out in 1820, by George Ely. 

Columbiana County was formed March 25, 1803, from Jefferson and Wash- 
ington. Its soil is very fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It 
is wealthy in mineral deposits, coal, iron ore, lime and freestone being abun- 
dant. Its water-lime stone is of superior quality. Salt water is found on Yel- 
low and Beaver Creeks. Th,is is also the great wool-producing county of 
the State. It was settled in 1797. New Lisbon, its county seat, is well 
built, 

The first paper-mill in Ohio was erected in this county, on Little Beaver 
Creek, by John Coulter and John Bever. 

Coshocton County was organized April 1, 1811. Its principal products are 
wheat, corn, oats and wool. Hills and valleys alternate along the Muskingum 
River. Abrupt changes are strongly marked — a rich alluvum being overhung 
by a red-bush hill, while directly beside it may be seen the poplar and sugar 
tree. Coal and iron ore add to its general importance, while salt wells have 
proven remunerative. 

Coshocton, the county seat, is built on four wide, natural terraces, at the 
junction of the Tuscarawas with the Walhonding. 

Cuyahoga County was formed June 7, 1807, from Geauga. Near the lake, 
the soil is sandy, while a clayey loam may be found elsewhere. The valleys 
near the streams produce wheat, barley and hay. Fruit is successfully grown, 
and cheese, butter, beef and wool are largely exported. Bog iron is found in 
the western part, and line grindstone quarries are in operation. The sandstone 
from these quarries is now an importanl article of commerce. As early as 
177"), there was a French settlement within the boundaries of Cuyahoga, In 
1786, a Moravian missionary came to the present^ site of Cleveland, and set- 
tled in an abandoned village of the Ottawas. Circumstances prevented a 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 141 

permanent settlement, and the British tacitly took possession, even remaining 
upon the lake shores after the Revolution. 

The first permanent settlement was made at Cleveland in 1796. Mr. Job 
V. Stiles and family and Edward Paine passed the first winter there, their log 
cabin standing where the Commercial Bank is now located. Rodolphus 
Edwards and Nathaniel Doane settled here. The town was, in 1813, a depot 
of supplies and a rendezvous for troops engaged in the war. 

Cleveland, the county seat, is situated at the northern termination of the 
Ohio Canal, on the lake shore. In 1814, it was incorporated as a village, and 
in 1836, as a city. Its elevation is about a hundred feet above the lake. It 
is a lovely city, and has one of the best harbors on Lake Erie. 

Ohio City is another important town, nearly opposite Cleveland, on the 
Cuyahoga. It was incorporated in 1836. 

Crawford County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
The entire county is adapted to grazing. The soil is generally composed of 
rich vegetable loam, and in some parts the subsoil is clay mixed with lime. 
Rich beds of shell marl have been discovered. It produces wheat, corn, oats, 
clover, timothy seed, wool and cattle. Fine limestone quarries are worked with 
success. 

Bucyrus is the county seat, and was laid out February 11, 1822, by Samuel 
Norton and James Kilbourn, original owners of the land. The first settler in 
the town proper was Samuel Norton. A gas well has been dug in Bucyrus, 
on the land of R. W. Musgrove. which burns in a brilliant light when con- 
ducted to the surface by means of pipes. Crawford's Sulphur Springs are 
located nine miles from Bucyrus. The water is impregnated with sulphuretted 
hydrogen. It deposits a reddish-purple sediment. In its nature the water is a 
cathartic, and is diuretic and diaphoretic in its effects. A few rods away is a 
burning spring. The Annapolis Sulphur Spring is clear and has gained consid- 
erable fame by its curative qualities. Opposite Bucyrus is a chalybeate spring 
of tonic qualities. 

There are some beds of peat in the county, the most extensive one being a 
wet prairie called Cranberry Marsh, containing nearly 2,000 acres. 

Darke County was organized in March, 1817, from Miami County. It is 
abundantly timbered with poplar, walnut, blue ash, hickory, beech and sugar 
maple. It yields superior wheat, and is well adapted to grazing. In this 
county occurred the lamentable defeat of St. Clair, and the treaty of Greenville. 

Greenville is the county seat, and was laid out August 10, 1808, by Robert 
Gray and John Dover. In December, 1793, Wayne built Fort Greenville on 
this spot, which covered about the same extent as the present town. 

Delaware County was formed February 10. 1808, from Franklin. It pro- 
duces mainly wheat, corn, oats, pork and wool. 

Delaware is the county sent, and was laid out in the spring of 1808, by 
Moses Byxbe. The Delaware Spring in the village is of the white sulphur or 



142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

cold hydro-sulphurous nature, valuable for medicinal qualities in cases of bilious 
derangements, dyspepsia, scrofulous affections, etc. 

Defiance County was inaugurated March 4, 1845, from Williams, Henry 
and Paulding. The Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize flow through it. The Black 
Swamp covers much of its area. 

Defiance, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee. It was laid out in 
1822, by B. Level and H. Phillips. A large Indian settlement occupied its 
s ite in very early times. Wayne arrived here August 8, 1794, captured the 
place, finding about one thousand acres of corn, peach and apple orchards, and 
vegetables of all varieties. Here he built Fort Defiance. 

Erie County was formed in 1838, from Huron and Sandusky. The soil is 
alluvial, and yields large crops of wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It possesses 
inexhaustable quarries of limestone and freestone. Immense quantities of bog 
iron are also found. The Erie tribe is said to have once occupied the land, and 
were extirpated by the Iroquois. As early as 1754, the French had built set- 
tlements. In 1764, the county was besieged. Pontiac came here with warlike 
demonstrations, but made peace with the whites. Erie was included in the 
"fire lands" of the Western Reserve. 

Sandusky City is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817, then termed 
Portland. At that time it contained two log huts. The town is finely situated, 
and is based upon an inexhaustible quarry of the finest limestone. In the 
"patriot war" with the Canadians, this city was the rendezvous for the 
"patriots." 

Franklin County was formed April 30, 1803, from Ross. It contains 
much low wet land, and is better adapted to grazing than agricultural purposes. 
It was in early times occupied by the Wyandot Indians. Its first white set- 
tlement was made in 1797, by Robert Armstrong and others. Franklinton 
was laid out in 1797, by Lucas Sullivanr Worthington was settled by the 
Scioto Company in 1801. Col. Kilbourn, who was interested in the work, 
constructed the first map of Ohio during his explorations, by uniting sectional 
diagrams. 

Columbus, the capital of the State of Ohio, is also the county seat of 
Franklin County. After the organization of a State government, the capital 
was "portable" until 1816. In 1810, the sessions were held at Chillicothe, 
in 1811 and 1812 at Zanesville, removing again to Chillicothe, and, in 1816, 
being located at Columbus. The town was laid out during the spring of 1812. 
A penitentiary was erected in 1813, and the State House was built in 1814. 
It was incorporated as "the borough of Columbus," February 10, 1816. The 
city charter was granted March 3, 1834. 

It is beautifully located on the east bank of the Scioto. The Columbus 
Institute is a classical institution. A female and a theological seminary also 
add to its educational advantages. The Ohio Lunatic Asylum is also located 
here — also the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind. East of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 143 

State House is the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Deaf and 
Dumb. 

Fairfield County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 
9, 1800. 

The soil is varied, being in some parts exceedingly rich, and in others very 
sterile. It produces principally wheat, corn, rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, 
potatoes and tobacco. 

Lancaster is the county seat, laid out by Ebenezer Zane in 1800. In 1797, 
he opened the road known as "Zane's Trace," from Wheeling to Limestone — - 
now Maysville. It passed through Lancaster, at a fording about three hundred 
yards below the present turnpike bridge. Near the turn stands an imposing 
eminance called " Standing Stone." Parties of pleasure frequently visit this spot. 

Fayette County was formed from Ross and Highland in 1810. Wheat, 
corn, cattle, hogs, sheep and wool comprise its main productions. " The bar- 
rens" are situated in the northeastern part. This tract is covered by a growth 
of grass. 

Washington is its county seat, laid out in 1810. 

Col. Stewart was active in the interests of this section, and his memory is 
sacredly revered. Jesse Milliken was prominent in public affairs. 

Fulton County, bordering on Michigan, was organized in 1850. It is 
drained by Bean Creek and other small affluents of the Maumee River. The 
surface is nearly level, and a large part of it is covered with forests of ash, 
beech, elm, hickory, white oak, black walnut, etc., furnishing excellent timber. 
The soil is fertile. Wheat, corn, oats and hay are the staple products. Wau- 
seon is the county seat. 

Guernsey County was organized in March, 1810. Wool is a staple prod- 
uct, together with beef, horses and swine. It produces wheat, corn and oats. 

Cambridge is the county seat and was laid out in June, 180(3. Mr. 
Graham was the first settler on the site of the town, and his was 'the only 
dwelling between Lancaster and Wheeling. 

The first cannel coal found in the county was discovered near Mill's Creek. 

Greene County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton and Ross. It 
produces wheat, corn, rye, grass-seed, oats, barley, sheep and swine. The 
streams furnish good water-power. There are five limestone quarries, and a 
marble quarry of variegated colors. The Shawnee town was on the Little 
Miami, and was visited by Capt. Thomas Bullit in 1773. When Daniel Boone 
was captured in 1778, he was brought to this town, and escaped the following 
year. Gen. Clarke invaded this county and the Indians reduced the town to ashes 
Xenia, the county seat, was laid off in the forest in 1803, by Joseph ('. 
Vance. The first cabin was erected in April, 1804, by John Marshall. The 
Rev. James Fowler built the first hewed-log cabin. David A. Sanders built 
the first frame house. Nine miles north of the town, on the Little Miami 
River, are the Yellow Springs, which are impregnated with sulphur. 



144 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Geauga County was formed in 1805 from Trumbull. It exports sheep, 
cattle, butter and cheese. It is situated at the head of Chargrine, Cuyahoga and 
a part of Grand Rivers, on high ground, and is subjected to snowstorms more 
frequently than any other part of the Reserve. Its first settlement was made 
in 1798, at Burton. Chardon is fourteen miles from Lake Erie, and is 600 
feet above it. It was laid out as the county seat in 1808. 

Gallia County was formed April 30, 1803, from Washington. Its princi- 
pal crops are wheat, corn, oats and beans. The surface is generally broken. 
Its first settlement was made in 1791, by a French colony, at Gallipolis. This 
colony was sent out under the auspices of the Scioto Company. This town is 
now the county seat.' 

Hamilton County was the second established in the Northwestern Territory 
by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, January 2, 1790. Its surface is gen- 
erally rolling. It produces the ordinary farm products, and a great variety 
of fruits and vegetables for the Cincinnati market. Vineyards thrive well 
within its limits, and the manufacture of wine is carried on to a considerable 
extent. 

This county was. the second settled in Ohio, and the first within the Symmes 
purchase. Settlers arrived at the spot now occupied by' Cincinnati, and three 
or four log cabins were erected. Gen. Arthur St. Clair arrived here in Janu- 
ary, 1790. The army of Wayne encamped here later, at Fort Washington. 
Mr. Maxwell established in 1793 the Sentinel of the Northwestern Territory, 
the first newspaper printed north of the Ohio River. In 1796, Edward Free- 
man became its proprietor, and changed the name to Freeman 's Journal. 
January 11, 1794, two keel-boats sailed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, making 
regular trips every four weeks. In 1801, the first sea vessel built at Mari- 
etta came down the Ohio. 

Cincinnati, the county seat, was incorporated January 2, 1802. It was char- 
tered as a city in 1819. The city is beautifully laid out and delightfully situ- 
ated. Its public buildings are elegant and substantial, including the court 
house and many literary and charitable institutions. 

The Cincinnati College was founded in 1819. It stands in the center of 
the city. It is built in Grecian-Doric style, with pilaster fronts and facade of 
Dayton marble. Woodward College is also popular. 

The Catholics have founded the St. Xavier's College. Lane Seminary, a 
theological institution, is at Walnut Hills, two miles from the center of the city. 
It has over 10,000 volumes in its libraries. No charge is made for tuition. 
Rooms are provided and furnished at $5 per year, and board ranges from 62| 
cents to 90 cents a week. The Cincinnati Law School is connected with Cin- 
cinnati College. The Mechanics' Institute was chartered in 1828, and is in all 
respects well supplied with apparatus. A college for teachers was established in 
1831, its object being to perfect those contemplating entering that profession in 
their studies and system. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 145 

The Cincinnati Orphan Asylum is an elegant building, and has a library 
and well-organized school attached. The Catholics of the city have one male 
and female orphan asylum. The Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum of 
Ohio was incorporated in 1821. 

Cincinnati is a large manufacturing city, and possesses fine water-power 
facilities. It communicates with the world by means of its canal, river, turnpikes, 
and railways. North Bend is another prominent town in this county, having 
been the residence of Gen. William H. Harrison, and the site of his burial 
place. The town was of considerable importance in the early settlement of the 
State. About thirty yards from Harrison's tomb is the grave of Judge 
Symmes. 

Hancock County was formed April 1, 1820. It produces wheat, oats, corn, 
pork and maple sugar. The surface is level and its soil is fertile. Blanchard's 
Fork waters the central and southern part of tne county. Findlay, the county 
seat, was laid out by ex-Gov. Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry, in 1821. It 
was relaid in 1829. William Vance settled there in the fall of 1821. At the 
south end of the town, are two gas wells. In the eastern part, is a mineral 
spring, and west of the bridge, is a chalybeate spring. 

Hardin County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. 
It produces, principally, wheat, corn and swine. A portion of the surface is 
level, and the remainder undulating. Fort McArthur was built on the Scioto 
River, but proved a weak stockade. Kenton is the county seat, situated on the 
Mad River. 

Harrison County was formed from Jefferson and Tuscarawas January 1, 
1814. The surface is hilly, abounding in coal and limestone. Its soil is clayey. 
It is one of the important wool-growing counties in Ohio. It produces large 
quantities of wheat, corn, oats and hay, besides a considerable number of horses, 
cattle and swine. 

In April, 1700, Alexander Henderson and family settled in this county, and 
at the same time, Daniel Peterson and his family resided at the forks of Short 
Creek. The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians and wild beasts. 
Cadiz is the county seat, and was laid out in 1803 and 1804, by Messrs. Briggs 
and Beatty. 

Henry County was formed from the old Indian Territory, April 1, 1820. 
Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and maple sugar constitute the main products. 
The county is well supplied with running streams, and the soil is unusually rich. 

The greater portion of this county is covered by the "Black Swamp." 
Throughout this swamp are ridges of limestone, covered with black walnut, red 
elm. butternut and maple. The soil is superior for grain. Fruit thrives and 
all varieties of vegetables are produced in large quantities. Simon Girty, noto- 
rious for his wicked career, resided in this county. Girty led the attack on 
Fort Henry, in September, 1777. He demanded the surrender of the fort, 
and menaced its inmates with an Indian massacre, in case of refusal. The 



146 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

action began, but the fort gained the victory. He led a ferocious band of Indi- 
ans, and committed the most fiendish atrocities. 

Napoleon, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee River. 

Highland County was formed in May, 1805, from Ross, Adams and Cler- 
mont. It is a wealthy, productive county. Its wheat commands a high mar- 
ket price. The crops consist of wheat, corn, oats, maple sugar, wool, swine 
and cattle. Its first settlement began in 1801, at New Market, by Oliver Ross, 
Robert Keeston, George W. Barrere, Bernard Weyer and others. Simon Ken- 
ton made a trace through this county in early times. Hillsboro is the 
county seat, and was laid out in 1807, by David Hays, on the land of Benja- 
min Ellicott. It is situated on the dividing ridge, between the Miami and Sci- 
oto. The Hillsboro Academy was founded in 1827. 

Hocking County was formed March 1, 1818, from Ross, Athens and Fair- 
field. Its principal products are corn, wheat, tobacco and maple sugar. Its 
surface is broken and hilly, but is level and fertile beside the streams. 

The Wyandots once occupied this tract, and built a large town herein. In 
1798, a few white families ventured to settle. Logan is its county seat, and is 
situated on the Hocking River. 

Holmes County was formed from Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Wayne, Janu- 
ary 20, 1824. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, maple sugar, swine, 
sheep and cattle. The southwestern portion is broken. Thomas Butler was. 
the first settler, in 1810. Millersburg is the county seat, and was laid out in 
1830. 

Huron County was organized in 1815. It produces hay, wheat, corn, oats, 
barley, buckwheat, flaxseed, potatoes, butter, cheese, wool and swine. Nor- 
walk is the county seat. 

Jackson County was organized March, 1816. The country is rich in min- 
erals and abounds in coal and iron ore. The exports are cattle, wool, swine, 
horses, lumber, millstones, tobacco and iron. Jackson, the county seat, was 
laid out in 1817. The old Scioto salt-works were among the first worked in 
Ohio by the whites. Prior to this period, the Indians came some distance to 
this section to make salt. When Daniel Boone was a prisoner, he spent some 
time at these works. 

Jefferson County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair July 29, 1797, and 
was the fifth county established in Ohio. It is one of the most important 
manufacturing counties in the State. Its resources in coal arc also extended. 
The surface is hilly and the soil fertile, producing wheat, corn and oats. The 
old tk Mingo" town was on the present farms of Jeremiah TIallock and Mr- 
Daniel Potter. The troops of Col. Williamson rendezvoused at this point, 
when they set out in their cruel Moravian campaign, and also the troops of 
Col. Crawford, when they started on the campaign against the Sandnsky 
Indians. Here Logan, the powerful and manly chief of the Mingo nation, 
once resided. He took no active part in the old French war, which closed in 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 147 

1760, except that of a peacemaker. He was a stanch friend of the whites 
until the abominable and unprovoked murder of his father, brother and sister, 
which occurred in 1774, near the Yellow Creek. He then raised the battle 
cry and sought revenge. 

However, Logan was remarkably magnanimous toward prisoners who fell 
into his hands. The year 1793 was the last spent in Indian warfare in Jeffer- 
son County. 

Fort Steuben was erected on the present site of Steuben ville, the county seat, 
in 1789. It was constructed of block-houses, with palisade fences, and was dis- 
mantled during Wayne's campaign. Bezaleel Wells and Hon. James Ross laid 
the town out in 1798. It was incorporated February 14, 1805. It is situated 
upon an elevated plain. In 1814, Messrs. Wells and Dickerson built a woolen 
manufactory, and introduced merino sheep to the county. 

Knox County Avas formed March 1, 1808, from Fairfield. It is drained by 
the Vernon River. It produces wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, maple sugar, pota- 
toes and wool. Mount Vernon was laid out in 1805. The early settlers found 
two wells on the Vernon River, built of hammered stone, neatly laid, and near 
by was a salt-lick. Their direct origin remains a mystery. Gilman Bryant, 
in 1807, opened the first store in Mount Vernon. The court house was built 
in 1810. The Indians came to Mount Vernon in large numbers for the pur- 
pose of trading in furs and cranberries. Each Saturday, the settlers worked 
on the streets, extracting stumps and improving the highway. The first settler 
north of the place Avas N. M. Young, who built his cabin in 1803. Mount 
Vernon is iioav the county seat, beautifully situated on Vernon River. Kenvon 
College is located at Gambier. It is richly endoAved with 8,000 acres, and is 
valued at $100,000. This institution Avas established under the auspices of 
Bishop Chase, in July, 1826, in the center of a $4,000-acre tract belonging to 
Kenyon College. It was chartered as a theological seminary. 

Lucas County is of comparatively recent origin. A large portion is covered 
by the "Black Swamp." It produces corn, wheat, potatoes and oats. This 
county is situated in the Maumee Valley, which was the great arena of histori- 
cal events. The frightful battle of Wayne's campaign, Avhere the Indians found 
the British to be traitors, Avas fought at Fort Meigs, in this county. Maumee 
City, the county seat, AA T as laid out in 1817, as Maumee, by Maj. William Oliver 
and others. It is situated on the Maumee, at the head of navigation. The 
surface is 100 feet above the water level. This town, with Perrysburg, its neighbi >r, 
is exceedingly picturesque, and AA'as in early times frequented by the Indian.-. 
The French had a trading station at this point, in 1680, and in 1794, the Brit- 
ish Fort — Miami — was built. Toledo is on the left bank of the Maumee, and 
covers the site of a stockade fort, knoAvn as Fort Industry, erected in 1800. 
An Indian treaty was held here July 4, 1805, by which the Indians relinquished 
all rights to the " fire lands." In 1832, Capt. Samuel Allen gave an impetus 
to the place, and Maj. Stickney also became interested in its advancement. 



148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Speculation in lots began in 1834. The Wabash & Erie Canal interest arose in 
1836. Mr. Mason and Edward Bissel added their energies to assist the growth 
of the town. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. It was the center of the 
military operations in the " Ohio and Michigan war," known as the "boundary 
conflict." 

The Ordinance of 1787 provided for the division of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory into three or five States. The three southern were to be divided from the 
two northern by a line drawn east and west through the southern point of Lake 
Michigan, extending eastward to the Territorial line in Lake Erie. The consti- 
tution of Ohio adds a provision that if the line should not go so far north as the 
north cape of Maumee Bay, then the northern boundary of Ohio should be a 
line drawn from the southerly part of Lake Michigan to the north cape of the 
Maumee Bay. 

The line of the ordinance was impossible, according to its instructions and 
the geography of the country. 

When Michigan became a Territory, the people living between the " Fulton " 
and '• Harris " lines found it more to their wishes to be attached to Michigan. 
They occupied disputed ground, and were thus beyond the limits of absolute 
law. In 1835, the subject was greatly agitated, and J. Q. Adams made a warm 
speech before Congress against the Ohio claim. The Legislature of Ohio dis- 
cussed the matter, and an act was passed to attach the disputed section to Ohio, 
according to the constitutional decree. An active campaign opened between 
Michigan and Ohio. Gov. Lucas came out with the Ohio troops, in the spring 
of 1835, and Gov. Mason, of Michigan, followed the example. He marched 
into Toledo, robbed melon-patches and chicken-houses, crushed in the front 
door of Maj. Stickney's house, and carried him away prisoner of war. Embas- 
sadors were sent from Washington to negotiate matters — Richard Rush, of Penn- 
sylvania and Col. Howard, of Maryland. At the next session of Congress, the 
matter was settled. Samuel Vinton argued for Ohio, in the House, and Thomas 
Ewing in the Senate. Michigan received an equivalent of the large peninsula 
between Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior. Ohio received the disputed 
strip, averaging eight miles in width. Manhattan, Waterville and Providence 
are all flourishing towns. 

Lorain County was formed from Huron, Cuyahoga and Medina, on Decem- 
ber 26, 1822. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface level. Wheat, 
grass, oats, corn, rye and potatoes constitute the principal crops. Bog-iron ore 
is found in large quantities. A curious relic has been found in this county, bear- 
ing the date of 1533. Elyria is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817. 
The first settler was Mr. Heman Ely. Oberlin is situated about eight miles 
southwest of Elyria. The Oberlin Collegiate Institute has attained a wide 
celebrity. 

Logan County was formed March 1, 1817. The surface is broken and hilly 
near the Mad River, but is generally level. The soil is fertile, producing 






HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 149 

wheat, corn, rye, oats, clover, flax and timothy seed. The Shawnee Indians 
were located here, and built several villages on the Mad River. These towns 
were destroyed in 1786, by a body of Kentuckians, under Gen. Benjamin 
Logan. The whites surprised the towns. However, they returned after the 
work of destruction had been completed, and for many years frequented the 
section. On the site of Zanesville was a Wyandot village. By the treaty of 
September 29, 1817, the Senecas and Shawnees held a reservation around 
Lewistown. April 6, 1832, they vacated this right and removed west. Isaac 
Zane was born about the year 1753, and was, while a boy, captured and after- 
ward adopted by the Wyandots. Attaining the age of manhood, he had no 
desire to return to his people. He married a Wyandot woman, who was half 
French. After the treaty of Greenville, he bought 1,800 acres on the site of 
Zanesville, where he lived until the year 1816, when he died, lamented by all 
his friends. 

Logan County was settled about the year 1806. During the war of 1812, 
it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was 
laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell. 
Joseph Gordon built a cabin, and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame 
dwelling. 

Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad River, five miles from 
Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six 
days. This remarkable man came West, to Kentucky, in 1771. He probably 
encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778, 
he was captured and suffered extreme cruelties, and was ransomed by the British. 
He soon recovered his robust health, and escaped from Detroit the following 
spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was elected Brigadier General of 
the militia, and in the war of 1812, joined Gen. Harrison's army. In the year 
1820, he removed to Mad River. Gen. Vance and Judge Burnet secured him 
a pension, of §20 per month 

Licking County was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is 
generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. The soil is 
fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and grass. Coal and iron ore of good 
quality add to the wealth of the county. Wool and dairy productions are also 
staples. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the 
three principal branches of the Licking. It was laid out by Gen. William C. 
Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military 
section of 4,000 acres, in 1801. In 1802, Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr 
built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking " are in 
the eastern part of the county, which have elicited general praise from scenic 
hunters. 

Lawrence County was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high 
and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand or freestone. It is rich 
in minerals, and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture. 



150 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Coal is abundant, and white clay exists in the western part suitable for pot- 
tery purposes. Agricultural productions are not extensive. 

The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region 
extends through the west part of this county. Lawrence County produces a 
superior quality of iron, highly esteemed for castings, and is equal to Scotch 
pig for furnace purposes. Burlington is the county seat. 

Lake County was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840. The 
soil is good and the surface rolling. It produces wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat, 
barley, hay and potatoes. Dairy products, cattle and wool are also staples. 
Its fruits — apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes are highly prized. As 
early as 1799, a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county 
seat, is situated on Grand River, in a beautiful valley. The Painesville Acad- 
emy is a classical institution for the education of both sexes. Near the town 
is the Geauga furnace. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805. 
At Fairport, the first warehouse in this section, and probably the first on the 
lake, was built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor, 
and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville, was, 
in 1834, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time, they numbered 
about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered 
over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. As is 
well known, the Mormons derive their name from the book of Mormon, said to 
have been translated from gold plates found in a hill in Palmyra, N. Y. 

Madison County was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally 
level. It produces grass, corn, oats and cattle — the latter forming a chief 
staple, while wool and pork add to the general wealth. 

Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He, 
like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years, and had formed 
a lasting affection for them, and had married a squaw, with whom he became 
dissatisfied, which caused him to desire finding his own family. He suc- 
ceeded in this through the assistance of John Moore. He left his wife and 
joined his people. 

This county was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing 
and built a cabin. He settled near Alder, and taught him the English lan- 
guage. Mr. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place, and the Indians 
exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities 
of 1812 began, the British offered inducements to the Indians to join them, and 
they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to 
preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became 
firm friends of the Americans. 

London is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810-11, by Patrick McLcne. 

Marion County was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile, and pro- 
duces extensive farm crops. The Dehnvarc Indians once held a reservation 
here, and conceded their claims in 1829, August 3, and removed west of the 







David Watson, Sen. 



DECEASEDl 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 153 

Mississippi. Marion, the county seat, was laid out in 1821, by Eber Baker 
and Alexander Holmes. Gen. Harrison marched through this section during 
his campaign. 

Mahoning County was formed in 1846, from Trumbull and Columbiana. 
The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. The finer qualities of wood 
are produced here. Bituminous coal and iron are found in large quantities. 
Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement 
of the county went forward. Canfield is the county seat. 

Medina County was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812. 
The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural prod- 
ucts. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe, 
Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made 
by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr brothers. Me- 
dina is the county seat. 

Meigs County was formed from Gallia and Athens April 1, 1819. The 
general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats, 
corn, hay and potatoes. Vast quantities of salt are made and exported. Pom- 
eroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty, hill, surrounded by picturesque 
scenery. Mr. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in 
1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819, by David Bradshaw. 

Mercer County was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The sur- 
face is generally flat,' and while covered with forests, inclined to be wet; but, 
being cleared, it is very fertile, and adapted to producing farm crops. St. 
Clair's Battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke County. 
The Hon. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty at St. Mary's with 
the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas, in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived 
at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's Fort, on the west bank of 
the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest 
artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir sup- 
plying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Canal. It is about nine 
miles long, and from two to four broad. Celina is the county seat. 

Miami County was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds 
in excellent limestone, and possesses remarkable water-power facilities. Its agri- 
cultural products rank highly in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this 
section about the year 1797, and its first settlement began about this time. Troy, 
the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is another lovely 
town. The Miami River affords delightful scenery at this point. 

Monroe County was formed January 29, 1813, from Belmont, Washington, 
and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities 
of tobacco are raised, and much pork is exported. Wheat and corn grow well 
in the western portion. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams 
are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock 
grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799. near the mouth of the Sunfish. 



154 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

At this time, wolves were numerous, and caused much alarm. Volney entered 
this county, but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township is settled by 
the Swiss, who are educated and refined. Woodsfield is the county seat. 

Montgomery County was formed from Ross and Hamilton May 1, 1803. 
The soil is fertile, and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of 
grayish-white limestone are found east of the Miami. 

Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Great Miami, at the-mouth of Mad 
River. A company was formed in 1788, but Indian wars prevented settlement. 
After Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new company was formed. It advanced 
rapidly between the years 1812 and 1820. The beginning of the Miami Canal 
renewed its prosperity, in 1827. The first canal-boat from Cincinnati arrived 
at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake 
Erie in June, 1845. Col. Robert Patterson came to Dayton in 1804. At one 
time, he owned Lexington, Ky., and about one third of Cincinnati. 

Morgan County was organized in 1818, March 1. The surface is hilly and 
the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. Pork is a 
prolific product, and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made 
in 1790, on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. Mr. Ayres 
made the first attempt to produce salt, in 1817. This has developed into a 
large industry. 

Morrow County was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon 
River, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone 
River, and by Walnut Creek. The surface is undulating, the soil fertile. 
The staple products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. The sugar 
maple abounds in the forests, and sandstone or freestone in the quarries. 
Mount Gilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olen- 
tangy River. 

Muskingum County was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The sur- 
face is rolling or hilly. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool 
and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Pipe clay, buhr- 
stone or cellular quartz are also in some portions of the State. Salt is made in 
large quantities — the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone. 
The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shaw T anoese Indians once inhabited this 
section. An Indian town occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawan- 
oese town was located near Dresden. 

Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking. 
It was In id out in 1799, by Mr. Zane and Mr. Mclntire. This is one of the 
principal towns in the State, and is surrounded by charming scenery. 

Noble County, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck and Wills 
Creeks. The surface is undulating, and a large part of it is covered with for- 
ests. The soil is fertile. Its staples are corn, tobacco, wheat, hay, oats and 
wool. Among its mineral resources arc limestone, coal and petroleum. Near 
Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal and salt. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 155 

Ottawa County was formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas, March 6, 1840, 
It is mostly within the Black Swamp, and considerable of its land is prairie and 
marsh. It was very thinly settled befere 1880. Extensive plaster beds exist 
on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone 
quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the 
soil of Ohio, during the war of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clin- 
ton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827. 

Perry County was formed from Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum, 
March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first set- 
tled in 1802. In 1807, John Finck erected the first cabin near the site of 
Somerset, formerly the county seat. New Livingston is now the county seat. 

Paulding County was formed from old Indian territory August 1, 1820. 
It produces corn, wheat and oats. Paulding is the county seat. 

Pickaway County was formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin, January 
12, 1810. The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barrens 
were covered by shrub oaks, and when cleared are adapted to the raising of corn 
and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circleville, 
and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in the olden 
times, burned the great council fires of the red man. Here the allied tribes met 
Gen. Lewis, and fought the battle of Mount Pleasant. Dunmore's campaign 
was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dun- 
more's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county 
seat, is situated on the Scioto River and the Ohio Canal. It was laid out in 
1810, by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications. 

Portage County was formed June 7, 1807, from Trumbull. It is a wealthy, 
thriving section. Over a thousand tons of cheese are annually produced. It 
also produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, butter and wool. 
Ravenna is the county seat, and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin 
Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806, an unpleasant difficulty arose between the 
settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade between a 
white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 17*. '9. 

Pike County was organized in 1815. The surface is generally hilly, Avhich 
abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building pur- 
poses. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John 
Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about 
1790. Piketown, the former county seat, Avas laid out about 1814. Waverly, 
the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto River. 

Preble County was formed March 1, 1808, from Montgomery and Butler. 
The soil is varied. Excellent water-power facilities are furnished. 

Eaton, the county seat, was laid out in 1806, by William Bruce, who owned 
the land. An overflowing well of strong sulphur water is near the town, while 
directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Ilolderman's quarry is about two 



156 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 

miles distant, from which is obtained a beautifully clouded gray stone. Fort St. 
Clair was built near Eaton, in the winter of 1791-92. Gen. Harrison was an En- 
sign at the time, and commanded a guard every other night for three weeks, during 
the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very 
guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county 
for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest, and, although engaged in several 
severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his 
warriors cried for war he led them bravely. 

Putnam County was formed April 1, 1820, from old Indian territory. The 
soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, corn, potatoes and oats. 
Large quantities of pork are exported. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid 
out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat. 

Ross County was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Gov. St. 
Clair, and was the sixth county formed in the Northwestern Territory. The 
Scioto River and Paint Creek run through it, bordered with fertile lands. 
Much water-power is obtained from the many streams watering it. The main 
crops are wheat, corn and oats. It exports cattle and hogs. 

The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col. 
Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new 
State. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out. A triv- 
ial Indian encounter was the only interruption they n. :t with on their way. 
After Wayne's treaty, Col. Massie and many of these early explorers met 
again and formed a settlement — in 1796 — at the mouth of Paint Creek. In 
August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Col. Massie, in a dense forest. 
He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto, 
and the opening of Zane's trace assisted the progress of settlement. 

Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty 
feet above the river. In 1800, it was the seat of the Northwestern Territorial 
Government. It was incorporated as a city in January, 1802. During the war 
of 1812, the city was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large num- 
ber of British were at one time guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place, and 
the seat of Gov. Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. Near this 
is Fruit Hill, the residence of the late Gen. Mc Arthur, and latterly the home 
of his son-in-law, the Hon. William Allen. Eleven miles from Chillicothe, on 
the road to Portsmouth, is the home of the hermit of the Scioto. 

Richland was organized March 1, 1813. It produces wheat, corn, oats, hay, 
potatoes, rye, hemp and barley. It was settled about 1809, on branches of the 
Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat, 
is charmingly situated, and was laid out in 1808, by Jacob Newman, James 
Hedges and Joseph II. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilder- 
ness, destitute of roads. From this year, the settlement progressed rapidly. 

Sandusky County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. 
The soil is fertile, and country generally level. It mainly produces corn, wheat, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 157 

oats, potatoes and pork. The Indians were especially delighted with this tract. 
Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyandots, called the Neutral Nation. 
These two cities never failed to render refuge to any who sought their protec- 
tion. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois 
conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is 
situated at the head of navigation, on the Sandusky, on the site of the old 
reservation grant to the Indians, at the Greenville treaty council. Fort 
Stephenson was erected in August, 1813, and was gallantly defended by Col. 
Croghan. 

Summit County was formed March 3, 1840, from Medina, Portage and 
Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of 
corn, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. Cheese and butter may be added as 
products. 

The first settlement made in the county was at Hudson, in 1800. The old 
Indian portage-path, extending through this county, between the Cuyahoga, and 
Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary 
between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, is 
situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811, Paul 
Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was 
laid out in 1818, by Norton & Hart. 

Stark County was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural 
county. It has large quantities of mineral coal, iron ore, flocks of the finest 
sheep and great water power. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist. 
The manufacture of silk has been extensively carried on. Frederick Post, the 
first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761. 

Canton is the county seat, situated in the forks of the Nimishillen, a tribu- 
tary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who 
owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan. 

Shelby County was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is 
undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north, it is a flat table- 
land. It produces wheat, corn, oats and grass. The first point of English set- 
tlement in Ohio was at the mouth of Laramie's Creek, in this county, as early 
as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794, by Wayne. The first white family 
that settled in this county was that of James Thatcher, in 1804. Sidney, the 
county seat, was laid out in 1819, on the farm of Charles Starrett. 

Seneca County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
Its principal products are corn, wheat, grass, oats, potatoes and pork. 

Fort Seneca was built during the war of 1812. The Senecas owned 
40,000 acres of land on the Sandusky River, mostly in Seneca County. 
Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted t<> them in 1817. at the treaty 
held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining 10,000 was granted 
the following year. These Indians ceded this tract, however, to the Govern- 
ment in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief, that this band was the remnant 



158 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

of Logan's tribe. Tiffin, the county seat, was laid out by Josiah Hedges in 
the year 1821. 

Scioto County was formed May 1, 1803. It is a good agricultural section' 
besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort 
stood at the mouth of the old Scioto, as early as 1740. In 1785, four families 
settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in 
the county. The "French grant" was located in this section — -a tract com- 
prising 24,000 acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the 
county seat, is located upon the Ohio. 

Trumbull County was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western 
Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy. 
Coal is found in its northern portion. We have, in our previous outline, given 
a history of this section, and it is not, therefore, necessary to repeat its details. 
Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning River. It was laid out 
by Ephraim Quinby in 1801. Mr. Quinby owned the soil. His cabin was built 
here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home, 
a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the family, struck a 
child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the family. Mrs. 
McMahon could not send tidings which could reach her husband before noon 
the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen men and two 
boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty. 
Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remainder in concealment, as he was better 
acquainted with these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions. 
He did not return at once, and the party set out, marched into camp, and found 
Quinby arguing with Capt. George, the chief. Capt. George snatched his 
tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet 
from the frontierman's gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot " Spotted 
John" at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined the council at 
Sandusky. Quinby garrisoned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the 
Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and 
Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty, pun- 
ished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by Gen. St. 
Clair, and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the Reserve was the 
Rev. Joseph Badger. 

Tuscarawas County was formed February 15, 1808, from Muskingum. It 
is well cultivated with abundant supplies of coal and iron. 

The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating 
back to 17G1. The first permanent settlement was made in 1803. Miss Mary 
Beckewelder, the daughter of a missionary, was born in this county April 16, 
1781. Fort Laurens was built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a 
fearful carnage. It was established in the fall of 1778, and placed under the 
command of Gen. Mcintosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on 
the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 159 

colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious 
dictation they could not espouse. They called themselves Separatists. They 
are a simple-minded people, strictly moral and honest. 

Union County was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in 
1820. It produces corn, grass, wheat, oats, potatoes, butter and cheese. 
Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the 
first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Leg- 
islature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located 
within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marys- 
ville is the county seat. 

Van Wert County was formed from the old Indian territory April 1, 1820. 
A great deal of timber is within the limits of this county, but the soil is so 
tenacious that water will not sink through it, and crops are poor during wet 
seasons. The main product is corn. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded 
by James W. Riley in 1837. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site. 
Capt. Riley was the first white man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821. 
He founded Willshire in 1822. 

Vinton County was organized in ] 850. It is drained by Raccoon and Salt 
Creeks. The surface is undulating or hilly, and is extensively covered with 
forests in which the oak, buckeye and sugar maple are found. Corn, hay, but- 
ter and wool are staple products. Bituminous coal and iron ore are found. 
McArthur is the county seat. 

Washington County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair July 27, 
1788, and was the first county founded within the limits of Ohio. The surface 
is broken with extensive tracts of level, fertile land. It was the first county 
settled in the State under the auspices of the Ohio Company. A detachment 
of United States troops, under command of Maj. John Doughty, built Fort 
Harmar in 1785, and it was the first military post established in Ohio by 
Americans, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in 1778. 
It was occupied by United States troops until 1790, when they were ordered 
to Connecticut. A company under Capt. Haskell remained. In 1785, the 
Directors of the Ohio Company began practical operations, and settlement 
went forward rapidly. Campus Martius, a stockade fort, was completed in 
1791. This formed a sturdy stronghold during the war. During the Indian 
war there was much suffering in the county. Many settlers were killed and 
captured. 

Marietta is the county seat, and the oldest town in Ohio. Marietta College 
was chartered in 1835. Herman Pdannerhassett, whose unfortunate association 
with Aaron Burr proved fatal to himself, was a residenl of Marietta in 1796. 
About the year 1798, he began to beautify ami improve his island. 

Warren County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton. The soil is 
very fertile, and considerable water-power is furnished by its streams. Mr. 
Bedell made the first settlement in 1795. Lebanon is the county seat. Henry 



160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Taylor settled in this vicinity in 1796. Union Village is a settlement of 
Shakers. They came here about 1805. 

Wayne County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair August 15, 1796, and 
was the third county in the Northwest Territory. The settlement of this sec- 
tion has already been briefly delineated. Wooster is the county seat. It was 
laid out during the fall of 1808, by John Beaver, William Henry and Joseph 
H. Larwell, owners of the land. Its site is 337 feet above Lake Erie. The 
first mill was built by Joseph Stibbs in 1809, on Apple Creek. In 1812, a 
block-house was erected in Wooster. 

Wood County was formed from the old Indian territory in 1820. The soil 
is rich, and large crops are produced. The county is situated within the Mau- 
mee Valley. It was the arena of brilliant military exploits during early times. 

Bowling Green is the county seat. 

Williams County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
Bryan is the county seat. It was laid out in 1840. 

Wyandot County was formed February 3, 1845, from Marion, Harden, 
Hancock and Crawford. The surface is level and the soil is fertile. The 
Wyandot Indians frequented this section. It was the scene of Crawford's 
defeat, in June, 1782, and his fearful death. The treaty of 1817, Hon. Lewis 
Cass and Hon. Duncan McArther, United States Commissioners, granted to 
the Indians a reservation ten miles square, the central point being Fort Ferree. 
This reservation was ceded to the United States in 1829. The Wyandots 
ceded theirs March 17, 1842. The United States Commissioner was Col. 
John Johnson, who thus made the last Indian treaty in Ohio. Every foot of 
this State was fairly purchased by treaties. The Wyandots were exceedingly 
brave, and several of their chiefs were men of exalted moral principles. 

Upper Sandusky is the county seat, and was laid out in 1843. Gen. Har- 
rison had built Ferree on this spot during the war of 1812. Gov. Meigs, in 
1813, encamped near the river, with several thousand of the Ohio militia. 

The Indian town of Upper Sandusky was originally Crane Town. The 
Indians transferred their town, after the death of Tarke, to Upper Sandusky. 

GOVERNORS OF OHIO. 

The Territorial Governors we have already mentioned in the course of our 
brief review of the prominent events of the State of Ohio. After the Terri- 
tory was admitted as a State, in 1802, Edward Tiffin was elected to that position, 
and again received the same honor, in 1804 and 1806. In 1807, circumstances 
led him to resign, and Thomas Kirker, Speaker of the House, acted as Gover- 
nor, until the close of the term. 

Edward Tiffin was born in Carlisle, England, coming to this country in 
1784, at the age of eighteen. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, and 
applied himself to the study of medicine, graduating and beginning his practice 
at the age of twenty, in the State of Virginia. In 1789, he married Mary, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 161 

daughter of Col. Worthington, and sister of Thomas Worthington, who subse- 
quently became Governor of Ohio. In his profession, Gov. Tiffin was highly 
esteemed, and his public labors were carried forward with a zealous earnestness 
which marked his career as one of usefulness. He settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, 
in 1790, where he died, in 1829. 

Samuel Huntington, the recipient of the honor of second Governor, was 
inaugurated in 1808. He was an American by birth, Norwich, Conn.^ 
being his native place. He was a diligent student in Yale College, graduating 
in 1785. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1801. He attained a reputation 
for integrity, ability and rare discretion. As a scholar, he was eminently supe- 
rior. He resided in Cleveland at the time of his death, in 1817. 

Return Jonathan Meigs followed Gov. Huntington. He was born in Mid- 
dletown, Conn., in 1765. He was also a student in Yale College, graduating 
in 1785, with the highest honors. He immediately entered the study of law, 
and was admitted to practice in his twenty-third year. He married Miss Sophia 
Wright, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. He took his seat as Gover- 
nor in 1810, and was re-elected in 1812. In 1813, President Madison appointed 
him to the position of Postmaster General, which occasioned his resignation as 
Governor. Othniel Looker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor during 
the remainder of the term. Mr. Meigs died in 1825, leaving as a memento of 
his usefulness, a revered memory. 

Thomas Worthington, the fourth Governor, was born in Jefferson County, 
Va., in 1769. He gained an education in William and Mary's College. 
In 1788, he located at Chillicothe, and was the first Senator from the new 
State. He was also the first man to erect the first saw-mill in Ohio. He 
served two terms as Senator, from 1803 to 1815, resigning in 1814, to take his 
position as Governor. In 1816, he was re-elected. He was exceeding^ active 
in paving the way for the future prosperity of Ohio. His measures were famous 
for practical worth and honesty. Chief Justice Chase designated him as " a 
gentleman of distinguished ability and great influence." He died in 1827. 

Ethan Allen Brown followed Mr. Worthington. His birthplace was on the 
shore of Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1766. His 
education was derived under the most judicious instruction of a private tutor. 
In classics, he became proficient. Directly he had reached the required stand- 
ard in general education, he began the study of law, at home. After becoming 
conversant with preliminary requirements, he entered the law office of Alex- 
ander Hamilton, who at that time was a national pride, as a scholar, lawyer and 
statesman. Opportunities coming in his way, which promised a fortune, he 
abandoned the law, and achieved success and a fortune. He then decided to 
return to his study, and was admitted to practice in 1802. Thereafter, he was 
seized with an exploring enthusiasm, and with his cousin as a companion, set 
out upon a horseback tour, following the Indian trails from east to west, through 
Pennsylvania, until they reached Brownsville, on the Monongahela River. Here 



162 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

they purchased two flatboats, and fully stocking them with provisions and 
obtaining efficient crews, started for New Orleans. Reaching that city, they 
found they could not dispose of their cargoes to any advantage, and shipped the 
flour to Liverpool, England, taking passage in the same vessel. They succeeded 
in obtaining good prices for their stock, and set sail for America, arriving in Bal- 
timore nine months after first leaving ik home," on this adventure. Mr. Brown's 
father decided to secure a large and valuable tract of Western land, as a per- 
manent home, and authorized his son to select and purchase the same for him. 
He found what he desired, near Rising Sun, Ind. After this, he settled in 
Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of law, speedily achieving prominency 
and distinction. Financially, he was most fortunate. In 1810, he was elected 
Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he filled with honor, until he was 
chosen Governor, in 1818. He was re-elected in 1820. In 1821, he received 
the honor of Senator, and served one term, with the highest distinction, gain- 
ing emolument for himself and the State he represented. In 18-30, he was 
appointed Minister to Brazil. He remained there four years, and returning, 
was appointed Commissioner of Public Lands, by President Jackson, holding 
this position two years. At this time, he decided to retire from public life. 
Since he never married, he was much with his relatives, at Rising Sun, Ind., 
during the latter part of his life. His death was sudden and unexpected, occur- 
ring in February, 1852, while attending a Democratic Convention, at Indianap- 
olis, Ind. He was interred near his father, at Rising Sun. 

Jeremiah Morrow, the sixth Governor of Ohio, was born at Gettysburg, 
Penn., in October, 1771. His people were of the " Scotch-Irish " class, and his 
early life was one of manual labor upon his father's farm. During the winter, 
he had the privilege of a private school. With a view of establishing himself 
and securing a competency, he bade the old home farewell, in 1795, and set out 
for the " Far West." A flatboat carried him to a little cluster of cabins, known 
by the name of Columbia, six miles from Fort Washington — Cincinnati He 
devoted himself to whatever came in his way, that seemed best and most worthy 
— teaching school, surveying and working on farms between times. Having 
accumulated a small capital, he ascended the Little Miami, as far as Warren 
County, and there purchased an extensive farm, and erected an excellent log 
house. In the spring of 1709, he married Miss Mary Packtrell, of Columbia. 
The young couple set out upon pioneer farming. Gaining popularity as well as 
a desirable property, he was deputized to the Territorial Legislature, which met 
at Chillicothe, at which time measures were inaugurated to call a Constitutional 
Convention, during the following year, to organize the State of Ohio. Mr. 
Morrow was one of the Delegates to this convention, and steadfastly worked in the 
interests of those who sent him, until its close in 1802. The following year, 
he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in June of the same year, he was 
appointed the first Representative to the United States Congress from the new 
State. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 163 

Ohio was then entitled to but one Representative in Congress, and could not 
add to that number for ten years thereafter. During these years, Mr. Morrow 
represented the State. In 1813, he was sent to the United States Senate, and 
in 1822, was elected Governor of Ohio, almost unanimously, being re-elected in 
1824. It was during his administration that work was begun on the Ohio 
Canal. Mr. Morrow received the national guest, La Fayette, with an earnest 
and touching emotion, which affected the emotions of the generous Frenchman 
more profoundly than any of the elaborate receptions which paved his way 
through America. On the 4th of July, 1839, Gov. Morrow was appointed to 
lay the corner stone of the new State capitol, at Columbus, and to deliver the 
address on this occasion. Again, in 1840, he was in the House of Representa- 
tives, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Thomas Corwin. 
He was elected for the following term also. He died at his own homestead, in 
Warren County, March 22, 1853. 

Allen Trimble was a native of Augusta County, Va. The date of his birth 
was November 24, 1783. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin, and were 
among the early settlers of Virginia. His father moved to Ohio in 1804, pur- 
chasing a tract of land in Highland County. His cabin was remarkably spa- 
cious, and elicited the admiration of his neighbors. He cleared six acres of 
land for an orchard, and brought the trees on horseback, from Kentucky. Be- 
fore this new home was completed, Allen, then a young man of twenty, took 
possession. This was in the year 1805. Four years thereafter, he occupied 
the position of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Recorder of High- 
land County. He was serving in the latter capacity at the breaking out of the 
war of 1812. Naturally enthusiastic and patriotic, he engaged a competent 
person to perform his civil duties, while he went into active service as Colonel 
of a regiment he had summoned and enlisted. He was always eager to be in 
the front, and led his men with such valor that they were termed soldiers who 
did not know the art of flinching. His commanding General lavished praises 
upon him. In 1816, he was in the State Senate, representing Highland 
County. He occupied the same position for four terms, two years each. In 
1818, he was Speaker of the Senate, over Gen. Robert Lucas. He remained 
in this office until elected to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy caused 
by the death of his brother, Col. William A. Trimble. In October, 1826, he 
was elected the seventh Governor of Ohio, by an astonishing majority. The 
united vote of his three competitors was but one-sixth of the vote polled. Gov. 
Trimble was an earnest Henry Clay Whig. In 1828, he was re-elected, 
although Jackson carried the State the following November. Gov. Trimble 
was married in 1806, to Miss Margaret McDowell. Three years thereafter, 
she died, leaving two children. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel 
Woodrow, and they lived together sixty years, when he died, at home, in Ilills- 
boro, Highland County, February 3, 1870. His wife survived him but a few 
months. 



164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Duncan Mc Arthur, the eighth Governor of Ohio, was born in Dutchess 
County, N. Y., in 1772. While yet a child, his parents removed to the west- 
ern part of Pennsylvania, where they entered upon the hard life of pioneers. 
While there, young Duncan had the meager advantages of a backwoods school. 
His life was a general routine until his eighteenth year, when he enlisted under 
Gen. Harmer for the Indian campaign. His conduct and bravery won worthy 
laurels, and upon the death of the commander of his company, he was elected 
to that position, although the youngest man in the company. When his days 
of service had expired, he found employment at salt-making in Maysville, Ky., 
until he was engaged as chain-bearer in Gen. Massie's survey of the Scioto 
Valley. At this time, Indian atrocities alarmed the settlers occasionally, and 
his reputation for bravery caused him to be appointed one of the three patrols 
of the Kentucky side of the Ohio, to give the alarm to scattered cabins in case 
of danger. This was during the summer of 1793. Gen. Massie again secured 
his services, this time as assistant surveyor. He was thus engaged for several 
years, during which time he assisted in platting Chillicothe. He purchased a 
large tract of land just north of town, and under his vigorous and practical 
management, it became one of the finest estates of Ohio, which reputation it 
sustains at the present time. He amassed wealth rapidly, his investments 
always being judicious. In 1805, he was elected to the State Legislature. 
He was a Colonel of an Ohio regiment, and accompanied Gen. Hull to Detroit 
in 1813. At Huffs surrender he was a prisoner, but released on parole, 
returned to Ohio in a state of indignation over his commander's stupidity. 
Soon thereafter he was sent to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon there- 
after he was released from parole by exchange, and, greatly rejoiced, he 
resigned his seat, entered the army as a Brigadier General under Gen. Harri- 
son, and the following year succeeded him as commander of the Northwestern 
forces. At the termination of the war, he was immediately returned to the 
State Legislature. He occupied State offices until 1822, when he was again 
sent to Congress. Serving one term, he declined re-election. In 1830, he 
was elected Governor of Ohio. When his term expired, he decided to enjoy 
life as a citizen on his farm, "Fruit Hill," and lived there in contentment until 
1840, when he died. 

Robert Lucas was another Virginian, having been born in 1781, in Jeffer- 
son County of that State. While a boy, his father liberated his slaves, moving 
to Chillicothe as one of the early settlers. He procured a proficient tutor for 
his children. Robert became an expert in mathematics and surveying. Before 
he reached his majority, he was employed as surveyor, earning liberal compen- 
sation. At the age of twenty-three, he was appointed Surveyor of Scioto 
County. At twenty-five, he was Justice of the Peace for Union Township, 
Scioto County. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown in 1810, who died two 
years thereafter, leaving a young daughter. In 1816, he married Miss Sum- 
ner. The same year lie was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature. For 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 165 

nineteen consecutive years he served in the House or Senate. In 1820 and 
1828, he was chosen one of the Presidential electors of Ohio. In 1832, 
he was Chairman of the National Convention at Baltimore, which nom- 
inated Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. In 1832, he 
became Governor of Ohio, and was re-elected in 1834. He declined a third 
nomination, and was appointed by President Van Buren Territorial Governor 
of Iowa and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. On the 16th of August, 
1838, ho reached Burlington, the seat of government. He remained in Iowa 
until his death, in 1853. 

Joseph Vance, the tenth Governor of Ohio, was born in Washington 
County, Penn., March 21, 1781. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his 
father emigrated to the new Territory when Joseph was two years of age. He 
located on the southern bank of the Ohio, building a solid block house. This 
formed a stronghold for his neighbors in case of danger. In 1801, this pioneer 
decided to remove north of the Ohio River, and eventually settled in Urbana. 
Joseph had the primitive advantages of the common schools, and became pro- 
ficient in handling those useful implements — the plow, ax and rifle. The first 
money he earned he invested in a yoke of oxen. He obtained several barrels 
of salt, and set out on a speculative tour through the settlements. He traveled 
through a wilderness, over swamps, and surmounted serious difficulties. At 
night he built a huge fire to terrify the wolves ami panthers, and laid down to 
sleep beside his oxen, frequently being obliged to stand guard to protect 
them from these ferocious creatures. Occasionally he found a stream so swol- 
len that necessarily he waited hours and even days in the tangled forest, before 
he could cross. He often suffered from hunger, yet he sturdily persevered and 
sold his salt, though a lad of only fifteen years. When he attained his major- 
ity, he married Miss Mary Lemen, of Urbana. At twenty-three, he was 
elected Captain of a rifle company, and frequently led his men to the front to 
fight the Indians prior to the war of 1812. During that year, he and his 
brother piloted Hull's army through the dense forests to Fort Meigs. In 1817, 
with Samuel McCullough and Henry Van Meter, he made a contract to supply 
the Northwestern army with provisions. They drove their cattle and hogs 
many miles, dead weight being transported on sleds and in wagons. Ik- 
engaged in mercantile business at Urbana and Fort Meigs — now lVnysburg. 

While thus employed, he was elected to the Legislature, and there remained 
four years. He then purchased a large tract of land on Blanchard's Fork, 
and laid out the town of Findlay. He was sent to Congress in 1821, and was 
a member of that body for fifteen years. In 1836, he was chosen Governor of 
Ohio. Again he was sent to Congress in 1842. While attending the Consti- 
tutional Convention in 1850, he was stricken with paralysis, and suffered 
extremely until 1852, when he died at his home in Urbana. 

Wilson Shannon was a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He was born 
during 1803. At the age of fifteen, he was sent to the university at Athens, 



166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

where he remained a year, and then changed to the Transylvania University, 
at Lexington, Ky. He continued his studies two years, then returning home 
and entering upon reading law. He completed his course at St. Clairsville, 
Belmont County, and was admitted to practice. He was engaged in the courts 
of the county for eight years. In 1832, the Democrats nominated him to Con- 
gress, hut he was not elected. He received the position of Prosecuting Attor- 
ney in 1834, in which position his abilities were so marked and brilliant that 
he was elected Governor by a majority of 3,600. He was re- nominated in 
1840, but Tom Corwin won the ticket. Two years thereafter, he was again 
nominated and elected. In 1843, he was appointed Minister to Mexico, by 
President Tyler, and resigned the office of Governor. When Texas was 
admitted as a State, Mexico renounced all diplomatic relations with the United 
States. Mr. Shannon returned home, and resumed the practice of law. He 
was sent to Congress in 1852. President Pierce conferred upon him the posi- 
tion of Territorial Governor of Kansas, which duty he did not perform satis- 
factorily, and was superseded after fourteen months of service. He settled in 
Lecompton, Kan., and there practiced law until his death, which occurred in 
1877. 

Thomas Corwin, the twelfth Governor of Ohio, was born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., July 29, 1794. His father settled at Lebanon in 1798. The 
country was crude, and advantages meager. When Thomas was seventeen 
years of age, the war of 1812 was inaugurated, and this young man was 
engaged to drive a wagon through the wilderness, loaded with provisions, to 
Gen. Harrison's headquarters. In 1816, he began the study of law, and 
achieved knowledge so rapidly that in 1817 he passed examination and was 
admitted to practice. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, in 
1818, which position he held until 1830. He was elected to the Legislature of 
Ohio in 1822. Again, in 1829, he was a member of the same body. He was 
sent to Congress in 1830, and continued to be re-elected for the space of ten 
years. He became Governor of Ohio in 1840. In 1845, he was elected to 
the United States Senate, where he remained until called to the cabinet of Mr. 
Fillmore, as Secretary of the Treasury. He was again sent to Congress in 
1858, and re-elected in 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico, by Pres- 
ident Lincoln. After his return, he practiced law in Washington, D. C, 
where he died in 1866. 

Mordecai Bartlcy was born in 1783, in Fayette County, Penn. There he 
remained, on his father's farm, until he was twenty-one years of age. He mar- 
ried Miss Wells in 1804, and removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he 
purchased a farm, near Cross Creek. At the opening of the war of 1812, he 
enlisted in a company, and was elected its Captain. He entered the field under 
Harrison. At the close of the war, he removed to Richland County, and opened 
a clearing and set up a cabin, a short distance from Mansfield. He remained 
on his farm twenty years, then removing to Mansfield, entered the mercantile 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 167 

business. In 1817, he was elected to the State Senate. He was sent to Con- 
gress in 1823, and served four terms. In 1844, he became Governor of Ohio, 
on the Whig ticket. He declined a re-nomination, preferring to retire to his 
home in Mansfield, where he died in 1870. 

William Bebb, the fourteenth Governor, was from Hamilton County, Ohio. 
He was born in 1804. His early instructions were limited, but thorough. He 
opened a school himself, when he was twenty years of age, at North Bend, 
residing in the house of Gen. Harrison. He remained thus employed a year, 
during which time he married Shuck. He very soon began the study of law, 
continuing his school. He was successful in his undertakings, and many pupils 
were sent him from the best families in Cincinnati. In 1831, he was admitted 
to practice, and opened an office in Hamilton, Butler County, remaining thus 
engaged for fourteen years. In 1845, he was elected Governor of Ohio. In 
1847, he purchased 5,000 acres of land in the Bock Biver country, 111., and 
removed there three years later. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, he 
was appointed Pension Examiner, at Washington, and remained in that position 
until 1866, when he returned to his Illinois farm. He died at Bockford, 111., 
in 1873. 

Seabury Ford, the fifteenth Governor of Ohio, was born in the year 1802, 
at Cheshire, Conn. His parents settled in Burton Township. He attended 
the common schools, prepared for college at an academy in Burton, and entered 
Yale College, in 1821, graduating in 1825. He then began the study of law, 
in the law office of Samuel W. Phelps, of Painesville, completing his course 
with Judge Hitchcock. He began practice in 1827, in Burton. He married 
Miss Harriet E. Cook, of Burton, in 1828. He was elected by the Whigs to 
the Legislature, in 1835, and served six sessions, during one of which he was 
Speaker of the House. He entered the State Senate in 1841, and there 
remained until 1844, when he was again elected Bepresentative. In 1846, he 
was appointed to the Senate, and in 1848, he became Governor of Ohio. On 
the first Sunday after his retirement, he was stricken with paralysis, from which 
he never recovered. He died at his home in Burton in 1855. 

Reuben Wood, the sixteenth Governor, was a Vermonter. Born in 1792, 
in Middleton, Rutland County, he was a sturdy son of the Green Mountain 
State. He was a thorough scholar, and obtained a classical education in Upper 
Canada. In 1812, he was drafted by the Canadian authorities to serve against 
the Americans, but being determined not to oppose his own land, he escaped 
one stormy night, accompanied by Bill Johnson, who was afterward an Ameri- 
can spy. In a birchbark canoe they attempted to cross Lake Ontario. A 
heavy storm of wind and rain set in. The night was intensely dark, and they 
were in great danger. They fortunately found refuge on a small island, where 
they were storm-bound three days, suffering from hunger and exposure. They 
reached Sacket's Harbor at last, in a deplorable condition. Here they were 
arrested as spies by the patrol boats of the American fleet. They were prisoners 



168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

four days, when an uncle of Mr. Wood's, residing not far distant, came to 
their rescue, vouched for their loyalty, and they were released. Mr. Wood 
then went to Woodville, N. Y., where he raised a company, of which he was 
elected Captain. They marched to the northern frontier. The battles of 
Plattsburg and Lake Champlain were fought, the enemy defeated, and the com- 
pany returned to Woodville and was disbanded. 

Young Wood then entered the law office of Gen. Jonas Clark, at Middle- 
bury, Vt. He was married in 1816, and two years later, settled in Cleveland, 
Ohio. When he first established himself in the village, he possessed his wife, 
infant daughter and a silver quarter of a dollar. He was elected to the State 
Senate in 1825, and filled the office three consecutive terms. He was appointed 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was promoted to the Bench of the 
Supreme Court, serving there fourteen years, the latter portion of the term as 
Chief Justice. He was termed the "Cayuga Chief," from his tall form and 
courtly bearing. He was elected Governor in 1850, by a majority of 11,000. 
The new constitution, which went into effect in March, 1851, vacated the office 
of Governor, and he was re-elected by a majority of 26,000. The Democrats 
holding a national convention in Baltimore in 1852, party division caused fifty 
unavailing votes. The Virginia delegation offered the entire vote to Gov. 
Wood, if Ohio would bring him forward. The opposition of one man pre- 
vented this. The offer was accepted by New Hampshire, and Frank Pierce 
became President. Mr. Wood was appointed Consul to Valparaiso, South 
America, and resigned his office of Governor. He resigned his consulship and 
returned to his fine farm near Cleveland, called "Evergreen Place." He 
expected to address a Union meeting on the 5th of October, 1864, but on the 
1st he died, mourned by all who knew him. 

William Medill, the seventeenth Governor, was born in New Castle County, 
Del., in 1801. He was a graduate of Delaware College in 1825. He began 
the study of law under Judge Black, of New Castle, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1832. He removed to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1830. He was elected Rep- 
resentative from Fairfield County in 1835. He was elected to Congress in 
1838, and was re-elected in 1840. He was appointed Assistant Postmaster 
General by President Polk. During the same year, he was appointed Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs. In 1851, he was elected Lieutenant Governor, and, 
in 1853, he became Governor. He occupied the position of First Comptroller 
of the United States Treasury in 1857, under President Buchanan, retaining the 
office until 1861, when he retired from public life. His death occurred in 
1865. 

Salmon P. Chase was a native of Cornish, N. H. He was born in 1803. 
He entered Dartmouth College in 1822, graduating in 1826. He was there- 
after successful in establishing a classical school in Washington, but finan- 
cially it did not succeed. He continued to teach the sons of Henry Clay, 
William Wirt and S. L. Southard, at the same time reading law when not busy 





Theophilus Mc Kinnon. 

(deceased] 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 171 

as tutor. He was admitted to practice in 1829, and opened a law office in Cin- 
cinnati. He succeeded but moderately, and during his leisure hours prepared 
a new edition of the "Statutes of Ohio." He added annotations and a well- 
written sketch of the early history of the State. This was a thorough success, 
and gave the earnest worker popularity and a stepping-stone for the future. 
He was solicitor for the banks of the United States in 1834, and soon there- 
after, for the city banks. He achieved considerable distinction in 1837, in the 
case of a colored woman brought into the State by her master, and escaping 
his possession. He was thus brought out as an Abolitionist, which was further 
sustained by his defense of James G. Birney, who had suffered indictment for 
harboring a fugitive slave. In 184(3, associated with William H. Seward, he 
defended Van Zandt before the Supreme Court of the United States. His 
thrilling denunciations and startling conjectures alarmed the slaveholding 
States, and subsequently led to the enactment of the fugitive-slave law of 1850. 
Mr. Chase was a member of the United States Senate in 1849, through the 
coalition of the Democrats and Free-Soilers. In 1855, he was elected Gover- 
nor of Ohio by the opponents of Pierce's administration. He was re-elected 
in 1859. President Lincoln, in 1861, tendered him the position of Secretary 
of the Treasury. To his ability and official management we are indebted for 
the present national bank system. In 1864, he was appointed Chief Justice of 
the United States. He died in the city of New York in 1873, after a useful 
career. 

William Dennison was born in Cincinnati in 1815. He gained an educa- 
tion at Miami University, graduating in 1835. He began the study of law in 
the office of the father of George H. Pendleton, and was qualified and admitted 
to the bar in 1840. The same year, he married a daughter of William Neil, 
of Columbus. The Whigs of the Franklin and Delaware District sent him to 
the State Senate, in 1848. He was President of the Exchange Bank in Cin- 
cinnati, in 1852, and was also President of Columbus & Xenia Railway. He was 
elected the nineteenth Governor of Ohio in 1859. By his promptness and 
activity at the beginning of the rebellion, Ohio was placed in the front rank of 
loyalty. At the beginning of Lincoln's second term, he was appointed Post- 
master General, retiring upon the accession of Johnson. He then made his 
home at Columbus. 

David Tod, the twentieth Governor of Ohio, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, 
in 1805. His education was principally obtained through his own exertions. 
He set about the study of law most vigorously, and was admitted to practice in 
1827. He soon acquired popularity through his ability, and consequently was 
financially successful. He purchased the Briar Hill homestead. Under Jack- 
son's administration, he was Postmaster at Warren, and held the position until 
1838, when he was elected State Senator by the Whigs of Trumbull District, by 
the Democrats. In 1844, he retired to Briar Hill, and opened the Briar Hill 
Coal Mines. He was a pioneer in the coal business of Ohio. In the Cleveland 



172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

& Mahoning Railroad, he was largely interested, and was its President, after the 
death of Mr. Perkins. He was nominated, in 1844, for Governor, by the Dem- 
ocrats, but was defeated. In 1847, he went to Brazil as Minister, where he 
resided for four and a half years. The Emperor presented him with a special 
commendation to the President, as a testimonial of his esteem. He was also the 
recipient of an elegant silver tray, as a memorial from the resident citizens of 
Rio Janeiro. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which 
met at Charleston in 1860. He was Vice President of this Convention. He 
was an earnest advocate for Stephen A. Douglas. When the Southern members 
withdrew, the President, Caleb Gushing, going with them, the convention 
adjourned to Baltimore, when Mr. Tod assumed the chair and Douglas was nom- 
inated. He was an earnest worker in the cause, but not disheartened by its 
defeat. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, he was one of the most vigorous 
prosecutors of the war, not relaxing his active earnestness until its close. He 
donated full uniforms to Company B, of the Nineteenth Regiment, and contrib- 
uted largely to the war fund of his township. Fifty-five thousand majority 
elected him Governor in 1861. His term was burdened Avith war duties, 
and he carried them so bravely as Governor that the President said of him : 
" Governor Tod of Ohio aids me more and troubles me less than any other Gov- 
ernor." His death occurred at Briar Hill during the year 1868. 

John Brouo;h was a native of Marietta, Ohio. He was born in 1811. The death 
of his father loft him in precarious circumstances, which may have been a discipline 
for future usefulness. He entered a printing office, at the age of fourteen, in 
Marietta, and after serving a few months, began his studies in the Ohio Uni- 
versity, setting type mornings and evenings, to earn sufficient for support. He 
occupied the leading position in classes, and at the same time excelled as a 
type-setter. He was also admired for his athletic feats in field amusements. 
He completed his studies and began reading law, which pursuit was interrupted 
by an opportunity to edit a paper in Petersburg, Va. He returned to Marietta 
in 1831, and became editor and proprietor of a leading Democratic newspaper 
— the Washington County Republican. He achieved distinction rapidly, 
and in 1833, sold his interest, for the purpose of entering a more extended field 
of journalism. He purchased the Ohio Eagle, at Lancaster, and as its editor, 
held a deep influence over local and State politics. He occupied the position 
of Clerk ofthe Ohio Senate, between the years 1835 and 1838, and relinquished his 
paper. He then represented the counties of Fairfield and Hocking in the Leg- 
islature. He was then appointed Auditor of State by the General Assembly, 
in which position he served six years. He then purchased the Phoenix news- 
paper in Cincinnati, changed its name to the Enquirer, placing it in the care 
of his brother, Charles, while he opened a law office in the city. His editorials 
in the Enquirer, and his activity in political affairs, were brilliant and strong. 
He retired from polities in 1848, sold a half-interest in the Enquirer and carried 
on a prosperous business, but was brought forward again by leaders of both 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 173- 

political parties in 1863, through the Vallandigham contest, and was elected 
Governor the same year, by a majority of 101,099 votes in a total of 471,(343. 
He was three times married. His death occurred in 186/3 — Charles Anderson 
serving out his term. 

Jacob Dolson Cox, the twenty-second Governor, was born in 1828, in Mon- 
treal, Canada, where his parents were temporarily. He became a student of 
Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1846, graduating in 1851, and beginning the practice 
of law in Warren in 1852. He was a member of the State Senate in 1859, 
from the Trumbull and Mahoning Districts. He was termed a radical. He 
was a commissioned Brigadier General of Ohio in 1861, and, in 1862, was pro- 
moted to Major General for gallantry in battle. While in the service he was 
nominated for Governor, and took that position in 1865. He was a member of 
Grant's Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, but resigned, lie went to Con- 
gress in 1875, from the Toledo District. His home is in Cincinnati. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, was the nineteenth President of the United States, 
the twenty-third Governor of Ohio, was born at Delaware, Ohio, in 1822. He 
was a graduate of Kenyon College in 1842. He began the study of law, and, 
in 1843, pursued that course in the Cambridge University, graduating in 1845. 
He began his practice at Fremont. He was married to Miss Lucy Webb in 
1852, in Cincinnati. He was Major of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry in 1861, and in 1862, was promoted to Colonel on account of bravery 
in the field, and eventually became Major General. In 1864, he was elected to 
Congress, and retired from the service. He remained in Congress two terms, 
and was Governor of Ohio in 1867, being re-elected in 1869. He filled this 
office a third term, being re-elected in 1875. 

Edward F. Noy'es was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1832. While a lad of 
fourteen, he entered the office of the Morning Star, published at Dover, N. H., 
in order to learn the business of printing. At the age of eighteen, he entered 
the academy at Kingston, N. H. He prepared for college, and entered 
Dartmouth in 1853, graduating with high honors in 1857. He had begun the 
study of law T , and continued the course in the Cincinnati Law School, and began 
to practice in 1858. He was an enthusiast at the opening of the rebellion and 
was interested in raising the Twentieth Regiment, of which he was made Major. 
He was promoted to Colonel in 1862. At the conflict at Ruff's Mills, in 
Georgia, in 1864, he was so unfortunate as to lose a leg. At the time, amputa- 
tion was necessary, but was unskillfully performed. He was brought to Cincin- 
nati, and the operation was repeated, which nearly cost him his life. He reported 
three months later, to Gen. Hooker for duty, on crutches. He was assigned to 
command of Camp Dennison. He was promoted to the full rank of Brigadier 
General, and while in discharge of his duty at that place, he was elected City 
Solicitor of Cincinnati. He occupied the position until 1871, when he was 
elected Governor, by a majority of 20,000. He went to France in 1877, as 
Minister, appointed by President Hayes. 



174 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

William Allen, the twenty-fifth Governor of Ohio, was born in 1807, in 
Chowan County, N. C. While an infant, he was left an orphan, and his sister 
superintended his education. He was placed in a private school in Lynchburg, 
Va., at the age of fourteen. Two years later, he joined his sister and family, 
in Chillicothe, and attended the academy a year, when he entered the law office 
of Edward King, and began a course of study. In his seventeenth year, he 
began practice, and through his talent speedily acquired fame and popu- 
larity. Before he was twenty-five, he was sent to Congress by a strong Whig 
district. He was elected United States Senator in 1837, there remaining 
until 1849. In 1845, he married Effie McArthur, who died soon after the 
birth of their daughter. In 1873, he was elected Governor. His adminis- 
tration gave general satisfaction. He died, at his home at " Fruit Hill," in 
1879. 

R. M. Bishop, the twenty-sixth Governor of Ohio, was born Novem- 
ber 4, 1812, in Fleming County, Ky. He began the vocation of mer- 
chant, and for several years devoted himself to that business in his native 
State. In 1848, he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, in Cincinnati. 
His three sons became partners, under the firm name of R. M. Bishop & Sons. 
The sales of this house frequently exceeded $5,000,000 per annum. Mr. 
Bishop was a member of the Council of Cincinnati, and in 1859 was its Mayor, 
holding that office until 1861. In 18G0, the Legislatures of Indiana and Ten- 
nessee visited Ohio, to counsel each other to stand by the Constitution and the 
flag. At the reception given at Pike's Opera House, Mayor Bishop delivered 
an eloquent address, which elicited admiration and praises. During the same 
year, as Mayor, he received the Prince of Wales in the most cordial manner, a 
national credit as a mark of respect to a distinguished foreign guest. In 1877, 
he was elected Governor of Ohio, by a large majority. 

Charles Foster, the present and twenty-seventh Governor of Ohio, was born 
in Seneca County, Ohio, April 12, 1828. He was educated at the common 
schools and the academy at Norwalk, Ohio. Engaged in mercantile and bank- 
ing business, and never held any public office until he was elected to the Forty- 
second Congress; was re-elected to the Forty-third Congress, and again to the 
Forty-fourth Congress, as a Republican. In 1879, he was nominated by the 
Republicans and elected Governor of the State; was re-elected in 1881. 

In reviewing these slight sketches of the Governors of this grand Western 
State, one is impressed with the active relationship they have all sustained, with 
credit, with national measures. Their services have been efficient, earnest and 
patriotic, like the State they have represented and led. 

ANCIENT WORKS. 
Ohio has furnished a prolific field for antiquarians and those interested in 
scientific explorations, cither for their own amusement and knowledge, or for 
the records of " facts and formations."' 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 175 

It is well known that the " Mound Builders " had a wide sweep through this 
continent, but absolute facts regarding their era have been most difficult to 
obtain. Numerous theories and suppositions have been advanced, yet they are 
emphatic evidences that they have traced the origin and time of this primeval race. 

However, they have left their works behind them, and no exercise of faith 
is necessary to have confidence in that part of the story. That these works are 
of human origin is self-evident. Temples and military works have been found 
which required a considerable degree of scientific skill on the part of those early 
architects and builders. 

Evidently the Indians had no knowledge of these works of predecessors, 
which differed in all respects from those of the red men. An ancient cemetery 
has been found, covering an area of four acres, which had evidently been laid 
out into lots, from north to south. Nearly 3,000 graves have been discovered, 
containing; bones which at some time must have constituted the framework of 
veritable giants, while others are of no unusual size. In 1815, a jaw-bone was 
exhumed, containing an artificial tooth of silver. 

Mounds and fortifications are plentiful in Athens County, some of them 
being of solid stone. One, differing in the quality of stone from the others, is 
supposed to be a dam across the Hocking. Over a thousand pieces of stone 
were used in its construction. Copper rings, bracelets and ornaments are 
numerous. It is also evident that these people possessed the knowledge of 
hardening copper and giving it an edge equal to our steel of to-day. 

In the branch formed by a branch of the Licking River and Raccoon Creek, 
in Licking County, ancient works extend over an area of several miles. Again, 
three miles northwest of this locality, near the road between Newark and Gran- 
ville, another field of these relics may be found. On the summit of a high hill 
is a fortification, formed to represent an alligator. The head and neck includes 
32 feet ; the length of the body is 73 feet ; the tail was 105 feet ; from the termini of 
the fore feet, over the shoulders, the width is 100 feet ; from the termini of 
the hind feet, over the hips, is 92 feet ; its highest point is 7 feet. It is composed 
of clay, which must have been conveyed hither, as it is not similar to the clay 
found in the vicinity. 

Near Miamisburg, Montgomery County, are other specimens. Near the 
village is a mound, equaled in size by very few of these antiquities. It meas- 
ures 800 feet around the base, and rises to a height of sixty-seven feet. Others 
are found in Miami County, while at Circleville, Pickaway County, no traces 
remain. 

Two forts have been discovered, one forming an exact square, and the other 
describing a circle. The square is flanked by two walls, on all sides, these 
being divided by a deep ditch. The circle has one wall and no ditch. This is 
sixty-nine rods in diameter, its walls being twenty feet high. The square fort 
measures fifty-five rods across, with walls twelve feet high. Twelve gateways 
lead into the square fort, while the circle has but one, which led to the other, at 



176 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the point where the walls of the two came together. Before each of these 
entrances were mounds of earth, from four to five feet high and nearly forty 
feet in diameter. Evidently these were designed for defenses for the openings, 
in cases of emergency. 

A short distance from Piketon, the turnpike runs, for several hundred feet, 
between two parallel artificial walls of earth, fifteen feet high, and six rods 
apart. In Scioto County, on both sides of the Ohio, are extensive ancient 
"works. 

" Fort Ancient " is near Lebanon in Warren County. Its direct measure- 
ment is a mile, but in tracing its angles, retreating and salient, its length would 
be nearly six miles. Its site is a level plain, 240 feet above the level of the 
river. The interior wall varies in height to conform with the nature of the 
ground without — ranging from 8 to 10 feet. On the plain it reaches 100 feet. 
This fort has 58 gateways, through one of which the State road runs, passing 
between two mounds 12 feet high.' Northeast from these mounds, situated on 
the plain, are two roads, about a rod wide each, made upon an elevation about 
three feet high. They run parallel to each other about a quarter of a mile, 
when they each form a semicircle around a mound, joining in the circle. It is 
probable this was at some time a military defense, or, on the contrary, it may 
have been a general rendezvous for games and high holiday festivities. 

Near Marietta, are the celebrated Muskingum River works, being a half- 
mile from its juncture with the Ohio. They consist of mounds and walls of 
earth in circular and square forms, also tracing direct lines. 

The largest square fort covers an area of 40 acres, and is inclosed by a wall 
of earth, 6 to 10 feet in height, and from 25 to 30 feet at its base. On each 
side are three gateways. The center gateways exceed the others in size, more 
especially on the side toward the Muskingum. From this outlet runs a covered 
means of egress, between two parallel walls of earth, 231 feet distant from each 
other, measuring from the centers. The walls in the interior are 21 feet high 
at the most elevated points, measuring 42 feel at the base, grading on the exte- 
rior to about five feet in heigth. This passage-way is 300 feet in length, lead- 
ing to the low grounds, which, at the period of its construction, probably reached 
the river. 

At the northwest corner, within the inclosure, is a plateau 188 feet long, 
132 feet broad and !> feet high. Its sides an- perpendicular and its surface 
level. At the center of each side is a graded pathway leading to the top, six 
feet wide. Another elevated square isnear the south wall, 150x120 feet square, 
and 8 feet high, similar to the other, with the exception of the graded walk. 
Outside and next the wall to ascend to the top, it has central hollow ways, 10 
feet wide, leading 20 hot toward the center, then arising with a gradual slope to 
tiie to]». A third elevated square is situated at the southeast corner, 108x54 
feet square, with ascents at the ends. This is neither as high or as perfect as 
the others. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 177 

Another ancient work is found to the southeast, covering an area of 20 acres 
with a gateway in the center of each side, ami others at the corners — each of 
these having the mound defense. 

On the outside of the smaller fort, a mound resembling a sugar loaf was 
formed in the shape of a circle 115 feet in diameter, its height being 30 feet. 
A ditch surrounds it, 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep. These earthworks have 
contributed greatly to the satisfactory results of scientific researches. Their 
builders were evidently composed of large bands that have succumbed to the 
advance of enlightened humanity. The relics found consists of ornaments, 
utensils and implements of war. The bones left in the numerous graves convey 
an idea of a stalwart, vigorous people, and the conquests which swept them away 
from the face of the country must have been fierce and cruel. 

Other mounds and fortifications are found in different parts of the State, of 
which our limited space will not permit a, description. 

Many sculptured rocks are found, and others with plainly discernible 
tracery in emblematical designs upon their surface. The rock on which the 
inscriptions occur is the grindstone grit of the Ohio exports — a stratum found 
in Northern Ohio. Arrow-points of flint or chert have been frequently found. 
From all investigations, it is evident that an extensive flint bed existed in Lick- 
ing County, near Newark. The old pits can now be recognized. They 
extended over a hundred acres. They are partially filled with water, and sur- 
rounded by piles of broken and rejected fragments. The flint is a grayish- 
white, with cavities of a brilliant quartz crystal. Evidently these stones were 
chipped into shape and the material sorted on the ground. Only clear, homo- 
genous pieces can be wrought into arrow-heads and spear-points. Flint chips 
extend over many acres of ground in this vicinity. Flint beds are also found 
in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. In color it varies, being red, white, black 
and mottled. The black is found in^ Coshocton County. 

SOME GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Ohio, as a State, is renowned as an agricultural section. Its variety, quality 
and quantity of productions cannot be surpassed by any State in the Union. Its 
commercial importance ranks proudly in the galaxy of opulent and industrious 
States composing this Union. Her natural resources are prolific, and all improve- 
ments which could be instituted by the ingenuity of mankind have been added. 

From a quarter to a third of its area is hilly and broken. About the head- 
waters of the Muskingum and Scioto, and between the Scioto and the two 
Miami Rivers, are wide prairies ; some of them are elevated and dry, with fertile 
soil, although they are frequently termed "barrens." In other parts, they are 
low and marshy, producing coarse, rank grass, which grows to a height of five 
feet in some places. 

The State is most fortunate in timber wealth, having large quantities of 
black walnut, oak of different varieties, maple, hickory, birch, several kinds of 



178 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

beech, poplar, sycamore, papaw, several kinds of ash, cherry, whitewood and 
buckeye. 

The summers are usually warm, and the winters are mild, considering the 
latitude of the State. Near Lake Erie, the winters are severe, corresponding 
with sections in a line with that locality. Snow falls in sufficient quantities 
in the northern part to afford several weeks of fine sleighing. In the southern 
portion, the snowstorms are not frequent, and the fall rarely remains long on 
the ground. 

The climate is generally healthy, with the exception of small tracts lying 
near the marshes and stagnant waters. 

The Ohio River washes the southern border of the State, and is navigable 
for steamboats of a large size, the entire length of its course. From Pitts- 
burgh to its mouth, measuring it meanderings, it is 908 miles long. Its current 
is gentle, having no falls except at Louisville, Ky., where the descent is twenty- 
two and a half feet in two miles. A canal obviates this obstruction. 

The Muskingum is the largest river that flows entirely within the State. It 
is formed by the junction of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding Rivers, and enters 
the Ohio at Marietta One hundred miles of its length is navigable. 

The Scioto is the second river in magnitude, is about 200 miles long, and 
flows into the Ohio at Portsmouth. It affords navigation 130 miles of its length. 
The Great Miami is a rapid river, in the western part of the State, and is 100 
miles long. The Little Miami is seventy miles in length, and enters the Ohio 
seven miles from Cincinnati. 

The Maumee rises in Indiana, flows through the northwestern part of the 
State, and enters Lake Erie at Maumee Bay. It affords navigation as far as 
Perrysburg, eighteen miles from the lake, and above the rapids, it is' again nav- 
igable. 

The Sandusky rises in the northern part of the State, is eighty miles long, 
and flows into Lake Erie, via Sandusky Bay. 

Lake Erie washes 150 miles of the northern boundary. The State has sev- 
eral fine harbors, the Maumee and Sandusky Bays being the largest. 

We have, in tracing the record of the earlier counties, given the educational inter- 
ests as exemplified by different institutions. We have also given the canal system 
of the State, in previous pages. The Governor is elected every two years, by 
the people. The Senators are chosen biennially, and are apportioned according 
to the male population over twenty-one years of age. The Judges of the 
Supreme and other courts are elected by the joint ballot of the Legislature, for 
the term of seven years. 

During the early settlement of Ohio, perfect social equality existed among the 
settlers. The line of demarkation that was drawn was a separation of the good 
from the bad. Log-rollings and cabin-raisings were mutual affairs. Their 
sport usually consisted of shooting, rowing and hunting. Hunting shirts and 
buckskin pants were in the fashion, while the women dressed in coarse material, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 179 

woven by their own hands. A common American cotton check was con- 
sidered a magnificent addition to one's toilet. In those times, however, the 
material was $1 per yard, instead of the shilling of to-day. But five yards 
was then a large "pattern," instead of the twenty-five of 1880. In cooking- 
utensils, the pot, pan and frying-pan constituted an elegant outfit. A few plain 
dishes were added for table use. Stools and benches were the rule, although a 
few wealthy families indulged in splint-bottom chairs. The cabin floors were 
rough, and in many cases the green sward formed the carpet. Goods were very 
expensive, and flour was considered a great luxury. Goods were brought by 
horses and mules from Detroit, or by wagon from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, 
and then down the Ohio. Coarse calicoes were $1 per yard ; tea $ 2 to $3 per 
pound ; coffee 75 cents ; whisky, from $ 1 to $2 per gallon, and salt, $5 to $6 
per barrel. In those towns where Indian trade constituted a desirable interest, 
a bottle was set at each end of the counter — a gratuitous offering to their red 
friends. 

OUTLINE GEOLOGY OF OHIO. 

Should we group the rocks of Ohio, according to their lithological characters, 
we should give five distinct divisions. They are marked by difference in appear- 
ance, hardness, color and composition : 

1 — Limestone. 

2 — Black shale. 

3 — Fine-grained sandstone. 

4 — Conglomerate. 

5 — Coal series. 

They are all stratified and sedimentary. They are nearly horizontal. The 
lowest one visible, in a physical as well as a geological sense, is " blue lime- 
stone." 

The bed of the Ohio River near Cincinnati is 133 feet below the level of 
Lake Erie. The strata incline in all directions from the southwestern angle of 
the State. In Scioto County may be seen the outcropping edges of all these 
rocks. They sink at this point in the direction south 80i-° east ; easterly at the 
rate of 37^ feet per mile. The cliff limestone, the upper stratum of the lime- 
stone deposit, is 600 feet above the river at Cincinnati ; at West Union, in 
Adams County, it is only 350 feet above the same level. 

The finely grained sandstone found on the summit of the hills east of Brush 
Creek and west of the Scioto sinks to the base of the hills, and appears beneath 
the conglomerate, near the Little Scioto. Although the rock formations are the 
same in all parts of the State, in the same order, their thickness, mass and dip, 
are quite different. 

Chillicothe, Reynoldsburg, Mansfield, Newburg, Waverly and Rockville, are 
situated near the western border of the "fine-grained limestone." Its outcrop 
forms a continuous and crooked line from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. In the 
southwest portion of the State is the •'blue limestone," occupying a circular 



180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

space from West Union via Dayton, to the State line. The conglomerate is to 
the east of the given towns, bending around from Cuyahoga Falls to Burton, in 
Geauga County, and then eastward into Pennsylvania. Near this outcrop are 
the coal-bearing rocks which occupy the east and southeastern portions of Ohio. 
From Rockville to Chillicothe, the course is north, about 10° east, and nearly 
corresponds with the line of outcrop of the fine-grained sandstone for an equal 
distance. The dip at Rockville, given by Charles Whittlesey, is 80f °, almost 
at a right angle, and at the rate of 37 feet per mile. 

At Chillicothe, the other end of the line, the general dip is south 70° east, 
30 feet to the mile, the line curving eastward and the dip line to the southward. 
This is the universal law. 

The northern boundary of the great coal fields passes through Meadville, in 
Pennsylvania, and turning south arrives at Portage Summit, on the summit of 
the Alleghanies, 2,500 feet above the ocean level. It then plunges rapidly to 
the westward. From the Alleghanies to the southwest, through Pennsylvania, 
Virginia and Tennessee, sweeps this great coal basin. 

Much of the county of Medina is conglomerate upon the surface, but the 
streams, especially the South Branch of the Rocky River, set through this sur- 
face stratum, and reach the fine-grained sandstone. This is the case with 
Rocky, Chagrin, Cuyahoga and Grand Rivers — also Conneaut and Ashtabula 
('neks. This sandstone and the shale extend up the narrow valleys of these 
streams and their tributaries. Between these strata is a mass of coarse-grained 
sandstone, without pebbles, which furnishes the grindstones for which Ohio is 
noted. In Lorain County, the coarse sandstone grit nearly displaces the-fine- 
graincd sandstone and red shale, thickening at Elyria to the black shale. South 
of this point, the grindstone grit, red shale and ash-colored shale vary in thick- 
ness. The town of Chillicothe, the village of Newburg, and a point in the west 
line of Crawford County, are all situated on the "black shale." 

Dr. Locke gives the dip, at Montgomery and Miami Counties, at north 14°, 
cast, six feet to the mile; at Columbus, Whitelesey gives it, 81° 52' east, 22^^ 
feet to the mile. The fine-grained sandstone at Newburg is not over eighty 
feet in thickness; at Jacktown and Reynoldsburg, 500; at Waverly 250 to 
300 feet, and at Brush Creek, Adams County, 343 feet. The black shale is 
251 feet thick at Brush Creek ; at Alum Creek, 250 to 300 feet thick ; in Craw- 
ford County, about 250 feet thick. The conglomerate in Jackson County is 
200 feet thick ; at Cuyahoga Falls, 100 to 120 feet ; at Burton, Geauga County, 
300 feet. The great limestone format ion is divided into several numbers. At 
Cincinnati, at the bed of the river, there is: 

1 — A blue limestone and slaty marlite. 

2 — Dun-colored marl and layers of lime rock. 

3 — Blue marl ami layers of blue limestone. 

4 — Marl and bands of limestone, with immense numbers of shells at the 
surface. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 181 

In Adams County, the detailed section is thus: 

1 — Blue limestone and marl. 

2 — Blue marl. 

3 — Flinty limestone. 

4 — Blue marl. 

5 — Cliff limestone. 

The coal-fields of Ohio are composed of alternate beds of coarse-grained 
sandstone, clay shales, layers of ironstone, thin beds of limestone and numer- 
ous strata of coal. The coal region abounds in iron. From Jacktown to Con- 
cord, in Muskingum County, there are eight beds of coal, and seven strata of 
limestone. The distance between these two points is forty-two miles. From 
Freedom, in Portage County, to Poland, in Trumbull County, a distance of 
thirty-five miles, there are five distinct strata. Among them are distributed 
thin beds of limestone, and many beds of iron ore. The greater mass of coal 
and iron measures is composed of sandstone and shale. The beds of sandstone 
are from ten to twenty or eighty feet thick. Of shale, five to fifty feet thick. 
The strata of coal and iron are comparatively thin. A stratum of coal three 
feet thick can be worked to advantage. One four feet thick is called a good 
mine, few of them averaging five. Coal strata are found from six to ten and 
eleven feet. There are four beds of coal, and three of limestone, in Lawrence 
and Scioto Counties. There are also eight beds of ore, and new ones are con- 
stantly being discovered. The ore is from four to twelve inches thick, occasion- 
ally being two feet. The calcareous ore rests upon the second bed of limestone, 
from the bottom, and is very rich. 

The most prominent fossils are trees, plants and stems of the coal-bearing 
rocks, shells and corals and crustacean of the limestone, and the timber, leaves 
and dirt-beds of the " drift " — the earthy covering of the rocks, which varies 
from nothing to 200 feet. Bowlders, or " lost rocks," are strewn over the State. 
They arc evidently transported from some remote section, being fragments of 
primitive rock, granite, gneiss and hornblende rock, which do not exist in 
Ohio, nor within 400 miles of the State, in any direction. In the Lake Supe- 
rior region we find similar specimens. 

The superficial deposits of ( )hio are arranged into four geological formations : 

1 — The ancient drift, resting upon the rocks of the State. 

2 — The Lake Erie marl and sand deposits. 

3 — The drift occupying the valleys of large streams, such as the Great Miami, 
the ( )hio and Scioto. 

4 — The bowlders. 

The ancient drift of Ohio is meager in shell deposits. It is not, therefore, 
decided whether it be of salt-water origin or fresh water. 

It has, at the bottom, blue clay, with gravel-stones of primitive or sedimen- 
tary rocks, containing carbonate of lime. The yellow clay is found second. 
Above that, sand and gravel, less stratified, containing more pebbles of the 



182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and stone, iron ore, coal and shale. The 
lower layer contains logs, trees, leaves, sticks and vines. 

The Lake Erie section, or "Lake Erie deposits," may be classed in the 
following order : 

1 — From the lake level upward, fine, blue, marly sand — forty-five to sixty 
feet. 

2 — Coarse, gray, water-washed sand — ten to twenty feet. 

3 — Coarse sand and gravel, not well stratified, to surface — twenty to fifty feet. 

Stratum first dissolves in water. It contains carbonate of lime, magnesia, 
iron, alumina, silex, sulphur, and some decomposed leaves, plants and sticks. 
Some pebbles are found. In contact with the water, quicksand is formed. 

The Hickory Plains, at the forks of the Great Miami and White Water, and 
also between Kilgore's Mill and New Richmond, are the results of heavy dilu- 
vial currents. 

In presenting these formations of the State, we have quoted from the experi- 
ence and conclusions of Charles Whittlesey, eminent as a geologist, and who 
was a member of the Ohio Geological Corps. 

Ohio's rank during the war. 

The patriotism of this State has been stanch, unswerving and bold, ever 
since a first settlement laid its corner-stone in the great Western wilder- 
ness. Its decisive measures, its earnest action, its noble constancy, have earned 
the laurels that designate it "a watchword for the nation." In the year 1860, 
Ohio had a population of 2,343,739. Its contribution of soldiers to the great 
conflict that was soon to surge over the land in scarlet terror, was apportioned 
310,000 men. In less than twenty-four hours after the President's proclama- 
tion and call for troops, the Senate had matured and carried a bill through, 
appropriating $1,000,000 for the purpose of placing the State on a war footing. 
The influences of party sentiments were forgotten, and united, the State 
unfurled the flag of patriotism. Before the bombardment of old Fort Sumter 
has fairly ceased its echoes, twenty companies were offered the Governor for 
immediate service. When the surrender was verified, the excitement was 
tumultuous. Militia officers telegraphed their willingness to receive prompt 
orders, all over the State. The President of Kenyon College — President 
Andrews — tendered his services by enlisting in the ranks. Indeed, three 
months before the outbreak of the war, he had expressed his readiness to the 
Governor to engage in service should there be occasion. He was the first citi- 
zen to make this offer. 

The Cleveland Grays, the Rover Guards, the State Fencibles, the Da v ton 
Light Guards, the Governor's Guards, the Columbus Videttes and the Guthrie 
Grays — the best drilled and celebrated militia in the State — telegraphed to 
Columbus for orders. Chillicothe, Portsmouth and Circleville offered money 
and troops. Canton, Xenia, Lebanon, Lancaster, Springfield, Cincinnati, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 183 

Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo and other towns urged their assistance upon the State. 
Columbus began to look like a great army field. The troops were stationed 
wherever they could find quarters, and food in sufficient quantities was hard to 
procure. The Governor soon established a camp at Miamiville, convenient to 
Cincinnati. He intended to appoint Irvin McDowell, of the staff of Lieut. 
Gen. Scott, to the leading command, but the friends of Capt. McClellan became 
enthusiastic and appealed to the Governor, who decided to investigate his case. 
Being satisfied, he desired Capt. McClellan to come up to Columbus. But that 
officer was busy and sent Capt. Pope, of the regular army, in his stead. This 
gentleman did not suit Gov. Dennison. The friends of McClellan again set 
forth the high qualities of this officer, and Gov. Dennison sent an earnest 
request for an interview, which was granted, and resulted in the appointment 
of the officer as Major General of the Ohio militia. Directly thereafter, he 
received an invitation to take command of the Pennsylvania troops, but Ohio 
could not spare so valuable a leader. 

For three-years troops were soon called out, and their Generals Avere to be 
appointed by the President. Gov. Dennison advised at once with the War 
Department at Washington, and McClellan received his appointment as Major 
General in the regular army. 

Cincinnati and Louisville became alarmed lest Kentucky should espouse the 
Confederate cause, and those cities thus be left insecure against the inroads of a 
cruel foe. Four hundred and thirty-six miles of Ohio bordered Slave States. 
Kentucky and West Virginia were to be kept in check, but the Governor pro- 
claimed that not only should the border of Ohio be protected, but even beyond 
that would the State press the enemy. Marietta was garrisoned, and other river 
points rendered impregnable. On the 20th of May, 1861, official dispatches 
affirmed that troops were approaching Wheeling under the proclamation of 
Letcher. Their intention was to route the convention at Wheeling. 

Military orders were instantly given. Col. Steedman and his troops crossed 
at Marietta and crushed the disturbance at Parkersburg — swept into the country 
along the railroad, built bridges, etc. Col. Irvine crossed at Wheeling and 
united with a regiment of loyal Virginians. At the juncture of the two tracks 
at Grafton, the columns met, but the rebels had retreated in mad haste. The 
loyal troops followed, and, at Philippi, fought the first little skirmish of the war. 
The great railway lines were secured, and the Wheeling convention protected, 
and West Virginia partially secured for the Union. 

After preliminary arrangements, McClellan's forces moved in two columns 
upon the enemy at Laurel Hill. One remained in front, under Gen. Morris, 
while the other, under his own command, pushed around to Huttonsville, in 
their rear. Gen. Morris carried his orders through promptly, but McClellan 
was late. Rosecrans was left with McClellan's advance to fight the battle of 
Rich Mountain, unaided. Garnett being alarmed at the defeat of his outpost, 
retreated. McClellan was not in time to intercept him, but Morris continued 



184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the chase. Stecdman overtook the rear-guard of Garnett's army at Carrick's 
Ford, where a sharp skirmish ensued, Garnett himself falling. The scattered 
portions of the rebel army escaped, and West Virginia was again free from 
armed rebels — and was the gift of Ohio through her State militia to the nation 
at the beginning of the war. 

At this period, Gen. McClellan was called to Washington. Gen. Rose- 
crans succeeded him, and the three-years troops left in the field after the dis- 
banding of the three-months men, barely sufficed to hold the country. He 
telegraphed Gov. Dennison to supply him immediately with re-enforcements, the 
request being made on the 8th of August. Already had the Confederate lead- 
ers realized the loss they had sustained in Western Virginia, and had dispatched 
their most valued General, Robert E. Lee, to regain the territory. Rosecrans 
again wrote: "If you, Governor of Indiana and Governor of Michigan, will 
lend your efforts to get me quickly 50,000 men, in addition to my present 
force, I think a blow can be struck which will save fighting the riiled-cannon 
batteries at Manassas. Lee is certainly at Cheat Mountain. Send all troops 
you can to Grafton." Five days thereafter, all the available troops in the 
West were dispatched to Fremont, Mo., and the plans of Rosecrans were 
foiled. 

Heavy re-enforcements had been sent to the column in Kanawha Valley 
under Gen. Cox. He became alarmed, and telegraphed to Gov. Dennison. 
Rosecrans again appealed to Gov. Dennison, that he might be aided in march- 
ing across the country against Floyd and Wise to Cox's relief, "I want to 
catch Floyd while Cox holds him in front." 

The response was immediate and effective. He was enabled to employ 
twenty-three Ohio regiments in clearing his department from rebels, securing 
the country and guarding the exposed railroads. With this achievement, the 
direct relation of the State administrations with the conduct and methods of 
campaigns terminated. The General Government had settled down to a sys- 
tem. Ohio was busy organizing and equipping regiments, caring for the sick 
and wounded, and sustaining her home strength. 

Gov. Dennison's staff officers were tendered better positions in the national 
service. Camps Dennison and Chase, one at Cincinnati and the other at 
Columbus, were controlled by the United States authorities. A laboratory was 
established at Columbus for the supply of ammunition. During the fall and 
early winter, the Ohio troops suffered in Western Virginia. The people of 
their native State responded with blankets, clothing and other supplies. 

In January, 18G2, David A. Tod entered upon the duties of Governor. 
The first feature of his administration was to care for the wounded at home. 
sent from Pittsburg Landing. A regular system was inaugurated to supply 
stoics and clothing to the suffering at home and in the field. Agencies were 
established, and the great and good work was found to be most efficacious in 
alleviating the wretchedness consequent upon fearful battles. A. B. Lyman 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 185 

had charge of affairs in Cincinnati, and Royal Taylor held the same position 
in Louisville. J. C. Wctniore was stationed at Washington, F. W. Bingham 
at Memphis, Weston Flint at Cairo and St. Louis. Thus the care which Ohio 
extended over her troops at home and in the battle-field, furnished a practical 
example to other States, and was the foundation of that commendable system 
all over the Union. Stonewall Jackson's sudden advent in the valley created 
the greatest consternation lest the safety of the capital be jeopardized, and tin- 
War Department called for more troops. Gov. Tod immediately issued u 
proclamation, and the people, never shrinking, responded heartily. At Cleve- 
land a large meeting was held, and 250 men enlisted, including 27 out of 32 
students attending the law school. Fire bells rang out the alarm at Zanesville, 
a meeting was convened at 10 in the morning, and by 3 in the afternoon, 300 
men had enlisted. Court was adjourned sine die, and the Judge announced 
that he and the lawyers were about to enter into military ranks. Only three 
Unmarried men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three were left in the 
town of Putnam. Five thousand volunteers reported at Camp Chase within 
two days after the proclamation. 

Again in June, the President called for troops, followed by yet another call. 
Under these calls, Ohio was to raise 74,000 men. The draft system was 
advised to hasten and facilitate filling regiments. It has always been a repul- 
sive measure. To save sections from this proceeding, enormous sums were 
offered to induce men to volunteer, and thus fill the quota. 

Counties, townships, towns and individuals, all made bids and urged the 
rapid enlistment of troops. The result was, that the regiments were tilled rap- 
idly, but not in sufficient numbers to prevent the draft. Twenty thousand four 
hundred and twenty-seven men were yet lacking, and the draft was ordered, 
September 15. At the close of the year, Ohio was ahead of her- calls. Late 
in the fall, the prospect, was disheartening. The peninsula, campaign had failed. 
The Army of Northern Virginia had been hurled back nearly to Washington. 
The rebels had invaded Maryland; Cincinnati and Louisville were threatened, 
and the President had declared his intention to abolish slavery, as a war meas- 
ure. During the first part of 1862, artillery, stores and supplies were carried 
away mysteriously, from the Ohio border; then little squads ventured over the 
river to plunder more openly, or to burn a bridge or two. The rebel bands 
came swooping down upon isolated supply trains, sending insolent roundabout 
messages regarding their next day's intentions. Then came invasions of our 
lines near Nashville, capture of squads of guards within sight of camp, the seizure 
of Gallatin. After Mitchell had entered Northern Alabama, all manner of depre- 
dations were committed before his very eyes. These were attributed to John 
Morgan's Kentucky cavalry. lie and his men, by the middle of 1862, were 
as active and dangerous as Lee or Beauregard and their troops. Morgan was a 
native of Alabama, but bad lived in Kentucky since boyhood. His father was 
large slave-owner, who lived in the center of the "Blue Grass Country." His 



186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

life had been one of wild dissipation, adventure and recklessness, although in 
his own family he had the name of being most considerate. The men who fol- 
lowed him were accustomed to a dare-devil life. They formed and independent 
band, and dashed madly into the conflict, wherever and whenever inclination 
prompted. Ohio had just raised troops to send East, to assist in the overthrow 
of Stonewell Jackson. She had overcome her discouragements over failures, 
for the prospects were brightening. Beauregard had evacuated Corinth ; Mem- 
phis had fallen ; Buell was moving toward Chattanooga ; Mitchell's troops held 
Northern Tennessee and Northern Alabama ; Kentucky was virtually in the 
keeping of the home guards and State military board. And now, here was 
Morgan, creating confusion in Kentucky by his furious raids ! On the 11th of 
July, the little post of Tompkinsville fell. He issued a call for the Kentuckians 
to rise in a body. He marched toward Lexington, and the southern border of 
Ohio was again in danger. Cincinnati was greatly excited. Aid was sent to 
Lexington and home guards were ready for duty. Morgan was not prominent 
for a day or so, but he was not idle. By the 9th of July, he held possession of 
Tompkinsville and Glasgow ; by the 11th, of Lebanon. On the loth, he 
entered Harraldsburg ; Monday morning he was within fifteen miles of Frank- 
fort. He had marched nearly 400 miles in eight days. Going on, toward 
Lexington, he captured the telegraph operator at Midway, and his messages 
also ! He was now aware of the plans of the Union armies at Lexington, 
Louisville, Cincinnati and Frankfort. In the name of the operator, he sent 
word that Morgan was driving in the pickets at Frankfort ! Now that he 
had thrown his foes off guard, he rested his men a couple of days. He 
decided to let Lexington alone, and swept down on Cynthiana, routing a few 
hundred loyal Kentucky cavalrymen, capturing the gun and 420 prisoners, and 
nearly 300 horses. Then he was off to Paris ; he marched through Winchester, 
Richmond, Crab Orchard and Somerset, and again crossed the Cumberland River. 
He started with 900 men and returned with 1,200, having captured and paroled 
nearly as many, besides destroying all the Government arms and stores in seven- 
teen towns. The excitement continued in Cincinnati. Two regiments were 
hastily formed, for emergencies,* known as Cincinnati Reserves. Morgan's raid 
did not reach the city, but it demonstrated to the rebel forces what might be 
accomplished in the " Blue Grass " region. July and August were passed in 
gloom. Bragg and Buell were both watchful, and Chattanooga had not been 
taken. Lexington was .again menaced, a battle fought, and was finally deserted 
because it could not be held. 

Louisville was now in danger. The banks sent their specie away. Railroad 
companies added new guards. 

September 1, Gen. Kirby Smith entered Lexington, and dispatched Heath 
with about six thousand men against Cincinnati and Covington. John Morgan 
joined him. The rebels rushed upon the borders of Ohio. The failure at Rich- 
mond only added deeper apprehension. Soon Kirby Smith and his regiments 



,.;>**^ 




u 



Matthew Re a. 



DE CEASED 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 189 

occupied a position where only a few unmanned siege guns and the Ohio 
prevented his entrance through Covington into the Queen City. The city was 
fully armed, and Lew. Wallace's arrival to take command inspired all with 
fresh courage. And before the people were hardly aware that danger was so 
near, the city was proclaimed under strict martial law. " Citizens for labor, 
soldiers for battle." 

There was no panic, because the leaders were confident. Back of Newport 
and Covington breastworks, riflepits and redoubts had been hastily thrown up, 
and pickets were thrown out. From Cincinnati to Covington extended a pon- 
ton bridge. Volunteers marched into the city and those already in service 
were sent to the rescue. Strict military law was now modified, and the city 
being secured, some inconsiderate ones expressed themselves as being outraged 
with " much ado about nothing." But Gen. Wallace did not cease his vigilance. 
And Smith's force began to move up. One or two skirmishes ensued. The 
city was again excited. September 11 was one of intense suspense. But 
Smith did not attack in force. He was ordered to join Bragg. On the Mon- 
day following, the citizens of Cincinnati returned to their avocations. In the 
spring of 1863, the State was a trifle discouraged. Her burdens had been 
heavy, and she was weary. Vicksburg was yet in the hands of the enemy. 
Rosecrans had not moved since his victory at Stone River. There had been 
fearful slaughter about Fredericksburg. 

But during July, 1863, Ohio was aroused again by Bragg's command to 
Morgan, to raid Kentucky and capture Louisville. On the 3d of July, he was 
in a position to invade Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. He continued his depre- 
dations, bewildering the militia with his movements. His avowed intention 
was to burn Indianapolis and " take Cincinnati alive." Morgan's purposes 
were never clear. It was his audacious and sudden dashes, here and there, 
which gave him success. Before Cincinnati was aware, he was at Harrison — 
13th of July. He expected to meet the forces of Burnside and Judah, and to 
cut his way through. His plans here, as everywhere, were indefinable, and he 
succeeded in deceiving everybody. While printers in Cincinnati were setting 
up " reports " as to his whereabouts, he was actually marching through the sub- 
urbs, near troops enough to devour them, and yet not encountered by a single 
picket ! They fed their horses within sight of Camp Dennison. At 4 
o'clock that day, they were within twenty-eight miles of Cincinnati — having 
marched more than ninety miles in thirty-five hours. 

The greatest chagrin was expressed, that Morgan had so easily eluded the 
great military forces. A sudden dash was made to follow him. There was a 
universal bolting of doors, burying of valuables, hiding of horses, etc., all along 
the route of the mad cavalryman and his 2,000 mounted men. They plundered 
beyond all comparison. They made a principle of it. On the 14th of July, 
he was feeding his horses near Dennison ; he reached the ford at Buffi ngton 
Island on the evening of the 18th ; he had encountered several little skirmishes, 



190 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

but he had marched through at his own will, mostly ; all the troops of Kentucky 
had been outwitted. The Indiana forces had been laughed to scorn. The 
50,000 Ohio militia had been as straws in his way. The intrepid band would 
soon be upon friendly soil, leaving a blackened trail behind. But Judah was 
up and marching after him, Hobson followed and Col. Runkle was north of 
him. The local militia in his advance began to impede the way. Near Pome- 
roy, a stand was made. Morgan found militia posted everywhere, but he suc- 
ceeded in running the gantlet, so far as to reach Chester. He should have 
hastened to cross the ford. Fortunately, he paused to breathe his horses and 
secure a guide. The hour and a half thus lost was the first mistake Morgan is 
known to have made in his military career. They reached Portland, and only 
a little earthwork, guarded by about 300 men, stood between him and safety. 
His men were exhausted, and he feared to lead them to a night attack upon a 
position not understood perfectly ; he would not abandon his wagon train, nor 
his wounded ; he would save or lose all. As Morgan was preparing next 
morning, having found the earthworks deserted through the night, Judah came 
up. He repulsed the attack at first, capturing Judah's Adjutant General, and 
ordering him to hold the force on his front in check. Pie was not able to join 
his own company, until it was in full retreat. Here Lieut. O'Neil, of the Fifth 
Indiana, made an impulsive charge, the, lines were reformed, and up the Chester 
road were Ilobson's gallant cavalrymen, who had been galloping over three 
States to capture this very Morgan ! And now the tin-clad gunboats steamed 
up and opened fire. The route was complete, but Morgan escaped with 1,200 
men ! Seven hundred men were taken prisoners, among them Morgan's brother, 
Cols. Ward, Duke and Huffman. The prisoners were brought to Cincinnati, 
while the troops went after the fugitive. He was surrounded by dangers ; his 
men were exhausted, hunted down ; skirmishes and thrilling escapes marked a 
series of methods to escape — his wonderful sagacity absolutely brilliant to the 
very last — which was his capture, on the 26th, with 346 prisoners and 
400 horses and arms. It may be added, that after several months of con- 
finement, Morgan and six prisoners escaped, on the 27th of November. Again 
was he free to raid in the " Blue Grass" country. 

-Iiilin Brough succeeded Gov. Tod January 11, 1864. His first prominent 
work was with the Sanitary Commission. In February, of the same year, the 
President called for more troops. The quota of Ohio was 51,465 men. The 
call of March added 20,095. And in July was a third demand for 50,792. In 
December, the State was ordered to raise 26,027. The critical period of the 
war was evidently approaching. Gov. Brough instituted a reformation in the 
"promotion system " of the Ohio troops. He was, in many cases, severe in his 
measures. He ignored " local great men " and refused distinction as a bribe. 
The consequence was that he had many friends and some enemies. The acute- 
ness of his policy was so strong, and his policy so just, that, after all his severe 
administration, he was second to no statesman in the nation during the struggle. 



HISTORY. OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 191 

Ohio during the war was most active in her relief and aid societies. The most 
noted and extensive organization was the Cincinnati Branch of" the United 
States Sanitary Commission. The most efficient organization was the Soldiers' 
Aid Society of Northern Ohio. 

When the happy tidings swept over the land that peace was proclaimed, an 
echo of thanksgiving followed the proclamation. The brave sons of Ohio 
returned to their own soil — those who escaped the carnage. But 'mid the 
rejoicing there was deepest sadness, for a fragment only remained of that hrave 
army which had set out sturdily inspired with patriotism. 

A BRIEF MENTION OF PROMINENT OHIO GENERALS. 
George Briton McClellan, the first General appointed in Ohio, was born 
December 3, 1826, in Philadelphia. II is lather was a physician of high stand- 
ing and Scottish descent. Young George was in school in Philadelphia, and 
entered West Point at the age of sixteen. At the age of twenty, he was a, lire- 
vet Second Lieutenant, tracing lines of investment before Vera Cruz, under the 
supervision of Oa.pt. R. E. Lee, First Lieut. P. G. T. Beauregard, Second Lieut. 
0. W. Smith. At the close of the Mexican war, old Ool. Tottcn reported in 
favor of them all to Winfield Scott. He had charge of an exploring expedition 
to the mountains of Oregon and Washington, beginning with the Cascade Range. 
This was one of a series of Pacific Railway explorations. Returning to Wash- 
ington, he was detailed to visit the West Indies and secretly select a coaling sta- 
tion for the United States Navy. He was dispatched by Jefferson Davis, 
Secretary of War, to Europe, with instructions to take full reports of the organ- 
ization of military forces connected with the Crimean war. This work elicited 
entire satisfaction. He returned in .January, 1857, resigned as regular army 
officer, and was soon installed as engineer of Illinois Central Railroad. In I860, 
he was President of the Ohio & Mississippi. He removed to Cincinnati, where 
he was at the opening of the war. 

William Starke Rosecrans was horn September 6, 1819, in Delaware County, 
Ohio. His people were from Amsterdam. He was educated at West Point. 
When the war opened, he espoused the cause of the Union with enthusiastic 
zeal, and was appointed by McClellan on his stall' as Engineer. June 9, he 
was Chief Engineer of the State under special law. Soon thereafter, he was 
Colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio, and assigned to the command of Camp 
Chase, Columbus. On May 16, his commission was out as Brigadier General 
in the United States Army. This reached him and he was speedilv sum- 
moned to active service, under Gen. McClellan. After the battle of Rich Moun- 
tain, he was promoted to the head of the department. 

In April, 1862, he was succeeded by Fremont, and ordered to Wash- 
ington to engage in immediate service for the Secretary of War. About the 
l.»th of May, he was ordered to (Jen. Halleck, before Corinth. lie WUJ3 
relieved from his command December 0, 1864. 



192 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Ulysses S. Grant, whose history we cannot attempt to give in these pages, 
was born on the banks of the Ohio, at Point Pleasant, Clermont Co., Ohio, 
April 27, 1822. He entered West Point in 1839. 

" That the son of a tanner, poor and unpretending, without influential friends 
until his performance had won them, ill-used to the world and its ways, should 
rise — not suddenly, in the first blind worship of helpless ignorance which made 
any one who understood regimental tactics illustrious in advance for what he 
was going to do, not at all for what he had done — but slowly, grade by grade, 
through all the vicissitudes of constant service and mingled blunders and suc- 
cess, till, at the end of four years' war he stood at the head of our armies, 
crowned by popular acclaim our greatest soldier, is a satisfactory answer to 
criticism and a sufficient vindication of greatness. Success succeeds." 

" We may reason on the man's career ; we may prove that at few stages has 
he shown personal evidence of marked ability ; we may demonstrate his mis- 
takes ; we may swell the praises of his subordinates. But after all, the career 
stands wonderful, unique, worthy of study so long as the nation honors her 
benefactors, or the State cherishes the good fame of the sons who contributed 
most to her honor." 

Lieut. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was another Ohio contribution to 
the great Union war. He was born at Lancaster February 8, 1820. He 
entered West Point in June, 1836. His " march to the sea " has fully brought 
out the details of his life, since they were rendered interesting to all, and we 
refrain from repeating the well-known story. 

Philip H. Sheridan was born on the 6th of March, 1831, in Somerset, 
Perry Co., Ohio. He entered West Point in 1848. During the war, his 
career was brilliant. His presence meant victory. Troops fighting under his 
command were inspired. Gen. Rosecrans said of him, "He fights, he fights." 
A staff officer once said, "He is an emphatic human syllable." 

Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was born in Sandusky County, town of 
Clyde, November 14, 1828. 

Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore was born February 28, 1825, at Black River, 
Lorain Co., Ohio. 

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell was born at Franklinton, Ohio, October 15, 
1818. 

Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell was born near Marietta on the 23d of March, 
1818. His grandfather on the maternal side was one of the first settlers of 
Cincinnati. 

Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchell was a native of Kentucky, but a resident of 
Ohio from the age of four years. 

Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schenck was born October 4, 1809, in Franklin, 
Warren Co., Ohio. 

Maj. Gen. James A. Garfield, was born in Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
November 19, 1831. 



ISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 193 

Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox was born in Canada in 1828, and removed to 
Ohio in 1846. 

Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman was born in Pennsylvania July 30, 1818, 
and removed to Toledo in 1861. 

Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 1, 
1828. 

Maj. Gen. George Crook was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 8, 1828. 

Maj. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett was born in New York April 19, 1831, 
and emigrated to Ohio, in 1847. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. John C. Tidball was born in Virginia, but removed while 
a mere lad to Ohio with his parents. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. John W. Fuller was born in England in 1827. He 
removed to Toledo in 1858. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Manning F. Force was born in Washington, D. C, on 
the 17th of December, 1824. He became a citizen of Cincinnati. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Henry B. Banning was born in Knox County, Ohio, 
November 10, 1834. 

We add the names of Brevet Maj. Gens. Erastus B. Tyler, Thomas H. 
Ewing, Charles R. Woods, August V. Kautz, Rutherford B. Hayes, Charles 
C. Walcutt, Kenner Garrard, Hugh Ewing, Samuel Beatty, James S. Robinson, 
Joseph W. Keifer, Eli Long, William B. Woods, John W. Sprague, Benjamin 
P. Runkle, August Willich, Charles Griffin, Henry J. Hunt, B. W. Brice. 

Brig. Gens. Robert L. McCook, William H. Lytle, William Leroy 
Smith, C. P. Buckingham, Ferdinand Van Derveer, George P. Este, Joel A. 
Dewey, Benjamin F. Potts, Jacob Ammen, Daniel McCook, J. W. Forsyth, 
Ralph P. Buckland, William H. Powell, John G. Mitchell, Eliakim P. Scam- 
mon, Charles G Harker, J. W. Reilly, Joshua W. Sill, N. C. McLean, Will- 
iam T. H. Brooks, George W. Morgan, John Beatty, William W. Burns, John 
S. Mason, S. S. Carroll, Henry B. Carrington, M. S. Wade, John P. Slough, 
T. K. Smith. 

Brevet Brig. Gens. C. B. Ludlow, Andrew Hickenlooper, B. D. 
Fearing, Henry F. Devol, Israel Garrard, Daniel McCoy, W. P. Richardson, 
G. F. Wiles, Thomas M. Vincent, J. S. Jones, Stephen B. Yeoman, F. W. 
Moore, Thomas F. Wilder, Isaac Sherwood, C. H. Grosvenor, Moses E. 
Walker, R. N. Adams, E. B. Eggleston, I. M. Kirby. 

We find numerous other names of Brevet Brigadier Generals, mostly of late 
appointments, and not exercising commands in accordance with their brevet 
rank, which we omit quoting through lack of space. They are the names of 
men of rare abilities, and in many cases of brilliant achievements. 

In looking over the "War Record of Ohio," we find the State a great 
leader in men of valor and heroic deeds. It was the prolific field of military 
geniuses. 



194 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Ohio was draped with the garb of mourning at the close of the war. Her 
human sacrifice in behalf of the nation had been bitter. There were tears and 
heart-aches all over the land. Her ranks were swept by a murderous fire, from 
which they never flinched, and many officers fell. 

Col. John H. Patrick will be remembered as opening the battle of Lookout 
Mountain. He fell mortally wounded, during the Atlanta campaign, May 
15, 1862, while actively engaged. He was struck by a canister shot, and 
expired half a hour thereafter. 

Col. John T. Toland, in July, 1863, was placed in command of a mounted 
brigade, including his regiment, and was instructed to destroy the Virginia & 
Tennessee Railroad. He reached Wytheville, Va., on the afternoon of the 
18th of July. The rebels were safely intrenched in the house, and poured a 
galling fire into the national troops. Col. Toland was on horseback, at the 
head of his command. A sharpshooter sent a bullet with fatal certainty, and 
he fell on the neck of his horse, but was instantly caught by his Orderly 
Sergeant, who heard the fervent words : " My horse and my sword to my 
mother." 

Lieut. Col. Barton S. Kyle accompanied his regiment to the battle of Pitts- 
burg Landing. The regiment was forced back, though resisting bravely. 
Lieut. Col. Kyle was at his post of duty, encouraging his men, when he received 
a bullet in his right breast. He survived five hours. 

Col. William G. Jones was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, June, 
1863. His regiment, the Thirty-sixth Ohio, was included in Turchin's Brigade 
of the Fourteenth Corps. He wrote in his pocket memoranda : " Off to the 
left ; merciful Father, have mercy on me and my regiment, and protect us from 
injury and death " — at 12 o'clock. At 5 that afternoon, he was fatally wounded 
and expired at 7 that same evening, on the battle-field His remains were 
taken by the rebels, but in December, 1863, they were exhumed and interred 
in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati. 

Col. Fred. C. Jones held command of the Tenth Brigade, in October, 1862, 
marching from Wild Cat, Ky., to Nashville, through a perpetual skirmish, 
During the battle of Stone River, Col. Jones' regiment, the Twenty-fourth, was 
on the front and left of the line. During the afternoon, when the rebel assault 
upon the left became furious, Col. Jones ordered his men to lie down and hold 
fire, which was obeyed. They rose to pour a deadly volley into the rebel ranks, 
and rush forward in a fierce charge. The capture of an entire rebel regiment was 
thus effected, but Col. Jones was shot in the right side. He was carried to the 
rear. " I know it ; I am dying now ; pay no attention to me, but look after 
my wounded men." He survived about ten hours. His remains are buried in 
Spring Grove, Cincinnati. 

Col. Lorin Andrews went with his command to Western Virginia, where 
he succumbed to exposure and severe duty. He was removed to his home, 
Gambier, Ohio, where he died surrounded by friends September 18, 1861. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 195 

Col. Minor Milliken was sent to repel the attacks of the rebels at the rear. 
He led a superb cavalry charge against the enemy, vastly superior in numbers, 
and was cut off with a small portion of his regiment. He disdained to sur- 
render, and ordered his men to cut their way out. A hand-to-hand conflict 
ensued. Col. Milliken, being an expert swordsman, was able to protect himself 
with his saber. While parrying the strokes of his assailant, another shot him. 
The regiment, again charging, recovered his body, stripped of sword, purse and 
watch. 

Col. George P. Webster, with his regiment, the Ninety-eighth, left Steu- 
benville for Covington, Ky., August 23, 1862, marching from that point to Lex- 
ington and Louisville. He was placed at the command of the Thirty-fourth 
Brigade, Jackson's division, Cooke's corps. He fell in the battle of Perryville, 
and died on the field of battle. 

Col. Leander Stem was appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and First 
Ohio Infantry August 30, 1862. His premonitions that he should fall during 
his first regular engagement proved too true. As the army was advancing on 
Murfreesboro, the engagement of Knob Gap occurred, when Col. Stem's regi- 
ment charged and took a rebel battery, with several prisoners. The army 
closed around Murfreesboro, and on the evening of the 30th, the One Hun- 
dred and First was engaged in demonstrations against the enemy. Next 
morning, the battle of Stone River began in earnest. When Col. Stem's regi- 
ment began to waver, he called out: "Stand by the flag now, for the good 
old State of Ohio ! " and instantly fell, fatally wounded. 

Lieut. Col. Jonas D. Elliott held his position in May, 1863. During the 
summer of 1864, he commanded the left wing of the regiment at Dodsonville, 
Ala.; in September, he was sent after Wheeler, and was ordered into camp at 
Decatur. On the 23d, he was dispatched to Athens, to participate in the attack 
of Gen. Forrest, of the rebels. Col. Elliott was sent out, with 300 men, and 
being surrounded by Gen. Forrest, with vastly superior numbers, a forced resist- 
ance enabled them to sustain their own ground, until a fresh brigade of rebels 
arrived, under Gen. Warren. This officer instructed one of his men to shoot 
Lieut. Col. Elliott, and a moment later he fell. He lingered nineteen days. 

Col. Joseph L. Kirby Smith took command of the Forty-third Ohio Regi- 
ment. He fell at the battle of Corinth, under Rosecrans. 

Lieut. Col. James W. Shane fell, June 27, 1864, in an assault upon the 
enemy's works at Kenesaw. He survived but forty minutes. 

Col. Augustus H. Coleman displayed the abilities of a successful commander. 
He was in the first charge on the bridge across Antietam Creek. He was 
fatally wounded. His last words were inquiries regarding his men. 

Col. J. W. Lowe commanded the Twelfth Ohio, and was ordered to assist 
the Tenth in the battle of Carnifex Ferry. Cheering his men, in the thickest 
of the fight, a rifle ball pierced his forehead, and he fell dead — the first field 
officer from Ohio killed in battle in the war for the Union. 



196 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Lieut. Col. Moses F. Wooster was engaged with his regiment, the One Hun- 
dred and First Ohio, at Perryville. He was mortally wounded on the 31st 
of December, 1862, in the grand effort to stem the tide of defeat at Stone 
River. 

The list of staff officers we refrain from giving, through lack of space. 

At the opening of the war, William Dennison was Governor of Ohio. David 
Tod succeeded him. John Brough was the third War Governor. 

Secretary Edwin M. Stanton was one of the most popular war Ministers. 
He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1815 ; he was engaged in the United 
States Circuit Court, in 1860, in a leading law suit, at Cincinnati, know^n as the 
Manny and McCormick reaper trial ; on the 20th of January, 1862, he was 
appointed Secretary of War by Mr. Lincoln. 

Ex-Secretary Salmon P. Chase's public services in Ohio have already been 
mentioned in these pages. In 1861, he was appointed Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, in Mr. Lincoln's cabinet. 

United States Senator B. F. Wade made his reputation in Ohio. This 
Senator of the State stood at the head of the Committee on the Conduct of the 
War throughout its duration. 

United States Senator John Sherman was a leading member of the Finance 
Committee, during the war. For some time he was its Chairman. 

Jay Cooke was the financial agent of the Government, furnishing money for 
the payment of the troops. He was born in Portland, Huron Co., Ohio. 

In ouj brief review of the war record of Ohio, we have omitted a vast 
amount of detail information that would prove interesting to our readers. We 
believe we have been accurate in whatever we have given, taking as our authority, 
that accepted "encyclopedia" of Ohio war facts — Whitelaw Reid, who has pub- 
lished a valuable volume on the subject. 

SOME DISCUSSED SUBJECTS. 

It may be well in glancing over the achievements of Ohio, her momentous 
labors and grand successes, to refer to the Ordinance of 1787, more minutely 
than we have done, in relation to many events, since its inherent principles are 
not only perpetuated in the laws of the entire Northwest, but have since been 
woven into the general Constitution of the United States. It made permanent 
the standard and character of immigration, social culture and political and edu- 
cational institutions. It was thoroughly antislavery and denounced involuntary 
servitude, which was sanctioned in every other State at that time, with the 
exception of Massachusetts. It protected religion and property. As late as 
1862, Gen. William Henry Harrison, Governor of Indiana, called a convention 
for the purpose of considering the slavery question, and the feasibility of intro- 
ducing the system in the new States and Territories being formed. There 
was at this time a spirited contest, and Illinois, Indiana and possibly Ohio, 
barely escaped a decision that a full support should be given its introduction 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 197 

into these States. Its adoption was based upon certain specifications and 
limits of time, which upon a deeper consideration was deemed perplexing and 
impractical. 

An animated discussion arose not long since, regarding the correct author- 
ship of this important ordinance, and its chief worker in gaining its sanction 
by Congress. 

Mr. Webster ascribed its authorship to Mathew Dane, of Massachusetts, 
which statement was immediately refuted by Mr. Benton, of Mississippi, who 
laid claim to it as the birthright of Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia. 

It has been almost impossible to obtain accurate reports of the actions of the 
old Continental Congress, from the fact that its meetings were held in secret, 
and any reports either narrated or shown in schedules or lists, were deemed a 
striking lack of trust on the part of the person who furnished the information. 
It was sufficient that its acts and conclusions be proclaimed without any prelude 
or reasoning process. Hence it has been difficult to obtain early Congressional 
documents. But it has been conclusively proven that the great motive power 
in gaining the approbation of the Ordinance of 1787, was neither Dane nor 
Jefferson, but Dr. Cutler. 

He arrived at New York, July 5 of that year, after a journey from Ipswich, 
Mass., in his sulky. He obtained lodgings at the "Plow and Harrow," and 
saw that his good horse was properly cared for and fed at the same place. 
Congress was then in session, and he had come on a mission for the Ohio Com- 
pany, to negotiate their grant and its privileges in the new Territory of Ohio. 
He remained in New York three weeks, constantly engaged in the work vital to 
the interests of the future great State. But he secured the installment of the 
principles deemed the corner-stone of a future powerful State constitution. Mr. 
Poole, Librarian of the Chicago Public Library, searched assiduously for con- 
clusive proof of Dr. Cutler's right to this honor, and in the North American 
Review, Vol. 122, this is emphatically set forth with substantiating proof under 
his signature. 

Other facts have been discussed and proven at a very recent date, relative 
to the State of Ohio, which heretofore have been omitted, and nearly lost from 
the historic thread which unites the present with the past. 

The first settlement of the lands of the Northwest is necessarily surrounded 
with interest. But those were exciting, troublesome times, and a few links 
were passed over lightly. However, the years are not so far removed in the 
past but the line may be traced. 

Mr. Francis W. Miller, of Cincinnati, has supplied some missing chapters. 
The earliest documentary trace extant, regarding the southern settlement at 
Cincinnati, is an agreement of partnership between Denman, Filson and Pat- 
terson, in the fractional section of land to which the city of Cincinnati was 
originally limited. It bears the date August 25, 1788. This was entered on 
the records of Hamilton County, Ohio, October 6, 1803. 



198 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

A letter from Jonathan Dayton to the Hon. Judge Symmes, dated Septem- 
ber 26, 1789, says: "You have been selling your lands, I am told, for two 
shillings specie, the acre. The price at this moment is, and seems to be, and 
undoubtedly is, a good one; but as much cannot be said of it when you find 
hereafter that in consequence of the rise of certificates, another acre, in another 
payment, may cost you in specie two shillings and sixpence." 

A letter from John C. Symmes to Capt. Dayton, dated April 30, 1790, 
says: "The land in the reserved township is held at much too high a price. 
Not a foot of land beyond the five-acre lots will sell. Five shillings, specie, 
or two dollars in certificates, is the utmost they will bring, and they will rarely 
sell at that." 

This state of affairs was in a large degree brought about by the breaking-up 
of North Bend and a removal of the town to Fort Washington, or Cincinnati, 
later. A search through the old letters and other preserved documents prove 
that North Bend was at one time the beginning of the great city on the Ohio, 
rather than Cincinnati. Judge Symmes wrote, May 18, 1789: "I have not as 
yet been able to make a decisive choice of a plat for the city, though I have 
found two pieces of ground, both eligible, but not upon the present plan of a 
regular square. It is a question of no little moment and difficulty to deter- 
mine which of these spots is preferable, in point of local situation. I know 
that at first thought men will decide in favor of that on the Ohio, from the 
supposition that the Ohio will command more trade and business than the 
Miami. * * * But if it were built on the Miami, the settlers 
throughout the purchase would find it very convenient." 

Another of the earliest selections of town sites was adjacent to the most 
southerly point of what is now Delhi Township. To this the name of South 
Bend was given. Judge Symmes reports November 4, 1790, of this place, 
over forty framed and hewed-log two-story houses, since the preceding spring. 
Ensign Luce is said to have taken his troops to North Bend, but decided to 
remove to Cincinnati, on account of the object of his affections having settled 
there — the wife of a settler. But this story is refuted by contradictory evi- 
dence from Judge Symmes' letters, which illustrate the fact that the post of 
North Bend was abandoned by Ensign Luce and his men in consequence of a 
panic, caused by Indian attacks. The removal of the troops caused a general 
decline of the town. Again, history and letters from the same eminent Judge, 
assert that Fort Washington was completed and garrisoned by Maj. Doughty 
before the close of that same year, and was begun by him during the summer, 
that Ensign Luce must have still been at his post at the bend at that time. It 
has been, therefore, recently accepted that the traditional "black eyes" and 
the "Indian panic," had nothing to do with the founding of Cincinnati, and 
that the advantages of the position gained the victory. 

Cincinnati has advanced, not only in prosperity and culture, but in national 
significance. Our readers must have observed, in perusing these pages, that 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 199 

from this city and the State which it represents, have emanated some of the 
superior intellects which have used their wise faculties and talents, tempered by 
a wise judgment, in behalf of the American Union. 

The originality of the Senecas and Wyandots have been debated at some 
length, while others have called the tribes the same, having two branches. We 
have searched the earlier records and have found an authenticated account of 
these two tribes. 

The Indian tribes of Ohio were originally bold, fierce and stalwart. The 
country watered by the Sandusky and its tributaries was frequented by the 
Wyandot tribe, who came from the north side of the St. Lawrence River. The 
Senecas were blood relatives of this tribe. Both tribes were numbered by the 
thousands. A war originated between them, in this manner: A Wyandot 
chief desired to wed the object of his affections, who laughed him to scorn, 
because he had taken no scalps, and was no warrior " to speak of." To change 
her opinion, he led out a party, and falling upon a number of Senecas, slaugh- 
tered them mercilessly, that he might hasten to the side of his dusky belle, with 
his trophies. This act inaugurated hostilities, which extended through a century. 
The Wyandots began to fear extermination, and, gathering their entire effects 
the natives escaped to Green Bay, and settled in several villages. But the Sen- 
ecas made up a war party and followed them, killing many Wyandots and burn- 
ing some of their villages. They then returned to Canada. Soon thereafter, 
they secured fire-arms from the French. Again they followed the Wyandots, 
firing their guns into their huts, and frightening them severely. They did not 
succeed as well as they expected. But the third party nearly exterminated the 
villages, because the young warriors were nearly all gone to war with the Foxes. 
The few at home escaping, promised to return with the Senecas, but desired 
two days for preparation. The Wyandots sent word to the two villages left 
undisturbed, and held a consultation. They decided to go as near the Senecas 
as possible, unobserved, and discover their real motive. They found them feast- 
ing on two roasted Wyandots, shouting over their victory. They danced nearly 
all night, and then fell asleep. A little before daylight, the Wyandots fell on 
them, leaving not one to carry back the news. 

The Wyandots then procured guns, and began to grow formidable. They 
set out to return to their own country, and proceeded on their way as far as 
Detroit, where they met a party of Senecas, on the lake. A fierce conflict 
ensued, and the Wyandots beheld the Senecas fall, to the last man, suffering 
fearful carnage themselves. They soon settled in this part of the world, their 
principal village being on the Sandusky. Northwestern Ohio was particularly 
dangerous with new Indian tribes, and the Wyandots were cruelly aggressive. 
The death of their chief, and their total defeat by Harrison, destroyed their 
power forever. 

On the 29th of September, 1817, a treaty was held, at the foot of the rapids 
of the Miami of Lake Erie, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur, 



200 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Commissioners of the United States, and the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the 
Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawnee, Potawattomie, Ottawa and Chippewa 
nations. All their lands in Ohio were ceded to the United States forever. 

There was really not a Seneca in the Seneca nation. They were chiefly 
Cayugas, Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscarawas, Wyandots and Oneidas. But the 
Mingoes were originally Cayugas, and their chief was the celebrated Logan. 
After the murder of his family by the whites, the Mingoes were scattered over 
the territory northwest of the Ohio. 

The notorious Simon Girty was adopted by the Senecas. Girty's name was 
a terror and fiendish horror for many years. He not only led the Indians in 
their atrocities, but he added barbarism to their native wickedness. 

CONCLUSION. 

When peace was proclaimed, after the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee to 
Gen. U. S. Grant, the volunteer troops disbanded, and a return to home indus- 
tries instituted, Ohio, like many other States, gave direct attention to the inter- 
ests of returned soldiers. The thrift of the State was augmented by a spasmodic, 
and thereafter recognized as a fictitious, demand for products, commercial and 
industrial pursuits redoubled their forces. But the great wave of stagnation 
swept over this fair land — the re-action of a Avar excitement. Laborers were 
many, but wages were inadequate. Deeper and deeper settled this lethargy — 
called by many " hard times" — until the wheels of commercial life revolved 
slowly, and from the workshops and the factories went up the echoes of priva- 
tion and distress. There was no famine, no fever, no epidemic, it was simply 
exhaustion. In the larger cities there was much suffering. Idle people loitered 
about, barely seeking employment, the task seeming worse than hopeless. 

During the years 1870, 1871 and 1872, the stringent measures brought 
about by the depressed state of business retarded any material advancement in 
general matters. The years 1873-74 were marked by a preceptible improve- 
ment, and a few factories were established, while larger numbers were employed 
in those already founded. The year 1875 was under the direction of a Demo- 
cratic Legislature. It was marked in many respects by a " reverse motion " in 
many laws and regulations. 

The Legislature which convened in 1876, January 3, was Republican in the 
main. It repealed the " Geghan Law" passed by the preceding body. At 
the time of its adoption, there was the most intense feeling throughout the State, 
the charge being made that it was in the interests of the Catholics. Among 
the general enactments were laws re-organizing the government of the State insti- 
tutions, which the previous Legislature had ordered according to their own belief 
to follow new doctrines. The office of Comptroller of the Treasury was abolished. 
The powers of municipal corporations to levy taxes was limited, and their 
authority to incur debts was limited. Furthermore, this body prohibited any 
municipal appropriations, unless the actual money was in the Treasury to meet 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 201 

the same in full. A law was passed for the protection of children under fourteen 
years of age, exhibited in public shows. 

The temperance cause received more vigorous and solid support than was 
ever rendered by the State previously. A common-sense, highly moral and 
exalted platform was formed and supported by many leading men. 

This year witnessed the serious "strikes" among the miners in Stark and 
Wayne Counties. The consequences were painful — distress, riots and distruc- 
tion of property. 

The State Mine Inspector reported 300 coal mines in the State, with only 
twenty-five in operation. Not over 3,000,000 tons of coal were raised during 
the year, owing to the dullness of the times. 

The State charities reported the aggregate number under public care to be 
29,508. The taxation for the maintenance of these classes was one and one 
six-hundredth of a mill on each dollar of taxable property. 

The reports given of the year 1877 indicated a revival of business interests 
and prosperity. The State produced of wheat, 27,306,566 bushels ; rye, 
914,106 bushels; buckwheat, 225,822 bushels; oats, 29,325,611; barley, 
1,629,817 bushels ; corn, 101,884,305 bushels ; timothy, tons of hay, 2,160,334 ; 
clover, tons of hay, 286,265; flax, pounds of fiber, 7,343,294; potatoes, 
10,504,278 bushels; sweet potatoes, 126,354J bushels; tobacco, 24,214,950 
pounds; sorghum, sugar, 7,507^ pounds; syrup, 1,180,255 gallons; maple 
sugar, 1,625,215 pounds; maple syrup, 324,036 gallons; honey, 1,534,902 
pounds. 

The year 1878 was marked by a more vigorous and combined effort of the 
people to entirely overcome the stagnation of business, the influence of the 
lethargy yet combating the awakened interest. This energy was amply rewarded 
in 1879, by a general dawning of the "good times " so ardently desired. New 
enterprises were instituted, manufactories erected, improvements carried on, and 
agriculture was successful. Before the year closed, the State was basking in 
the light of prosperity, and the year 1880 was ushered in when the confidence 
of the people was again a permanent incentive — confidence in the nation, 
their State, each in the other and themselves. The old-time crown of power, 
influence and integrity, which Ohio has earned, is conspicuous in this year of 
1881. The jewels have been reset, and we confidently doubt not that their 
luster will remain undimmed intrusted to so faithful and so earnest a people. 







202 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



POPULATION OF OHIO BY COUNTIES. 





COUNTIES 






1820 


1830 


1840 


1850 


1860 


1870 


1880 




The State 


581434 


937903 


1519467 


19-03, ::i 


2339511 


2665260 












10106 


12281 
578 


13183 

9079 


18883 

12109 
23813 
28767 
18215 

11338 
34600 
27332 
30789 
17685 
19782 
22178 
30155 
18838 
33621 
25674 
18177 
48099 
20276 

6966 
21817 
18568 
30264 
12726 
42909 

7781 
17063 
17827 
21946 
30438 
156844 
16751 

8351 
20157 

3434 
25781 
14119 
20452 
26203 
12719 
29133 
3-72 
14654 
15246 
38846 
19162 
26086 
12363 
10015 
28735 
12618 
24441 
17971 

7712 
21999 
28851 
88218 
28585 
21 >28i i 
45019 


20309 
19135 
22951 
31814 
21364 
17187 
36398 
29958 
35S40 
15738 
22693 
25300 
33034 
21461 
32836 
25032 
23881 
78033 
26009 
11886 
2390-2 
24171 
30538 
15935 
50361 
14043 
22043 
15817 
26197 
21174 
216410 
22886 
13570 
19110 
8901 
27773 
17H57 
20589 
26616 
17941 
26115 
27735 
15576 
23-249 
37011 
20996 
29744 
25831 
13015 
25894 
15190 
22517 
26534 
14104 
•34454 
25741 
52230 
22119 
20445 
■11116 
20751 
7016 
4945 
19678 
28 169 
13643 
21208 
21830 
12808 
31158 

3,5071 
21114 

30868 

1 ; 143 

■1341s 
27344 
30656 

3,3133 

16507 
10238 

13631 
26902 

S2483 
16638 

17886 
15596 


20750 
23623 
21933 
3:1517 
23768 
20041 
39714 
30802 
39912 
14491 
24188 
32070 
34268 
21914 
38299 
2360O 
25556 

132010 
32278 
15719 
25175 
2818s 
31138 
1717(1 
63019 
17789 
25545 
14190 
28038 
23838 

260370 
23847 
18714 
18682 
14028 
29133 
17925 
18177 
28533 
21 759 
2918s 
26333 
15935 
31380 

23028 
30308 
46722 
15633 
31001 
1618) 
20092 
31465 
17254 
82740 
35779 
64006 
21 1368 

18583 
44886 
19419 
13364 
8514 

24875 
15447 

24584 

21809 
170S1 
33316 
31047 
25503 
243,03 
80827 
•3(17 IS 
52508 
34674 
3S659 
33840 
18730 
15823 
15027 
26689 
40609 
3,5116 
3H541 
21546 
1 8553 


24004 






31323 








23883 






7382 
6338 


145,34 
9787 


23724 
19109 


87139 


5 




28413 
25413 


7 




20329 
13356 
21746 


28827 
17867 
27142 


30901 
22715 
28173 
18108 
16721 
16882 
23106 
15719 
4037S 
21590 
13152 
26506 
13282 


4968S 






32726 


4 




42580 






16410 


11 




8479 

9533 
15820 

8085 
22033 

7086 


12131 
13114 
20466 
11436 
35592 
11161 

4791 
10373 

6204 


2781 7 


l'» 


Clark 


41947 


13 

1 1 




36713 
27539 


15 




38299 


li, 




26641 






30583 


is 




6328 
3717 


196943 


19 




Hi 14s 


"o 




22518 


"1 




7639 


11504 


22060 
12599 
31924 
10984 
25049 


27380 


y, 




.32610 


23 
"1 


Fairfield 


16633 
6316 
10292 


24786 
8182 
14741 


34283 
20364 


95 




868I fi 


•>f, 




21062 


"7 


Gallia 


7(193 

7791 
10529 

9292 
31764 


9733 

15813 

14801 

18036 

52317 

813 

210 

20916 

262 

16345 

4008 

9135 
13341 

5941 
22489 
17085 


13444 
16297 
17528 
27748 
80145 

9986 

4548 
31 II 149 

25U3 
22269 

9741 
18088 
23933 

9744 
25030 
29579 
13719 

9738 
351193 
14015 
18467 

9382 

9025 


28124 


28 




14255 


29 




31319 


an 




27197 


31 




31336S 


R? 




27788 


33 






2702« 


34 




14345 


20455 


35 




20587 


36 

37 




12308 
2130 


80280 
21126 


33 




20775 


34 




6675 
3746 
18531 
8326 


31609 


•111 




23679 


41 
42 




3301 R 
27450 


4 -', 




16826 


■11 




3499 
11861 
3181 


5367 
20869 
6440 
5696 


39068 


45 




40151 


■16 




262(8 


■17 




35525 


■H 






673 - 


49 




4799 


6190 


•3d 29 


Ml 




438(17 


51 






6551 

7560 
6158 

inn 
12807 

s.r.s 
24362 
11800 


14765 
18352 
11452 
8277 
19683 
18521 
31938 
20S52 


20561 


5" 




3082 
4480 


21 154 


53 




32325 


54 




21808 


55 




8851 
4615 
15999 
5297 


36178 


56 




26497 


57 

58 




78545 
20074 


5fl 




14073 


r,i i 




17824 


29334 


38749 


19780 






21137 










2248 
1034 
19344 
19725 

Jl33 
22965 
19482 

5189 
-11533 
27460 
10182 
11192 
18128 
13151 
84808 
22560 
38107 
25631 

8422 

1577 


3308 

1766 
313,5 
21006 
10953 
24419 
21736 

7221 
31 is", 4 
33071 
113H5 
18428 
27104 
13958 

27485 
30490 
31761 
12204 

4793 
9353, 
25560 

345 HI 

334s 1 
an 8 

9157 
11194 


19763 


68 






161 

13970 
16001 
6031 
18826 
16291 
230 
2-1006 
24068 
2851 
8740 
5159 
8671 
26588 


13490 


64 




8429 
13149 

1:33 
10095 
10237 


28218 


t',5 




27353 


66 


Pike 


17927 


67 




275i HI 


68 




2153,1 






237 1 S 


Til 




9169 

20619 
852 
5750 


36806 


71 




10807 


77 




32063 


73 




33511 


- 1 




86955 


75 
76 

77 




2108 

12406 


■31136 
6 K 127 
43788 


73 




15516 
8328 
1996 


26153 

1429 s * 

3192 

49 


tls- 


74 




ld 197 


SI) 




22374 


81 


Van Werl 


23030 


s" 






17226 


S3 




17887 
10425 
11983 


21468 

1173.1 

23333 

387 

1102 


23141 
20823 

3.5M is 
4465 
5357 


28392 


84 




43244 


85 




37452 


86 




23821 


87 


\v I 


733 


340-36 


ss 




22401 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 



203 



POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 



States and 
Territories. 



States. 

Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts . . 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire 

New Jersey 

New York 

North Carolina.. 

Ohio 

Oregon 



Area in 
square 

Miles. 



50,722 
52,198 
188,981 
104,501) 
4,1)74 
2.120 
59,2i 
58,000 
55,410 
33,Sljy 
55,045 
81,318 
37,000 
41,346 
31,770 
11,184 
7,800 
50,451 
83,531 
47,150 
05,350 
75,995 
112,090 
9,280 
8,320 
47.1 H HI 
50,704 
3:1,904 
95,244 



Population. 



990,992 

484,471 

500,247 

39,804 

537,454 

125,015 

187, 

1,184,109 

2,539,891 

1,080,037 

1,191,792 

364,399 

1,321,011 

726,915 

620,915 

780,894 

1,457,301 

1,184,059 

439,706 

827,922 

1,721,295 

123,993 

42,491 

318.300 

91 W.I M0 

4,382,759 

1,071,861 

2,005.200 

90,923 



1,262,794 

802,501 

604.680 

194,049 

022.083 

140,054 

207,351 

1,539.048 

3,078,709 

1,978,302 

1.624,620 

995,900 

1,648,708 

940,103 

648,945 

934,632 

1,783,012 

1,630,331 

780,806 

1,131.592 

2,168,804 

452, 133 

6 .', !65 

340 981 

1,130,983 

5,083,810 

1,400,047 

3,198,239 

174,767 



Miles 
R.R. 

1872 



1,671 

25 

1,013 

392 

820 

227 

460 

2,108 

5,904 

3,529 

3,100 

1,700 

1,123 

539 

871 

820 

1,000 

2,23: 

1,615 

9 

2,58(1 

821" 

59: 

790 

1,20, 

4,470 

1,190 

3,7111 

179 



States and 
Territories. 



Area <n 
square 

Miles. 



46,000 
1,306 
29,385 
45.000 
237,504 
10,212 
40,904 
23,000 
53,924 



2,054,671 



113,916 
147,4911 
60 
90,932 
113,770 
121,201 
80,056 
69,944 
93,107 



SCO, 182 



Population. 



3,521,791 
217,353 
705,000 

1,258,520 
816,579 
330,551 

1,-425,168 
442,014 

1,054,070 



4,282,780 
270,528 
995,622 

1,542,403 

1,592,574 
332,286 

1,512, 
618,443 

1,315,480 



38.154,127 



9,658 
14,181 
131,700 

1 1.999 
20,595 
91,874 
80,780 
23,955 
9,118 



49,309,595 



40,441 

135,180 
177,638 

32,011 
39,157 

118,130 
143,9110 
75,120 
20,788 



402.800 



783.271 



5,113 
136 

1,2111 

1,520 
805 
675 

1,490 
485 

1.725 



59,716 



Stales. 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island 

South Carolina 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Vermont 

Virginia 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Total States 

Territories. 

Arizona 

Dakota 

Dist. of Columbia. 

Idaho 

Montana 

New Mexico 

Utah 

Washington 

Wyoming 

Total Territories 

Aggregate of U. S.. 2,915,203 38,555,9S3| 

•Included in the Railroad Mileage of Maryland. 



Miles 
R.R. 

1872 



PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD; 

Population and Area. 



Countries. 



Population. 



China 

British Empire 

Russia 

United States with Alaska 

France 

Austria and Hungary 

Japan 

Great Britain and Ireland 

Germau Empire 

Italy 

Spain 

Brazil 

Turkey 

Mexico 

Sweden and Norway 

Persia 

Belgium 

Bavaria 

Portugal 

Holland 

New Grenada 

Chili 

Switzerland 

Peru 

Bolivia 

Argentine Republic 

Wurtemburg 

Denmark 

Venezuela 

Baden 

Greece 

Guatemala 

Ecuador 

Paraguay 

Hesse 

Liberia 

S;ui Salvador 

Hayti 

Nicaragua 

Uruguay 

Honduras 

San Domingo 

Costa Rica , 

Hawaii 



446, 

•220. 
81, 
38 
30, 
35 
34 
31 
29, 
•27. 
16 
10 
16, 



500.000 
817,108 
925,400 
925,000 
469.800 
:ioi,4iin 
785.300 
817,100 
900,092 
439,921 
042. 000 
001 1. 01 10 
463,000 
173,000 
921,500 
000.000 
021,300 
861,400 
995.20H 
OSS, 300 
0(10,0(10 
000.000 
669,100 

500.000 
1100,011(1 

812,000 

.SIS, 500 
784.700 
500,000 

,461,400 
457.900 
180.000 

,300,000 

,000,000 
823,138 
718.000 
000.000 
572.000 
350.000 
300.000 
350,000 
130,000 
105. 000 
62.950 



Date of 
Census. 



1871 
1871 
1871 
1870 
1806 
1809 
1S71 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1867 



1S09 
1870 
1870 
1809 
1871 
180S 
1870 
1870 
1S09 
1870 
1871 



1869 
1871 
1870 


1871 
1870 
1871 


1871 


1871 
1871 


1871 
1871 
1871 


1870 



Area in 
Square 
Miles. 



3,741,846 

4.677,432 

8,003,778 

2,603,884 

204.091 

240.348 

149,399 

121,315 

100,207 

118,847 

195,775 

3,253.029 

672.621 

761.526 

292,871 

035.90 1 

11,373 

29,292 

34,494 

12,680 

357.157 

132.616 

15,992 

471.838 

497.321 

871,848 

7,533 

14.753 

368,238 

5,912 

19,353 

40,879 

218,928 

63,787 

2,969 

9,576 

7,335 

10,205 

58,171 

66,722 

47,092 

17,827 

21,505 

7.633 



Inhabitants 

to Square 

Mile. 



119.3 

48.6 

10.2 

7.78 

178.7 

149.4 

232.8 

262.3 

187. 

230.9 

85. 

3.07 
24.4 



20. 
7.8 
441.5 
165.9 
115.8 
290.9 
8.4 
15.1 
166.9 
5.3 
4. 
2.1 
241.4 
120.9 
4.2 
247. 
75.3 
28.9 
5.9 
15.6 
277. 
74.9 
81.8 
56. 
6. 
6.5 
7.4 
7.6 
7.7 
80. 



Pekin 

London 

St. Petersburg. 
Washington ... 

Paris 

Vienna 

Yecldo 

London 

Berlin 

Rome 

Madrid 

Rio Janeiro 

Constantinople 

ttexl :o 

Stockholm 

Teheran 

Brussels 

Munich 

Lisbon 

Hague 

Bogota 

Santiago 

Berne 

Lima 

Chuquisaca 

Buenos Ayres.. 

Stuttgart 

Copenhagen 

Caraccas 

Carlsruhe 

At liens 

Guatemala 

Quito 

Asuncion 

Darmstadt 

Monrovia . . — 
Sal Salvador . .. 
Port au Prince 

Managua 

Monte Video. . . 
Comayagua — 
San Domingo... 

San Jose 

Honolulu 



Population. 



1,648.800 

3,251,800 

667,000 

109.199 

1,825,300 

833,900 

1,554,900 

3,251,800 

825,400 

244.484 

332,000 

420.000 

1,075,000 

210.300 

136,900 

120,000 

314,100 

169,500 

224,063 

90,100 

45,000 

115,400 

36,000 

160,100 

25.000 

177.800 

91,600 

162,042 

47,000 

36,600 

43,400 

40,000 

70,000 

48,000 

30.000 

3,000 

15,000 

20,000 

10,000 

44.500 

12.000 

20.000 

2,000 

7.633 



204 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



COMMENTS UPON THE ORDINANCE OF 1787, FROM THE STATUTES 
OF OHIO, EDITED BY SALMON P. CHASE, AND PUB- 
LISHED IN THE YEAR 1833. 

[It would be difficult to find a more comprehensive review of the founda- 
tions of our system of laws than is given in the " Preliminary Sketch of the 
History of Ohio," by this distinguished representative of the bench and the 
bar of America. The work is now out of print, and is not easily obtained; 
besides, its great author has passed away; so these extracts are made more 
with a view of preserving old historical literature, than of introducing new ; 
furthermore, the masses of the people have never had convenient access to the 
volumes, which, for the most part, have been in the hands of professional men 
only. The publication of the work first brought its compiler before the public, 
and marked the beginning of that career which, during its course, shaped the 
financial system of our country, and ended upon the Supreme Bench of the 
nation.] 

By the ordinance of 1785, Congress had executed in part the great national 
trust confided to it, by providing for the disposal of the public lands for the 
common good, and by prescribing the manner and terms of sale. By that of 
1787, provision was made for successive forms of Territorial government, 
adapted to successive steps of advancement in the settlement of the Western 
country. It comprehended an intelligible system of law on the descent and 
conveyance of real property, and the transfer of personal goods. It also con- 
tained five articles of compact between the original States, and the people and 
States of the Territory, establishing certain great fundamental principles of 
governmental duty and private right, as the basis of all future constitutions and 
legislation, unalterable and indestructible, except by that final and common 
ruin, which, as it has overtaken all former systems of human polity, may yet 
overwhelm our American union. Never, probably, in the history of the world, 
did a measure of legislation so accurately fulfill, and yet so mightily exceed 
the anticipations of the legislators. The ordinance has been well described, as 
having been a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, in the settlement and 
government of the Northwestern States. When the settlers went into the 
wilderness, they found the law already there. It was impressed upon the soil 
itself, while it yet bore up nothing but the forest. The purchaser of land 
became, by that act, a party to the compact, and bound by its perpetual cove- 
nants, so far as its conditions did not conflict with the terms of the cessions of 

the States. 

********* 

This remarkable instrument was the last gift of the Congress of the old 
confederation to the country, and it was a fit consummation of their glorious 




•^. 1 



1 




HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 201 

labors. At the time of its promulgation, the Federal Constitution was under 
discussion in the convention; and in a few months, upon the organization of 
the now national government, thai Congress was dissolved, never again to r. 
semble. Some, and indee : .' the principles established by the articles of 

compact awe to be found in the plan of L784, and in the various English and 
American bills oi' rights. Others, however, and these not the least important, 
are original. Of this number are the clauses in relal to slavery 

and to Indians. On the whole, these articles contain what they profess to 
tain, the true theory of Ameri< ;y. The greal principles promulgated 

by it are wholly and purely American. They are indeed the genuine princi- 
ples oi' freedom, unadulterated by that compromise with circumstances, the 
effects of which are visible in the constitution and history of the Union. 
********* 
The first form vil government, provided by the ordinance, was now 

formally established within the Territory. Under this form, the people had no 
concern in the business oi' g it. The Governor and Judges de 

their appointments at first from Congress, and after the adoption oi' . 
eral Constitution, from the President. The commission of the former officer 
was for the term of three years, unless s the latter 

were during good behavior. It was required that the Governor should reside 
within the Territory, and possess a freehold estate there, in one thousand 
of land, lie IkuI authorit oinl all officers of militia,, below the rank of 

Generals, and all ma • and civil <■' ixcept the Jud the 

Secretary of the Territory; to establish convenient divisions oi' the who! 
triet for the execution of progress, to lay out those 'parts to which the Indian 
titles might be extinguished into counties and townships. The Ju i any 

two oi' them, constituted a court with common law jurisdiction. It was n 
sary that each Judge should o freehold estate in thi 

hundred acres. The whole legislative power which, however, extended on 
the adoption oi' such laws oH (he original States as might b. ■ cir- 

cumstanc ' i country, was vested in the Governor and Judges. The laws 

adopted were to continue in force, unless disapproved by ( 
pealed by the Legislature, which was afterward to be organized. It was the 
duty of the Secretary to preserve all acts and laws, public records ami execu 
proceedings, and to transmit authentic copies to the Secretary oi' I 
every six mouths. 

Such was the '.ernment devised for the Northwestern Territory. It 

is obvious that its character, as beneficent or opp lepended entirely u 

the temper and disposition oi' those who administrated it. All power, legisla- 
tive, judicial and executive, was concentrated in the Governor and Judges, and 
in its exercise they were responsible only to the distant Federal head. The 
expenses oi' the Government were defrayed in pari by the United States, but 
were principally drawn from the pockets oi' the people in the shape oi' 



208 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

This temporary system, however unfriendly as it seems to liberty, was, 
perhaps, so established upon sufficient reasons. The Federal Constitution had 
not then been adopted, and there were strong apprehensions that the people of 
the Territory might not be disposed to organize States and apply for admission 
into the Union. It was, therefore, a matter of policy so to frame the Territorial 
system as to create some strong motives to draw them into the Union, as States, 
in due time. 

The first acts of Territorial legislation were passed at Marietta, then the 
only American settlement northwest of the Ohio. The Governor and Judges 
did not strictly confine themselves within the limits of their legislative author- 
ity, as prescribed by the ordinance. When they could not find laws of the 
original States suited to the condition of the country, they supplied the want 
by enactments of their own. The earliest laws, from 1788 to 1795, were all 
thus enacted. The laws of 1788 provided for the organization of the militia; 
for the establishment of inferior courts; for the punishment of crimes, and for 
the limitations of actions; prescribed the duties of ministerial officers; regu- 
lated marriages, and appointed oaths of office. That the Governor and Judges 
in the enactment of these laws, exceeded their authority, without the slightest 
disposition to abuse it, may be inferred from the fact that except two, which 
had been previously repealed, they were all confirmed by the first Territorial 
Legislature. 

# * # . sje * * * * * 

At this period there was no seat of government, properly called. The 
Governor resided at Cincinnati, but laws were passed whenever they seemed to 
be needed, and promulgated at any place where the Territorial legislators hap- 
pened to be assembled. Before the year of 1795, no laws were, strictly speak- 
ing, adopted. Most of them were framed by the Governor and Judges to 
answer particular public ends; while in the enactmant of others, including all 
the laws of 1792, the Secretary of the Territory discharged, under the author- 
ity of an act of Congress, the functions of the Governor. The earliest laws, 
as has been already stated, were published at Marietta. Of the remainder, a 
few were published at Vincennes, and the rest at Cincinnati. 

In the year 1789, the first Congress passed an act recognizing the binding 
force of the ordinance of 1787, and adapting its provisions to the Federal Con- 
stitution. This act provided that the communications directed in the ordinance 
to be made to Congress or its officers, by the 'Governor, should thenceforth be 
made to the President, and that the authority to appoint with the consent of 
the Senate, and commission officers, before that time appointed and commis- 
sioned by Congress, should likewise be vested in that officer. It also gave the 
Territorial Secretary the power already mentioned, of acting in certain cases, 
in the place of the Governor. In 1792, Congress passed another act giving to 
the Governor and Judges authority to repeal, at their discretion, the laws by 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 209 

them made; and enabling a single Judge of the general court, in the absence 
of his brethren, to hold the terms. 

At this time the Judges appointed by the national Executive constituted the 
Supreme Court of the Territory. They were commissioned during good 
behavior; and their judicial jurisdiction extended over the whole region north- 
west of the Ohio. The court, thus constituted, was fixed at no certain place, 
and its process, civil and criminal, was returnable wheresoever it might be in 
the Territory. Inferior to this court were the County Courts of Common Pleas, 
and the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace. The former consisted of any 
number of Judges, not less than three nor more than seven, and had a general 
common-law jurisdiction, concurrent, in the respective counties, with that of 
the Supreme Court; the letter consisted of a number of Justices for each 
county, to be determined by the Governor, who were required to hold three 
terms in every year, and had a limited criminal jurisdiction. Single Judges of 
the Common Pleas, and single Justices o£ the Quarter Sessions, were also 
clothed with certain civil and criminal powers to be exercised out of court. 
Besides these courts, each county had a Judge of Probate, clothed with the 
ordinary jurisdiction of a Probate Court. 

Such was the original constitution of courts and distribution of judicial 
power in the Northwestern Territory. The expenses of the system were de- 
frayed in part by the National Government, and in part by assessments upon 
the counties, but principally by fees, which were payable to every officer con- 
cerned in the administration of justice, from the Judges of the General Court 
downward. 

In 1795, the Governor and Judges undertook to revise the Territorial laws, 
and to establish a complete system of statutory jurisprudence, by adoptions 
from the laws of the original States, in strict conformity to the provisions of 
the ordinance. For this purpose they assembled at Cincinnati, in June, and 
continued in session until the latter part of August. The judiciary system un- 
derwent some changes. The General Court was fixed at Cincinnati and Marietta, 
and a Circuit Court was established with power to try, in the several counties, 
issues in fact depending before the superior tribunal, where alone causes could 
be finally decided. Orphans' Courts, too, were established, with jurisdiction 
analogous to but more extensive than that of a Judge of Probate. Laws were 
also adopted to regulate judgments and executions, for limitation of actions, 
for the distribution of intestate estates, and for many other general purposes. 
Finally, as if with a view to create some great reservoir, from which, whatever 
principles and powers had been omitted in the particular acts, might be drawn 
according to the exigency of circumstances, the Governor and Judges adopted 
a law, providing that the common law of England and all general statutes in 
aid of the common law, prior to the fourth year of James I, should be in full 
force within the Territory. The law thus adopted was an act of the Virginia 
Legislature, passed before the Declaration of Independence, when Virginia was 



210 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

yet a British colony, and at the time of its adoption had been repealed so far 
as it related to the English statutes. 

The other laws of 1795 were principally derived from the statute book of 
Pennsylvania. The system thus adopted, was not without many imperfections 
and blemishes, but it may be doubted whether any colony, at so early a period 
after its first establishment, ever had one so good. 

********* 

And how gratifying is the retrospect, how cheering the prospect which even 
this sketch, brief and partial as it is, presents! On a surface, covered less 
than half a century ago by the trees of the primeval forest, a State has grown 
up from colonial infancy to freedom, independence and strength. But thirty 
years have elapsed since that State, with hardly sixty thousand inhabitants, was 
admitted into the American Union. Of the twenty-four States which form 
that Union, she is now the fourth in respect to population. In other respects, 
her rank is even higher. Already her resources have been adequate, not only 
to the expense of government and instruction, but to the construction of long 
lines of canals. Her enterprise has realized the startling prediction of the 
poet, who, in 1787, when Ohio was yet a wilderness, foretold the future con- 
nection of the Hudson with the Ohio. 

And these results are attributable mainly to her institutions. The spirit of 
the ordinance of 1787 prevades them all. Who can estimate the benefits 
which have flowed from the interdiction by that instrument of slavery and of 
legislative interference with private contracts ? One consequence is, that the 
soil of Ohio bears up none but freemen ; another, that a stern and honorable 
regard to private rights and public morals characterizes her legislation. There 
is hardly a page in the statute book of which her sons need be ashamed. The 
great doctrine of equal rights is everywhere recognized in her constitution and 
her laws. Almost every father of a family in this State has a freehold interest 
in the soil, but this interest is not necessary to entitle him to a voice in the 
concerns of government. Every man may vote; every man is eligible to any 
office. And this unlimited extension of the elective franchise, so far from pro- 
ducing any evil, has ever constituted a safe and sufficient check upon injurious 
legislation. Other causes of her prosperity may be found in her fertile soil, in 
her felicitous position, and especially in her connection with the union of the 
States. All these springs of growth and advancement are permanent,, and 
upon a most gratifying prospect of the future. They promise an advance in 
population, wealth, intelligence and moral worth as permanent as the existence 
of the State itself. They promise to the future citizens of Ohio the blessings 
of good government, wise legislation and universal instruction. More than all, 
they are pledges that in all future, as in all past circumstances, Ohio will cleave 
fast to the national constitution and the national Union, and that her growing 
energies will on no occasion, be more willingly or powerfully put forth, than in 
the support and maintenance of both in unimpaired vigor and strength. 




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DECEASED 



PART III. 

istory of Madison County, 



By R. C. Brown. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



ARCHAEOLOGY— MOUND BUILDERS AND INDIANS— ANTIQUITIES— THE DIFFERENT 
CLASSES OF MOUNDS, EFFIGIES AND INCLOSURES— SEPULCHRAL MOUNDS— 
SACRIFICIAL MOUNDS— TEMPLE MOUNDS— MOUNDS OF OBSERVATION— 
MEMORIAL OK MONUMENTAL MOUNDS— EFFIGIES OR ANIMAL 
MOUNDS— INCLOSURES— COVERED WAYS — SACRED INCLOS- 
URES— LESSONS TAUGHT BY THESE WORKS — THE 
IMPLEMENTS USED BY THE MOUND BUILDERS 
AND INDIANS— MOUNDS OF MADISON 
COUNTY — THEIR LOCATION, 
CLASS AND SIZE. 

~TT~THEN the wave of white emigration reached the Ohio and Missis- 
VV sippi Valleys, the discovery was made of strange looking mounds of 
earth here and there, and, after a time, learning that these and other simi- 
lar works were of pre-historic origin — the work of an unknown race of 
people — they were called in a general way "Ancient Mounds," and in time 
the lost race that erected them came to be appropriately named the " Mound 
Builders." There is no authentic history regarding this people. The 
known records of the world are silent — as silent as these monuments that 
perpetuate their memory. There are many theories regarding them, but 
this is all that can be said, as nothing of their origin or end is certainly 
known. They probably antedate the various Indian tribes who anciently 
occupied and claimed title to the soil of Ohio. It may have been that many 
centuries elapsed between the first occupancy here by the Mound Builders 
and the advent of the earliest Indian tribes or nations, though this is only 
conjecture. 

The archaeologist has found the territory embraced within the limits of 
Ohio a most excellent one. It is probably the most interesting field for the 
scientist and antiquarian in the United States. It was once, and, perad- 
venture, continued to be through many passing centuries, the most favored 
locality of this mysterious people. The extent, variety, elaborate, and 
labyrinthian intricacies of their works, still found in many sections of the 
State, clearly indicate the plausibility of this view. Here they dwelt for 
ages, erected their works, and made a long chapter of history, although yet 
unwritten — a history whose leading features and general characteristics can 
be gathered only from those of their works that yet exist. It must be col- 
lected scrap by scrap and item by item, after a thorough examination and 
patient investigation of their works, and by careful, laborious, faithful study 



216 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of their wonderful remains. The principal events and leading incidents in 
the strange career of this mysterious and apparently now extinct people, 
can be traced out and recorded only so far as they are clearly indicated by 
those of their works which yet remain, but which, it is to be regretted, are, 
to a large extent, in a state of mutilation and partial ruin, and rapidly tend- 
ing to utter extinction under iconoclastic wantonness and the operations of 
the agriculturist ; also from the devastating effects of the elements, and 
the destructive tendencies of the great destroyer — Time. 

There is little reason to believe that the Mound Builders ever had a 
written language, and, if they had not, it must be manifest that very few 
authentic facts pertaining to their domestic and local history can be verified 
by reliable testimony, other than that deduced from their works, which are 
the sole memorials left by them to enable us to work out the problems of 
their origin, their history, habits, manners, customs, general characteristics, 
mode of life, the extent of their knowledge of the arts, of husbandry, their 
state of civilization, their religion and its rites, their ultimate fate, and the 
manner and circumstances of their final disappearance, whether by process 
of absorption from intermingling and intermarrying with other and more 
vigorous races, by dispersion or captivity, or by extinction through war, 
pestilence, or famine. 

Although generation after generation of Mound Builders here lived 
and flourished, and, peradventure, reached the acme of their glory, then 
passed through age after age of decadence and decrepitude into ' k the recep- 
tacle of things lost upon earth," without leaving anything that may properly 
be called history ; and though no records of their exploits have come down 
to this generation through the intervening centuries, yet their enduring 
works furnish the laborious student some indications, even though they be 
slight, of the characteristics of their builders, and afford some data as to 
the probable history they made during the unknown, perchance barren, 
uneventful cycles of their indefinitely long career as a nation or race. 

As the history of the Mound Builders is yet unwritten, it is certainly 
a matter of gratulation that so many way-marks and traces of this race 
yet remain within the boundaries of Ohio. Their works in the State, still 
existing in a tolerably perfect condition, are approximately estimated at ten 
thousand, but they, doubtless, far exceeded that number at the time of the 
first permanent white settlement here, in 1788. 

Only such monuments or remains of ancient works can be properly 
ascribed to the Mound Builders, as were really regarded by the Indian 
tribes, at the period of the first settlement at Marietta, as antiquities, or as 
the ruins and relics of an extinct race, and "concerning the origin of which 
they were wholly ignorant, or only possessed a traditionary knowledge." 
These consisted of mounds, effigies and inclosures. which are known and 
designated as the three general classes of ancient works that can be appro- 
priately regarded as belonging to the Mound Builders. Mounds are sub- 
divided into sepulchral, sacrificial, temple, or truncated ; also of observa- 
tion, and memorial or monumental. Effigies are sometimes called animal 
mounds, sometimes emblematic, and frequently symbolical. Inclosures are of 
several kinds, one class being known as military or defensive works; 
another as parallel embankments or covered ways; and the third as sacred 
inclosures. 



HISTORY OP MADISON COUNTY. '211 

Under the general title of inclosures are also walls or ramparts con- 
structed for military or defensive works, while others were doubtless walls 
surrounding the residence of the reigning monarch ; perchance others were 
erected for the performance within them of their national games and amuse- 
ments, while, perhaps, many also served a purpose in the observance of 
their religious rites and ceremonies, and facilitated indulgence in some 
superstitious practices. Most of the above-named works were constructed of 
earth, a few of stone, and, perhaps, fewer still of earth and stone combined. 
The title each bears indicates, in a measure, the uses they are supposed to 
have served. 

Sepulchral mounds are generally conical in form, and are moro numer- 
ous than any other kind. They are of all sizes, ranging from a very small 
altitude to about eighty feet in height, and always contain one or more skele- 
tons, or parts thereof, or present other plausible indications of having been 
built or used for purposes of sepulture, and were unmistakably, memorials 
raised over the dead. By some archaeologists it is maintained that the size 
of these mounds bears a certain relation to the importance, when living, of 
the person over whose remains they were erected. 

In this class of mounds are often found implements and ornaments, 
supposed to have been buried with the person or persons there interred under 
the superstitious and delusive notion still entertained by some tribes of 
American Indians who indulge in similar practices, that they might be use- 
ful to them in the happy hunting grounds of the future state. The prac- 
tice being one common to both the Indians and Mound Builders, apparently 
connects the former with the latter, and raises the presumption that the 
Indians may have descended from the Mound Builders. That fire was used 
in the burial ceremonies of the Mound Builders is manifest from the fact that 
charcoal is often, if not always, found in close proximity to the skeleton. 
The presence of ashes, igneous stones, and other traces of the action of fire 
in these tombs, renders it quite probable that this element was employed in 
their burial ceremonies. Mica is often found in proximity to the skeletons, 
as well as specimens of pottery, bone and copper beads and animal bones. 
The name given to this description of tumuli clearly indicates that they 
were erected chiefly for burial purposes. They generally contain but a lim- 
ited number of skeletons, indeed, often but a single one ; but Prof. Marsh, 
of the Sheffield Scientific School, connected with Yale College, a few years 
ago opened a mound in Licking County, Ohio, which contained seventeen 
skeletons in whole or in part. 

The most remarkable of all mounds in the State was one in Hardin 
County, in which were found about three hundred skeletons. A doubt has, 
however, been expressed that these were all Mound Builders' skeletons, some 
antiquarians entertaining the belief that they were Indian remains, as it is 
well known that the Indians frequently buried their dead on or near these 
mounds. About one mile southeast of Miamisburg, Montgomery County, 
on the east side of the Miami River, is located the largest mound in Ohio. 
The elevation of the land at this point is more than 150 feet above the 
Miami. The mound measures 800 feet around the base, and about 65 feet 
in height, though archaeologists claim that this mound was originally more 
than 80 feet in height as about twenty feet has been cut from the cone by 
explorations, and the wear and tear of the elements to which it has been 



218 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

exposed for centuries. In the first settlement of the Miami Valley this 
great mound was covered with forest trees, a large maple growing from its 
summit. It is supposed to be the sepulcher of a chief or ruler of the 
Mound Builders. In July, 1869, a shaft five or six feet in diameter was 
sunk from the top to two feet below the base. At eight feet from the top, a 
human skeleton in a sitting posture, facing due east, was discovered. A 
deposit of vegetable matter, bones of small animals, also wood and stone, 
were surrounding the skeleton, while a cover of clay several feet in thick- 
ness, with a layer of ashes and charcoal, seems to have been the burial. At 
the depth of twenty-four feet was discovered a triangular stone planted per- 
pendicularly in the earth, with the point upward. Around this stone at an 
angle of forty-five degrees, and overlapping each other like the shingles 
upon a roof, were placed rough stones averaging about one foot in diameter, 
of nearly uniform size, and similar to those quarried in the neighboring 
hills. 

Sacrificial mounds are usually stratified, the strata being convex layers 
of clay and loam, alternating with a layer of fine sand. They generally 
contain ashes, charcoal, igneous stones, calcined animal bones, beads, stone 
implements, pottery and specimens of rude sculpture. These mounds are 
frequently found within enclosures, which are supposed to have been in 
some way connected with the performance of the religious rites and ceremo- 
nies of the Mound Builders. An altar of stone or burnt clay is usually 
found in this class of mounds. These altars, which sometimes rest upon the 
surface of the original earth at the center of the mound, are symmetrically 
shaped, and are among the chief distinguishing characteristics of sacrificial 
mounds. Upon these altars sacrifices of animals, and probably of human 
beings were offered, the fire being used to some extent in the performance of 
that religious rite. Some of this class of mounds seem also to have been 
used for purposes of sepulture as well as sacrifice ; the presence of skeletons, 
in some of them at least, suggest their sepulchral, as well as sacrificial char- 
acter. In common with sepulchral mounds, these likewise contain imple- 
ments of war, also mica from the Alleghanies, shells from the Gulf of 
Mexico, obsidian, and, in some instances, porphyry from Mexico, as well as 
silver and copper articles, both for use and ornament. 

Temple mounds are less numerous, and generally larger than the pre- 
ceding classes, and in form are oftenest circular or oval ; but, whether 
round, square, oblong, oval, octangular, or whatever form, are invariably 
truncated, having the appearance of being in an unfinished condition. They 
are frequently surrounded by embankments, and many of them have spiral 
pathways, steps, or inclined planes leading to their summits. They are 
generally of large base, and of comparatively limited altitude. The supposi- 
tion is, that the summits of these mounds were crowned with structures of 
wood that served the purposes of temples, all traces of which, however, have 
disappeared. They were also used to a limited extent for burial purposes,' 
as well as for uses connected with their religion. 

Mounds of observation are generally situated upon eminences, and were 
doubtless "observatories," "alarm posts," "watch-towers," "signal stations," 
or " look-outs," serving the purposes indicated by their title. They are 
said, by some writers, to occur in chains or regular systems, and that many 
of them still bear traces of the beacon fires that were once burning upon 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 219 

them. They are sometimes found in connection with embankments and in- 
cisures, forming a portion, though greatly enlarged, of the banks of earth 
or stones that compose said embankments and inclosures. This class of 
mounds is numerous in some portions of the State. 

Memorial or monumental mounds belong to the class that were erected 
to perpetuate the memory of some important event, or in honor of some dis- 
tinguished character. They are mostly built of earth, but some of the stone 
mounds found in some portions of the State probably belong to this not 
numerous class. 

Effigies or animal mounds are simply raised figures, or gigantic basso 
relievos of men, beasts, birds, or reptiles, and in some instances, of inani- 
mate objects. They are on the surface of the earth, raised to a limited 
height, generally from one foot to six feet above the natural surface of the 
ground. Mr. Schoolcraft, a recognized authority on the mounds, and Mound 
Builders of Ohio, calls this class of ancient works emblematic mounds, and 
expresses the belief that they were "totems," or "heraldic symbols." 
Prof. Daniel Wilson, the learned author of ki Pre-Historic Man," and other 
writers of distinction, call them symbolical mounds, and hold the opinion 
that they were erected as objects of worship, or for altars upon which sacrifices 
were offered, or that they served some other purposes connected with the 
religious worship of their idolatrous constructors. 

Inclosures, defensive and sacred, have been briefly mentioned. Most 
of them are earthworks, though a tow are of stone. Defensive inclosures are 
of irregular form, are always on high ground, and in naturally strong posi- 
tions, frequently on the summits of hills and steep bluffs, and are often 
strengthened by exterior ditches. The walls generally wind around the 
borders of the elevations they occupy, and where the nature of the ground 
renders some points more accessible than others, the height of the wall and 
the depth of the ditch at those points are proportionally increased. The 
gateways are narrow, few in number, and well guarded by embankments 
placed a few yards inside of the openings or gate-ways, parallel with them, 
and projecting somewhat beyond them at each end, thus fully covering the 
entrances, which, in some cases, are still further protected by projecting 
Avails on either side of them. These works are somewhat numerous, and in- 
dicate a clear appreciation of the elements, at least, of fortification, and un- 
mistakably point out the purpose for which they were constructed. A large 
number of these defensive works consists of a line of ditch and embankments 
or several lines carried across the neck of peninsulas or bluff head-lands, 
formed within the bends of streams, an easy and obvious mode of fortifica- 
tion, common to all rude people. 

Covered ways are parallel walls of earth of limited height, and are 
frequently found contiguous to inclosures, sometimes, indeed, connecting 
them by extending from one to another. One of their purposes, at least, 
seems to have been the protection of those passing to and fro within them. 

Sacred inclosures are mainly distinguished from those of a military 
character by the regularity of their form, their different construction, and 
their more frequent occurrence. They are of all shapes and forms, and 
where moats or ditches exist, they are invariably found in the inside of the 
embankments. They are generally in the form of geometrical figures, of 
surprising accuracy, such as circles, squares, hexagons, octagons, ellipses, 



220 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

parallelograms, and of various others. They are sometimes found within 
military inclosures, and evidently had some connection with the religious 
ideas and ceremonies of their builders. Frequently, there is situated in the 
center of this class of works a mound, or elevation, supposed to have served 
the purposes of an altar upon which sacrifices were offered, or which was, at 
least, in some way, used in conducting their religious services. Within these 
sacred inclosures were doubtless celebrated religious festivals, and upon those 
central mounds or altars, were undoubtedly performed the rites and ceremo- 
nies demanded by their religion. Some archaeologists, however, maintain 
that many works called sacred inclosures were erected for and used as places 
of amusement, where these ancient people practiced their national games, 
and celebrated their great national events, where they held their national 
festivals, and indulged in their national jubilees, as well as performed the 
ceremonies of their religion. , It may be that those inclosures, within which 
no central elevation or altar occurs, were erected for the purposes last men- 
tioned, and not exclusively (if at all) for the observance of their religious 
rites, and are, therefore, erroneously called sacred inclosures. 

It is natural to indulge in speculations regarding these ancient works. 
Probably none of them have been constructed since Christopher Columbus 
reached America in 1492, as trees have been found growing on those works 
which were definitely estimated to be nearly six hundred years old. Au- 
thorities differ regarding many matters connected with the Mound Builders, 
but a few facts seem to be fully established by their works. There can be no 
doubt that they were a numerous people. Works so elaborate, so gigantic, 
could not have been erected by a people insignificant in numbers. This is 
the more apparent when it is considered that they were without iron, or any 
suitable metal instruments or tools with which to perform their herculean 
labors. 

It could scarcely have been otherwise than that they were also the sub- 
jects of a single strong government, because, under any other, the perform- 
ance of such an immense amount of, probably, enforced labor could not have 
been secured. Very likely some sort of vassalage or servitude prevailed. 
There is abundant evidence that they were a warlike people, and probably, 
like some savage nations now existing, they made slaves of their prisoners. 
The number and magnitude of their works, with their extensive range and 
uniformity, prdve that they were essentially homogeneous in customs, habits, 
religion and government. The general features common to all their remains 
identify them as appertaining to a single grand system, owing its origin to 
men moving in the same direction, acting under common impulses, and in- 
fluenced by similar causes. That they possessed military skill, and were 
not without some knowledge of mathematics, is quite evident. Building their 
defensive works in naturally strong positions, and constructing many of their 
other works in the form of various geometrical figures, show such to have 
been the case. 

The construction of military works would indicate that they were, oc- 
casionally, at" least, at war either among themselves, or with some other na- 
tion or tribe. Perhaps it was with the North American Indians, to whom 
the country may have belonged before the Mound Builders entered it. There 
are various scraps of history relating to the antiquity of the Indian. For 
instance, Sir Charles Lyell says : " A human cranium, of the aboriginal 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 221 

type of the red Indian race; had been found in the delta of the Mississippi, 
beneath four buried forests, superimposed, one upon another, implying, as 
estimated by Dr. Dowler, an antiquity of 50,000 years." Lyell, himself, 
estimated the age of the delta at 100,000 years. 

It may be conjectured from many historical facts, that the Mound 
Builders were a foreign people who invaded the soil of America, as there is 
but little evidence that they spread themselves over the continent, but much, 
that they passed through it from northeast to southwest, covering a broad 
belt of country, on which they constructed their mysterious mounds. The 
time occupied by them in crossing the continent can only be conjectured. 
It is a well-known historical fact that the northmen reached the coast of 
North America from Greenland in 999, and from this it has been theorized, 
that, perhaps' the mysterious Mound Builders were no other than these. 
They came in great numbers, attempted to conquer the country, found the 
Indians too strong for them, but conquered a certain portion of the territory, 
clung together, moved gradually southwest, protecting themselves on the 
way by forts and other earthworks, finally disappearing in Mexico, either 
conquering that country or intermingling with and becoming absorbed by 
that people. 

The Mound Builders cherished a belief in some religious system. The 
amount of labor bestowed upon those of their works that were erected in the 
interest of their religion shows a strong tendency toward a sacrificial faith. 
Some writers have not hesitated to assert that this race were worshipers of 
the elements ; that they also worshiped the sun, moon and stars ; and that 
they offered up human victims as an acceptable sacrifice to the gods they 
worshiped. They deduced these facts from the charred or calcined bones 
that cover their altars. There are other high authorities who unhesitatingly 
assert that there is convincing proof that the Mound Builders were fire wor- 
shipers. 

It may be well in this connection to notice, briefly, the implements made 
and used by this people, especially as far as investigation has revealed their 
character. Very few copper implements have been found in this part 
of Ohio, owing partly to the fact of the unexplored condition of 
many of the mounds in this portion of the State, and to the fact 
that little, if any, copper exists in this part of the United States. 
What does exist is in loose fragments that have been washed down 
from the upper lake region. When mounds are explored, 'great care 
is necessary lest these small utensils be lost, as they are commonly 
scattered through the mass, and not always in close proximity to the skele- 
tons. The copper deposits about Lake Superior furnished the pre-historic 
man with this metal, and, judging from the amount of relics made of this 
metal now found, it must have been quite abundant. The population of the 
country then must have been quite numerous, as occasional copper imple- 
ments, tempered to an exceeding hardness, are still found about the country. 
These implements are small, generally less than half a pound in weight, and 
seldom exceeding three pounds. There were millions of these in use during 
the period of the ancient dwellers, which must have been hundreds of years 
in duration. The copper implements left on the surface soon disappeared 
by decomposition, to which copper is nearly as liable a3 iron. Only a part 
of the dead Mound Builders were placed in burial mounds, and of these only 



222 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

a few were buried with their copper ornaments and implements on and about 
them. Of those that were only a small part have been discovered, and, in 
many instances, the slight depth of earth over them has not prevented the 
decay and disappearance of the copper relics. 

Articles of bronze and brass are not found with the builders of the 
mounds. It is evident they knew nothing of these metals in the Ohio Val- 
ley, nor did they possess any of the copper that had been melted or cast in 
molds. 

Stone relics are very numerous and well preserved. Stone axes, mauls, 
hammers, chisels, etc., are very plentiful yet, and were the common imple- 
ments of the pre-historic man in this part of the West. None were made 
with holes or eyes for the insertion of a helve or handle, but were grooved 
to receive a withe twisted into the form of a handle. Under the head of 
axes, archaeologists include all wrought stones with a groove, a bit and a 
poll. They are found unpolished, partly polished, and polished. The 
bit was made sharp by rubbing, and the material is hard and tough, gener- 
ally of trachyte, greenstone, granite, quartz or basalt. Most of them are 
straight on one edge. In Ohio, it is very rare that stone axes are found in 
the mounds, indicating that they are modern, or were not so much prized by 
the Mound Builders as to be objects of burial. Occasionally, axes of softer 
material are found, such as slate, hematite and sandstone, but these are 
small in size and not common. They appear to have been manufactured 
from small, oblong bowlders, first brought into shape by a pick or chipping 
instrument, the marks of which are visible on nearly all of them. They 
were made more perfect by rubbing and polishing, probably done from time 
to time after they were brought into use. A handle or helve made of a 
withe or split stick was fastened in the groove by thongs of hide. The bit 
is narrower than the body of the ax, which is generally not well enough 
balanced to be of much value as a cutting instrument. It is very seldom 
that the material is hard enough to cut green and sound timber. The poll 
is usually round, but sometimes flat, and rarely pointed. It is much better 
adapted to breaking than cutting, while the smaller ones are better fitted for 
war clubs than tools. As a maul to break dry limbs, they were very effi- 
cient, which was probably the use made of them. In weight, they range 
from half a pound to sixteen pounds, but are generally less than three 
pounds. The very heavy ones must have been kept at the regular camps 
and villages, as they could not have been carried far, even in canoes. Such 
axes are occasionally found in the Indian towns on the frontier, as they 
were found in Ohio among the aborigines. The Mound Builders apparently 
did not give them as much prominence among their implements as their sav- 
age successors. Double-headed hammers have the groove in the middle. 
They were made of the same material as the axes, so balanced as to give a 
blow with equal force at either end. Their mechanical symmetry is often 
perfect, and as a weapon in war they were indeed formidable, for which pur- 
pose they are yet used among the Indians on the Pacific Coast. 

Implements, known as "fleshers" and "skinners," chisel-formed, 
commonly called "celts," were probably used as aids in peeling the skins 
of animals from the meat and bones. For the purpose of cutting tools for 
wood, they were not sufficiently hard, and do not show such use, excepting 
in a few flint chisels. They may have been applied as coal scrapers where 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 223 

wood had been burned ; but this could not have been a general thino- with- 
out destroying the perfect edge most of them now exhibit. The grooved 
axes were much better adapted to this purpose. 

Stone pestles are not plentiful in this portion of the State, while stone 
mortars are rare, indicating that they were made of wood, which is lighter 
and more easily transported. Most of the pestles are short, with a wide 
base, tapering toward the top. They were probably used with one hand, 
and moved about in the mortar in a circle. The long, round instrument 
usually called a pestle does not appear to be fitted for crushing seeds and 
grain by pounding or turning in the mortar. It was probably used as a 
rolling-pin, perhaps on a board or leveled log, but not upon stone. It is 
seldom found smooth or polished, and varies from seven to thirteen inches in 
length. In outline they taper toward each end, which is generally smooth, 
and circular in form, as though it had been twirled in an upright position. 

There is almost an endless variety of perforated plates, thread-sizers, 
shuttles, etc. They are usually made of striped slate, most of which have 
tapering holes through them flatwise, the use of which has been much 
discussed. They are generally symmetrical, the material fine-grained, and 
their proportions graceful, as though their principal use was that of orna- 
mentation, as many of them may well have been worn suspended as beads 
or ornaments. Some partake of the character of badges or ensigns of 
authority, while others, if strung together on thongs or belts, would serve 
as a coat of mail, protecting the breast or back against the arrows of 
an enemy. A number of them would serve to size and twist twine or 
coarse thread made of bark, rawhide or sinew. The most common theory 
regarding their use is, however, lacking one important feature. None 
of them show signs of wear by use. The edges of the holes through them 
are sharp and perfect, and this objection applies equally well to their use as 
suspended ornaments. Some of them are shuttle- form, through which 
coarse thread might have been passed for weaving rude cloth of bark or of 
fibrous plants. There are also double-ended and pointed ones, with a cross 
section, about the middle of which is a circle and through which is a 
perforation. 

A great variety of wands or badges of distinction are found. They are 
nearly all fabricated from striped and variegated slate, highly finished, 
very symmetrical and elegant in proportion, evidently designed to be orna- 
mental. The material is compact and fine-grained, but the eyes or holes 
for handles or staves are quite small, seldom half an inch in diameter. 
Their edges are not sharp but rounded, and the body is thin, usually less 
than one-fourth of an inch in thickness. The form of badges known 
as " double-crescents " are the most elegant and expensive of any yet 
brought to notice. They were probably used to indicate the highest rank 
or office, and the single crescent, perhaps, signified a rank next below the 
double. In the collection of John B. Matson, of Richland County, there 
is a ruugh-hewn double-crescent in process of construction, the horns of 
which turn inward, while in nearly or quite all the finished ones the points 
turn outward. The finish around the bore of all winged badges and the 
crescents is the same, and the size of the bore in either is from two-fifths to 
three-fifths of an inch. On one side of all is a narrow ridge; on the other 
a fiat band lengthwise, like a ridge that has been ground down to a width of 



224 HISTORY OF MAD [SON COUNTY. 

one to two tenths of an inch. Badges and crescents are invariably made of 
banded slate, generally of a greenish shade of color. The other forms of 
wands or badges, such as those with symmetrical wings or blades, are also 
made of green striped slate, highly polished, with a bore of about one-half 
inch in diameter, apparently to insert a light wooden rod or staff. They 
were probably emblems of distinction but not ornaments, and as nothing 
like them is known among the modern tribes in form or use, they have been 
attributed to the Mound Builders. 

In addition to stone ornaments, the pre-historic man seems to have had 
a penchant, like hi3 savage successors, to bedaub his body with various col- 
ors, derived from different colored minerals. These compounds were mixed 
in hollowed stones or diminutive mortars — "paint cups" — in which the 
mineral mass of colored clay was reduced to powder and prepared for appli- 
cation to the body. Such paint cups are not common in this State ; in 
fact, they are quite rare, but one being known to exist — that in the collec- 
tion of Dr. Craig, of Mansfield, Richland County. 

The comparative rarity of aboriginal smoking pipes is easily explained 
by the fact that they were not discarded as were weapons when those by 
whom they were fashioned entered upon the iron age. The advances of the 
whites in no way lessened the demand for pipes, nor did the whites substi- 
tute a better implement. The pipes were retained and used until worn out 
or broken, save the few that were buried with their dead owners, and what 
was the ultimate fate of these can only be conjectured. In very few 
instances does an Indian grave contain a pipe, and if the practice of bury- 
ing the pipe with its owner was a common one, it is probable that the 
graves were opened and robbed of this coveted article by members of the 
same or some other tribe. 

It only remains to notice the "flints," in addition to which a few other 
archaeological relics of minor importance are found about the country, but 
none of sufficient import to merit mention, or to throw additional light on 
the lost tribes of America. Arrow and spear heads and other similar 
pieces of flaked flints are the most abundant of any aboriginal relics in the 
United States. They are chiefly made of hard and brittle silicious mate- 
rials ; are easily damaged in hitting any object at which they are aimed, 
hence many of them bear marks of violent use. Perfect specimens are, 
however, by no means rare. The art of arrow-making survives to the pres- 
ent day among certain Indian tribes, from whom is learned the manner 
of producing them. 

A classification of arrow-heads is rarely attempted by archaeologists, as 
the styles are almost as numerous as their makers. In general, they are 
all the same in outline, mostly leaf-shaped, varying according to the taste of 
their manufacturers, and their number, we might say, is infinite. They 
may have been made by chipping — probably most of them were — and some 
may have been ground. 

Spear-heads exhibit as large a variety as arrow-heads, and, like the lat- 
ter, were inserted in wooden handles of various lengths, though in many 
tribes they were fastened by thongs of untanned leather or sinews. 

Their modes of manufacture were generally the same. Sometimes 
tribes contained arrow-makers, whose business was to make these imple- 
ments, selling them to or exchanging them with their neighbors for warn- 




-'■:■■ 



Henry Alder. 



DECEASED 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 227 

pum or peltries. When the Indian desired an arrow or spear head, he 
could buy one of the arrow-maker or make one himself. The common 
method was to take a chipping implement, generally made of the pointed 
rods of a deer's horn, from eight to sixteen inches in length, or of slender, 
short pieces of the same material, bound with sinews to wooden sticks 
resembling arrow-shafts. The arrow-maker held in his left hand the flake 
of flint or obsidian on which he intended to operate, and pressing the point 
of the tool against its edge, detached scale after scale, with much ingenuity, 
until the flake assumed the desired form. 

Beginning in the southern portion of Madison County, we find a chain 
of mounds extending to its northern limits, although with no apparent con- 
nection in location or size. It is, however, evident that all excepting one 
belong to the sepulchral order of mounds, as their construction is exactly 
alike. The largest of the burial mounds is located upon the estate of John 
Dun, in Oak Run Township, on an elevation overlooking the beautiful val- 
ley of Deer Creek. It is about two hundred and forty feet around the base, 
and twelve feet in height, circular in form and gradually tapering toward 
the summit. In January, 1881, it was opened to a depth of six or eight 
feet by Mathew Rea and Thomas Roby, who found the remains of two skel- 
etons, the skulls being the only portions in a fair state of preservation. Noth- 
ing else was discovered here, the different layers of burnt clay, charcoal and 
ashes, being the same as in all sepulchral mounds. This mound has, doubt- 
less, been several feet higher than it is to-day, and the view to be obtained 
from its summit is such an excellent one, that it is probable it was also used 
as a mound of observation. 

There are two small mounds in Union Township, northwest of the Dun 
Mound — one on the land of Addison Chrisman, and one still further up on 
the land of Charles Baker. The former is located in a cultivated field on 
northeast side of the pike, but the plow has so nearly obliterated all evi- 
dences of this once sacred spot, that little remains to attract the attention 
of the casual observer. The mound on the Baker land is in the timber, 
also on the northeast side of the pike. Neither of these mounds have ever 
been large, not more than from three to five feet in height, and thirty-five feet 
in diameter. With the exception of the common evidences peculiar to bur- 
ial mounds, nothing has been discovered in either. The cause of this was, 
perhaps, the absence of care in opening them, or that atmospheric influences 
had completely destroyed whatever remains may have been buried therein, 
their diminutive size affording little or no protection against the ravages of 
time. 

Southeast of the mound in Oak Run Township, on the land of Stephen 
Anderson, in Pleasant Township, is the remains of what was once a burial 
mound. It evidently was about the same size as the Dun Mound, but for 
many years the leveling process has gone on until its once beautiful sym- 
metrical proportions have disappeared. Located in a cultivated field on the 
east bank of Deer Creek, it now appears as a large hillock sloping gradually 
in every direction. We understand there is a small mound on the estate of 
Frank Hicks, near the western line of Pleasant Township. 

One of the handsomest mounds in Madison County is upon the farm of 
Isaac Hambleton, on the east side of Little Darby, and about one mile south- 
east of Jefferson. It stands in a wheat-field, a few hundred yards from 



228 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the banks of the stream ; is about two hundred feet around the base, and ten 
feet high. From its summit are growing three trees, two of which are more 
than fifteen inches in diameter. The base has been very much disfigured 
by the plow, while the top has been dug into and never filled up. Still 
following the meanderings of Little Darby northwest of Jefferson we come 
to four small mounds. The first is on the land of Truman Kimball, on the 
southwest bank of the stream. It has been opened by William Deardorff, a 
whole skeleton taken out, and the remains of others discovered. Some dis- 
tance northwest of this one, but on the opposite bank of Little Darby, are 
three similar mounds, all being about five feet in height, and thirty-five feet 
in diameter. These are located on the land of James Dun, and all four 
mounds are in Jefferson Township. They have been dug into by different par- 
ties, William Deardorff and Thomas Bates opening two of them. In one 
was found a copper needle and three slate ornaments nicely polished, with 
holes drilled through them, by which they were suspended, fastened, or made 
convenient for whatever use their owners put them to. No other relics were 
found in these mounds, as far as we have been able to learn. It is said 
that cpuite a large mound existed at an early day in the southern portion of 
Deer Creek Township, but that a Mr. Ewing scraped it down and erected 
his residence upon its site. 

The only other burial mound of which we have any knowledge, is 
located on the north bank of Big Darby, about one mile northwest of Plain 
City, and as this territory originally belonged to Madison County, it will be 
proper to here mention it briefly. It was originally about the same size as 
the mound on the Hambleton farm in Jefferson Township, but is much smaller 
to-day. In 1848, a society called "the Rectifiers," was organized in Plain 
City, the object of which was the improvement or morals, the advancement 
of education, benevolence and institutions of charity, and the development 
of archaeological history. In 1850, the society opened this mound, from 
which they took the remains of some skeletons. The thigh bones were very 
massive, while the jaw bones were sufficiently large to slip over the face of 
the ordinary man, demonstrating that the beings to whom they belonged 
must have been of extraordinary size and proportions. The teeth were 
found in an almost perfect state of preservation, and belonged to persons of 
full growth and well-developed maturity. It is not understood that there 
was anything else of interest found here, but this like all the other burial 
mounds, bore the same evidences of the pre-historic age. 

We now come to the largest mound in Madison County, and one of 
the largest in Ohio. It is classed under the head of Temple Mounds, is 
oval in shape, 600 feet around the base, and about twenty-five feet in height. 
Located upon an elevated ridge in the southeast corner of Monroe Township, 
on the estate of John Dun, it overlooks the valley formed by the junction of 
Spring Fork and Little Darby, the view from its summit being a charming 
one. Like all temple mounds, it has an unfinished appearance, and pre- 
sents evidences of steps or inclined planes leading to the top. It is the sup- 
position among archaeologists that this class of mounds, which are not num- 
erous, were surmounted by wooden structures, all traces of which had disap- 
peared long prior to the coming of the white race. During the pioneer days 
of Ohio, the vicinity of this mound was a favorite camping ground of the 
Indians, and it is said that they used the mound for burial purposes. In 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 229 

after years, when the whites had possessed and settled upon these lands, the 
Indians often returned to this spot made sacred as the resting place of their loved 
ones. Here it was that Tobias Bright shot in cold blood an Indian named 
Nicholas Monhem, in 1810, which created great excitement amon<* the 
Indians, almost leading to a collision with the whites. Thus it will be seen 
that this mound which was constructed by one race, way " back in the by- 
gone time, lost mid the rubbish of forgotten things," became one of the fav- 
orite spots of their successors. 

From the foregoing the reader can glean the knowledge that Madison 
County, with its silent monuments everywhere spread before our wondering 
eyes, like the everlasting rocks that point the geologist to the past history of 
the globe, can truly lay claim to being called historic ground. Can it be that 
these people, becoming very numerous, living in affluence upon the golden 
riches of the soil, vain in their superiority of knowledge, bigoted in their 
religious superstitions, effeminate and weakened in long security, have met 
the same fate as the Roman Empire, when barbarians of athletic propor- 
tions and warlike prowess swept down from the north, laying vandal hands 
upon accumulations of art gathered in past centm'ies ? The people were 
annihilated or driven farther toward the south ; their w T orks, all that could 
be destroyed, were destroyed, and the country allowed to grow up again in 
its primitive wildness, furnishing hunting grounds for the American Indians. 
They in turn were driven out by the more powerful white race who now 
dwell therein, giving to us Madison County of to-day, with her well-tilled 
farms, her schools, and churches, her towns and villages, and her railroad 
and telegraphic communications with every portion of the civilized world. 







CHAPTER II. 



THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS— THEIR LIFE, LANGUAGE, PLACES OF ABODE AND 

CHARACTER— THE - MEDICINE MAN— THE INDIAN SQUAW— MARRIAGE AND 

SOCIAL RELATIONS— RELIGIOUS BELIEF— ORIGINAL OHIO TRIBES— MIAMI 

CONFEDERACY— SIX NATIONS —LOCATION OF TRIBES AND THEIR 

STRENGTH— INDIAN WARS AND EXPEDITIONS— SITES OF VILLAGES 

— VICTORIES AND DEFEATS— FINAL DEFEAT OF THE INDIANS 

— LEADING CHIEFS — SIMON GIRTY — PEACE OF 1795— 

TECUMSEH AND THE WAR OF 1812 — SUBSEQUENT 

TREATIES — INDIAN RESERVATIONS— EXTINCTION 

OF INDIAN TITLE IN OHIO— RESUME FROM 1754 

TO 1794 — MADISON COUNTY AS A HUNTING 

GROUND — INDIAN CAMPING PLACES, 

BURYING-GROUNDS AND RELICS 

— CAPTAIN JOHN. 

THE history of the North American Indians has been gathered, princi- 
pally, from the traditions handed down by the leading men of that 
race, though much of it has been established as authentic and reliable. 
Their origin is involved in complete obscurity, but,, that they are one of the 
oldest races of mankind, cannot be doubted. " They belong to the Ganowa- 
nian, or Bow-and- Arrow family of men. Some races cultivate the soil, others 
have herds and flocks, others build cities and ships." To the American 
Indian the chase was his sole delight ; to smite with his arrow the denizen 
of the forest and make war upon his enemies, his chief aim in life. He 
could live happily, only, among vast hunting-grounds of forest, hill and 
river, filled with the game which unaided nature supplied. To glide up and 
down the streams and mighty rivers in his frail canoe was a favorite past- 
time. Nature was his teacher and the forest his home. His religious be- 
lief centered upon the theory, that at death he Avould be transferred to just 
such a paradise of the chase as in life he considered necessary to true hap- 
piness. This heaven of his imagination he called " the happy hunting 
ground," and truly it was a beautiful and poetic theory of immortality, one 
well suited to the child of Nature. 

The character of the Indians was largely the result of their lives. 
They judged and lived by what the senses dictated. They had names and 
words for what they could hear, see, feel, taste and smell, but had no 
conception of abstract ideas until they learned such from the whites ; hence 
their language was very symbolical. They could see the sun in his bright- 
ness, and feel his heat ; hence they compared the actions of a good man to 
the glory of the sun, and his fervent energy to the heat of that body. The 
moon in her brightness, the wind in its fury, the clouds in their majesty, or 
in their slow graceful motion through a lazy atmosphere ; the grace and 
flight of the deer ; the strength and fury of the bear ; the rush or ripple of 
water as it coursed along the bed of a river, all gave them words whose musi- 
cal expressiveness are a wonder and a marvel to this day. The Wyandots 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 231 

looked upon the beautiful river that borders the southern shores of this 
State and exclaimed "• O-he-zuh !" great, grand and fair to look upon, while 
the Shawnees called it " Kis-ke-pi-la Sepe," Eagle River. They gazed upon 
the placid waters of the stream bordering the western line of Indiana and 
ejaculated, " Wa-ba," a summer cloud moving swiftly; on a river flowing 
into Lake Erie and said, " Cuy-o-ga," crooked; and so on through their 
entire vocabulary, each name expressive of a meaning, full and admirably 
adapted to the object. 

The Indians did not occupy the ancient earthworks, nor did they con- 
struct such. They were found as they ..are now — a hunter race, wholly 
averse to labor. Their abodes were in rock shelters, in caves, or in tem- 
porary sheds of bark and boughs, or skins, easily moved from place to place, 
which they called their wigwams. Like most savage races, their habits are 
unchangeable, and although they partially adopted from the whites some 
customs in dress, and the erection of cabins, yet the efforts of the wdiite 
race, during three centuries, have failed to make little, if any, impresssion 
upon them. In peace the Indian was unsocial, solitary and gloomy, yet at 
times gave way to pleasure and merriment ; in war, he was fierce, vindictive 
revengeful and unforgiving. He recognized no law save his own will, 
and to curb that will, or to thwart his passions or purposes by civil authority 
was intolerable. The most striking characteristic of the race was a certain 
sense of personal independence and freedom from restraint. On the war- 
path they followed a chieftain whom they chose to lead them, or else one 
who won his position and right to command by being the most cunning in 
savage strategy, foremost in danger and bravest in battle. The prophet 
and physician of the tribe was the Medicine Man, whose office was self-con- 
stituted. He claimed his authority from the Great Spirit, and as m> man 
gave it none could take it away, his influence depending upon himself and 
the voluntary respect of the nation. 

The Indian squaw was a degraded creature, a drudge, a beast of bur- 
den, who did all the hard, slavish labor, while her lord and master followed 
the chase, or made war upon his enemies. The social principle was, there- 
fore, correspondingly low, and marriage consisted simply of two persons 
agreeing to live together. Among some tribes this simple agreement was 
never broken, while among others the man could put away his wife at will 
and take another. The Wyandots, Shawnees and Delawares prided them- 
selves on their virtue and hospitality, and the marriage relations among 
them, as well as some other tribes, was seldom violated, any variation from 
it on the part of the female meriting certain death. 

The Indians were all believers in one Great Spirit. They firmly be- 
lieved in his care of the world and of his children, though different theories 
prevailed among the tribes regarding their creation. This trust often led 
them into habits of prodigality. They seldom provided for the future, almost 
literally fulfilling the adage: " Let each day provide for its own wants." 
They hunted, fished and idled away their days. Possessed of a boundless 
inheritance, they allowed the white race to come in and possess their lands 
and eventually drive them entirely away. 

When the white man first came to the territory now embraced within 
the State of Ohio, he found dwelling here a number of Indian nations, each 
composed of several tribes, and each was often at war with the others. 



232 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Many theories have been advanced and much has been written as to what 
nation originally belonged the soil of Ohio, but the more recent writers lean 
toward the belief that to the Shawnees may be accorded that honor. It is 
claimed that the powerful and warlike people who once inhabited the southern 
shores of Lake Erie, and known in history as the Eries, are identical with the 
nation later known as the Shawnees. 

This tribe is recognized in history as the Bedouins of the North Amer- 
ican Indians. As fomentcrs of discord and war between themselves and 
their neighbors, their genius was marked ; as wanderers, they were without 
rivals among their race. Capt. John Smir.h made mention of a tribe that 
lived on the southern shores of Lake Erie, whom he called " Massawom- 
eke3," while in the Jesuit Relations they are called " Eries, Cats, or Chats." 
Cadwallader Colden calls them " Satanas," and Nicholas Perot " Chaoua- 
nous." This diversity of names does not alter the fact that all of these 
authorities give the same location and date of occupancy of the tribe about 
which each wrote ; also, that this tribe was conquered and dispersed by the 
Five Nations of New York, known by the French as Iroquois, and the 
English as Mingoes, about 1655, is generally admitted by all historians. 
Nicholas Perot lived among the Indians for more than thirty years subse- 
quent to 1665, and enjoyed their confidence to a marked degree. He says 
that the " Chaouanous " were driven from Like Erie by the Five Nations, 
who chased them and their allies toward Carolina, where they have since 
remained, establishing themselves at diiferent points. The survivors of this 
once powerful nation being driven from their homes and their property 
destroyed, deprived of the lake as a principal source of food supply, were 
forced to resort to the chase as a means of subsistence. 

We find that as early as 1669, La Salle speaks of the " Shawnees " as 
being Tamiliar with the country contiguous to the Ohio River. Father Mar- 
quette, in 1670, makes similar statements as to their location, and in 1672, 
upon reaching the mouth of the Ohio, on his voyage down the Mississippi, 
says : " This river come3 from the country on the east inhabited by the 
people called Chaouanous, in such numbers that they reckon as many as 
twenty-three villages in one district, and fifteen in another, lying quite near 
each other ; they are by no means warlike, and are the people the Iroquois 
go far to seek in order to wage an unprovoked war upon them." This would 
seem to indicate that their Avarlike spirit had been somewhat crushed by 
their humiliating defeat some years prior to this time. In 1680, Father 
Membre, in his account of the adventures of La Salle, speaks of this tribe, 
and the same year, a chief of the " Chaouanous " who had 150 wrrriors, 
and lived on a large river emptying into the Ohio, sent to La Salle, to form 
an alliance with him. 

On a map accompanying Marquette's journal, published in 1681, the 
"Chaouanous " are located on the Ohio, near the Mississippi, while on his 
original manuscript map they are placed a long distance east of that river, 
in the region of what is now the Ohio. In 1700, Father Gravier speaks of 
this tribe as living on a river which is evidently the Tennessee. On De 
l'lsle's map, published during the same year, they are located near the 
mouth of the Tennessee, and a tribe which he calls " Outonigauha " are 
placed on the head-waters of the great rivers of South Carolina. From a 
report of an investigating committee of the Pennsylvania Assembly, made 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 233 

in 1755, we find that at least a portion of this band living in South Caro- 
lina had come to Conestoga, Penn., by leave of the Susquehanna Indians, 
about 1698, and four years previously a portion of the same tribe had set- 
tled among the "Minsis," on the Delaware River. 

From time to time other straggling parties continued to join their 
brethren in Pennsylvania, until they finally became very numerous and 
powerful. In 1700, William Penn visited their chiefs at Conestoga, and 
the same year the Council of Maryland resolved " that the friendship of the 
Susquehannock and Shawnee Indians be secured by making a treaty with 
them, they seeming to be of considerable moment and not to be slighted." 

In 1710, John Senex published a map, which indicates villages of the 
" Chaouanous " on the head- waters of South Carolina, but places the main 
body along the upper waters of the Tennessee, which probably locates them 
too high up that river. About 1715, the Cherokees and Chickasaws ex- 
pelled them from their numerous villages on the Lower Cumberland, for we 
find on a map published by II. Moll, in 1720, that the lands formerly occu- 
pied by the " Chaouanous " was then in possession of the " Charakeys," in- 
dicating the abandonment several years before of the last Shawnee village 
in the Cumberland and Tennessee Valleys, and their gradual withdrawal to 
the north side of the Ohio River. According to Ramsey, a straggling band 
of this tribe moved from Green River, Kentucky, where they were tempo- 
rarily residing, to the Wabash country, as late as 1761. Some time prior 
to 1740, a portion of this tribe lived for a period a short distance from the 
fort at Mobile, Ala., as M. Do Bienville, the commandant of the fort 
in that year, speaks of their abandonment of their village at that point. 
Another offshoot found a home in Alleghany County, Md., at a place 
now known as Oldtown, on the Potomac River, while still another lived in 
the neighborhood of Winchester, Va. 

That a portion of this tribe also lived in Florida is evident, as the cele- 
brated chief of the Shawnees, Catahecassa, or Black Hoof, was born in that 
country, and often spoke of bathing and fishing in the salt water ere the 
migration of his band to the Ohio Valley. He was a man of sagacity and 
experience, of fierce and desperate bravery, and well informed in the tradi- 
tions of his people. lie occupied the highest position in his nation, was 
present at the defeat of Braddock, in 1755. and was engaged in all of the 
Ohio wars from that time until the Greenville treaty in 1795. lie stood 
about five feet eight inches in height, and lived to the great age of one 
hundred and ten years, dying at Wapakoneta, Auglaize Co., Ohio, in 1831. 

After the expulsion of the Shawnees from the valleys of the Cumber- 
land and Tennessee Rivers, their appearance in history is rare until about 
the middle of the eighteenth century, as they were doubtless scattered 
through the interior of what is now Ohio and Indiana, living by right of suf- 
france in the territory which their forefathers owned ere their defeat and dis- 
persion by the Five Nations. On a map published in London. England, in 
1751*, by Emanuel Bowen, a " village d' Chaouanou " is located about mid- 
way between the mouths of the Kanawha and Scioto Rivers, on tbe north 
side of the Ohio. In the meantime the Shawnees of Pennsylvania had become 
the most numerous, and important portion of that nation, but owing to the 
agressiveness and encroachments of the whites, they were gradually crowded 
from their lands and homes. About 1750, they began to turn their faces 



234 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

toward the setting sun, and in a few years were re-united with their brethren 
in the valleys of the Muskingum and Scioto Rivers. This tribe from Penn- 
sylvania is known in history as the Delawares, which title they derived 
from the river and bay of that name, upon which they lived. In the war 
of 1755, these tribes became the warm allies of the French, were a terror to 
the border settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and glutted their 
revenge at Braddock's defeat, almost annihilating the English in that fatal 
battle. 

Within the period of the struggle for possession of Ohio, the following 
tribes were the recognized owners of the lands now contained within this 
State : Shawnees, Wyandots, Delawares, Mingos (of Ohio), Miamis, Sacs, 
Senecas (of Sandusky), and Munsees, who were an offshoot of the Delawares. 
The Ottawas, Pottawatomies and Piankeshaws, were around Detroit and 
along the Maumee River, while the Eel River Indians, Kickapoos and Weas, 
were in the Wabash country, and the Chippewas on the Upper Lakes. Two 
confederacies of Indians were opposed to each other in the war for suprem- 
acy of the Ohio country, viz., the Miami Confederacy, and the Iroquois, or 
Six Nations. The former were composed of the following tribes : Shawnees, 
Wyandots, Miamis, Ottawas, Sacs and Pattawatomies, who were also joined 
at times by the Delawares, Chippewas, Weas, Eel River Indians, Kicka- 
poos, Munsees, and other tribes of the Wabash. The Iroquois, who were 
known by the English as Mingoes, comprised the following tribes : Oneidas, 
Onondagas, Mohawks, Cayugas, Senecas and Tuscaroras, which confederacy 
was called the Six Nations. -In the early history of these latter tribes they 
were but five in number, but subsequently being joined by the Tuscaroras, 
of Carolina, their appellation of the Five Nations was dropped, and ever 
afterward they were known in history as the Six. Nations. This last con- 
federacy laid claim to Ohio along Lake Erie by right of conquest, while the 
claims of the Miami confederacy were based upon original ownership, 
which was always recognized by the Americans after they came into posses- 
sion of the country, the English, alone, recognizing the claims of the Six 
Nations, as opposed to the French and Americans. Previous to 1792, the 
Senecas, with some Indians from other tribes of the Six Nations, located on 
the Sandusky River, and they were recognized by che United States in the 
treaties made with the Ohio tribes subsequent to that date. 

From 1755 to 1780, the following were the locations in a general way 
of the Ohio tribes. The Shawnees inhabited the country along the Scioto 
River and its tributaries, as far west as Greene and Clark Counties, running 
north to the Mackacheek towns of Logan County, and east, so as to include 
Raccoon Creek. This included the territory now comprised in Madison 
County, as well as that of Logan, Champaign, Clark, Greene, and all south 
and east of these counties to the Ohio River. 

The Delawares and Munsees occupied tho valley of the Muskingum, 
and east of that river, and as they bore tribal relations to the Shawnees, 
these tribes lived in friendship and harmony side by side. 

The Mingoes (of Ohio) were settled along the eastern and notheastern 
portions of the State, including the valleys of the Cuyahoga, the Tuscara- 
was and Wheeling Creek, but like the other tribes were gradually pushed 
west into the territory occupied by their sister nations. 

The Wyandots lived along the valleys of the Sandusky River, and 




AquillaToland.M.E. 



DECEAS ED 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 237 

around Sandusky Bay, on the southern shores of Lake Erie ; also the val- 
leys of the other streams flowing into the lake west of the Cuyahoga, but no 
further up the Maumee than Henry County. They also inhabited, in com- 
mon with the Shawnees and Delawares, the country between the Scioto 
and Muskingum Rivers. They claimed to have come from the north bank 
of the St. Lawrence River to the Peninsula of Michigan, anil thence to the 
southern shores of Lake Erie. They had many legends as to their origin 
and ancestry, and were one of the leading nations of the Norths 

The Miamis occupied the level country drained by the streams that 
formed the head-waters of the Maumee, Wabash and Great Miami Rivers, 
from the Loramie portage across to Fort Wayne, and down the Maumee Val- 
ley. They were noted for their fierce opposition to the Americans, and as 
the devoted allies of the English throughout the Revolutionary period. 

The Ottawas, Pottawatomies and Piankeshaws were along the Maumee 
and around Detroit, while the Weas, Kickapoos and Eel River Indians 
were living in the valley of the Wabash. 

Attempts to determine the number of persons comprising the Indian 
tribes in Ohio, and their exact location, have resulted in nothing better than 
estimates. It is supposed that, at the commencement of the Revolution, 
there were about six thousand Indians in the present confines of the State, 
but many of their villages were little more than movable camps. It 
will not be out of place, perhaps, to give from one of these estimates, the 
number of warriors that each tribe could send to the front on short notice, 
during, and subsequent to, the Revolutionary war: Shawnees, 500 ; Wyan- 
dots, 300; Delawares and Munsees, 600; Miamis, 300; Ottawas, 600; 
Pottawattamies, 400 ; Mingoes (of Ohio), 600 ; Weas, Kickapoos and 
Piankeshaws, 800; total, 4,100. 

The Six Nations of New York had an estimated war footing as follows : 
Mohawks, 100 ; Oneidas and Tuscaroras, 400 ; Cayugas, 220 ; Onondagas, 
230; Senecas, 650 ; total, 1,600, while the Chippewas, of the Upper Lakes, 
were equal in strength to the Ohio tribes and Six Nations combined, making 
a grand total of 11,400 warriors, ready for battle whenever the tocsin of 
war was sounded. 

Throughout the period of white settlement in Kentucky, and subse- 
quently along the north bank of the Ohio, the clash of the contending forces 
was almost continuous : in fact, we might say with truth, that the hatchet 
was seldom buried. The Indians were fighting for their homes, made sacred 
as the resting-place of their forefathers ; the whites were determined to pos- 
sess these lands, peaceably if they could, forcibly if they must. Thus the 
issue stood between the two races, one of whom must go to the wall. There 
was an Indian village three miles above the mouth of the Kanawha River, and 
in 1756, Maj. Lewis led an expedition against it, which proved a failure. 
In 1764, Col. Roquet's expedition to the Muskingum Valley resulted in a 
temporary peace; and the Indian town of Wappatomica, a few miles above 
Zanesville, was destroyed by Col. McDonald ten years later. In 1778, 
Gen. Hand marched from Fort Pitt to attack the Indian town of Cuyahoga, 
but it ended so ingloriously that it is known in history as the " Squaw Cam- 
paign." 

Two years previous to this last expedition, an event occurred which 
changed the current of thought, influenced the history of the world, and 



238 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

made necessary a new map of the North American Continent. This was 
the Declaration of Independence, whose clarion notes, that all men were 
created free and equal, and that governments derived their just powers from 
the consent of the governed, rang throughout the nations of the earth, caus- 
ing the spark of freedom to burn with hope in the hearts of oppressed hu- 
manity. The conduct of England, during the subsequent struggle, was 
hypocritical and treacherous. Her influence among the Indians was used 
in a cruel and blood-thirsty manner, offering premiums for American scalps 
until she was known among the Indians as " the hair-buying nation." At 
that time there was not in the vast territory, bounded on the north by the 
Great Lakes, on the east and south by the Ohio, and on the west by the Mis- 
sissippi, a single American settlement. Beyond the Ohio, looking north 
and west, was everywhere an Indian country, and nearly all the tribes 
throughout the whole region were openly at war with the United States. So 
the settlements that had taken root west of the Alleghanies — reaching from 
Pittsburgh down the east side of the Ohio to some distance below Wheeling — 
and the few that were dotting the wilds of Kentucky, were all suffering the 
horrors of the Western border war of the Revolution — a war characterized 
by rapacity and bloodthirstiness. 

The Shawnees were divided into four tribes, the Piqua, Kiskapocke, 
Mequachuke and Ohillicothe. According to a poetical Indian legend, the 
Piqua tribe had its origin in a man who sprang from the fire and ashes. As 
their old men used to tell the whites who first came in contact with them, 
the chief warriors and wise men were once sitting around the smoldering 
embers of what had been a council fire, when they were startled by a great 
puffing of fire and smoke, and from the ashes and coals, there sprang into 
being a man of splendid form and mein, the original of the tribe of Piqua — 
named Piqua as signifying the man born of ashes. This legend of the origin of 
the tribe of Piqua, truly beautiful in its simplicity, has been commented 
upon by leading writers upon the red race, as showing, in a marked degree, 
their capabilities for imaginative inventiveness, and as a proof of their ro- 
mantic susceptibility. 

Mequachuke signifies a fat man filled — a man made perfect, so that 
nothing is wanting. This tribe had the priesthood. Its leaders were en- 
dowed with the privilege of celebrating the religious rites of the nation. The 
Kiskapoeke tribe was inclined to war, and its braves were among the most 
fierce and crafty of the Indian tribes of the Northwest. The celebrated 
prophet, and Tecumseh his brother, were members of this tribe. Ohillicothe 
is not known to have been interpreted, save as meaning a dwelling place. 
A title commonly applied to the Shawnees was " the Spartans of the race," 
and their constancy in braving danger and enduring the consequences of de- 
feat seems to have made them deserving of the appellation. They have also 
been styled the "Bedouins of the American wilderness," which, considering 
their extensive and almost constant wanderings, is not inappropriate. They 
were the only tribe among the Indians of the Northwest who had a tradition 
of foreign origin, and for some time after the whites became acquainted 
with them, held a yearly festival to celebrate the safe arrival in this country 
of their ancestors. After their return to Ohio, they located in the Scioto 
Valley, above and below the mouth of the Scioto River, also scattering along 
the Little Miami and Mad Rivers, building towns at different points. As 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 239 

the voyages of the whites became more frequent up and down the Ohio 
River, the Indians removed their villages further away from that highway 
of navigation. They built a town on the west bank of the Scioto River, the 
present site of Westfall, Pickaway County. This was the headquarters of 
the confederate tribes, and was called Chillicothe, but subsequently came to 
be known as " Old Chillicothe." Another village of the same name stood on 
the site of Frankfort, Ross County, and another in Greene County, three 
miles north of Xenia. Across the Scioto River from Old Chillicothe, on 
Scippo Creek, was the village of the celebrated Shawnee chief, Cornstalk, 
and on the south bank of the same stream stood Grenadier Squaw town, 
named after a sister of Cornstalk's, called the Grenadier Squaw, who was 
six feet tall and a woman of great muscular strength and superior intellect. 

Of all places in the West, this pre-eminently deserves the name of 
" classic ground." Here in bygone ages burned the council fires of the 
red man : here the affairs of the Miami confederacy were discussed and the 
important questions of peace and war decided. From the Pickaway plains, 
surrounding these villages the allied tribes, 1,000 strong, marched forth to 
meet Col. Andrew Lewis, and his Virginians, at Point Pleasant, where on 
the 10th of October, 1774, although led by their beloved chief, Cornstalk, 
and cheered by his words, " Be strong! be strong!" they were defeated 
after a fierce battle of twelve hours duration. It was at Old Chillicothe, on 
the Scioto, that the cabin of the celebrated Mingoe chief, Logan, stood ; 
here that he mourned the murder of his family and made his memorable 
speech to John Gibson, the emissary of Lord Dunmore. At this point the 
campaign against the Shawnee villages was brought to a close by the Indians 
suing for peace and. entering into a treaty with Lord Dunmore, at Camp 
Charlotte, which was located on the north bank of Scippo Creek and east 
of the Indian towns. 

The Shawnee chief, Cornstalk, was an extraordinary man, possessing 
a brilliant intellect, a noble character and undaunted courage. Previous to 
the battle of Point Pleasant, he counseled peace, but being overruled by the 
other chiefs of the nation, he took command of the Indians in that battle 
and conducted it with consummate skill. After their defeat and return 
to the Pickaway towns, a council was called to consider what was to be 
done, at which Cornstalk was the chief orator and leading spirit ; said he: 
" What will you do now? The Big Knife is coming on us. and we shall all 
be killed. Now you must fight or wo are undone." Receiving no answer, 
he said, " Then let us kill all our women and children, and go and fight 
until we die." irfeet silence still greeted him, when arising, with firm 
purpose and dignity in every lineament of his face, he struck his tomahawk 
into a post of the council house and exclaimed : " I'll go and make peace," 
which was immediately carried inco effect. In the summer of 1777. he 
went on a visit to Point Pleasant to warn the Americans that the Indians 
intended joining the English in the war just began. He was there cruelly 
murdered, seven or eight bullets being fired into his body, while his son, 
Elinipsico, and a noted young warrior. Red Hawk, were killed at the same 
time. Thus perished Cornstalk, whose name was conferred upon him as 
the support and strength of his people ; but this outrage precluded all hope 
of peace between the Indians of the Northwest and the new-born American 
nation, and cemented their alliance with the English. 



240 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

In 1779, Col. John Bowman, commanding a force of 160 men, crossed 
the Ohio at the mouth of the Licking, and after a rapid march attacked the 
Indian town of Old Chillicothe, on the Little Miami, three miles north of 
Xenia. The attack was repulsed, and Col. Bowman capturing a sufficient 
number of ponies to mount his men, began a hurried retreat, being closely 
pursued by the Indians until he recrossed the Ohio, having lost nine men 
in the expedition. In October of the same year, Col. David Rogers and 
Capt. Robert Benham, with 100 men, were passing down the Ohio, in two 
keel boats, and noticing Indians on the shores, Col. Rogers landed one-half 
his command for the purpose of attacking the savages. The whites were 
ambushed by about 500 Indians, a fierce battle ensued, but the odds were 
too great, and Rogers, with nearly all his men were tomahawked and 
scalped. Capt. Benham, with a few survivors, cut his way out and finally 
escaped, although the Captain was severely wounded and lay in the woods 
two days ere rescued by a passing boat. 

In July, 1780, Col. George Rogers Clark organized a force of 1,000 
Indian fighters at the mouth of Licking' River, and in August of that year 
marched against Old Chillicothe (in Greene County), but found the village 
abandoned and burned. They destroyed several hundred acres of corn and then 
proceeded in a north direction for the purpose of attacking Old Piqua, the 
Shawnee town on Mad River (in Clark County). Reaching that point on 
the 8th of August, the fight began at 2 P. M., and after a three hours' en- 
gagement the Indians were driven from their village, each side losing 
about twenty men. Upon the following day, the town was burned and the 
growing crops completely destroyed. This severe thrashing taught the 
Indians a lesson not soon to be forgotten, and for the time cowed them into 
submission. There were nearly 4,000 persons in the tribe at this point, 
and the destruction of their crops caused them much suffering, having to 
depend entirely upon the chase for provision to keep them through the fol- 
lowing winter. The Shawnees crossed over the Great Miami into what is 
now Miami County, and built another town which they also called Piqua. 

In March, 1781, Col. Daniel Broadhead, at the head of 300 men, at- 
tacked and destroyed the Delaware villages on the Upper Muskingum (in 
Coshocton County), killing about forty warriors and capturing many squaws 
and children whom he took to Wheeling, Va. In August of that year, the 
Indians, in retaliation, attacked a force of 106 men under the command of 
Col. Archibald Lochry, below the mouth of the Big Miami, killing or 
capturing the whole force, the fate of the prisoners being, of course, death 
in its cruelest form. In March, 1782, Col. David Williamson, at the head 
©f 100 men, marched upon the Moravian Indian village of Guadenhutten, 
in what is now Tuscarawas County. He took ninty-six prisoners, composed 
of bucks, squaws and children, all of whom were considered friendly In- 
dians and had embraced the faith of the Moravian Church. Four days 
afterward, all, with the exception of two boys who escaped from the building 
where they were imprisoned, were murdered in cold blood, which was erne of 
the darkest crimes in the history of civilization, and one that brought upon 
Williamson and his command the severest condemnation. 

This massacre was bitterly repaid in the defeat of Col. William Craw- 
ford's force of 480 mounted men in June, 1782. They started from the 
old Mingo town on the west side of the Ohio with the object of attacking 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 241 

the Moravian Indians, as well as the Wyandots, in the same neighborhood. 
The Indian towns were found deserted, and the force pushed on after the 
retreating foe. Col. Williamson was second in command. The whites 
were fiercely attacked on the Sandusky plains (now Wyandot County), 
forced to retreat, and suffered a humiliating defeat. The Indians killed or 
captured the majority of the force, and among the latter were Col. Craw- 
ford and his son-in-law, Maj. Harrison; but, by some decree of Providence, 
Williamson was allowed to escape, and the innocent left to suffer the pen- 
alty of his cruel murder of the Moravian Indians. Col. Crawford and 
Maj. Harrison were put to death. The latter was squibbed to death with 
powder at Wappatomica (Logan County), while Crawford was burned at the 
stake in what is now Wyandot County. The burning of Col. Crawford, as 
related by Dr. Knight, was one of the most horrible scenes in the annals of 
Indian warfare. It took place in a low bottom west of Upper Sandusky, 
and eight miles from the mouth of Tymochtee Creek, on the east bank of 
that stream. His hands were fastened together behind his back, a rope 
tied to the ligature binding his wrists and then made fast to a stake close to 
the ground, giving him sufficient length of rope to walk around the stake 
twice and back again. His ears were cut off, seventy charges of powder 
fired into his body from the neck down, his blistering skin punched with 
burning poles, and as he walked around over a bed of fire, the inhuman 
devils would throw hot coals and ashes upon him. Thus for three hours 
this awful scene went on, ending by scalping him and throwing coals of fire 
upon his bleeding head as he lay dying upon the ground. His body was 
then thrown into the fire and burnt to ashes. 

Col. Crawford was the great-grandfather of Theophilus McKinnon, who 
died at London, Ohio, in April, 1882. Mr. McKinnon's parents settled in 
Clark County in 1803, whence he removed to Madison. His mother was 
the daughter of Maj. Harrison, who was squibbed to death with powder at 
Wappatomica. Soon after settling in -Clark County, four Indians called at 
her house one day for dinner, and, while eating, informed her, in answer to 
some questions, the manner and place in which her father suffered death ; 
also that two of the party had been present at the execution of her grand- 
father. Throughout the campaign, this was the fate of nearly all captured 
males, few escaping death in some form peculiar to the devilish ingenuity 
of the savages. Dr. Knight and the guide, Slover, who were also captured 
with Crawford and Harrison, were intended to be put to death in a similar 
manner. The former escaped from a young Indian into whose care he was 
given to be taken to a town forty miles distant from Sandusky. Slover was 
brought to Grenadier Squaw town, stripped for execution, tied to the stake, 
and the fire kindled, but a terrible storm arose and put out the fire, when 
the Indians, looking upon this as the manifestation of an angry God, post- 
poned the horrid deed, and that night Slover escaped. 

The attacks upon the Kentucky settlements were frequent, the Indians 
and "English combining their forces in some of them. •Boonesboro was 
attacked in August, 1778, by 500 Indians under the command of Capt. 
Du Quesne, an English officer, and carrying the union jack, the national 
flag of England, as his standard. The noted scout, Daniel Boone, was in 
command of the station, and after a ten days' siege the Indians were 
repulsed. For the next year, the forests were alive with Indians, and 



242 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

in June, 1780, a force of 600 English and Indians, under the command of 
Col. Byrd, of the English Army, and Blackfish, a Shawnee chieftain, 
descended from the north upon Martin's and Ruddell's Stations, which 
were located on the Licking River. They captured and sacked both of 
them, which made no resistance, and with the prisoners and booty returned 
to Ohio and Detroit whence they came. Estill's Station was surrounded by 
a party of Wyandots in May, 1782, who, finally retiring, were followed by 
Capt. James Estill, and defeated him at Little Mountain. In August of 
the same year, a force of 600 Shawnees, Wyandots, Miamis, Delawares and 
English, commanded by Col. McGee, of the English Army, and the noted 
renegade, Simon Girty, attacked Bryant's Station, five miles northeast of 
Lexington, but a re-enforcement arriving, they were compelled to retreat. 
The Kentuckians, against the advice of their more experienced leaders, 
started in pursuit with a force of about 170 men, and on the 19th of 
August, were ambushed at Blue Licks, losing 60 killed and 7 captured. 

The people of Kentucky, seeing the defenseless state of their settle- 
ments, resolved to strike a blow against the Indians of Ohio that would put 
an end to these frequent raids. With this object in view, Col. George 
Rogers Clark, in September, 1782, organized a force of 500 Indian fight- 
ers at the mouth of Licking River, where he was subsequently joined by 
an equal nnmber of backw r oodsmen from other localities. With this force 
of 1,000 men, Gen. Clark made a rapid march upon the Shawnee towns of 
Upper and Lower Piqua. A slight skirmish occurred at the mouth of Mad 
River, the present site of Dayton, but upon reaching the villages on the 
Miami found them deserted. He completely annihilated these towns, burn- 
ing and destroying the buildings, stores and crops. A detachment was 
sent to the Indian village at Loramie's Station (in Shelby County) where a 
similar desolation was enacted, and every vestige of town and station swept 
away. Lorain ie, who kept a trading-post at this point, fled with the 
Indians, and finally settled in the same business on the present site of 
Kansas City, where he died. The savages made no resistance, except to 
fire from the bushes on stragglers, by which two men lost their lives. 
This campaign so completely crushed the power of the Indians and imbued 
them with such a wholesome fear of the " Long Knives " that they never 
again ventured upon an invasion of Kentucky in force. 

In 1786, the Mackacheek towns (in Logan County) were destroyed by 
Gen. Benjamin Logan, after _ whom that county was subsequently named. 
He burned eight towns, destroyed many fields of corn, took seventy-five 
prisoners and killed twenty warriors. Gen. William Lytle, who was then 
but sixteen years of age, took part in this, and was instrumental in captur- 
ing a number of prisoners, MoluntJia, the great Sachem of the Shawnees, 
and the Grenadier squaw being among those captured. Col. McGary, who 
was blamed for the defeat at Blue Licks, basely murdered Moluntha, after 
he had been taken prisoner by young Lytle. Before any of the others 
could interfere to save his life, McGary grabbed an ax from the Grenadier 
squaw who was standing near, and sank it to the eye in the chiefs head, 
who died without a struggle. There was a large block-house of huge size 
and thickness, at one of the upper towns, which had been built by the 
English, and this also was burned. Four years later Gen. Harmar, with a 
force of about 1,500, left Fort Washington for the Indian towns at the 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 243 

junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's Rivers (Allen County, Ind.). 
They burned seven villages, destroyed many thousand bushels of corn and 
much other property. In October, 1790, the army started on its homeward 
march, having accomplished its object, but soon afterward a portion of the 
force that had been sent back to the villages for the purpose of bringing on 
a battle with the Indians, was furiously attacked and defeated with the loss 
of 160 men, and the army then continued the homeward movement in a 
demoralized condition. 

Throughout the following winter the Ohio settlements were constantly 
harassed by band:-; of hostile Indians and many unfortunate stragglers tom- 
ahawked and scalped. Each settlement was forced to do its own fighting, 
and every man went armed to the teeth. Dunlap's Station was surrounded 
by 400 savages, but as it lay on the east bank of the Big Miami, not far 
from Fort Washington, the Indians soon gave up the siege. They still, 
however, kept at their work of running off stock and murdering the settlers 
whenever the opportunity offered, even getting so bold in the summer of 
1791 as to venture under cover of night into the streets of Cincinnati. 

In August, 1791, Col. James Wilkinson, at the head of 550 mounted 
men, made an expedition through the Western Ohio counties and the valley 
of the Wabash, burning villages, destroying crops and capturing young 
Indians and squaws. In November of the same year occurred the most ter- 
rible defeat to the American arms in the annals of Indian warfare. Gov. 
Arthur St. Clair left Fort Hamilton in October, and on the 12th of that 
month began constructing Fort Jefferson. After its completion, he contin- 
ued his journey, and, on the 4th of November, was fiercely attacked on a 
branch of the Wabash River at a point since known as Fort Recovery, in 
the southwest corner of Mercer County, Ohio. The battle lasted three 
hours, when the Americans were routed and driven from their camp, losing 
890 men and 16 officers killed and wounded, besides their artillery, baggage 
and supply trains. The savages glutted their vengeance and reveled in the 
blood and booty of that unfortunate army. Gen. James Wilkinson now 
took command of the troops, and the early winter of 1792 was passed in an 
expedition to the scene of St. Clair's defeat, where the bleaching bones cov- 
ering the ground were gathered and interred. Skirmishes between the 
opposing forces were common, but no general engagement occurred. The 
line of forts built by St. Clair were garrisoned and new ones erected. 

Thus matters stood in the spring of 1793, when a new actor came upon 
the scene in the person of Gen. Anthony Wayne, known historically as 
" Mad Anthony." Troops were rendezvoused and drilled, and, on October 
7, he left Fort Washington at the head of 3,600 men. Passing Forts Hamil- 
ton and St. Clair, his rear guard was attacked and defeated ere reaching Fort 
Jefferson, which stood six miles south of the present town of Greenville, in 
Darke County. At the latter place, he erected Fort Greenville and camped 
for the winter, sending a force of men to the scene of St. Clair's disaster, 
who built Fort Recovery. This point was strongly garrisoned, and the men 
kept ever ready to meet the foe, who constantly harassed the forts. On the 
30th of June, 1794, Fort Recovery was attacked by 1,500 Indians and 
English, who were repulsed and driven from the field after an engagement of 
two days' duration. In July, Gen. Wayne was re-enforced by 1,600 
mounted Kentuckians, and immediately moved against the enemy. He 



244 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

erected Fort Defiance at the junction of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers 
(in Defiance County), and here the Indians sued for peace. Not heeding 
the wily and treacherous savages, Gen. Wayne kept on the march, reaching 
the Maumee Rapids, Lucas County, August 20, 1794, and on that date 
fought the memorable battle of the Fallen Timbers in sight of the English 
at Fort Miami, defeating the Indians with great loss. The army camped 
three days on the battle-field and then began its return to Fort Greenville, 
where it spent the following winter. This campaign was the finishing 
stroke that broke the power of the Indian tribes of the Northwest, brought 
about the treaty of Greenville and the peace of 1795. 

For the benefit of the reader, we will here state that by the treaty of 
peace previously made in 1785, at Fort Mcintosh, with the Wyandot, Dela- 
ware, Ottawa and Chippewa nations, as well as the one held at Fort Finney, 
on the Big Miatni, in 1786, with the Shawnees, and assented to at Fort 
Harmar, in 1789, by the Delawares, Wyandots, Pottawatomies, Sacs, Otta- 
was and Chippewas, Madison County was included in the territory ceded to 
the United States ; yet those treaties were of short duration and were 
broken by the Indians, whenever and wherever the opportunity offered. By 
the treaty of Greenville, ratified August 3, 1795, the former treaties were 
recognized and the following became the boundary between the whites of 
Ohio and the Indian tribes : Beginning at the mouth of the Cuyahoga 
River ; thence up the same to the portage leading to the Tuscarawas River ; 
down the Tuscarawas to the forks (the town of Bolivar) ; thence in a south- 
westerly direction to Loramie's store on the Great Miami River (in Shelby 
County) ; thence taking a northwest course to Fort Recovery, the scene of 
St. Clair's defeat ; thence in a southwesterly course to the Ohio, opposite 
the mouth of the Kentucky River. All the territory east and south of this 
line was ceded to the United States, by which the Government acquired two- 
thirds of the present area of Ohio, and a portion of Indiana. The 
following tribes participated in this event and gave their consent to the 
cession, viz. : the Shawnees, Delawares, Miamis, Wyandots, Ottawas, Potta- 
watomies, Chippewas, Eel Rivers, Piankeshaws, Weas, Kickapoos, and Kas- 
kaskias. 

The conspiracy in the summer of 1763, planned and executed under 
the leadership of the great Pontiac, chief of the Ottawas, had failed, and 
he was murdered at Cahokia, 111., whither he had fled; Cornstalk, the 
celebrated chief of the Shawnees, met a like fate at Point Pleasant, in 1777 : 
while Logan, the mighty sachem of the Mingoes, wandered from tribe to ■ 
tribe a solitary, lonely man, mourning the loss of his family and the decay 
of iiis nation, until he, too, fell a victim, near Detroit, Mich., to the 
assassin's keen edged tomahawk in the hands of an Indian to whom he had 
given offense. Besides these three great leaders, the following is a list of 
those chiefs who were prominent in the Indian wars of Ohio, up to the 
treaty of Greenville : 

Shawnees — White Cap, Black Hoof, Red Pole. Long Shanks, Captain 
Reed, Blue Jacket, Civil Man, Black Wolf, Snake, Turkey, Moluntha, 
Kakiapilatliy (the Tame Hawk), Captain Johnny, Blackfish, and Captain 
John Lewis. 

Delawares — Captain Pipe, who burnt Col. Crawford ; Wicocalind (or 
White Eyes), Kelelamand (or Col. Henry), Hengue Pushees (or the Big 





Henry Warner. 

[deceased] 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 247 

Cat), Grand Glaize King, Tommy Killbuck, Capt. Buffalo, Capt. Crow, 
Red Feather, Bohongehelas, Billy kSiscomb and Black King. 

Wyandots — Tarhe (the Crane), the Half King and his son, Cherokee 
Boy; Black Chief, Leather Lips, who was executed by order of Tecumseh, 
in Franklin County, twelve miles north of Columbus, on the charge of 
witchcraft, in June, 1810 ; Walk in the Water, and Big Arm. 

Munsees — Hawkinpumiska,' Reyutueco, Peyainawksey, and Puckon- 
sittond. 

Senecas — Coffee Houn, Wiping Stick, Civil John and Big Turtle. 

Miamis — Meshekenoghqua (the Little Turtle), who was the most 
famous Indian leader of his time, and commanded the united tribes in every 
battle from 1790 to 1795, Nagohquangogh (or Le Gris), Long Legs, White 
Loon, Richeville, The Owl, White Skin, Silver Heels, Big Man, Double 
Tooth, Crooked Porcupine. Sunrise, King Bird, Big Body, Stone Eater, 
Poor Raccoon, Open Hand, Young Wolf, Flat Belly, Butterfly, and Tiger 
Face. 

Pottowatomies — Nawac, White Pigeon, Windigo, Winnemac, Five 
Medals, Thupenebue, Run, Le Blanc, No Name, Mogawgo, and Black Bird. 

Ottawas — Little Otter, Dog, Bear's Legs, Wewiskia, Augooshaway, 
Big Bowl, Stump-tail Bear, Neagey, Machiwetah, Sawgamaw, Bear King, 
and White Fisher. 

Piankeshaws — Black Dog, Big Corn, Lightning, and Three Thighs. 

Weas — Little Fox, Little Beaver, Little Eyes, Painted Pole, Long 
Body, and Negro Legs. 

Eel Rivers — Charley, Earth, Ploughman, Night Stander, Swallow, 
and Gun. 

Kickapoos — Cat, Otter, Duck, Keeawhah, Persuader, Brave, Standing, 
Josey Renard, Bear, Dirty Face, Black Tree, and White Blanket. 

Chippewas — Mesass, Bad Bird, Young Ox. Little Bear, Young Boy, 
Spark of Fire, Ball, Big Cloud, Cat Fish, Bad Legs, and Little Thunder. 

Sacs — Tepakee and Kesheyiva. 

The Mingoes (of Ohio), do not seem to have developed any noted chiefs 
after Logan, on account, perhaps, of their steady decay and absorption by 
the other tribes. The notorious white renegade, _Simon Girt v. was leader 
of the Mingoes, and wielded a powerful influence among the Indians of the 
Northwest. He was born on an island in the Susquehanna River, in 1741. 
His father's name was also Simon, and his mother's maiden name was 
Crosby. The father was killed in a drunken frolic, leaving four sons, viz. : 
Thomas, James, George and Simon. The widow subsequently married 
John Turner, and bore him one son, John. During the French war the 
family were captured by the Indians, the elder Turner, burnt at the stake, 
and the balance were taken into captivity ; Thomas escaped ; James was 
adopted by the Shawnees ; George by the Delawares : and Simon by the 
Senecas. To what tribe the mother, and child, John Turner, were assigned, 
is unknown. After peace was declared, they all returned to civilized life, 
and settled in the vacinity of Pittsburgh, Penn. 

During the Revolutionary war, the Girty boys joined the Indian allies 
of the English, and all became noted for fiendish cruelties to prisoners. 
Simon was the most conspicuous, and took a leading part in the Indian 
war which followed the Revolution. He was present at the burning of Col. 



248 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Crawford ; and Dr. Knight says that he looked with devilish delight upon 
the horrible scene, and taunted the doctor with a similar fate. Soon after 
the close of the conflict, he married Catherine Malott, who bore him five 
children, viz. : John (who died in infancy), Ann, Thomas, Sarah and Pre- 
daux, whose descendants are numerous and respectable. Simon Girty died 
near Amherstburg, Canada, February 18, 1818. In appearance, he has 
been described as a man with dark, shaggy hair, low forehead, contracted 
brows, meeting above a short, flat nose, sunken eyes of a grayish color, and 
thin, compressed lips, " while all the vices of civilization seemed to center 
in him, and by him engrafted upon those of the savage state, without the 
usual redeeming qualities of either." 

After the treaty of 1795, peace gradually settled over the Northwest 
Territory, and settlers began to pour into the rich valleys of the Ohio and 
its tributaries. In 1805, another treaty was concluded, and a large tract of 
country north and west of the Greenville treaty line was obtained by the 
Government. About this time the great Shawnee chief, T^ecu mseh, had 
risen to the head of his nation, and his influence was hostile to the United 
States. Born at the Indian town of Old Piqua (in Clark County) in 1768, 
he had grown up during the bitter struggle between the whites and his peo- 
ple for the possession of Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa, was a chief, and 
fell at the battle of Point Pleasant in 1774. Tecumseh was never satisfied 
with the action of his race in signing away their heritage by treaty, and 
after reaching power was continually plotting mischief against the whites, 
in which he was ably seconded by his scheming brother Laulewasikaw, bet- 
ter known as the Prophet. He finally concocted a grand scheme of uniting 
all the Indian tribes in an alliance against the whites. With this in view 
he began visiting the different nations for the purpose of perfecting his 
plans, and while upon one of these trips to the Indians of the South, in 
1811, Gen. William Henry Harrison marched at the head of a large force 
into the Wabash country. Here, on the now famed battle-ground of Tippe- 
canoe, he was furiously attacked by the savages under the leadership of the 
Prophet, whom he defeated with great loss, after a stubborn, well-fought 
battle. 

The war of 1812 was soon after brought on by the arrogance and 
audacity of the English Government, and Tecumseh cast his fortunes with 
the English. In October, 1813, was fought the memorable battle of the 
Thames, in Canada, Gen. Harrison commanding the Americans, with Gen. 
Proctor and Tecumseh at the head of the English and Indians. Here the 
great Shawnee chieftain fell, while bravely fighting in the van of the con- 
tending forces, and thus the Indian alliance was forever dissolved. 

Through the treaty enacted in 1807, at Detroit, Mich., with the 
Wyandots, Ottawas, Pottawatomies and Chippewas, all of Ohio north of the 
Maumee was ceded to the United States. In 1808, the same tribes, together 
with the Shawnees, granted a tract two miles wide for a road through the 
Black Swamp. In 1817, the Shawnees, Wyandots, Pottawatomies and 
other tribes ceded nearly all their remaining territory in Ohio, receiving in 
return a tract of land ten miles square surrounding Wapakoneta ; a tract of 
twenty-five square miles on Hog Creek, adjoining the above ; and a tract of 
forty-eight square miles surrounding Lewistown. In 1818, fourteen square 
miles were added to the latter tract, and twenty square miles to the reserva- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 249 

tion at Wapakoneta. The same year, the Miamis surrendered their claims 
to the remaining Indian territory in Ohio west of the St. Mary's River and 
north of the Greenville treaty line. The last title of the Delawares was 
purchased in 1829 ; and, in 1831, all of the reservation lands around Lew- 
istown, Hog Creek and Wapakoneta were ceded to the Government. The 
Wyandot Reservation, of twelve miles square, around Upper Sandusky, was 
purchased in 1842, and the following year the last Indian left Ohio for the 
West. Thus, after a struggle of more than three-quarters of a century, the 
red sons of the forest were forced to give way before the strength and prow- 
ess of the white race, and were fruitless in their attempts to stem the onward 
march of civilization. 

It is estimated that from the French war of 1754 to the battle of the 
Maumee Rapids in 1794, a period of forty years, there had been at least 
5,000 people killed or captured west of the Alleghany Mountains. Eleven 
organized military expeditions had been carried on against the Western 
Indians prior to the war of 1812, seven regular engagements fought, and 
about 1,200 men killed. More whites were slain in battle than there were 
Indian braves killed in military expeditions, and by private raids and mur- 
ders ; yet, in 1811, all the Ohio tribes combined could not muster 2,000 
warriors. 

The geographical position of the territory composing Madison County, 
placed it in the direct route between the Indian towns on the Scioto and 
those on the Miamis and Mad River. It therefore became one of the favor- 
ite hunting grounds of the Shawnees, Wyandots, Delawares, and Mingoes. 
In its forests and on its prairies they followed the chase ; along its clear 
running streams they pitched their tents and drank the pure waters of its 
beautiful springs. For generations ere the permanent settlement of the 
whites, the Indian wigwams were annually erected on the banks of Big and 
Little Darby, Deer Creek, Paint, Oak Run and their tributaries, hunting 
the wild denizens of the forest and angling the finny tribe from the w r aters 
of these streams. In subsequent years, when their heritage had slipped 
from their grasp, they still lingered around those hallowed spots, taking, as 
it were, a last farewell of the lands dotted with the graves of their ancestors. 

The Wyandots had three villages on the Scioto, in the vicinity of the 
site of Columbus. They were among the bravest of the Indian tribes, and 
flight in battle was by them considered disgraceful, even when fightin^ at a 
disadvantage. It was an old adage with those most conversant with the 
character of this tribe that " a Wyandot brave would not be taken alive," 
and Gen. Harrison looked upon them as among the finest warriors of the 
race. In 1774. a skirmish took place near the site of Columbus, between a 
party of soldiers belonging to Lord Dunmore's army, under the command of 
Col. William Crawford, and a band of Indians who were pursued to this 
point, here overtaken and defeated. It was from Darby, a chief of the 
Wyandot nation, who lived near the site of Plain City, that the largest stream 
in Madison County took its name. 

The Mingoes had an ancient village on the land subsequently settled 
by James Ewing, northwest of Plain City, but in 1786, when Gen. Logan 
destroyed the Mackacheek towns in Logan County, the Indians deserted 
this village. In the life of Jonathan Alder, who was taken prisoner in 
childhood and adopted by the Mingoes, he says that a white man named 



250 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Butler, lived among the Indians, and carried on a blacksmith shop at this 
point. When James and Joshua Ewing settled here in 1798, the remains of 
the huts and shops were still to be seen, while extensive fields of corn had 
evidently been cultivated in that vicinity. 

It is not our intention to attempt to give the location of every spot 
where the Indians camped in Madison County, as to do so would be utterly 
impossible. They pitched their wigwams wherever their fancy dictated, 
sometimes on running streams, again close to springs, but always where 
water could be obtained without much trouble. In the early days, an Indian 
trace ran from the site of Franklinton to Old Chillicothe (north of Xenia). 
It passed through the present site of Georgesville, Franklin County ; thence 
in a southwest direction to the large spring in Oak Run Township, subse- 
quently known as "Springer's Spring;" thence to Old Chillicothe. In 
after years, this spring was frequently pointed out by Jonathan Alder as a 
favorite camping ground of his tribe during his captivity among the Indians. 
The trace spoken of was afterward known as " Chenoweth's trace," which it 
derived from two brothers named Chenoweth, who lived on Big Darby, in 
Franklin County, upon the line of this trail, as early as 1799. John Cheno- 
weth, a son of one of these brothers, was born in Mason County, Ky., Sep- 
tember 15, 1793, came to Madison County in 1820, and is now residing in 
London. Two other traces are known to have passed through Madison, 
viz., one up the banks of Big Darby, and another from the Indian towns on 
the Scioto, to those on Mad River, and the Big and Little Miami Rivers, 
passing through the site of London, in a northwesterly direction. 

Of the many favorite camping grounds scattered over this county, the 
following have been pointed out to us as those most frequently used. Im- 
mediately south of London, on the Toland estate, close to a spring, and on 
the northeast side of Oak Run, was a place much used for camping, while 
across the creek, on an elevated point between Oak and Sutton's Run, was 
used as a burying-ground. Their dead were generally interred in gravel- 
banks, away from wet or damp ground ; some were buried very deep, while 
the graves of others were quite shallow. Their mode of burial was that 
most common to the American Indians. Graves have been found in every 
portion of Madison County, and their bones exhumed from many of its gravel 
banks. Directly north of the court house on Oak Run, the Indians camped, 
off and on, for several years, while a similar camp was in the east part of the 
town, south of Mr. Richman's residence. The farm originally settled by Thomas 
Jones, west of London, on Walnut Run, was much frequented on account 
of two deer licks located thereon, which made it an excellent hunting ground. 
In graves opened upon this farm were found stone axes, and pottery-ware, 
the jars being filled with a dark deposit of some sort, which was entirely 
decayed, the jars tailing to pieces when brought in contact with air and 
light. An interesting find in one of these graves was a large elk horn, 
split open at the butt, hollowed out and filled with the tips of deer horns. 
One of the corpses was clasping the horn in his bony fingers, which evidently 
signified that the number of deer tips inclosed in the elk horn pointed to 
the owner thereof as having slain that many deer during his earthly career. 
There were also found on this farm numerous Hints and arrow-heads, as well 
as a steel tomahawk. Another camping ground in Union Township was on 
Deer Creek, upon the estate of James Q. Minshall. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 251 

onnn^nfV T** gV0Uml ™? ° n Paint Creek ' in Stokes Township on ac- 
count of the fine pasturage in that vicinitv 1> w* a 1™ ♦ 1 1 P ' , 

Grassy Point Church now stands OtwJwere on he land'T V r 7 

Chenoweth, on Deer Creek, and the farm of Thomas Petticord on rfe 

owned by Ueorge G. McDonald, and another on Deer Creek, in Somerford 
Township, immediately north of Cartzdafner's Mill. On L t "e DaZ in 
the southeast corner of Monroe Township, close to the big mound wi I 
well-known camping place, while in the northeast corner of Jefferson Town 
ship near a big spring on the farm of B. C. Stuckey, was often referred to 
by Jonathan Alder as a favorite spot. Near the mouth of Three-Mi e Run 
on the farm of James Millikin, the Indians had a camping g o, ,d also on' 

land of M A "? 1""' 'n Jeffe '; SOn T ° WnsW P- C,0M <° a 4 spr n'g n the 
land of MA. Baskerville, in the southeast part of Paint Townshin w w 
also a favorite place. In each of those places' the rings of earth thrown OP 
vfsiMe Whe-oveT 6 "' the W! " e \ fr0m ™ nnin « U " dCT thei >' tents, arc ye' 
had Iheirlt abed* 086 " ^ *"* "^ ^^ eia whi <* *• ^ 
Stone axes, hammers, pestles, flint arrow heads and ornaments have 
been found in every portion of the county, as well as here and there a teel 
tomahawk; but the most valuable implement in this line was turned up hv 
wT ; | Vr, ? Str0n f' wh ik plowing on the farm of his brother. Fu ton which 
is located about three miles south of London, in Union Township This 
wa a highly wrought finely chased brass tomahawk, seven inches n? 'length 
with a pipe-bowl on the opposite end from the bit. A small hole run from 
he bo W l to the eye of the tomahawk into which the hand or stem fitteT 

bout™? Z ?/ I T d v , a pipe by its owner - Brazed -p- th " ° « 

about one inch of steel, which gave it an excellent cutting quality Steel 
tomahawks have been picked up at different points, which in c m, Son w ft 
ter dcubtW h rem r enti ° ned ' We i r ° ™ Je ' unfinished i-plemems X t- 
or ^Eng^sh traded PreSented * S ° me chirfof note b ) *• early French 

chief ^Llrr^Zf d -i y '? D ^-, G r e °^ e " ^Donald, that a Wyandot 

the rererv tion Z TT % ^f,"* ^^ USed t0 col " e ' a " MaI1 7, f ™n 

Con, tv ti ■P Ppe '' p a ? da8k y on hunting expeditions to Madison 

nol re in t ;: S ?; 1S ' tSC ' eaS , ednb " Ut 1S20 .»fer which the red man was seen 
no mme in the forests or along the streams of this portion of Ohio. Anions 

a rly T^Z^cZ' " ed T J f adis r Connty, none were so well known to the 

torv of OM„ ?h£°? ° ]m ' ' he S,laWMe - We learn fr »™ Howe's His- 

tory ot Ohio, that he was a man over six feet in height, strong and active 

armv anT'fm, ".' T "P**, *" *< "» ° f 18Ii & JoineiTthe A men an 
U fl i , ehi/f w g „ thro »g h » ut / ha ' juggle. The following extracts relating 
fi st ettled b?,.l \ C f ° Pled f ™" Howe - He saysi "Whin Chiilicothc was 
nut settled by the whites, an Indian named Jchn Cushen, a half-blood made 

lte'wfthT whT With ," le ^ &** and Sai '» " ™ Id ' ^TctZt 
live « .th the white people. He would sometimes engage in chopping wood 

Zt 1 1m tr d T V" 8 " " ,e ,° ra - fields - He ™s 8 a1arge, modular man, 
feal r n ", d P ' e r nt , m his "terviews with the whites. In the fall 
season he would leave the white settlement to take a hunt in the lonely for- 
est, and in the autumn of 1799 he went up Darby Creek to make his annual 



252 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

hunt. There was an Indian trader by the name of Fallenash, who traveled 
the country from one Indian camp to another with pack-horses, laden with 
whisky and other articles. Captain John's hunting camp was near Darby 
Creek, and John Cushen arrived at his camp while Fallenash, the Indian 
trader, was there with his goods and whisky. The Indians set to for a real 
drunken frolic, and during the night, Captain John and John Cushen had a 
quarrel, which ended in a fight; they were separated by Fallenash and the 
other Indians,* but both were enraged to the highest pitch of fury. They 
made an arrangement to fight the next morning, with tomahawks and knives. 
They stuck a post in the south side of a log, made a notch in the log, and 
agreed that when the shadow of the post came into the notch the fight should 
commence. When the shadow of the post drew near the spot, they deliber- 
ately, and in gloomy silence, took their stations on the log. At length the 
shadow of the post came into the notch, and these two desperadoes, thirsting 
for each other's blood, simultaneously sprang to their feet, each with a toma- 
kawk in his right hand and a scalping-knife in the left, and flew at each 
other with the fury of tigers, swinging their tomahawks around their heads 
and yelling in the most terriffic manner. Language fails to describe the 
horrible scene. After several passes and some wounds, Captain John's toma- 
hawk fell on Cushen's head and left him lifeless on the ground. Thus ended 
this affair of honor, and the guilty one escaped. 

"About the year 1800, Captain John, with a party of Indians, went to 
hunt on the waters of what is called Rattlesnake Fork of Paint Creek, a 
branch of the Scioto River. After they had been some time at camp, Cap- 
tain John and his wife had a quarrel and mutually agreed to separate; which 
of them was to leave the camp is not now recollected. After they had 
divided their property, the wife insisted upon keeping the child; they had 
but one, a little boy of two or three years of age. The wife laid hold of the 
child, and John attempted to wrest it from her;, at length John's passion 
was roused to a fury, he drew his fist, knocked down his wife, seized the 
child and carrying it to a log cut him in two parts, and then, throwing one- 
half to his wife, bade her take it, but never again show her face, or he would 
treat her in the same manner. Thus ended these cruel and brutal scenes of 
savage tragedy." 

One of the favorite camping grounds of Captain John was on Wal- 
nut Run, about fifty yards east of David Watson's cabin, in Paint Town- 
ship. He was generally well liked by the white settlers, and assisted them 
very materially in many ways. About 1809, he blazed a road from the 
house of David Watson to the grist-mill of Owen Davis, where Clifton now 
stands, a distance of twenty miles, for which Mr. Watson paid him $1.50. 
This mill, according to Howe, was built in 1798, but a thorough investiga- 
tion leads us to believe that it was not erected until 1800. Tradition has 
handed down a story as to the death of Captain John, and we give it without 
vouching for its accuracy. The tale goes that while hunting in the south- 
western portion of this county, he shot and wounded a large deer, but upon 
reaching the animal it attacked him furiously, and in the fray both deer and 
hunter were killed. His body was found several days afterward, lying 
beside his intended victim and covered with wounds, demonstrating how 
fierce the conflict must have been, by which this sturdy son of the forest lost 
his life. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTV. 



253 



We do not wish to recall the history of the aborigines who occupied 
this locality, to extol their supposed greatness or to lament their disappear- 
ance, but to compare them with the white race of people who have followed 
them, and learn from the past useful lessons for the present, and from the 
wonderful events that have transpired, and improvements made in the last 
one hundred years, present the power, talent, genius and unequaled great- 
ness of the people who occupy this land, In the place of the Indian trace 
they have laid down railroads; where stood the wigwam, they have built 
cities; they have digged down mountains, bridged rivers, and extorted from 
the bowels of the earth, gold, silver, iron, copper, tin and coal. The hunt- 
ing-grounds of the passed-away race are annually covered with crops of 
wheat, corn and other cereals, while upon the broad pastures skirting the 
streams roam herds of stock, living evidences of wealth and progress. The 
sites of the old Indian villages in the valleys of the Scioto and Miami Rivers 
are about the center of a food-producing district, with a surplus produce great 
enough to feed a continent. It was a part of the inevitable that the red 
man should depart and the white man take his place. No thoughtful per- 
son would prefer a country covered with forests and ranged by a few savages 
to a great State covered with cities, towns and well-cultivated farms, embel- 
lished with all the improvements that art can devise or industry execute, 
occupied by more than three millions of people, enjoying all the blessings of 
liberty, civilization and religion. 




254 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III. 



FIRST WHITE MEN — CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES— FRENCH AND ENGLISH TRADING- 
POSTS — FORT LAURENS — ATTEMPTED SETTLEMENT AT THE MOUTH OF THE 
SCIOTO— SALT WORKS— FRENCH AND ENGLISH CLAIMS— ENGLISH AGENTS 
—AMERICAN POSSESSION— OHIO COMPANY'S PURCHASE— SYMMES' PUR- 
CHASE — FORT HARMAR — PIONEER SETTLEMENTS ALONG THE 
OHIO — FORT WASHINGTON — FIRST SETTLEMENT IN THE VIR- 
GINIA MILITARY DISTRICT — NATHANIEL MASSIE — FRENCH 
SETTLEMENT AT GALLIPOLIS— FORMATION OF ADAMS 
COUNTY — ROSS COUNTY SETTLED AND ERECTED 
—SETTLEMENT OF MADISON COUNTY— TERRI- 
TORIAL LEGISLATURE— OHIO BECOMES A 
STATE— FRANKLIN COUNTY ERECTED 
—LEADING MEN OF THE SCIOTO 
VALLEY, 

ONE hundred years ago the whole territory from the Alleghanies to 
the Rocky Mountains was a wilderness, inhabited only by wild beasts 
and Indians. The intrepid missionaries of the Catholic Church, viz., Fathers 
Mesnard, Allouez, Dablon, Hennipin, Marquette, La Salle unci others, were- 
the first white men to penetrate the Avilderness, or behold its mighty lakes 
and rivers. The French traders and Moravian missionaries subsequently 
followed, and like their predecessors, continued their labors among the In- 
dians of Ohio. While the thirteen old colonies were declaring their inde- 
pendence, the thirteen new States, which now lie in the western interior, had 
no existence, and gave no signs of the future. The solitude of nature was 
almost unbroken by the steps of civilization. The wisest statesman had 
not contemplated the probability of the coming States, and the boldest pa- 
triot did not dream that this interior wilderness would soon contain a greater 
population than the thirteen old States, with all the added growth of one 
hundred years. 

Ten years after that the old States had ceded their Western lands to the 
General Government, and Congress had passed the act of 1785 for the sur- 
vey of the public domain, and, in 1787, the celebrated ordinance which or- 
ganized the Northwestern Territory, and dedicated it to freedom and intel- 
ligence. It was more than a quarter of a century after the Declaration of 
Independence ere the State of Ohio was admitted into the Union, being the 
seventeenth which accepted the Constitution of the United States. It has 
since grown up to be great, populous and prosperous, under the influence of 
those ordinances. Previous to her admission, February 19, 1803, the tide 
of emigration had begun to flow over the Alleghanies into the valleys of the 
Ohio and Mississippi, and, although no steamboat or railroad then existed, 
nor even a stage-coach line to help the immigrant, yet the wooden " ark " on 
the Ohio, and the heavy wagon slowly winding over the mountains, bore 
these tens of thousands to the wilds of Kentucky and the plains of Ohio. From 




AGED. 73. YEARS. SEPT. 30.TH IS82. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 257 

the date of the first settlements in 1788, at the mouth of the Muskingum, 
the tide continued to pour on for half a century in a widening stream, min- 
gled with nearly all the races of Europe and America, until now, the five 
States of the Northwestern Territory in the wilderness in 1776, contain more 
than ten millions of people, enjoying all the blessings which peace and pros- 
perity, freedom and Christianity can confer upon any people. Of these five 
States born under the ordinance of 1787, Ohio is the first, oldest, and, in 
many things, the greatest. We will then begin with the coming of the 
whites to the soil of Ohio, and briefly trace the events leading to the settle- 
ment of Madison County. 

The discovery and exploration of the great Northwest was the result of 
the religious enthusiasm of French Catholic missionaries for the conversion 
of the Indians inhabiting the country, coupled with a patriotic desire to 
enlarge the French dominions, and spread civilization over this unex- 
plored land. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the French had 
four principal routes to their Western posts, two of which passed over the 
soil or waters of Ohio. About 1716, a route was established from the east, 
along the southern shores of Lake Erie, to the mouth of the Maumee River, 
thence following this stream to the Wabash Valley. The second route ran 
from the southern shores of Lake Erie, at Presqueville, over a portage of 
fifteen miles to the head of French Creek, at Waterford, Penn.; thence down 
that stream to the Ohio, and on to the Mississippi. Along these routes 
forts or trading-posts were built and maintained, and were the first attempts 
of the white race to possess the land. Though their stay was brief, yet it 
opened the way to another people living on the shores of the Atlantic, who 
in time came, saw and conquered this portion of America, making of it 
what we to-day enjoy. 

The French erected a trading-post near the mouth of the Maumee early 
in the eighteenth century, which became a depot of considerable note, and 
was, probably, the first permanent habitation of white men in Ohio. It 
remained until after the peace of 1763, the termination of the French and 
Indian war, and the occupancy of the country by the English. On the site 
of this trading-post the latter erected Fort Miami in 1791, which they gar- 
risoned until the country came under the control of the Americans, encour- 
aging and assisting the Indians in their hostility toward the young nation. 
As soon as the French learned the true source of the Ohio and Wabash 
Rivers, they began to establish trading-posts or depots at accessible points, 
generally at the mouths of rivers emptying into the Ohio. One of these old 
forts stood about a mile and a half southwest of the outlet of the Scioto. 
When it was erected is not known, but it was there in 1740. 

Some English traders and Indians built a fort or station in 1749, which 
they called Pickawillany. It stood on the west side of Loramie's Creek, and 
about two miles north of the mouth of that branch, in what is now Shelby 
County. In 1752, the French captured the post, and subsequently a Cana- 
dian Frenchman named Loramie established a store at that point. He be- 
came very prominent among the Indians, gained great influence over them, 
and their attachment always remained unabated for their " French father," 
as they called him, often shedding tears at the mere mention of his name. 
He opposed the Americans in the struggle for possession of Ohio, and in 
retaliation Gen. Clark destroyed the station in 1782, Loramie escaping 



258 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

with the Indians to the West, where he lived and died. In 1794, a fort was 
erected on the site of Loramie's store, by Gen. Wayne, and named Fort 
Loraniie, which became an important point in the Greenville treaty line. 

The French had a trading post at the mouth of Huron River, in what 
is now Erie County, but when it was established is unknown. It was, how- 
ever, one of their early outposts, and may have been built before 1750. 
They had a similar station on the shore of Sandusky Bay, on or near the 
site of Sandusky City. Both were abandoned previous to the Revolutionary 
war. On Lewis Evans' map, published in 1755, a French fort called " Fort 
Junandat, built in 1754," is located on the east bank of the Sandusky 
River, several miles above its mouth, while Fort Sandusky, on the western 
bank, is also noted. Very little is known of any of these trading-posts, as 
they were evidently only temporary, and abandoned when the English came 
into possession. The mouth of the Cuyahoga River was another important 
trading point, for we find on Evans' map, on the west bank of that stream, 
some distance from its mouth, the words, " French House," doubtless the 
station of a trader. The ruins of a house found about five miles from the 
mouth of the Cuyahoga, on the west bank of that river, are supposed to be 
those of the station. There are few records of settlements made by the 
French prior to 1750, and even these were merely trading-posts, and could 
hardly be called settlements. These French traders easily affiliated with the 
Indians, treated them in a brotherly, friendly manner, but did little toward 
developing the country. They never laid low the forest or cultivated the 
fields, but passed their time in hunting and trading, 

A short time prior to the Indian war, a settlement of traders was estab- 
lished at the junction of the Auglaize and Maumee Rivers, where Gen. 
Wayne built Fort Defiance in 1794. 0. M. Spencer, in speaking of this 
post says : " On the high ground extending from the Maumee a quarter of 
a mile up the Auglaize, about two hundred yards in width, was an open 
space, on the west and south of which were oak woods with hazel under- 
growth. Within this opening, a few hundred yards above the point, on the 
steep bank of the Auglaize, were five or six cabins and log houses, inhabited 
principally by Indian traders. The most northerly, a large hewed log house, 
divided below into three apartments, was occupied as a warehouse, store and , 
dwelling by George Ironside, the most wealthy and influential of the traders 
at the point. Next to his were the houses of Pirault (Pero), a French 
baker, and McKenzie, a Scot, who, in addition to merchandising, followed 
the occupation of a silversmith, exchanging with the Indians his brooches, 
ear-drops and other silver ornaments at an enormous profit for skins and 
furs. 

" Still further up were several other families of French and English ; and 
two American prisoners, Henry Ball, a soldier taken at St. Clair's defeat, 
and his wife, Polly Meadows, captured at the same time, were allowed to live 
here and pay their masters the price of their ransom, ho by boating to the 
rapids of the Maumee, and she by washing and sewing. Fronting the house 
of Ironside, and about fifty yards from the bank, was a small stockade 
inclosing two hewed log houses, one of which was occupied by James Girty 
(a brother of Simon), the other oceasionally by Elliott and McKee, English 
Indian agents living at Detroit." The post, cabins and all they contained 
fell under the control of the Americans when the English evacuated the lake 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 259 

shores, but during its existence it was a constant source of trouble to the 
whites by encouraging and abetting Indian discontent. 

About 1761, the Moravian missionaries, Revs. Frederick Post and 
John Heckewelder, established permanent stations among the Ohio Indians, 
chiefly on the Tuscarawas River, in Tuscarawas County. The first one, 
however, was on the north side of the Muskingum, at the junction of the 
Sandy and Tuscarawas, in what is now Stark County. The missions in 
Tuscarawas County, known as Shoenbrun, Guadenhutten and Salem, were 
not established until 1771-72. In 1776, Zeisberger, a Moravian missionary, 
with a band of Indian converts, came from Detroit to an abandoned Ottawa 
village, on the site of Independence, Cuyahoga County, which they called 
" Pilgrims' Rest." Their stay was brief, as the following April they 
removed to the vicinity of where Milan, Erie County, now stands, and this 
they named New Salem. The account of the massacre of friendly Indians 
at the missions in Tuscarawas County, by Col. Williamson in 1782, appears 
in the former chapter. The principal part of those remaining finally 
removed to the Moravian missionary station, on the River Thames, in 
Canada, while others scattered among the hostile tribes of the Northwest. 

It may be proper to remark here that Mary Heckewelder, daughter of 
the missionary, is generally believed to have been the first white child born 
in Ohio, but this is largely conjecture. It has been established beyond 
doubt that captive white women among the Indians are known to have borne 
children during their captivity, who, with their mothers, were subsequently 
restored to their friends. Some of these cases occurred previous to the 
birth of Mary Heckewelder, April 16, 1781, but as no record was kept of 
them, and hers being the first recorded, thus obtained priority. 

In 1778, Gen. Mcintosh, with a detachment of 1,000 men from Fort 
Pitt (Pittsburgh) built Fort Laurens, in the northwestern part of what is now 
Tuscarawas County. It was vacated in August, 1779, as it was deemed 
untenable at such a distance from the frontier. 

The locality around the mouth of the Scioto River must have been 
pretty well known to the whites, for in April, 1785, three years before the 
settlement at Marietta, four families made an ineffectual attempt to settle in 
that vicinity. They came from the Redstone country in Pennsylvania, and 
floating down the Ohio, moored their boat under the high bank where Ports- 
mouth now stands, and commenced clearing the ground to plant seeds for a 
crop to support their families, hoping that the red man would suffer them to 
remain in peace. Soon afterward the four men, heads of families, started 
up the west bank of the Scioto for the purpose of exploring the country. 
Encamping near the site of Piketon, Pike County, they were surprised by a 
party of Indians, and two of them killed as they lay by their fires. The 
remaining two escaped to the Ohio, and getting the families and goods on a 
passing flat-boat, arrived safely at Maysville, Ky. Thus was misery and 
disaster brought upon those peaceful families, their hopes blasted, and the 
attempt to settle north of the Ohio defeated. 

The old " Scioto Salt Works," in Jackson County, was a spot early 
known to the whites, through prisoners being brought there by the Indians. 
The location is laid down on Evans' map of 1755, and although the works 
were occupied by the French and Americans as early as 1780, no settle- 
ment was made there until after the close of the Indian war and the treaty 



260 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of 1795. These outposts and attempted settlements are about all that are 
known to have existed on Ohio soil prior to the settlement at Marietta. 

No sooner had the Americans obtained control of this country, than 
they began, by treaty and purchase, to acquire the lands of the natives. 
They could not stem the tide of emigration ; people, then as now, would go 
West, and hence the necessity of peacefully and rightfully acquiring the 
land. " The true basis of title to Indian territory is the right of civilized 
men to the soil for purposes of cultivation." The same maxim may be ap- 
plied to all uncivilized nations. When obtained by such a right, either by 
treaty, purchase, or conquest, the right to hold the same rests with the pow- 
er and development of the nation thus possessing the land, but there is no 
moral or Divine justice in an individual, people or nation acquiring land or 
territory, unless it is lying undeveloped, or uncultivated, by the original 
possessors thereof and that they fully intend to cultivate and develop the 
same. Thus the Americans were justified in acquiring by treaty, purchase 
and conquest the territory now embraced in Ohio. 

The French had acquired title to the territory between the Alleghanies 
and the Mississippi by discovery and by consent of the Indians dwelling there- 
on, while the claims of the English were based upon the absurd theory that in 
discovering the Atlantic coast, they had possession of the land from t; ocean 
to ocean," and partly by the treaty of Paris, in 1763, long before which, 
however, they had granted to individuals and colonies extensive tracts of 
land within the disputed territory. These conflicting claims led to the 
French and Indian war against the English, ending in the supremacy of the 
latter. 

As early as 1730, English traders began in earnest to cross the Alle- 
ghanies, and gather from the Indians the stores beyond. In 1742, John 
Howard descended the Ohio River in a canoe, and on the Mississippi was 
taken prisoner by the French. In 1748, Conrad Weiser, a German em- 
ploye of the English, who had acquired a knowledge of the Indian tongue, 
visited Logstown, the Indian village on the Ohio, below Pittsburgh, where he 
met the chiefs in Council and secured their promise of aid against the French. 
In the same year the Ohio Company was formed and a grant of 5,000,000 
acres of land obtained. 

In the fall of 1750, Virginia, through the Ohio Company, sent Chris- 
topher Gist to explore the region west of the mountains. He was well fitted 
for such an enterprise ; hardy, sagacious, bold, an adept in Indian charac- 
ter, a hunter by occupation, no man was better qualified than he for such an 
undertaking. He visited Logstown, where he was not received in a friendly 
manner, passed over to the Muskingum River, and at a Wyandot village 
here, met Crogan, another famous frontiersman, who had been sent out by 
Pennsylvania. Together they traveled to the Shawnee towns on the Scioto 
River, and thence to the Indian villages on the Miamis and Mad River. In 
this trip they passed through what is now Madison County, and 
doubtless were the first white men who trod its soil. They made treaties 
with all these tribes, and Crogan returned to Pennsylvania, where he pub- 
lished an account of their wanderings, while Gist followed the Miami River 
to its mouth, passed down the Ohio, to within fifteen miles of the falls, re- 
turning to Virginia, by way of the Kentucky River, and over the Highlands 
of Kentucky. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 261 

By the treaty at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 174-i, with the Six Na- 
tions, and the Logstown treaty, in 1752, with these and some of the West- 
ern tribes confirming the previous one, the English claim to the territory em- 
braced in Ohio was founded. While the French and English were fighting 
for the possession of the West, the Indians were used as a cat's-paw by each, 
and wavered in their friendship from one nation to the other according to 
circumstances. To Frederick Post, a Moravian preacher, who was sent on 
a mission to the Indians by the English, in 1758, they bitterly complained 
of both nations, saying: "Why did you not fight your battles at home or 
on the sea, instead of coming into our country to fight them ?" The strug- 
gle between the French and English finally closed, and was ratified by the 
treaty of Paris, in 1763. 

The continued resistance of the Indians to the encroachments of the 
whites has been related in the previous chapter, and with the breaking-out 
of the Revolutionary war this resistance was redoubled through the treachery 
and encouragement of the English Government. During the bitter struggle 
for American independence, white settlement north of the Ohio River was 
retarded for years, but soon after its successful ending, the eyes of pioneers 
were turned longingly in this direction. On the 20th of May, 1785, Con- 
gress passed an act for disposing of the lands in the Northwest Territory, 
and for this purpose surveyors were appointed to survey the country into 
townships, six miles square. Without waiting for the action of Congress, 
settlers began coming into the country, and when ordered by Congress to 
leave undisturbed Indian lands, refused to do so. They went, however, at 
their own peril, and could get no redress from the Government, even when 
life was lost. These hardy pioneers knew not fear, and continued the move- 
ment which resulted in a bitter Indian war, the triumphs of the white race, 
and their ultimate possession of the beautiful valleys and rich lands of Ohio, 

The cession of the claims of New York, Massachusetts, Virginia and 
Connecticut to the United States was the signal for the formation of land 
companies in the East whose object was to settle the Western country, and 
at the same time enrich the founders of said companies. Some had been 
organized prior to the Revolutionary war, but that battle for human rights 
retarded these speculations, which were now, again, springing into life. Thus 
the Ohio Company was organized in March, 1787, taking the same name 
as one which existed in the old colonial days, Congress refusing to recognize the 
claims of the old companies. Dr. Manasseh Cutler, Gen. Rufus Putnam. 
Gen. Parsons, Benjamin Tupper and Winthrop Sargent, were the leading 
spirits in this enterprise. Beside the names which history gives as the 
Ohio Company, there were secret co-partners comprising many of the lead- 
ing characters of America. The company purchased the vast region bounded 
on the south by the Ohio, west by the Scioto, east by the seventh range of 
townships then surveying, and north by a due west line drawn from the 
north boundary of the tenth township from the Ohio River, direct to the 
Scioto. This comprised a tract of nearly 5,000,000 acres of land, for which 
they were to pay $1 per acre, subject to a deduction of one-third for bad 
lands and other contingencies. The whole tract was not, however, taken by 
the company, and in 1792 the boundaries were so changed as to include 
750,000 acre3, besides reservations, this grant being the portion which it was 
originally agreed the company might enter into at once. In addition to this, 



262 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

214,285 acres were granted as army bounties under the resolutions of 1779 
and 1780, and 100,000 acres as bounties to actual settlers, both of the 
latter tracts being within the original grant of 1787, and adjoining the 
Ohio Company's lands. 

The celebrated ordinance erecting the Northwest into a Territory, was 
passed July 13, 1787. It emanated from the brain of Dr. Manasseh 
Cutler, who was an accomplished scholar and a firm believer in freedom. 
He was ably assisted by Thomas Jefferson, to whose wise statesmanship is 
due much of the success which attended Dr. Cutler's efforts in having passed 
such an ordinance as would make Ohio a free land — free from the blighting 
curse of slavery, where religion, morality and education would forever be 
fostered and encouraged. 

These events were soon followed by the grant of the lands between the 
Miamis to John Cleve Symmes, of New Jersey, who had visited that por- 
tion of Ohio in 1786. The sale was accomplished and contract signed in 
1788, the terms being similar to those of the Ohio Company. 

In 1785, Fort Harmar was built on the right bank of the Muskingum 
River, at its junction with the Ohio, by a detachment of soldiers under com- 
mand of Maj. John Doughty, and named in honor of his old commander, 
Col. Josiah Harmar. It was the first military post erected by the Americans 
within the limits of Ohio, except Fort Laurens, which was but a temporary 
structure and soon abandoned. During the following winter, a part of the 
garrison floated down the Ohio in flat-boats and erected Fort Finney, im- 
mediately below the mouth of the Big Miami, subsequently known as North 
Bend. The troops did not remain permanently at this point but soon de- 
scended to the falls. 

On the 7th of April, 1788, the first permanent pioneer settlement was 
made at the mouth of the Muskingum, opposite Fort Harmar. It con- 
sisted of forty-seven pioneers from the New England States, under the 
leadership of Gen. Rufus Putnam, who, building a boat at the mouth of the 
Youghiogheny River, in the winter of 1787, and placing the same under 
the command of Capt. Devol, the first shipbuilder in the West, floated 
down the Ohio to the lands previously obtained by the Ohio Company, 
where 5,760 acres, near the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, 
had been set off for a city and commons. They immediately began erecting 
cabins, and July 1 were joined by a colony from Massachusetts. Washing- 
ton wrote the following lines concerning this settlement : " No colony in 
America was ever settled under such favorable auspices as that which has 
commenced at the Muskingum. Information, property and strength will be 
its characteristics. I know many of the settlers personally, and there never 
were men better calculated to promote the welfare of such a community." 

In October, 1787, Arthur St. Clair had been appointed by Congress 
Governor of the Northwest Territory, which body also appointed Winthrop 
Sargent, Secretary, Samuel II. Parsons, James M. Varnum and John 
Armstrong, Judges. Subsequently, Mr. Armstrong resigned and John 
Cleve Symmes was appointed to fill the vacancy. This body constituted the 
Territorial government with full judicial powers under the ordinance of 1787, 
and, although none of those were on the ground when the first settlement 
was made, the Judges came soon after. The first law was passed July 25, 
1788, and on the following day the county of Washington was erected 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 263 

by the proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, Marrietta being established as the 
seat of justice, it having previously been laid out and named in honor of 
Mario Antoinette, Queen of France. The emigration westward at this time 
was very large, 4,500 persons having passed Fort Harmar between February 
and June, 1788. 

The second settlement in Ohio was made near the mouth of the Little 
Miami River, on the Symmes purchase, in the winter of 1788—89, but pre- 
vious to the latter year. Benjamin Stites had bought 10,000 acres of Symmes 
at that point, and with a band of pioneers, whose numbers were soon after- 
ward increased, erected a blockhouse, built cabins and laid out a town which 
was named Columbia. 

In the mean time, Symmes laid out a town near the mouth of the Big 
Miami River, which he called Cloves City, but the place has been better 
known as North Bend. He offered special inducements to settlers locating 
at this point, hoping thereby to make it the future city of the West, but 
the great flood of January, 1780, overflowed the place so badly that 
tlfc hopes of its projector were considerably weakened. A few families, 
however, erected cabins here, and upon the outbreak of hostilities with the 
Indians, Symmes succeeded in getting Maj. Doughty, with a detachment of 
soldiers, stationed at his town, hoping by that means to make it a military 
headquarters. The Major, it seems, did not view the position with a favor- 
able eye, and in the summer of 1789 removed to the Losantiville settle- 
ment, where he erected and garrisoned Fort Washington, to which point 
most of the settlers soon followed, thus destroying forever the growth and 
prosperity of Cleves City. 

In January, 1788, Mathias Denman, of New Jersey, purchased of 
Symmes a tract of land opposite the mouth of the Licking River, and the 
following summer sold a two-thirds interest to Robert Patterson and John 
Filson, each holding a one-third interest in the land. These three agreed, 
about August, 1788, to lay oil' a town at this point, and in September vis- 
ited the proposed location. They kept on up the Miami Valley on a pros- 
pecting tour, but Filson on attempting to return alone to the Ohio was 
probably killed by the Indians, as he was never seen again. His interest 
was sold to Israel Ludlow, Symmes' surveyor, and in December, 1788, he, 
with Mr. Patterson, Mr. Denman and fourteen others, came to " form 
a station and lay off a town opposite the Licking." This was accordingly 
done, block-houses built, cabins erected, and the settlement established on a 
permanent foundation. When the location was first selected, Mr. Filson, 
who had been a schoolmaster and was something of a poet, was appointed 
to name the town. In respect to its situation, and as if with a prophetic 
perception of the mixed races that were in after years to dwell there, he 
named it Losantiville, which, savs the Western Annals, means ville, the 
town ; anti, opposite to ; os, the mouth ; L, of Licking. Judge Burnett, 
in his notes, says : " The name 'Losantiville' was determined on but not 
adopted when the town was laid out." Throughout the summer of 1789 
this settlement increased rapidly, and the erection of Fort Washington that 
year gave it an impetus which decided its future. In December of that 
year, Gov. St. Clair came down the Ohio from Marietta to the settlement 
opposite the Licking, and on the 2d of January, 1790, he proclaimed the 
erection of Hamilton County, and about the same time named the town 



264 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Cincinnati, which appellation it has ever since borne. From that day, 
Cleves City declined, while Cincinnati steadily advanced in size and 
prosperity. 

As early as 1787, the lands in the Virginia Military District, lying 
between the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, were examined, and in August 
of that year entries were made : but as no good title could be obtained from 
Congress at this time, the settlement practically ceased until 1790, when 
the prohibition to enter them was withdrawn, and so soon as that was done 
surveying began. This body of land was appropriated by the State of Virginia, 
to satisfy the claims of her troops employed in the Continental line, during 
the Revolutionary war. It is not surveyed into townships, and a Virginia 
military land warrant could be located wherever, and in whatever shape the 
holder desired. In consequence of this the irregularity of the surveys has 
been the cause of much trouble and litigation, while it destroyed forever the 
convenience of straight roads and regular township or farm lines. 

In the winter of 1790, Gen. Nathaniel Massie determined to make a 
settlement in the Scioto Valley, which now comprises Adams, Delaware. 
Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Highland, Jackson, Madison, Marion, Morrow, 
Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Union Counties. Gen. Massie was 
among the foremost men in surveying and locating lands in this tract of 
country ; and in order to effect his object he sent notices throughout Ken- 
tucky, offering to the first twenty-five families who would join him, one in- 
lot and one outlot, also 100 acres of land, provided, however, they would 
settle in a town which he intended laying off at his settlement. His gener- 
ous offer met with a ready response, and he was joined by more than thirty 
families. The present site of Manchester, Adams County, was the point 
selected by Massie for the new town ; here he fixed his station and laid off 
the land into town lots. The settlers, with the indomitable Massie, as 
leader, went to work and by the middle of March, 1791, many cabins to- 
gether with a block-house, were erected, and the whole village inclosed by a 
strong stockade. Thus was the first permanent settlement in the Virginia 
Military District, and the fourth in Ohio, an accomplished fact. 

That summer they cleared the lower of the three islands, in the Ohio 
River, and planted it in corn. As the land was very rich, abundant crops 
were produced, which, together with a plentiful supply of game, furnished 
the settlers with everything necessary to a livelihood, especially as their 
wants were few and easily gratified. From this point, Massie continued, 
throughout the Indian war, despite the danger, to survey the surrounding 
country and prepare it for settlers. This settlement suffered little from In- 
dian depredations on account of the unexposed locality and well-fortified 
position, stragglers or prospectors alone being in danger of capture or 
death by the prowling savages. 

The master mind of Gen. Massie saw the safety of the location from 
the outset, and to him, more than any other man, is due the rapid growth 
and development of the Scioto Valley. He was born in Goochland County, 
Va., December 28, 17o ; 5, and in L780 engaged, for a short time, in 
the Revolutionary war. In 1783, he left for Kentucky, where he acted as 
surveyor. He was subsequently appointed Government surveyor, and 
labored much in that capacity for early Ohio proprietors, being paid in land 
for his services. Thus he accumulated a vast amount of good land, while 



'*%»*»,. 






HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 267 

conferring a lasting benefit on the country by his explorations. After the 
permanent establishment of the Ohio River settlement, he was instrumental 
in the gradual filling up of the country all over the valley. In 1796, he 
assisted in founding a settlement at the mouth of Paint Creek, and laid 
out the town of Chillicothe. In 1798, he was elected a member of the Ter- 
ritorial Assembly, to represent Adams County ; and at the first election for 
the Ohio Assembly he was elected from Ross County to a seat in the State 
Senate, and subsequently chosen Speaker of that body. In 1807, he was 
the opponent of Return J. Meigs for Gubernatorial honors. The latter was 
elected, but Massie contested the election upon the grounds that Meigs was 
ineligible on account of his absence from the State and insufficiency of time 
as a resident. Massie was declared Governor, but resigned the office at 
once, his fine sense of honor preventing him from holding a position for 
which his opponent had received the majority of votes cast. He was often 
Representative after, and always wielded a powerful influence in the affairs 
of the State. He died November 3, 1813, after seeing the State, whose 
constitution he had helped to frame, on the high road to prosperity. It was 
through him that the militia of this region was first organized, of which he 
became Colonel, and was the first Major General of the Second Division 
under the new Constitution of 1802. His residence was at the falls of 
Paint Creek, in Ross County, but his land operations made him well known 
in Madison, and adjoining counties. 

During the existence of the six years' Indian war, a settlement of 
French emigrants was made on the Ohio River in what is now Gallia 
County. In the spring of 1788, Joel Barlow went to France, claiming to 
be "authorized to dispose of a very large tract of land in the West." In 
1790, he distributed proposals in Paris for the disposal of lands at 5 shil- 
lings per acre, which, says Volney, " promised a climate healthy and 
delightful ; scarcely such a thing as frost in the winter ; a river, called by 
way of eminence ' The Beautiful,' abounding in fish of an enormous size ; 
magnificent forests of a tree from- which sugar flows, and a shrub which 
yields candles ; venison in abundance ; no military enrollments and no 
quarters to find for soldiers." All classes of tradesmen and artisans, to the 
number of 500 persons, including their families, purchased these titles, and 
in 1791-92, arrived in the New World. Upon reaching their destination, 
they found that they had been cruelly deceived, and that the titles they 
held were absolutely worthless. 

Without food, shelterless, and beset with danger on all sides, they were 
in a position that none but Frenchmen could be in without despair. The 
land to which they came was covered with immense forest trees, and they 
must clear these off or starve. Their cabins were erected in a cluster, 
which afforded them protection from the Indians, and their food was pur- 
chased from passing boats. In a rude, uncultured manner they began fell- 
ing the forest, this being their greatest difficulty, as they knew nothing of a 
woodman's life. They called their settlement Gallipolis, from Gallia or 
Gaul, the ancient name of their fatherland, and throughout the long winter 
drowned care and sorrow once a week in the merry dance. They could not 
pay for their lands the second time, therefore some went to Detroit, some to 
Kaskaskia, on the Mississippi, and others secured lands on generous terms 
from the Ohio Company. This outrage and deception coming to the knowl- 



268 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

edge of Congress, it granted them 24,000 acres of land in Scioto County 
in 1795, to which an additional tract was added three years later, thus wip- 
ing out the disgrace and swindle perpetrated upon these confiding people by 
unscrupulous men. This tract has since been known as the French Grant. 

We now come to the erection of Adams County by the proclamation of 
Gov. St. Clair July 10, 1797. It covered a large scope of country on 
either side of the Scioto River, including the territory now embraced in 
Madison County, and was outlined as follows : " Beginning upon the Ohio 
River at the upper boundary of that tract of 24,000 acres of land granted 
unto the French inhabitants of Gallipolis by an act of Congress of the 
United States bearing date the 3d of March, 1795; thence down the said 
Ohio River to the mouth of Elk River (generally known by the name of 
Eagle Creek, in Brown County), and up with the principal water of the 
said Elk River or Eagle Creek to it source or head ; thence, by a due north 
line to the southern boundary of Wayne County, and easterly along said 
boundary so far that a due south line shall meet the interior point of the 
upper boundary of the aforesaid tract of land of 24,000 acres, and with 
the said boundary to the place of beginning." 

From the settlements upon the Ohio River, the bravest and hardiest of 
the pioneers spread themselves further to the north and west along the rich 
valleys of the Muskingum, Scioto, Miamis and their tributaries, so that 
previous to the beginning of the nineteenth century there were settlements 
scattered all over those portions of Ohio. 

On the 20th of August, 1798, the county of Ross was erected from 
Adams County territory by the proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, and the 
country comprising Madison became a part of the new county. In the 
spring of 1795, an attempt was made by a party of sixty men, under the 
leadership of Gen. Massie, Rev. Robert W. Finley and a trader named 
Fallenash, to explore the country along the west bank of the Scioto River, 
which was frustrated by the Indians, whom they encountered in the vicinity 
of Bainbridge, on Paint Creek in Ross County. The following spring, a 
settlement was effected at the mouth of Paint Creek, and about three 
hundred acres of prairie planted in corn that season. In August, 1796, 
Gen. Massie laid out Chillicothe, where about twenty cabins were built that 
fall, and from this point the settlements throughout the Scioto Valley 
diverged. 

The period from 1795 to 1799 was marked by a rush of emigration 
which extended up the Scioto, Paint and Deer Creek, also along the Big 
and Little Darbys, settling at different points on these streams. Benjamin 
Springer, with his son-in-law, Usual Osborn, James and Joshua Ewing, 
David and Samuel Mitchell, Samuel McCullough and Samuel Kirkpatrick 
(both of whom married sisters of David Mitchell), Robert Snodgrass, Sam- 
uel, George and David Reed, all came to the vicinity of the site of Plain 
City during these years, locating upon the rich lands watered by Big Darby. 
Here they found a white man, named Jonathan Alder, living in a cabin with 
an Indian wife, he having been a captive among the Indians from boyhood. 
William Lapin and Michael Johnson located on Little Darby, while still 
down the valley, on Deer Creek, were James and William Hewey, David 
Martin and William Alkire. These pioneer settlements extended from 
what is now the southeast portion of Madison County along the eastern 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 269 

part of the county to the northeast corner of the same, including some of 
the lands taken in the erection of Union County in 1820. Thus the foun- 
dation was laid for the future county of Madison, whose fame and reputa- 
tion as the great stock district of Ohio has spread beyond the seas. 

In December, 1798. a Territorial Legislature was elected under the 
proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, and, in accordance with the ordinance 
of 1787, which provided for an Assembly as soon as the Territory should 
contain 5,000 inhabitants. The members from Ross County, of which 
Madison was then a part, were Thomas Worthington, Elias Langham, Sam- 
uel Findley and Edward Tiffin. It met at Cincinnati January 22, 1799, 
and nominated ten persons for the Legislative Council, five of whom were 
to be chosen by the President of the United States, to compose said Coun- 
cil. This selection was made March 2, and the same confirmed by the 
Senate on the following day. The men chosen were Jacob Burnett, James 
Findley, Henry Vanderburgh, Robert Oliver and David Vance. On Sep- 
tember 16, 1799, the Legislature met again at Cincinnati, the House 
consisting of nineteen members, and the session lasted from September 24, 
before which date no quorum was present, until December 19, 1799. 

In 1800, the Indiana Territory was formed, and the seat of govern- 
ment of the Northwest Territory established at Chillicothe. The first 
session was opened here November 3, and at the second session, held in the 
fall of 1801, so much enmity was expressed and so much abuse heaped 
upon the Governor and Assembly, that a law was passed removing the 
sessions of the Legislature back again to Cincinnati, but fate had destined a 
new order of things, and the Territorial Assembly never met after that 
time. 

A convention assembled at Chillicothe November 1, 1802, to frame a 
constitution for a State government ; on the 29th of that month, the same 
was ratified and signed by the members of the convention, and the Terri- 
tory became a State February 19, 1803, receiving its name from the river 
called by the Indians Ohezuh, meaning beautiful, and changed by the 
whites to Ohio. Chillicothe was made the temporary seat of government, 
and the legislative sessions were held there from March, 1803, until 1810. 
The sessions of 1810-11 and 1811—12 were held at Zanesville, then again 
at Chillicothe until December, 1816, when Columbus, which had been 
selected in 1812, became the seat of government, and has ever since been 
the capital of Ohio. 

The county of Franklin was formed from Ross County April 30, 
1803, and the territory now comprised in Madison was known as Darby 
Township. Thus it remained for seven years, when it was cut off" from 
Franklin and erected into a new county. 

In the Scioto Valley have lived many men who were an honor to the 
State and nation. Gen. Nathaniel Massie, Govs. Edward Tiffin, Thomas 
Worthington, Allen Trimble, Robert Lucas, Duncan McArthur and William 
Allen, are names that will ever be remembered as among Ohio's greatest 
men. This valley is also the birth-place of ex-President R. B. Hayes, 
Gens. William H. Rosecrans, Irvin McDowell and others, whose names are 
among the brightest in the pages of local history. 

While the same general characteristics underly the early settlers of the 
valleys of the Scioto, Miami and Muskingum Rivers, yet each had its local 



270 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

heroes and adventurers. The men who first tried the wilderness were poor, 
hardy, strong, and hospitable. Their strength made them self-reliant, and 
their poverty never closed the cabin door. They were fitted by nature to 
build up a new country, and, restless under the conservative influences of 
old and well-established communities, fled from what men call the luxuries 
and security of civilized life, to try the dangers and discomforts of the wil- 
derness. If the motives were inquired into why the change was made, 
which not only insured unusual hardships and disappointments, but too fre- 
quently was attended with all the barbarities of savage warfare, the answer 
would doubtless be, to promote their success in life ; but underneath and 
beyond this was the love of forest life, the freedom from conventional 
restraint ; the hunter's paradise. Accustomed to look discomfort and dan- 
ger in the face, the earliest settlers soon learned to regard them as matters 
not worthy of anxious thought. Their wants were few and easily supplied, 
but daily labor became necessary for daily sustenance. These pioneers of 
civilization and their immediate descendants braved the dangers of a com- 
paratively unknown region, and endured the toils and trials unavoidably 
incident to a country totally without improvements. The present genera- 
tion knows little or nothing of what it cost in time, in patient endurance, 
and in deprivation of every comfort, to change the wilderness into a fruitful 
field, and to lay broad and sure the foundations of the prosperity that 
crowns the State of Ohio to-day. 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 271 



CHAPTER IV. 



PIONEERS PRIOR TO 1800 — JONATHAN ALDER— BENJAMIN SPRINGER — USUAL 
OSBORN— JAMES AND JOSHUA EWING— DAVID MITCHELL— OTHER SET- 
TLERS— MICHAEL JOHNSON— WILLIAM LAPIN— JAMES AND WILL- 
IAM HEWEY — DAVID MARTIN — WILLIAM ALKIRE. 

REACHING back one hundred years, where certain records of history 
" fade away in the twilight and charm of tradition," we gather up the 
marvelous growth of civilization in the New World. The past century is rich 
in the romance of American history, and progress has reigned with imperial 
power. Here barbarism was driven back still farther into its native forests, 
where through all the ages it has had its securest home, and the inseparable 
twins, Christianity and civilization, bearing the ax of time, have cloven along 
its retiring footsteps, room for a better, purer and holier life, in all of which 
we may be able to read the inevitable decree of an overruling Providence. 
In order to bring us closer, if possible, to the condition of things as they 
once existed here, and to aid in paying just tribute to those brave men who 
fought here, or who but little later were the avant couriers of this present 
peaceful and happy county, let us speak in the words of one of Ohio's poet 
sons : 

" The mighty oak, proud monarch of the wood, 
Upon these hills in stately grandeur stood. 
Along these vales did ferocious panthers prowl, 
And oft was heard the fierce wolf's frightful howl ; 
But all these savage beasts have passed away, 

And the wild Indians, too — where are they ? ' 

They have disappeaeed — most of these tribes are gone, 
Like the night's dark shades before the rising dawn. 
Can we forget that brave and hardy band 
Who made their homes first in this Western land ? 
Their names should be enrolled on history's page, 
To be preserved by each succeeding age ; 
They were the fathers of the mighty West ; 
Their arduous labors Heaven above has blessed ; 
Before them fell the forest of the plain, 
And peace and plenty followed in the train." 

JONATHAN ALDER. 

About forty years ago, Jonathan Alder dictated to his son Henry the 
eventful story of his life, which the latter wrote out in full. It contained about 
one hundred pages of manuscript, and was loaned to Henry Howe, in the 
preparation of his history of Ohio, who made copious extracts therefrom. It 
is not now known whether or not Howe ever returned this manuscript, but 
if he did, some other man borrowed it soon after, and it has never since been 
seen by the family. In subsequent years, Henry Alder prepared a second 
manuscript from memory, also using the extracts printed in Howe's history. 
These accounts conflict in some cases, and wherever they do, we have given 
the preference to the original account prepared during the lifetime of Mr. 
Alder. We have also obtained additional facts from his descendants, and 
old settlers who knew him well and give them in the general story of his life. 



272 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Jonathan Alder was born in New Jersey, about eight mile3 from Phila- 
delphia, September 17, 1773. His parents were Bartholomew and Hannah 
Alder, and the father had been twice married. Of the first marriage one 
son, John, was the issue, while the second family were David, Jonathan, 
Mark and Paul. When our subject was about seven years of age, his par- 
ents removed to Wythe County, Va., where his father died soon afterward. 
They resided near the lead mines in that county, and owned a small farm of 
very poor land. In March, 1782, Jonathan was sent, with his brother 
David, to hunt up a mare and colt that had been missing for several days. 
They found the animals, and, while in the act of assisting the colt to rise, it 
having eaten a poisonous weed and taken sick, David discovered a band of 
savages in close proximity, and with the cry, " Indians," darted off, closely 
pursued. Jonathan was so frightened that he made no effort to escape, and 
when one of the Indians, upon reaching him, held out his hand, he took hold 
of it without a murmur. The band consisted of about half a dozen Indians 
and a white prisoner, who had been with them for years. " At length," 
says Alder," " I saw them returning, leading my brother, while one was 
holding the handle of a spear that he had thrown at him and run into his 
body. As they approached, one of them stepped up and grasped him around 
the body while another pulled out the spear. I observed some flesh on the 
end of it which looked white, which I supposed came from his entrails. I 
moved to him and inquired if he was hurt, and he replied that he was ; these 
were the last words that passed between us ; at that moment he turned pale 
and began to sink, and I was hurried on, and shortly after, saw one of the 
barbarous wretches coming up with the scalp of my brother in his hand, 
shaking off the blood." 

In the same neighborhood lived a Mr. Martin, wife and two children. 
The Indians shot Martin, in the timber where he was chopping, and going 
to his cabin, killed the youngest babe, and took prisoners Mrs. Martin and 
her two-year-old child. Finding the child of Mrs. Martin burdensome, they 
soon killed and scalped it ; the last member of her family was now destroyed, 
and she screamed in agony of grief; upon this one of the Indians caught her 
by the hair, and drawing the edge of his knife across her forehead cried, 
" Sculp ! sculp !" with the hope of stilling her cries, but, indifferent to life, 
she continued her screams, when they procured some switches, and whipped 
her until she was silent. The next day, young Alder having not risen, 
through fatigue and want of food, at the moment the word was given, saw, as 
his face was to the north, the shadow of a man's arm with an uplifted toma- 
hawk ; he turned, and there stood an Indian, ready for the fatal blow ; upon 
this he let down his. arm and commenced feeling his head ; he afterward told 
Alder it had been his intention to have killed him, but as he turned he looked 
so smiling and pleasant that he could not strike, and, on feeling his head, 
and noticing that his hair was black, the thought struck him that if lie could 
only get him to his tribe, he would make a good Indian, but all that saved 
him was the color of his hair. The band traveled rapidly across the country, 
and on the seventh day came to Big Sandy, where they made three bark 
canoes and floated down that stream to the Ohio, which they immediately 
crossed to the north bank, and then destroyed their canoes. About two 
weeks had passed away ere they reached the soil of Ohio, where the Indians 
felt safe from pursuit, and allowed their prisoners more liberty. Traveling 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 273 

at leisure through the beautiful forests and prairies, they at last came to the 
site of Chillicothe, Ross County, where they found an Indian camp, the 
squaws and larger children engaged in making salt. Thence they went to 
the Pickaway plains and spent some time in hunting. Here they crossed 
the Scioto River, and traveled in a northwest direction between Big Darby 
and the North Fork of Paint Creek, in the vicinity of Deer Creek. Halting 
near the site of London, they passed most of the summer hunting in what is 
now Madison County, principally on the Darby plains, where all sorts of 
game was abundant. They camped for a time near the present location of 
Plain City ; thence followed the Indian trace, which started from the salt 
lick, near Chillicothe; thence up the Scioto to the mouth of Big Darby ; 
thence up that stream to the head-waters of the Scioto, and on to Upper 
Sandusky. While on this trip, Jonathan made a foolish attempt to escape, 
by hiding in a hollow log, but it proved a failure, and he then became re- 
signed to his fate. 

The village to which Alder was taken belonged to the Mingo tribe, 
and was on the north side of Mad River, which, we should judge, was some- 
where within or near the limits of what is now Logan County. As he en- 
tered he was obliged to run the gantlet formed by young children, with 
switches. He passed through this ordeal with little or no injury, and was 
adopted into an Indian family. His Indian mother thoroughly washed him 
with soap and warm water with herbs in it, previous to dressing him in the In- 
dian costume, consisting of a calico shirt, breechclout, leggins and mocca- 
sins. The family having thus converted him into an Indian, were much 
pleased with their new member ; but Jonathan was at first very homesick, 
thinking of his mother and brothers. Everything was strange about him; 
he was unable to speak a word of their language, their foo 1 diagreed with 
him, and, child-like, he used to go out daily for more than a month and sit 
under a large walnut tree near the village, and cry for hours at a time over 
his deplorable situation. His Indian father was a chief of the Mingo tribe, 
named Succohanos, his Indian mother was named Winecheoh, and their 
daughters respectively answered to the good old English names of Mary, 
Hannah and Sally. Succohanos and Winecheoh were old people and had 
lost a son, in whose place they had adopted Jonathan. They took pity on 
the little fellow, and did their best to comfort him, telling him that ho would 
one day be restored to his mother and brothers. He says of them, " they 
could not have used their own son better, for which they shall always be 
held in the most grateful remembrance." Mrs. Martin was parted from 
him on the second day after reaching the Mingo towns, and he did not see 
her again for two years, when they met at the '* salt-works" (in Jackson 
County), where she told him of her woes and each sympathized with the 
other. Soon afterward, she was exchanged ami he never saw her more. 
Some time after his adoption, Simon Girty made his appearance in the vil- 
lage and offered to buy him, take him to Canada and teach him a trade; 
but the name of the English was more abhorrent to him at that time than 
the Indians, so he concluded to stay where he was. At the close of his sec- 
ond winter among the Indians, a white trader from Kentucky, with an In- 
dian wife, made his appearance for the purpose of exchanging pri-oners. 
Jonathan was informed of the circumstance and was delighted with the pros- 
pect of soon again seeing his mother and brothers ; but his Indian boy com- 



274 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

panions, who had become much attached to him, told him terrible stories as 
to his future if he went with the white trader, hoping thereby to induce him 
to remain with them. His Indian father always told Jonathan that 
these tales were false. A few days prior to the time he was to start 
for Virginia, Succohanos took him to the agency, which was ten miles dis- 
tant. The parting from his Indian friends was very affecting, for they all 
loved him well and wept bitterly over his departure. The same hour of his 
arrival at the agency, the agent, who was a rough man, began to abuse him. 
Jonathan resisted, and the trader's squaw came to the boy's assistance. 
This brought on a big quarrel, during which Jonathan " struck out" to over- 
take his Indian father, in which he was successful. He was joyfully received 
back by Winecheoh, as well as the entire youth of the village, the latter of 
whom made him the butt of their friendly jokes on account of his short stay 
with the agent, whose treatment completely weaned him of any lingering 
desire to return to his early home. , 

His Indian sisters were all married. Mary was the wife of the Shaw- 
nee chief John Lewis ; Hannah married Isaac Zane, the half-breed, and 
Sally became the wife of an ordinary Indian. Jonathan went to live with 
the latter as a nurse, and she was very cruel to him, abusing and whipping 
the boy without any provocation, and treating him " like a slave." After 
two years had passed in this way, one of his playmates told Winecheoh, who 
immediately took him away from her cross daughter, telling him, over and 
over, how sorry she was that he had suffered so much cruelty. He subse- 
quently went to live with Chief Lewis, who had no children. " In the fall 
of the year," says he, u the Indians would generally collect at our camp in 
the evenings to talk over their hunting expeditions, and I would sit up to 
listen to their stories, and frequently fell asleep just where I was sitting ; 
after they left, Mary would fix my bed, and, with Col. Lewis, carefully take 
me up and carry me to it. On these occasions, they would often say, sup- 
posing me to be asleep, ' Poor fellow, we have sat up too long for him, 
and he has fallen asleep on the cold ground,' and then how softly they would 
lay me down and cover me up. Oh ! never have I, nor can I, express the 
affection I had for these two persons." 

Jonathan, with other boys, Avent into Mad River to bathe, and on one 
occasion came near drowning ; he was taken out senseless, and some time 
elapsed before he recovered. He says : " I remember, after I got over my 
strangle, I became very sleepy, and thought I could draw my breath as well 
as ever ; being overcome with drowsiness, I laid down to sleep, which was the 
last I remembered. The act of drowning is nothing, but the coming to life 
is distressing. The boys, after they had brought me to, gave me a silver 
buckle, as an inducement not to tell the old folks of the occurrence, for fear 
they would not let me come with them again, and so the affair was kept 
secret." 

When Alder had learned to speak the Indian language, he became more 
contented. He says: "I would have lived very happy if I could have had 
good health, but for three or four years I was subject to very severe attacks 
of fever and ague. Their diet went very hard with rac for a long time. 
Their chief living was meat and hominy ; but we rarely had bread, and 
very little salt, which was extremely scarce and dear, as well as milk and 
butter. Honey and sugar were plentiful, and used a great deal in their 



h 

/'*' 




nnrrtoC£a^ct£*^ 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 277 

cooking, as well as on their food." He lived with Chief Lewis until thirteen 
years of age, when Succohanos took him home, saying, that it was time for 
Jonathan to be doing something for himself, that he would not have to work, 
but must be a brave man and a great hunter. The English gave his Indian 
father, annually, a keg of powder and a keg of musket-bullets, so giving 
the boy an old English musket, with plenty of ammunition, he said, " Now 
start and kill any game you see; it makes no difference what it is, so it is 
game." He used to follow along the water courses, where mud turtles were 
plenty, and commenced his first essay upon them. He generally aimed 
under them as they lay basking on the rocks, and when he struck the stone, 
they flew sometimes several feet in the air, which afforded great sport for 
the youthful marksman. Success attended his efforts in killing the smaller 
game with which the forest abounded, but when he brought home a fine, fat 
turkey, he would receive high praise for his skill, the Indians telling him he 
would be "a great hunter one of these days." His first great feat was the 
killing of a large buck deer, when a big feast was celebrated over the victory, 
none being so proud of his prowess as his good old Indian mother. He says: 
"Between Col. Lewis, Isaac Zane, Sally's husband, and my father, it was 
sometimes a tussle between whose knees I should sit and tell over my great 
deed of killing the deer. I really think I told it fifty times that evening." 
The next spring his father gave him a new rifle, and his whole business was 
to hunt. He soon was second to no Indian youth in the camp, finally be- 
coming the hope and support of his Indian parents. 

In 1786, Alder was living in the vicinity of the Mackacheek villages, 
when they were attacked and destroyed by Gen. Logan. He says that the 
news of the approach of the Kentuckians was communicated to the Indians 
by a deserter, but as Logan arrived sooner than expected the surprise was 
complete. Early one morning, an Indian runner came to the village where 
Alder lived, and gave the information that Mackacheek had been destroyed, 
and the "Long-Knives" were approaching. The people of the village who 
were principally aged men, squaws and children, retreated for two days, 
until they arrived on the head-waters of the Scioto River, where they suf- 
fered much for want of food. There was not a man among them capable of 
hunting, and they were compelled to subsist on papaws, muscles and craw- 
fish. In about eight days, they returned to Zane's town, and thence to Hog 
Creek, where they spent the winter of 1786-87. Their principal living, at 
that place, was "raccoons, and that with little or no salt, without a single 
bite of bread, hominy or sweet corn." In the spring, they moved back to 
their village, where nothing remained but the ashes of their dwellings, and 
their corn burnt to charcoal. They stayed here during the sugar season, 
and then removed to Blanchard's Fork, so as to be more secure from the 
whites, where, being obliged to clear the land, they were enabled to raise 
but a scanty crop of corn. They fared hard throughout the summer, but 
managed to sustain life by "eating a kind of wild potato, and poor raccoons 
that had been suckled down so poor that dogs would hardly eat them," and, 
Alder says, "for fear of losing a little, they threw them on the fire, singed 
the hair oft", and ate skin and all." When the crop was in and cabins built, the 
men scattered out to hunt, coming as far south as Madison County, where 
game of all sorts was plentiful, and whence they supplied their winter stock 
to overflowing. Alder made periodical trips with the Indians to the salt 



278 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

springs, and usually came through this region of country, hunting along 
the Darbys, Deer Creek, Paint Creek and their tributaries. They had, he 
says, favorite camping places on Oak Run and Paint Creek, south of the 
site of London, also north of London, on the head-waters of Deer Creek, 
and near the junction of Spring Fork with Little Darby. Some time was 
usually spent in making salt, as boiling the water in small kettles, which were 
brought along for that purpose, proved a very slow process of manufacture. 
All hands worked, excepting a few good hunters who supplied the camp with 
food. During one of these trips, while a number of the party were hunting 
a bear, Alder got severely injured. He had climbed a tree to assist in driv- 
ing bruin from his perch, when the tree broke off and precipitated him to 
the ground. His comrades thought he was killed, but although he finally 
recovered, it was several months ere he could stir around, or regained his 
former strength. 

In the spring of 1790, Alder went with a party of Indians into 
Kentucky to steal horses, " in retaliation for the destruction of our towns 
and property." Starting from the vicinity of the old Mackacheek villages, 
they passed through what is now Logan, Union, Madison, Pickaway and 
Ross Counties, stopping on the Pickaway plains to hunt, and taking their 
leisure as Indians always do. They reached the Ohio River, near the site of 
Portsmouth, made bark canoes and crossed to the Kentucky shore. Alder 
says : " This was the first time I had seen the Ohio River since I crossed 
it a prisoner." They secured thirty-two horses, young and old, says Alder. 
" I had a mare, one yearling colt and one two-year-old colt." The animals 
were made to swim the Ohio, and the Indians did likewise. Alder says : 
" I swam it with ease, it seemed as if I hardly wet my back." The whole 
band returned by the same route through Ohio, arriving home in safety. In 
speaking of his Indian parents, he says : " They thought it was a great feat 
for me to swim the great Ohio River. They seemed to set a high 
value on the horses, not because they were valuable, but because they 
had a son who could venture out so far, and be so successful in stealing 
horses, and get back with his property safe." Two years later, he made 
a second trip to Kentucky for the same purpose, but the band was 
discovered and narrowly escaped capture. They resolved, during the 
pursuit, to murder a family whose cabin lay in their route back to 
the Ohio, and waited until midnight, about a mile from their intended 
victims. On starting for the house they were unable to find the path lead- 
ing thereto, and though close to the cabin, did not discover it on account of 
the extreme darkness of the night, and, looking upon their failure as a mani- 
festation of the displeasure of the Great Spirit, gave up the cruel intention. 
On coming to a second cabin, however, they determined to gratify their 
savage desire for blood, but fortunately found the house deserted. Alder 
says that he felt thankful then and ever afterward, that there were no lives 
taken during these trips. Another excursion subsequently was made into 
Kentucky, but it also proved a failure, as the people were on the alert for 
these thieving pests. 

Alder speaks of meeting John Brickell with a band of Delawares, who 
visited their camps on the Maumee, coming from the villages, where Colum- 
bus now stands. He also knew Jeremiah Armstrong very well who lived 
with the Wyandots at the same place, both being prisoners with the Indians. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 279 

During this time Winecheoh died, aged about eighty years, and soon after- 
ward Alder went with Succohanos to the salt springs. The old man was 
very feeble, and desired Jonathan to go to Upper Sandusky and get him 
some tobacco, but upon his return he found that Succohanos was dead and 
buried. He says : " I was now left alone, no one to care for me. I had lost 
a kind father and mother, and man as I was, I missed them both very much." 
He soon afterward began to pay his attention to an Indian widow named Bar- 
shaw, who was a sister of Big Turtle, and somewhat older than Alder. He 
concluded to find a good hunting ground for the fall, and the Darby plains 
was chosen. Starting from Upper Sandusky for this point, he pitched his 
tent near a spring, where Plain City now stands. His season proved a suc- 
cessful one, and selling his peltries to a trader, who was living at the Indian 
villages where Columbus now is, he returned to Sandusky late in the fall. 
During the winter he continued to pay his addresses to Barshaw, and early 
the following spring again came to this portion of the territory, locating his 
tent on Paint Creek, south of the site of London, where he hunted deer and 
trapped the valuable beaver and otter with gratifying success. Throughout 
that summer and succeeding winter, his camp was on Big Darby, on the 
farm subsequently owned by Knowlton Bailey, and here he remained hunting 
and trapping until Indian runners brought the news of the invasion of 
Wayne's army. All of the Indians were ordered north to join their brethren 
in the coming struggle. The Indians told Alder it was going to be an easy 
victory over Wayne, and that the spoils would be rich and plenty, which 
inducements proved too strong a temptation for him to remain away. He 
says : " They told me if I did not wish to fight, I need not do so. I stud- 
ied over it for some time, and thought I might as well have some of the good 
things he had as any one, so when the army got ready to move I went along." 
The Indians attacked Fort Recovery June 30, 1794, and were repulsed. 
A number of riderless horses, belonging to the mounted force outside the 
fort, first attacked by the Indians, were galloping madly around, and Alder 
exerted himself without success, to capture one of the animals. He states 
that Simom Girty and the McKees, father and son, were in the fight, and 
that Thomas McKee killed Capt. Hartshorn of the American forces. 
Speaking of the battle, Alder says : " In the morning when we arose, an 
old Indian addressed us, saying, ' We went out last night to take the fort 
by surprise, and lost several of our men killed and wounded. There is one 
wounded man lying near the fort, who must be brought away, for it would 
be an eternal shame and scandal to the tribe to allow him to fall into the 
hands of the whites to be massacred. I wish to known who will volunteer 
to go and bring him away.' ' Big Turtle,' who knew where he lay, answered 
that he would go ; but as no one else volunteered, the old Indian pointed out 
several of us successively, myself among the number, saying, that we must 
accompany Big Turtle. Upon this, we rose up without a word, and started. 
As soon as we came into the edge of the cleared ground, those in the fort 
began shooting at us. We then ran crooked from one tree to another, the 
bullets in the meanwhile flying about us like hail. At length, while stand- 
ing behind a big tree, Big Turtle ordered us not to stop any more, but run 
in a straight line, as we were only giving them time to load, that those fore- 
most in going should have the liberty of first returning. He then pointed 
out the wounded man, and we started in a straight line, through a shower 



280 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of bullets. When we reached him, we were within sixty yards of the fort. 
We all seized him and retreated for our lives, first dodging from one side 
and then to the other, until out of danger. None of us were wounded but 
Big Turtle ; a ball grazed his thigh, and a number of bullets passed through 
his hunting shirt that hung loose. When we picked up the wounded man, 
his shirt flew open, and I saw that he was shot in the belly. It was green 
all around the bullet hole, and I concluded we were risking our lives for a 
dead man." Alder says that he did not take any active part in this fight, 
and when told by an Indian to shoot at the holes in the fort, replied, " I do 
not want to shoot," and was then advised to get out of the battle if he did 
not want to do any fighting. 

After the attack on Fort Recovery, the Indians lingered in the vicinity 
for several days, finally retreating to Defiance. Alder says: "We remained 
here (Defiance) about two weeks, until we heard of the approach of Wayne, 
when we packed up our goods and started for the old English fort at the 
Maumee Rapids. Here we prepared ourselves for battle, and sent the 
women and children down about three miles below the fort ; and as I did 
not wish to fight they sent me to Sandusky to inform some Wyandots there 
of the great battle that was about to take place. I remained at Sandusky 
until the battle was over. The Indians did not wait more than three or 
four days, before Wayne made his appearance at the head of a long prairie 
on the river, where he halted, and waited for an opportunity to suit him- 
self. Now the Indians are very curious about fighting; for when they know 
they are going into battle, they will not eat anything just previous. They 
say that if a man is shot in the body when he is entirely empty there is not 
half as much danger of the ball passing through his bowels as when they 
are full. So they started the first morning without eating anything, and, 
moving up to the end of the prairie, ranged themselves in order of battle at 
the edge of the timber. There they waited all day without any food, and 
at night returned and partook of their suppers. The second morning they 
again placed themselves in the same position, and again returned at night 
and supped. By this time they had begun to get weak from eating only 
once a day, and concluded they would eat breakfast before they again started. 
So the next morning they began to cook and eat. Some were eating, and 
others who had finished had moved forward to their stations, when Wayne's 
army was seen approaching. As soon as they were within gunshot the 
Indians began firing upon them; but Wayne, making no halt, rushed on, 
regardless of danger. Only a small part of the Indians being on the 
ground, they were obliged to give back, and, finding Wayne too strong for 
them, attempted to retreat. Those who were on the way heard the noise, 
and hurried to their assistance. So some were running from and others to 
the battle, which created great confusion. In the meantime, the light-horse 
had gone entirely round and came in upon their rear, blowing their horns 
and closing in upon them. The Indians now found that they were com- 
pletely surrounded, and all that could made their escape, ami the balance 
•were all killed, which was no small number. Among these last, with one 
or two exceptions, were all the Wyandots that lived at Sandusky at the 
time I went to inform them of the expected battle. The main body of the 
Indians were hack nearly two miles from the battle-ground, and Wayne had 
taken them by surprise and made such slaughter among them that they 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 281 

-were entirely discouraged, and made the best of their way to their respect- 
ive homes." 

Alder remained with the Indians until after Wayne's treaty, in 1795. 
He was urged by them to be present on the occasion, to obtain a reservation 
of land which was to be given to each of the prisoners, but ignorant of its 
importance, he neglected going and lost the land. Peace having been 
restored, Alder says : " I could now lie down without fear, and rise up and 
shake hands with both the Indian and the white man. As soon as that 
treaty was confirmed, I concluded my arrangements with Barshaw, and Ave 
were married in due form, according to the Indian custom. We immedi- 
ately made arrangements to move to the Darby, as that was then the best 
hunting ground in the West. We got a brood mare for each of us, packed 
up our goods and started for Big Darby, or Crawfish Creek, as it was then 
called. We stopped a little below where Pleasant Valley now is, and there 
commenced life in good earnest. Our cabin was built on what is since 
known as the Jeremiah Dominy farm, precisely where he built his house 
afterward. There was a fine spring of water but a few steps from the 
cabin." The Dominy farm is on the east bank of Big Darby, about one 
mile southeast of Plain City, and here, in the fall of 1795, was living the 
first white settler of Madison County. During the following winter, while 
Alder was out hunting, he discovered two white men who were lost in the 
forest, and they were the first he had seen in that region of country. Al- 
though not able to speak English, he took the strangers to his cabin, fed 
them and put them on the trace to Sandusky, showing them all the kind- 
ness in his power. He subsequently removed to the site of Plain City, on 
the west bank of the stream, and there was found by Benjamin Springer 
and Usual Osborn, in 1796, who settled on Big Darby, on land now owned 
by John Taylor, near the north line of Canaan Township. The summer 
after the treaty, while living on Big Darby. Lucas Sullivant made his ap- 
pearance in that region surveying land, and soon became on terms of inti- 
macy with Alder, who related to him a history of his life, and Sullivant 
generously gave him the piece of land on which he dwelt ; but there being 
some little difficulty about the title, Alder did not contest, and subsequently 
lost it. According to Mrs. Sarah Norton, an early settler yet living, who 
is the daughter of Daniel Taylor, deceased, Barshaw had two children when 
Alder took her for his wife, viz., Sarah and John. Mrs. Norton says that 
she often played with them ere Alder and his wife parted. She also says 
that the squaw thought a great deal of Jonathan, and was afraid that he 
would leave her and marry a white woman, which fears were subsequently 
realized. During his stay with Barshaw, she bore him two children, both 
of whom died in infancy, and this they believed was a manifestation of dis- 
pleasure by the Great Spirit at the intermarriage of the two races. This, 
with other causes, finally led to a separation. Usual Osborn and Benjamin 
Springer taught Alder to speak English, which tongue he had quite forgot- 
ten. He learned very rapidly, so that he soon was the recognized inter- 
preter between the whites and Indians. He was now becoming civilized, 
and began to farm like the whites. He kept hogs, cows and horses, sold 
milk and butter to the Indians, horses and pork to the whites, and accu- 
mulated property. He soon was able to hire white laborers, and being dis- 
satisfied with his squaw, a cross, peevish woman, wished to put her aside, 



282 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

get a wife from among the settlers, and live like them. Thoughts, too, of 
his mother and brothers began to obtrude, and the more he reflected, his 
desire strengthened to know if they were living and to see them once more. 
He made inquiries for them, but was at a loss to know how to begin, being 
ignorant of the name of even the State in which they were residing. 

About this time he entered into a hunting partnership with John Moore, 
who afterward was one of the officials of Madison County for many years, 
and a leading merchant of London. Losing the land near Plain City, ho 
removed farther down the stream and built a cabin east of where Foster's 
Chapel now stands, in Jefferson Township, close to the west bank of Big 
Darby, on the land now owned by R. C. Stuckey. When talking one day 
with Moore, the latter began to question him where he was from. Alder re- 
plied that he was taken prisoner somewhere near a place called Greenbrier, 
and that his people lived by a lead mine, to which he frequently went 
to see the hands dig ore. Moore then asked him if he could recollect the 
names of any of his neighbors ; after a little reflection he replied, " Yes, a 
family of Gulions that lived close by us." Upon this Moore dropped his 
head, as if in thought, and muttered to himself, " Gulions ! Gulions !" and 
then raising up replied, " My father and myself were out in that country, 
and we stopped at their house over one night, and if your people are living, 
I can find them." Mr. Moore, after this, went to Wythe County and in- 
quired for the family of Alder, but without success, as they had removed 
from their former residence. He put up advertisements in various 
places, stating the facts and where Alder was to be found, and then re- 
turned. Alder now abandoned all hopes of finding his family, supposing 
them to be dead. Some time after, he and Moore were at Franklinton, 
when he was informed there was a letter for him in the post office. It was 
from his brother Paul, stating that one of the advertisements was put up 
within six miles of him, and that he got it the next day. It contained the 
joyful news that his mother and brothers were living. Alder, in making 
preparations to start for Virginia, agreed to separate from his Indian wife, 
divide the property equally, and take and leave her with her own people at 
Sandusky. But some difficulty occurred in satisfying her ; he gave her all 
the cows, fourteen in number, worth $20 each, seven horses and much other 
property, reserving to himself only two horses and the swine. Besides these 
was a small box, about six inches long, four wide, and four deep, filled with 
silver amounting probably to about $200, which he intended to take to 
make an equal division. But to this she objected, saying the box was hers 
before marriage and she would not only have it, but all that it contained. 
Alder says : " I saw I could not get it without making a fuss, and probably 
having a fight, and told her that if she would promise never to trouble or 
come back to me, she might have it, to which she agreed." Barshaw did 
not keep this promise, however, but annoyed him considerably in a number 
of cases. "Once," he says, "she was returning from the salt works to 
Sandusky, and finding no one at home she stuck her butcher knife through 
the bottom of one of my tin cups three times, and cut to pieces a silver- 
mounted bridle of mine that cost me $13." At other visits she destroyed 
whatever she could find in the cabin, and Mrs. Norton says that she threat- 
ened to kill his white wife if she ever found her alone. Thus she displayed 
her jealous and venomous character by seeking revenge on the innocent. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 283 

Every two yeai's, however, Alder went to see his Indian friends, but never 
visited his former wife. 

In November, 180-4, he started for Virginia, and John Moore accom- 
panied him to his brother's house, as he was unaccustomed to travel among 
the whites. They arrived there, on horseback, at noon on the Sunday after 
New Year's, 1805. They walked up to the house and requested to have 
their horses fed, and, pretending they were strangers, inquired who lived 
there. " I had concluded," says Alder, "not to make myself known for 
some time, and eyed my brother very close, but did not recollect his feat- 
ures. I had always thought that I should have recognized my mother by a 
mole on her face; in the corner sat an old lady who, I supposed was her, 
although I could not tell, for when I was taken by the Indians her head 
was as black as a crow and now it was almost perfectly white. Two young 
women were present who eyed me very close, and I heard one of them 
whisper to the other, ' he looks very much like Mark ' (my brother). I 
saw they were about to discover me, and accordingly turned my chair 
around to my brother and said, ' You say that your name is Alder?' ' Yes,' 
he replied, ' my name is Paul Alder.' 'Well,' I rejoined, 'my name is 
Alder, too.' Now it is hardly necessary to describe our feelings at that 
time, but they were different from those I had when taken prisoner, and 
saw the Indian coming with my brother's scalp in his hand, shaking off the 
blood. When I told my brother that my name was Alder, he rose to shake 
hands with me, so everjoyed that he could scarcely utter a word, and my 
old mother ran, threw her arms around me, while tears rolled down her 
cheeks. The first words she spoke, after she grasped me in her arms, were, 
'How you have grown,' and then she told me of a dream she had. Says 
she, ' I dreamed that you had come to see me, and that you was a little 
ornary looking fellow, and I would not own you for my son ; but now I 
find I was mistaken, that it is entirely the reverse, and I am proud to own 
you for my son.' I told her I could remind her of a few circumstances 
that she would recollect, that took place before I was made captive. I then 
related various things, among which was that the negroes, on passing our 
house on Saturday evening, to spend Sunday with their wives, would beg 
pumpkins of her, and get her to roast them for them again their return on 
Monday morning. She recollected these circumstances, and said she had 
now no doubt of my being her son. We passed the balance of the day in 
agreeable conversation, and I related to them the history of my captivity, 
my fears and doubts, of my grief and misery the first year after I was taken. 
My brothers at this time were all married, and Mark and John had moved 
from there. They were sent for, and came to see me; but my half-brother John 
had moved so far that I never got to see him at all." He told them of 
David's death, pointing out the spot where he was killed; visited the old 
homestead, the scene of his capture, and went with his friends to the place 
where he spent the first night with the Indians. They related to him, that 
about a year afterward, David's bones were found and buried. His mother 
had married during his long absence, and one of the young women, whom he 
had first seen in the house, was his half-sister. 

He says : " I had intended to come back the next fall, but my mother 
and brother Paul got very anxious to come out with me, and so they told 
me they would sell their land and go with me. I agreed to this and stayed 



284 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

another year. While roving around among their friends and neighbors, all 
of whom were glad to see me and hear my history, I fell in company with 
Mary Blont, and as she was a rather handsome girl, I fell in love with her, 
and proposed to marry her and take her back with me. She readily con- 
sented to my proposition, and we were married in the winter of 1806. In 
the meantime, my half-sister had married a Mr. Henry Smith, and they 
came to the conclusion to come to Ohio with us. Early in the spring of 
1806, we all commenced to. make preparations for the long and weary jour- 
ney. We bought one large wagon and harnessed six fine horses to it, and 
started out in the latter part of August, 1806." After a journey of eight 
weeks' duration, they arrived safely at the cabin previously erected by Alder 
and John Moore, east of the site of Foster Chapal. His intention was to 
buy this land, but during his absence to Virginia, Rev. Lewis Foster, a 
Methodist preacher, came out to look up a location, and finding this land 
with a house already built to which no one laid claim, he went to Chilli- 
cothe, and purchased the whole tract of 1,000 acres. Alder was living in 
the cabin about two months, when Mr. Foster's son notified him that his 
father had bought the land, and thus, through his ignorance of the white 
man's laws, he again lost the site of his intended home. He then went to 
Franklinton, and purchased, from Lucas Sullivant, the adjoining tract on 
the north, which is now in the southeast corner of Canaan Township, and 
bordering on Big Darby. With the assistance of his brother Paul, his 
brother-in-law Smith, and a few other friends, he soon had a good cabin 
erected, and was living in it inside of eight days from the time they began 
the work. In later years, he expressed a desire that this cabin should be 
preserved by his descendants as long as it would last, and it is yet standing 
in good repair. His brother and brother-in-law subsequently bought land 
on Three-Mile Run not far from his purchase, built cabins, and in a short 
time the little settlement was comfortably quartered. The Indians occasion- 
ally came to the neighborhood and usually camped in the vicinity of Alder's 
cabin, as they looked upon him as one of themselves. He was always very 
kind to them and did much toward keeping them on friendly terms with 
the whites during the exciting period of the war of 1812. They consulted 
him as to the course they should pursue, and through his influence and 
advice, either took up arms for the Americans, or remained neutral. 

Throughout these reminiscences, he often speaks of the Indian charac- 
ter ; tells of their customs, feasts, games, amusements, dances, courtship, 
marriage, superstitions, and other phases of Indian life well known to the 
average student of history. He knew Simon Girt y well, and says he was 
no such fiend as the whites make him out to be. He defends him as to the 
burning of Crawford, saying that as Crawford was captured by the Dela- 
wares, and Girty belonged to the Mingoes, he had no right tQ interfere, and 
no power to save him. He takes Girty 's side all through ; says that he 
was considered " a true and honest man among the Indians," and that the 
stories of his cruelties were exaggerations. He points with evident pride 
to Girty having saved the life of Simon Kenton, when everything was pre- 
pared to burn him at the stake, and says, " I had it from Kenton's own 
mouth." In speaking of Teeumseli, he says: ;t I was well acquainted with 
him. I sold him a keg of rum one day for a horse ; the horse got sick and 
died, and shortly afterward I told him he ought to give me another horse. 



m 



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<-4MsH4sC/ 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 287 

He said lie had drank the rum up and it was all gone, and he supposed I 
was about as well off as he was. lie said the rum was of no use to either 
of us, and that ho had suffered all the had consequences of drinking it. 
He reasoned that the horse had done me as much good as the rum had done 
him, and perhaps more, but as it was, if I was satisfied we would quit 
square, and so we did." Once, when Alder was present, an Indian was 
boasting of the number of scalps he had taken ; Tecum seh turned upon him 
and called him a low, mean Indian, saving that "Half Lis scalps were those 
of women and children. Said he : " I have killed forty men with my own 
hands in single combat, but never yet have I taken the life of a woman or 
child." Alder says : " This great chief was a man of wonderful intellect, 
brave, fearless, and of pure integrity. He would do nothing but what was 
right, and would submit to nothing that was wrong." He further says : " I 
was very well acquainted with the Prophet, the chief's brother. lie was 
no warrior, but a low, cunning fellow." All through this manuscript he 
sides with the Indians, usually alluding to their prowess, bravery and hon- 
esty. He says : " During my stay with the Indians and until after the great 
victory of Gen. Wayne, we were frequently attacked or disturbed by the 
whites. In fact not a year passed without suffering some loss on our part 
by attacks of the white armies. The fall of the year was generally chosen 
as the time best suited to march against the Indians, for the reason, per- 
haps, that then we had our crop raised and preparations made for winter, 
and if our subsistance was destroyed we would be reduced to a greater 
necessity at that season of the year than at others. Very many bitter, sor- 
rowful and hungry seasons we endured by reason of these difficulties. 
When all was peace, we enjoyed ourselves freely, but these terrible troubles 
were attended by the loss of everything the Indian holds dear on earth. 
Driven from place to place, our favorite hunting ground taken from us, our 
crops destroyed, towns burned, women and children sent off in the dead of 
winter, perhaps to starve, while the warriors stood between them and their 
great enemy — the whites — like a mob only to be shot down. All these 
things engendered animosities and encouraged retaliation. But the whites 
were strong and powerful, the Indians were few and feeble. This state of 
things will account for many if not all the cruelties charged to the Indians. 
I was getting to be an Indian in the true sense of the word, and felt sorely 
on these occasions and acted as they do — revengful and hateful to the race. 
Robbed of their land, their sacred graves desecrated, and the whole race 
driven farther and farther back into the wild forest, from land that the 
whites never could have had any claim to whatever. Even the theory of 
\ purchase was but another pretext to rob. We had no choice left us but to 
sell and take what they chose to give or be driven off and get nothing. 
The price offered was always governed by what it would cost to drive us off, 
and if the latter cost the least it would always be resorted to." 

Jonathan and Mary (Blont) Alder were the parents of the following 
children: Paul (who married Sarah Francis). Mark (died single), Lewis 
(married Catherine Trimble, who died, and he again married a lady 
unknown to us), Henry (married Elizabeth Millikin, and settled on 
the old homestead, where lie resided through lite: his second wife was 
Rebecca Timmons, who survives him ; he held many of the township 
offices, and was County Surveyor from 1841-50, 1850-58, 1865-67 and 



288 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

1871-73 ; he was also County Commissioner in 1851-54), Margaret 
(married a Mr. Frazell), Hannah, William Foster, Rachel, Harvey Gear- 
hart, Eliza, Simon Sager, Ann, a Mr. Jones, Mary, John Warner, 
Angeline, John Betts, while Ruth died unmarried. All of this family 
were well known and much respected. Jonathan Alder's name appears 
among the first juries of Madison County, so that he early began to 
be a useful citizen. He became comfortably well off in this world's goods, 
although not rich by any means. In personal appearance, he says, when 
speaking of the meeting between himself and his mother: "I was a little 
over six feet in height, and as straight as an arrow ever was." His hair and 
eyebrows were as "black as a coal," his complexion dark and swarthy, his 
face large and well formed, denoting strength of character and firmness of 
purpose ; his eyes were bright and piercing, while his whole appearance, 
gait and actions were characteristic of the Indian. This will not be won- 
dered at when we consider the many years he spent among the savages. Old 
settlers who knew him well tell us that " Jonathan Alder was as honest as 
the sun," and his whole life, while living in this county, was characterized 
by the most rigid uprightness and straightforward dealing toward his fellow- 
men. In 1815, his wife's father, Adam Blont, brought his family to the 
settlement, and here most of them died and were buried in the Foster Grave- 
yard. Mr. Alder's mother died in 1817, and was interred in the same 
ground. On the 30th of January, 1848, he, too, passed away, leaving to 
his children an example worthy of the strictest imitation. His remains rest 
beside those of his friends in Foster's Cemetery. His widow survived him 
several years, first removing to Iowa, and thence to Illinois, where, at the 
home of her daughter, Hannah Foster, she died, and was interred in that 
neighborhood. 

BENJAMIN SPRINGER. 

In 1796, Benjamin Springer, with his wife and two sons, Silas and 
Thomas, also his son-in-law, Usual Osborn and wife, settled on Big Darby. 
They were natives of Pennsylvania, and built their cabin on land now 
owned by John Taylor, close to the north line of Canaan Township, and 
just within the limits of the same. Prior to their settlement in this county, 
they had resided a short time in Kentucky, whence they removed to the 
Darby. Howe says that Springer came out in the fall of 1795, built his cabin, 
and, in the spring of 179(5, brought his family. This is a mistake ; he did 
not come until the latter year, according to the reminiscences of Jonathan 
Alder, who says that Springer came to the Darby the year succeeding the 
treaty of Greenville, or the next year after he pitched his camp on the 
Dominy land. As Alder did not come until the fall of 1795, it follows that 
Springer did not come until 1796. Alder gives a brief history of Springer's 
family, and we cannot do better than to quote his narrative. After speaking 
of his settlement, he says : " His family consisted of himself wife and three 
children — Silas, Thomas, and Osborn's wife. He built the first mill on 
Darby. It was situated about a mile below where Pleasant Valley now is. 
It was poorly constructed, and only ran about six months, the first high 
water sweeping the dam away. It was never rebuilt. Springer lived to be 
eighty years old, and died on Darby. The last time I saw him, he came to 
my house in 1825, and took dinner with me. After dinner, we walked out, 
and, at parting, he shook hands with me and said : k This is perhaps the 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 289 

last time we shall see each other alive.' I made light of it, but he said he 
was in earnest, as he did not believe he would live long. He wished to carry 
to my mind the idea that he had some warning that his end was approach- 
ing. It was warm weather in the early fall, and he looked quite hale and 
hearty, but before winter he was dead. 

" I have seen Springer's two boys — Tom and Silas — without shoes at 
Christmas. Tom was a great hunter, and frequently went with me on such 
occasions. One morning we started out early and crossed Little Darby and 
the Spring Fork. Late in the evening, Tom killed a fine buck, and by the 
time it was dressed it was dark. Tom wanted to know what we would do. 
I told him we would have to camp out. and he seemed very well pleased ;it 
the idea. We made a fire and roasted some of our venison for supper. Tom 
was rather industrious, and did most of the drudgery, getting the wood and 
water. Late at night, we began to talk about sleeping. Tom said as he had 
no blanket he would have to sleep with me. I told him that two grown-up 
Indians never slept together ; they are like two male bears, never found in 
the same hole or tree, for if they should happen to get together, they would 
fight, and one or the other would have to leave. 'Well,' said he, 'what 
am I to do ; I have no blanket.' I told him he ought to have thought of 
that before he started, and that he never saw an Indian go out without his 
gun, knife, tomahawk and blanket. 'Well,' said he, 'I do not know 
what I shall do if you will not let me sleep with you.' I told him we 
would fix our beds and he could sleep in his buckskin. I had only been 
teasing him, as the deerskin was, after all, the warmest thing he could sleep 
in. I had looked out an old tree before dark, and so I went and 
got a lot of bark to keep us off the ground. Tom stretched himself 
out, wrapped in his deerskin, and was soon snoring. I woke up in 
the night and found it was snowing very fast, but as Tom was still 
snoring I did not disturb him. When we awoke in the morning there 
was about six inches of snow on the ground. When Tom opened out 
his buckskin to get up, the snow fell on his face and scared him some, for 
he declared that he knew nothing of the snow until he woke up. Taking 
all together, Tom had the better night's rest of the two. We built a fire 
and roasted some of our venison, and then packed the remainder and started 
for home. Tom never got tired telling about that hunting trip. One morn- 
ing, I went out before day coon hunting, a year or so before our deer hunt. 
There was a heavy frost. Just after daylight, I met Silas and Tom Springer. 
Tom was barefooted, and I asked him if his feet were not cold. 'No,' 
said he, 'not much.' How the fellow could stand it and go through such 
a frost and not freeze his feet, I never could understand. After Tom grew 
up to be a man, he went, out West, and I saw no more of him. After Silas 
grew up, he married Margaret Kilgore, a very fine young woman, about 1807. 
She was the daughter of Thomas Kilgore. who was one of the early settlers 
on Big Darby. Silas settled on the farm now owned by Eugene Babb, 
in Jefferson Township. He adhered to the New-Light Church: was an up- 
right citizen, and raised a large family." We have been told by old settlers 
that he died on this farm, but Alder says : " Silas Springer bought a farm 
on Big Darby, which he improved and lived on until the year 1825, when 
he sold out to George Brown and moved West. He was of a religious turn 
of mind and would sometimes preach. After he went West, he joined the 



290 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Mormons, and I then lost sight of him." Which of these accounts is the 
true one we are unable to say, but, doubtless, some of our readers may be 
able to throw sufficient light on the subject to clear away all doubt, and es- 
tablish one or the other as the true story. 

USUAL OSBORN. 

As already mentioned, Usual Osborn was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
son-in-law of Benjamin Springer, with whom he came from Kentucky to 
Madison County in 1796. Alder gives the following sketch of this pioneer, 
which we quote verbatim. He says : " Osborn was a kind-hearted man, 
although he was what was then called ' a regular old bruiser.' Yet he 
would discommode himself to accommodate his neighbors any time. He was 
remarkably strong and muscular, but not quarrelsome ; yet it was by no means 
safe to cross his track. He would fight at the drop of a hat, and I never 
knew him to get whipped. Fist-fighting was a very common thing among 
the early settlers ; especially so was it amongst those who used whisky to 
excess. If they had any difficulty, they would fight it out fist and skull, and 
then make friends over a cup of whisky. ' Might was right ' in those old- 
fashioned days. Osborn was a hard-working man, but a poor planning one, 
and of all poor families, whites or Indians, I have ever seen, I think his was 
the poorest. The first winter they came they had not a sign of a bed to lie 
on. He had a large box, sufficiently large for him and his wife to lie in, 
and in the fall they gathered leaves and filled the box. They had two 
blankets ; one of these they spread over the leaves for a sheet, and the other 
they used to cover with. This constituted their bed for a year or two after 
they came to this country. The children had to shift for themselves. In 
the evening, the two oldest boys would gather a large quantity of prairie hay 
or grass, take it into the house and pile it in a corner, and then the three 
little fellows would crawl under it and sleep until morning ; then gather it 
all up and take it out and give it to the cows. This was the only bed the 
boys had for many, many months. Osborn's wife was one of those worth- 
less kind of women who never do anything when it should be done, and con- 
sequently was always behindhand. There was plenty of everything required 
to make soap, yet Osborn's wife seldom ever made any, and consequently 
was nearly all the time out of soap. I have frequently known her to take 
honey to wash her clothes with. Osborn was a great bee-hunter and always 
had plenty of that article on hand. Honey makes a very good lather, but 
not equal to soap. On very cold days, Mrs. Osborn was in the habit of 
driving her cow into the house to milk her. The whole family was very 
scant of clothing. Osborn himself was one of those hearty pioneer men who 
would go all winter with nothing on his person but a linen pair of trousers, 
a linen shirt, a linen hunting shirt, a pair of moccasins or shoes, and a wool 
hat or coon-skin cap. In fact, I never knew him to be any better dressed 
for years, and not until sheep got plenty did he wear a woolen garment, and 
yet I never heard him complain of being cold. I spoke of his being a hard- 
working man, but I do not mean that he was a steady worker, for he was 
not, but he could do more work in a given time than any two men I ever 
knew. He turned most of his attention to trade and traffic in a small way, 
and of course not very remunerative. Though not quarrelsome, no man 
need spoil for a fight when Osborn was around. There was a man by the 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 291 

name of Chard who had some grudge at Osborn. One day in the winter, 
when Osborn was mending his shirt, Chard came to his house. He told 
Osborn that there was a little difficulty between them and that he had come 
to settle it. 'Very good,' said Osborn, throwing down his shirt and 
springing to his feet. They made a few passes at each other, when Osborn 
clinched Chard and threw him on the fire. A neighbor who happened to 
be present rescued him from his perilous situation before he was much burned. 
No sooner was he out of the fire and on his feet than he took to his heels 
and ran oif as fast as possible, much to the amusement of Osborn and his 
neighbor. That ended the fight for that day. Not many days after, Chard 
made it convenient to pass Osborn's house. He met Osborn on the road 
with a yoke of oxen going for a load of hay. Chard was on horseback, and 
held in his hand a stout cudgel. Said he to Osborn. ' jMow, we are by our- 
selves ; we can settle that little matter of ours.' 'Oh,' said Osborn, ' that 
is what you are at, are you ? ' Chard got off his horse, and while he was 
hitching him, Osborn stepped to one side and bent down a bush and cut it 
off. When Chard turned toward Osborn, he saw him trimming the bush 
with his butcher-knife, and, conscious of the power of the man, he trembled. 
The butcher-knife and cudgel were in Chard's eyes as powerful as the fire, 
and having no desire, as he afterward expressed it, 'to be butchered, 
roasted and eaten,' he sprang to his horse, mounted and put spurs to him to 
make his escape before Osborn could catch him. However, Osborn pursued 
Chard as fast as he could, and as the latter had to pass Osborn's house, 
Osborn ran in and got his gun and fired it off in the air. Osborn said he 
did not want to hurt the ' varmint ' but only to scare him to death." 

Osborn finally bought a small farm on the east bank of Little Darby, 
now in Monroe Township, and the property of Jonah Wood. He farmed 
some and wagoned considerably, supplying the community with salt. He 
kept two or three yoke of oxen. In the fall, he would load with cheese, 
butter, honey and other commodities, take it to Zanesville, sell his load, and 
bring back salt, glass ware and other necessaries. In this way he was a 
useful man and a benefit to the community. Prior to the erection of Mad- 
ison County, and when its territory formed one township of Franklin 
County, we find that Osborn was Collector of Taxes for Darby Township. 
At a session of the Associate Judges of Franklin County held January 7, 
1804, the following record appears : " Usual Osborn having given bond 
with approved security for the collection of the county tax in Darby Town- 
ship, it is ordered that he be appointed Collector of the same." After his 
settlement in Monroe Township, his neighbors soon discovered that he was 
not a man to be trifled with. One winter, hay and feed for stock was 
very scarce, there having been a short crop the previous summer, and con- 
siderable stock was really in a suffering condition. George Fullington had 
a better supply than most of the neighbors, and sold to them till he could 
spare no more, when he gave out word throughout the neighborhood that 
no one could be supplied with hay from his stacks. Osborn owned a pair 
of old oxen and a cow at this time, using the former to haul loads and 
travel around with. His animals becoming very poor and in an almost 
starving condition, he saw he must have hay or they would die. Mr. Full- 
ington would sell no more, so Osborn hitched his oxen to his sled, drove to 
Fullington's hay-stack, and, with the assistance of his son, loaded on all he 



292 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

thought his animals could haul, and ordered the boy to drive home. lie 
immediately walked to Fullington's house, called him out and directed his 
attention toward the stack, whence the owner saw Osbom's son driving 
with a load of hay. He told Fullington that he could not let his cattle 
starve while hay could be found. It is said that Osborn was not very par- 
ticular when out of meat whose hog he shot, and was therefore mixed up in 
a great many law-suits, out of which he usually came victorious. He was 
known as " Gov. Osborn," on account of his aggressiveness and determina- 
tion to always have his own way. If he made a promise, he would always 
keep it. He was married twice. His first wife came with him to the 
county and here died, leaving the following children : Silas, Daniel, 
Thomas, Samuel and David. His second wife was the mother of Isaac, 
Charles and Maria. As the country began to get thickly settled and 
neighbors in every direction, the progress of civilization was disagreeable to 
his frontier education, so he sold out in 1835 and moved West, where 
he expected to find things more in harmony with his feelings. 

JAMES AND JOSHUA EWTNG. 

In 1798, these brothers emigrated from Kentucky to Darby Township 
and settled a short distance northwest of the site of Plain City. They 
bought farms lying on both sides of Big Darby. One reason for making 
their purchases on each side of the stream was that they might have ready 
access to the prairie grazing lands, and at the same time have tillable lands 
on the elevated bottoms along the creek. They supposed, as did many 
others, that the open prairies would afford them pasturage for many years 
to come. In this, however, they were sadly mistaken, and James lived to 
see those prairies owned by many industrious farmers, inclosed with good 
fences, and their surroundings indicative of thrift and prosperity. 

.lames Ewing was financially more favored than most of the pioneers. 
In those early days he was considered "rich," with almost unlimited means 
at his command. He was one of the Directors of the Franklin Bank of 
Franklinton, Ohio, and this connection made him useful to the community 
in which he resided. The borrower of capital, by getting Mr. Ewing's 
recommendation as to the financial safety of the note, could always get 
ready cash. Indeed, it may be said of him that he was more than an 
ordinary bank stock director, for he issued individual notes of small denom- 
inations, which passed readily at their face value in his portion of the 
county. For many years, the only post office in that region of country 
was kept by him for the accommodation of his neighbors, and in connection 
with it he handled dry goods, groceries, notions, etc.. in such quantities as 
would meet the pressing demands of the people. The land which he 
selected was the site of an old Mingo village, hut the Indians deserted it in 
L786, at the time of the destruction of the Mackacheek towns by Gen. 
Logan. When Mr. Ewing settled there, the remains of the huts were still 
to he seen, also ;m old blacksmith-shop wherein, according to Jonathan 
Alder, a white man named Butler did iron-work for the Indians. The 
savages, however, frequently revisited the vicinity, and, although ostensibly 
friendly, were a source of considerable annoyance to the whites, as they 
always looked upon the latter as intruders: hut the presence of Jonathan 
Alder in the neighborhood prevented bloodshed or serious trouble between 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 293 

the opposing races. Upon the erection of Union County in 1820, the 
property of tin; Bwing brothers was thrown into the new county. Prior to 
the creation of Madison County, we find that James Ewing was paid $8.75 
'• for seven days' services in taking the list of taxable property and 
the enumeration of white males in Darby Township for the year I 
This appears on the official record of the Associate Judges of Franklin 
County dated January lu, 1804. James Bwing was born in 1770, and 
died in 1850. In L808, he married Elizabeth Cary, daughter of Luther 
and Rhoda Cary, then residing in what is now Canaan Township. Mrs. 
Ewing was horn in 1780, and died in 1865. They were the parents 
of three children, viz., Thomas M., born in L809, died at Cardington in 
L876; David (J., horn in 1811, died in 1835; and Phoebe, born in 1813, 
died in infancy. The family were adherents of the Presbyterian Church, 
and were very much respected throughout the valley in which they resided 
so many years. 

Joshua Ewing died during the " sickly seasons " of 1822-23. He mar- 
ried .Margaret Jamison, who bore him the following children — James Scott, 
Green, George, Eliza. Polly (who married David Chapman, the Surveyor), 
Margaret, Cynthia, Harriet (who married William Allen, of Plain City), and 
Martha. Mr. Ewing was elected Justice of the Peace at the first election 
held in Darby Township, after the organization of Franklin County, in 1803. 
Upon the erection of Madison County, he was elected a member of the 
Board of Commissioners, serving continuously in that capacity for the first 
Beven years of the county's history. In 1800, Mr. Ewing brought four 
sheep to his farm, which were the first introduced into Madison County. 
One day an Indian was passing by, and his dog discovering the sheep pur- 
sued them and killed one of the animals. This so irritated Mr. Ewing that 
he shot the dog at once. The Indian vowed vengeance, threatening to kill 
Ewing in retaliation, but through the influence of Jonathan Alder, who 
happened to be present, the shedding of human blood was prevented. Ewing 
was a brave man, and told Alder he could defend himself, but the latter 
knowing the treacherous character of the savages, felt that it would not be 
wise to let the trouble go any further ; so smoothing the matter over for the 
time, lie was finally enabled to persuade the Indian to leave the country. 
He had demanded pay for his dog, but Ewing positively refused to give 
him a cent, and being a man of determined character, remained firm in his 
purpose. Mr. Ewing was a Surveyor, and made many of the early surveys 
of Madison County, ere the terrible miasma of the Darby plains marked 
him as its victim, with the scores of others, who fell beneath its poisonous 
breath. 

DAVID .MITCHELL. 

A short, distance northwesl of the Ewings settled David Mitchell in 
•miner of IT!"'.'. lie was born in York County, Perm., in 1760; there 
married Martha Black, a native of the same county, and born in 1764. In 
1T ( .»7. the family remove to Kentucky, and two years later located on the 
property, now known as the Caldwell farm, in the southern part of Union 
County, which was cut off from Madison, in 1820. David and Martha Mitchell 
were the parents of the following children — Moses, born in 1783 ; Samuel, 
in 1785; George, in L787, died in infancy, and the next child, horn in L789, 
was also named [George ; David, inl792; Margaret, in 1794; Martha, in 1797; 



294 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Jesse, in 1799, born after coming to Big Darby : Elizabeth, in 1803; Dixon, 
in 1806, and Aaron, in IS 10. Mrs. Mitchell died in 1823, and he was married 
to Rebecca Nelson in L824, who died the same year. In 1825, he married 
Hannah Caldwell, to whom were horn two children, viz.: John C, in 1826, 
and Alexander 11., in 1829. All of these children are dead, except -John 
0., who resides on the oh! homestead. The first election after the creation 
of Darby Township, which then embraced all of Madison, and a portion of 
Union and Clark Counties, was held at the house of David Mitchell, June 
21, 1803. Upon the erection of Madison County, Mr. Mitchell was elected 
Assoeiate Judge, and re-elected in 1817 ; hut when Union County was 
created, in 1820, his home was embraced therein thus ending his second term 
on the Common Pleas bench of this county. Judge Mitchell was a very ex- 
tensive stock dealer and for a time was one of the leading pork-packers of 
Columbus, lie died in 1836, leaving behind a record for intelligence, 
integrity and enterprise, second to few men of either counties in which he 
spent the last thirty-seven years of his life. 

OTHER SETTLERS. 

With Mr. Mitchell came his father, Samuel, who died here, also his 
brothers-win-law, Samuel McCollough and Samuel Kirkpatrick, with their 
families, locating in the same neighborhood. Mr. McCullough died in 1800, 
leaving two sons, Alexander and Samuel. He was buried on the farm of 
David Mitchell, being the first person interred in what is now the Mitch; 11 
Graveyard. His coffin was made from a tree split in two, hollowed out like 
a couple of troughs, then fastened together with wooden pins. It is believed 
that Mr. McCullough was the first white man who died in what subsequently 
became Madison County. \Volves were so numerous then that it was neces- 
sary to cover the grave with heavy logs, to prevent them from exhuming the 
remains. His widow married John Taylor, who came from Kentucky, and 
located a short distance south of the site of Flain Citv, in 1800. There 
they spent the balance of their days. 

Samuel Kirkpatrick left two daughters, one of whom died young; the 
other married and removed from this locality, so that none of his descendants 
are living in this portion of the State. Along about the same time came 
Samuel, George and David Reed, also Robert Snodgrass, all of whom settled 
on Big Darby. These pioneers left numerous descendants who principally 
reside in Union County; yet as the original settlers were citizens of Madi- 
son, prior to the erection of the former county, we feel that it is due to their 
memory to mention their names in connection with its history. 

MICHAEL JOHNSON. 
There is no doubt that Michael Johnson was living in what is now Jef- 
ferson Township some time prior to the beginning of the present century. 
lie was a native of Ireland, born about 17.">(), ami in early life came to the 
Colony of Virginia, where he grew to maturity and married the daughter of 
German parents, who had also located there in childhood. They had horn 
to them nine children, viz., John, Margaret, Mary, Jacob, Abraham. Henry. 
Sarah, Catherine and Michael, the latter dying in infancy. Feeling the 
necessity of finding a country where he could obtain homes for this large 
family, ho left A'irginia in 1795, on a prospecting tour to the Northwest 












tsise 




c*^i-& / L 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 297 

Territory, where he remained about one year. He then returned to Virginia 
and early in 1797 began to make preparations for moving his family to this 
country. With his wife and eight children, he started for the Scioto Valley, 
and finally settled on Little Darby, about four miles northwest of the site of 
Jefferson. This settlement occurred during the year 1797, probably late in 
the fall. Here in the forest he built his cabin, and here many of his descend- 
ants yet reside. Michael Johnson possessed that stout, robust constitution 
so characteristic of the Irish, whom scientists declare to be the finest physic- 
ally developed race on the globe. Mr. Johnson was drowned in the Little 
Darby in 1808. While crossing that stream with his son-in-law, Peter 
Paugh, in a canoe, the skiff began to sink, when Paugh suggested to John- 
son, who was a good swimmer, to jump out and swim. Johnson did so, but 
the water being very cold, he immediately took cramps and sank to rise no 
more. Paugh was rescued by some friends swimming a horse to where he 
was clinging to the branches of a tree, and he, catching hold of the animal's 
tail, was brought safely to the shore. Mr. Johnson's widow survived him 
several years, when she, too, passed into eternity, leaving eight worthy chil- 
dren to mourn her loss. 

John, the eldest of the family, married a distant relative of the same 
name, whose parents came to Jefferson Township at a much later day than 
Michael Johnson's family. He was not a very successful farmer, on account 
of his restless disposition. He first settled on the farm now owned by George 
W. Blair, in Jefferson Township, which he left and returned to again and 
again, under the squatter system then in vogue. About 1837, he removed 
to Michigan, settling near St. Joseph, where he and wife died. Of his chil- 
dren, now residents of Madison County, are John, in Jefferson Township; 
Euphemia Lombard, of Monroe Township, and Permelia, of Canaan Town- 
ship. Margaret, the second eldest child of Michael Johnson, married Will- 
iam Lapin ; Mary, the third child married Peter Paugh, a native of Virginia, 
who settled in Madison County about 1800, subsequently locating on Spring 
Fork, where he and wife resided until death. His first wife dying and leav- 
ing a family of several children, he subsequently married the Widow Guy. 
Paugh was a warm friend of Jonathan Alder's, who speaks of him in his 
reminiscences. All of his descendants removed to the West many years 
ago. Jacob, the fourth child of Michael Johnson, was a great hunter, and 
spent several months with a band of Indians, taking part in their hunts and 
their mode of life. He finally became tired of living in this manner and 
returned to Madison County, where, about 1807, he married Jemima Cary, 
and lived alternately in Jefferson and Canaan Townships, finally locating 
near the site of West Jefferson. About 1832, he removed to a farm four 
miles northwest of that town, where he subsequently died. His first wife 
had passed away about 1826, and he married Phoebe (Cary) Davis, widow of 
John Davis, who survived him several years. Of these marriages twelve 
children were born, six by each, only four of whom are living in Jefferson 
Township, viz. : Mary, widow of Henry Penny, and Lewis by the first wife; 
while Luther and Samuel are the children of the second wife. Abraham, 
the fifth child of Michael Johnson, married Susan Bradley, daughter of 
Jonas Bradley, of Monroe Township, and pioneers of that portion of the 
county. Abraham and wife first located in Monroe Township, but finally 
bought the farm where James Peene now resides, and there Abraham died. 



298 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

His widow married Nehemiah Gates, and removed to Illinois. Henry, the 
sixth child, was a peculiar character, a noted hunter, and delighted in the 
chase. He never married, went to Illinois and there died about 1842. 
Sarah, the seventh in the family of Michael Johnson, married Henry Robey, 
of Canaan Township, and died childless. Catherine, the eighth and last of 
the family, married Abijah Cary, who lived and died in Canaan Township. 
Many of their posterity are still residents of that part of the county. 

WILLIAM LAPIN. 

In 1797, William Lapin accompanied the family of Michael Johnson 
to the Northwest Territory. He was a native of Virginia, and soon after 
coming to what is now Jefferson Township, of this county, he married Mar- 
garet, the eldest daughter of Michael Johnson. Four sons were the fruits 
of this union, viz., James, Jacob, Robert and William. Mr. Lapin engaged 
in stock dealing, and while out o^ a business trip, about 1820, he died, near 
Chillicothe. His widow survived him until about 1842, watching over her 
four sons until all reached manhood, when she went to join her husband in 
a better land. James Lapin, the eldest of the children, first saw the light in 
1798, and was, doubtless, the first white child born in Madison County. He 
grew up, and married Rebecca Johnson, who bore him eleven children. In 
1852, he sold his farm, and, with his Avife and eight children, removed to 
Illinois, where the parents died. Some of the posterity still reside there, 
but Mary, the third child, and widow of Abner Johnson, is living in this 
county. Jacob, the second son of William Lapin, married Catherine John- 
son, a sister to his brother's wife. This marriage occurred about 1823, and 
soon afterward they located in Franklin County ; thence removed to Illi- 
nois. Robert, the third son, married Margaret, a daughter of John John- 
son, and grand-daughter of Michael Johnson. She dying, he married her 
sister, Mary, and. about 1850, moved West. He followed farming, was a 
good neighbor, but did not accumulate much property. William, the fourth 
and youngest son of William and Margaret Lapin, married Elizabeth 
Nichols, removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, about thirty years ago, and 
died near Dayton. All of these sons were born, it is believed, in Jefferson 
Township, and Mary, the daughter of James, and widow of Abner Johnson, 
is the only one who bore the name of Lapin, now a resident of Madison 
County. 

JAMES AND WILLIAM HEWET. 

On the farm now owned by Gabriel Alkire, on the northeast bank of 
Deer Creek, in Pleasant Town-hip, settled two brothers, James and William 
Ilewey, in 1797. They came from Kentucky, but are believed to have 
been natives of Virginia. A short distance southeast of where they built 
their cabin was an Indian camping ground, also one of their old burial 
places. This is on the farm of Courtney Tanner, and in a field under culti- 
vation. James Ilewey was married, while William remained single, and 
lived with his brother. They erected their cabin, made some improvements, 
and here remained until death. Nothing is further known of them. During 
the .arly days of Madison County, Richard Douglass was in the habit of 
making " Uncle Jimmy " Hewey's cabin his stopping place while going to 
and fro between Chillicothe and London. " Uncle Jimmy " always had a 
demijohn of corn-juice on hand, and " Dick " was not averse to indulging 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 299 

in a glass, "for his stomach sake." Douglass looked after Hewcy's law 
business, and Hewey paid him in hospitality. Judge Orris Parish -was then 
on the bench, and " Dick " Douglass was Prosecuting Attorney of Madison 
County. One morning, court was kept late by the non-arrival of the prose- 
cutor, but soon Douglass and " Uncle Jimmy " Hewey made their appear- 
ance, arm in arm. It was evident to the spectators that Hewey "had more 
than he could carry " conveniently. Reaching the court room, he raised 
his hand and shouted, " The court can now proceed, Dick Douglass and 
Jimmy Hewey are here, by G — d." It is needless to say that this expres- 
sion was long a standard quotation among the Madison County bar, and the 
lawyers who rode this circuit. On the same foundation that these brothers 
erected their cabin, now stands a residence in which are some of the same 
logs used by the Heweys eighty-five years ago. 

DAVID MARTIN. 

A little northwest of the Heweys, on the same farm, another cabin 
was erected by David Martin, in 1797. He also came from Kentucky, but 
nothing is further known of him than that he once lived on this land. 
Neither Hewey nor Martin have left any descendants to preserve their name 
or record of their lives, and they are but dimly remembered by a few old 
settlers, who love to speak of those pioneer days which have passed away 
forever. 

WILLIAM ALKIRE. 
Prior to the Revolutionary war, four brothers — Monus, Michael, John 
and William Alkire — emigrated from Scotland to America, and all served in 
that struggle for independence. Subsequently they settled in Maryland, 
but finally Michael and William removed to Kentucky, one of the others 
in Tennessee, and the remaining one in an adjoining State. Our sub- 
ject was the son of William Alkire, and in the fall of 1799 he came with 
three of his sons to the Northwest Territory, and purchased 1,400 acres of 
the Baylor Survey, 464, on Deer Creek, in what is now Pleasant Township, 
Madison Co., Ohio. The sons erected a cabin and began clearing the land 
that fall, while the father returned to Kentucky, and in the spring of 1800 
brought the balance of the family to their new home. Mr. Alkire was the 
father of fourteen children — eight sons and six daughters — all of whom grew 
to maturity. The sons were Robert, Isaac, Abraham, Jacob, Monus, Will- 
iam, Joseph and John. Of the daughters, three married and moved to the 
West, one died, while Margaret and Lydia married and settled here. Mr. 
Alkire died about 1825. Two of the sons, Monus and Joseph, moved to 
the West and there died. William, in later years, settled near Pendleton, 
Putnam Co., Ohio, where he now resides. The balance of the children 
remained near the old homestead all their days, excepting Margaret, the 
widow of James Dennison, who is living in Pickaway County. With the 
exception of 194 acres belonging to Mrs. Young, the 1.400 acres purchased 
by William Alkire in 1 7 '. » t ' are still owned by his grandchildren. Many of 
the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of this worthy pioneer have set- 
tled in the West, while a large number are still residents of Madison Coun- 
ty, and among its best citizens. 

Our American continent, which we are wont to term our Western 
World, is eminently a land of rapid development and marvelous progress. 



300 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



Our forefathers and foremothers were men and women of great toil, pa- 
tience, endurance and perseverance. They began on the Atlantic coast 
where they founded colonies, thence they proceeded to found and people 
State after State in their westward course, not stopping for mountain barri- 
ers or savage opposition. As they advanced, they had to penetrate vast 
forests and traverse great mountain ranges, with or without roads, and with 
or without teams, carrying firearms to secure game for their sustenance and 
to protect themselves from savage assaults. Selecting the sites for their 
dwellings and for their prospective towns, they wielded the echoing ax to 
fell the timbers of the dense woodlands, and constructed substantial but rude 
cabins of primitive materials. The labor and hardship and exposure they 
went through would to us seem unendurable, but they heeded it not. Many 
of them had come from sections where wealth had drawn social lines not to be 
passed over; and there was a servitude and a caste galling to men, who looked 
for better things. We need not be surprised, then, to find that a large ma- 
jority of the men who for these reasons braved the wilderness were not or- 
dinary men. The true men counted the cost and never " bated jot of heart 
or hope," and in the struggle developed the manly character with which 
they were endowed by nature. Their methods, their experiences, their suf- 
ferings, their exploits, men have loved to hear them relate. But alas ! all 
of them have passed away, and many of them have left no record of their 
eventful and adventurous lives. 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 301 



CHAPTER V. 



PRINCIPAL LAND DIVISIONS OF OHIO— THE VIRGINIA MILITARY LANDS— PERILS 
OF THE SURVEY — PIONEER DAYS AND TRIALS— PIONEER CABIN — FURNI- 
TURE, FOOD AND MEDICINE— HABITS AND LABOR— CLOTHING 
AND BOOKS — EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, ETC. — 
MILLS, STORE GOODS, PERIOD OF 1812. 

THE pre-historical history of Ohio, so far as regards civil organization 
and the exercise of authority, begins in 1769, when the colony of 
Virginia attempted to extend her jurisdiction over the territory northwest 
of the River Ohio. The House of Burgesses passed an act establishing the 
county of Botetourt, with the Mississippi River as its western boundary. This 
was a vast county. The act which established it contained the following 
passage : 

Whereas, the people situated on the Mississippi, in the said county of Botetourt, will 
be very remote from the court bouse, and must necessarily become a separate county as soon 
their numbers are sufficient, which will probably happen in a short time, be it therefore en- 
acted by the authority aforesaid, that the inhabitants of that part of the said county of Botetourt 
which lies on the said waters shall be exempted from the payment of any levies to be laid 
by the said county court for the purpose of building a court house and prison for said county. 

Civil government between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers existed only 
nominally until 1778, when, after the conquest of the country by Gen. 
George Rogers Clark, the Virginia Legislature organized the county of 
Illinois, embracing within its limits all of the lands lying west of the Ohio 
River to which Virginia had any claim. Col. John Todd received appoint- 
ment from the Governor of Virginia as civil commandment and lieutenant 
of the county. He served until his death, at the battle of Blue Licks, in 
1782, and Timothy Montbrun was his successor. 

In 1787, Virginia, having made her deed of cession to the United 
States, and the title having been protected through other deeds of cession, 
and through Indian treaties, Congress took the great step which resulted in 
the establishment of a wise and salutary civil government. Upon ths 13th 
of July, after a prolonged discussion of the principles and issues involved, 
there was issued " An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of 
the United States Northwest of the River Ohio," which has since been 
known as "the ordinance of 1787," or the "ordinance of freedom." By 
this great and statesmanlike ordinance, provision was made for successive 
forms of territorial government, adapted to successive steps of advancement 
in the settlement and development of the Western country. Chief Justice 
Chase says of this ordinance : '" This remarkable instrument was the last 
gift of the Congress of the old confederation to the country, and it was a 
fit consummation of their glorious labors." 

At the time this ordinance went into effect, there had been made no 
permanent settlement of the whites upon the territory embraced, except the 
few French villages, and their immediate vicinities, in the western and 
northwestern portions of it. If any such existed within the present limits 



302 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of Ohio, they must have been situated along the Maumee River, ami were 
of small extent. The Government had discouraged the settlement of whites 
up to this time, to avoid infringement upon the rights of the Indians, and 
consequent troubles. Military force was resorted to to break up some small 
settlements made along the Ohio, and in other parts of the State. After 
the passage of the ordinance, emigration was encouraged. " When the 
settlers went into the wilderness they found the law already there. It was 
impressed upon the soil itself, while it yet bore up nothing but the forest." 
"When Ohio was admitted to the Federal Union as an independent State, 
one of the terms of admission was the fee simple to all the lands within its 
limits, especially those previously granted or sold, should be vested in the 
United States. The different portions of the lands have, at various times, 
been granted or sold to various companies, bodies politic, and individuals. 
The principal divisions were known as follows: 1, Congress lands; 2, 
United States Military Lands ; 3, Virginia Military District; 4, Western 
Reserve ; 5, Fire Lands ; 6, Ohio Company's Purchase ; 7, Donation Tract ; 
8, Symmes' Purchase ; 9, Refugee Tract ; 10, French Grant; 11, Dolerman's 
Grant ; 12, Zane's Grant ; 13, Canal Lands ; 14, Turnpike Lands ; 15, 
Maumee Road Lands ; 16, School Lands ; 17, College Lands ; 18, Min- 
isterial ; 19, Moravian ; 20, Salt Sections. All of the lands in this county 
are in the Virginia Military District, and among the finest in the State. 

THE VIRGINIA MILITARY LANDS. 

At its session, beginning October 20, 1783, the General Assembly of 
Virginia passed an act to authorize its Delegates in Congress to convey to 
the United States, in Congress assembled, all the right of that common- 
wealth to the territory northwest of the Ohio River. Congress stipulated to 
accept this cession upon condition that this territory should be formed into 
States, containing a suitable extent of territory, and that the States so 
formed should be distinctly republican, and admitted members of the 
Federal Union, having the same rights of sovereignty and freedom as the 
other States. On the 17th of March, 1784, Thomas Jefferson, Arthur Lee, 
James Monroe and Samuel Hardy, the Virginia Delegates to Congress, con- 
veyed to the United States "all right, title and claim, as well as of juris- 
diction, which the said commonwealth hath to the territory, or tract of coun- 
try, within the limits of the Virginia charter, situate, lying and being north- 
west of the River Ohio." 

This act of cession contained, however, the following reservation : 
" That in case the quantity of good land on the southeast side of the Ohio, 
upon the waters of Cumberland River, and between the Great and Tennes- 
see Rivers, which have been reserved by law for the Virginia troops, upon 
continental establishment, should, from the North Carolina line, hearing in 
further upon the Cumberland lands than was expected, prove insufficient 
for these legal bounties, the deficiency should be made up to the said troops 
in good lands, to be laid off between the Rivers Scioto and Little Miami, on 
the northwest side of the River Ohio, in such proportions to them as have 
been engaged to them by the laws of Virginia." The land embraced in 
this reservation constitutes the A r irginia military district in Ohio, and is 
composed of the counties of Adams, Brown, Clinton, Clermont. Highland, 
Fayette, Madison and Union, and portions of Scioto, Pike, Ross, Pickaway, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 303 

Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Hardin* Logan, Clark, Greene, Champaio-n, 
Warren, Hamilton and Auglaize. Congress passed an act authorizing the 
establishment of this reservation and location as defined, upon the report 
of the executive of Virginia that the deficiency of good lands upon the 
waters of the Cumberland existed. 

The Virginia soldiers of the Continental line, who served in the Revo- 
lutionary war, were compensated in bounty awards of these lands according 
to the rank, time of service, etc. The first step necessary, after securing the 
proper certificate of actual service, was that of procuring a printed warrant 
from the land officer, specifying the quantity of lands and the rights upon 
which it was due. This military warrant was issued from the land office, in 
the State of Virginia, which empowered the person to whom it was granted, 
his heirs or assignees, to select the number of acres specified in the lands re- 
served for that purpose, and to have the same appropriated. After the loca- 
tion was made and the boundaries ascertained by surveying, the owner of 
the warrant returned it to the State authorities, and received in its place a 
patent, or grant, from the Government. This giant was equivalent to a 
deed in fee simple, and passed all. of the title of the Government to the 
grantee. 

On the same day on which the act was passed, Richard C. Anderson, a 
Colonel in the army, was appointed surveyor for the Continental line of the 
army, by the officers named in the act and authorized to make such appoint- 
ment as they saw fit. He opened his office at Louisville, for entries in the 
Kentucky lands, on the 20th of July, 1784. When the Kentucky grant 
was exhausted, he opened another office for entries in the Ohio tract. He 
held his position up to the time of his death, in October, 1826, and during 
the long period faithfully discharged the onerous duties devolving upon him. 
His son-in-law, Allen Latham, Esq., was appointed surveyor sometime after 
Colonel Anderson's death, and opened his office at Chillicothe in July, 1829. 

Any soldier who held a warrant, or the heir or assignee of any soldier 
who held a warrant, was at liberty to locate his lands wherever he pleased 
within the Virginia Military Lands, and in consequence of the irregularities 
with which many locations were made, and the encroachment of some loca- 
tions upon others, far more litigation has arisen relative to lines and titles in 
this district than in those which were regularly surveyed and laid off in sec- 
tions. The Virginia Military Tract was never surveyed into ranges or town- 
ships until it was done in the different counties, by order of the County 
Commissioners, when it became desirable to organize the townships for civil 
purposes. Hence their irregular shape and size. 

PERILS OF THE SURVEY. 

The original survey of the lands comprised in Madison County was 
attended with great difficulties, and ofttimes danger from prowling bands of 
Indians that infested this whole region of country, and who were bitterly 
hostile to those intrepid men, who, with compass and chain, were the av ant 
couriers of civilization in the Scioto Valley. This land district was opened 
in 17^7, and soon after, Massie, Sullivant, McArthur and others com- 
menced the adventurous undertaking of surveying it. All of the locations 
of land warrants prior to 1790 were made by stealth. "Every creek which 
was explored, every line that was run, was at the risk of life from the sav- 



304 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

age Indians, whose courage and perseverance were only equaled by the per- 
severance of the whites to push forward their settlements." Col. R. 0. 
Anderson, Surveyor-General of the Virginia Military District, placed a large 
number of the warrants in the hands of Nathaniel Massie, in 1790, when 
Congress removed the last obstruction to the taking of the lands, and he im- 
mediately proceeded to enter and survey on such terms as he could make 
with the owners. The risk being great, and as the holders of claims were 
anxious to have them located as soon as possible, in order that they might 
obtain the best selections, they were willing to pay liberally for the labor 
and danger of the survey. One-fourth, one-third, and sometimes as much 
as one-half, of the lands acquired by entry, were given by the proprietors to 
the surveyors. If the owners preferred paying in money, the usual terms 
were ten pounds, Virginia currency, for eacli one thousand acres surveyed, 
exclusive of chainman's wages. Massie continued to survey during the win- 
ter of 1792-93, and in the fall of the latter year he pushed his way far up the 
Scioto. He employed about thirty men to accompany him on his dangerous 
expedition. The greater part of Ross and Pickaway Counties, west of the 
river, was well explored and partly surveyed. The party returned without 
having met with any harm, and delighted with the richness of the valley. 
Massie resumed his labors in the winter of 1793-94, and braved many hard- 
ships and dangers. 

Lucas Sullivant, one of the first settlers on the site of Columbus, 
and who died August 8, 1823, surveyed much of the lands within the pres- 
ent limits of Madison County. In some of his first attempts he was driven 
back by the Indians, but, finally, having formed a large party, about twenty 
men, surveyors, chain-bearers, markers, hunters, scouts and pack-horse men, 
with pack-horses, he made his way up the Scioto Valley, through the un- 
t racked wilderness to the vicinity of what is now Columbus. The party 
experienced much suffering, sometimes having a short allowance of food, 
and because of the proximity of Indians, not daring to use their rifles to 
bring down game. Wolves were constant visitors to the encampment, and 
the panther was more than once found prowling around. " Once," says the 
Sullivant memorial, " when encamped near what the early settlers knew as 
the ' salt lick,' on the west side of the river, three miles below the present city 
of Columbus, a panther was discovered crouching upon the horizontal limb 
of a tree, nearly overhanging the place where they were sitting around the 
brightly blazing fire. The tail of the panther was swaying to and fro, and 
he seemed about to spring upon them, when one of the hunters, seizing his 
rifle, aimed at the head, between the glaring eye-balls of the animal, and, 
with a steady hand, pulled the trigger. Simultaneous with the crack of 
the gun, the beast gave a spring, and falling in their midst, scattered the 
camp-fire in his death struggles." 

The rear guard of Mr. Sullivant's party attacked, on one occasion 
while surveying in what is now Madison County, a party of Indians, and 
killed a Frenchman who was with tbem — probably an Indian trader. For 
this the men were severely reprimanded by Mr. Sullivant, who believed that 
this wanton attack would be followed by a retaliating blow. The Mingo 
Indians held a consultation and sent out a party of warriors to capture or 
destroy the surveying squad. Mr. Sullivant, who, apprehending such a 
result, had hurried his work and was about ready to leave the country, was 



ft 



t 





HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 307 

met on the fourth day after the Frenchman's murder by Indians. He held 
a council with his men to determine whether they should attack the redskins 
or not, and it was decided not to take the initiative in battle. After direct- 
ing the men to keep together, remain quiet, and on no consideration to fire 
a gun unless attacked, Mr. Sullivant resumed his work, and, just at twilight, 
as he was making his last entry, some of the men fired at a wild turkey, and 
their whereabouts thus being made known, the Indians rushed upon them 
with a whoop and a volley. Mr. Sullivant threw his compass and other 
instruments under the top of a fallen tree, and swinging a light shotgun, 
which he always carried, to his shoulder, he fired upon an Indian who was 
rushing upon him with uplifted tomahawk. Turning about to look for his 
men, he saw they were in a panic and rapidly dispersing, and he also took 
to his heels, and, fortunately, in about a quarter of a mile, fell in with six 
of them. Favored in their flight by the darkness, they journeyed all night 
and most of the next day. Two of the men in this surveying party were 
killed when the Indians made their first onslaught. Mr. Sullivant had some 
other experiences with the Indians, but none so dangerous or nearly fatal as 
this. 

The surveys of the lands upon the east side of the Scioto were accom- 
panied by dangers similar to those that attended the survey of the Virginia 
Military District, though lesser, on account of the surveying being done at a 
later date. 

Col. Elias Langhara, Walter Dun, Joshua Ewing and James Galloway 
did much of the early surveying in Madison County ; while at a later day 
Patrick McLene, Henry Warner, Henry Alder, David Chapman and John 
Rouse divided most of the original surveys. Every man locating land was 
at liberty to bring his own surveyor, thus many of the first surveys were 
made by men who never again came into the county. 

PIONEER DAYS AND TRIALS. 

In nearly all great and thoroughly organized armies there is a corps of 
active, brave men, usually volunteers, whose self-imposed duty is to go ahead 
and prepare the way with ax, mattock and pick for the advancement of the 
army — the fighting rank and file. They are called pioneers, and are armed 
with guns, as well as implements of labor, for their position and their work 
is a dangerous one. They are obliged to keep a constant lookout for an 
ambush, in momentary fear of a sudden attack, for the enemy, with a full 
knowledge of the country, which to the advancing corps of pioneers is a 
terra incognita, is liable any instant to send a sudden volley of arrows or 
rifle balls into their midst, or to hem them in and overpower them with a 
superior force. 

The men who pushed their way into the wilderness along the Scioto 
and its tributaries, and all those earliest settlers of Ohio from the river to 
the lake were the pioneers of one of the grandest armies that earth ever 
knew, an army whose hosts are still sweeping irresistibly ahead, and which 
now, after more than eighty years, lias not fully occupied the country it has 
won. It was the army of peace and civilization that came, not to conquer 
an enemy by blood, carnage and ruin, but to subdue a wilderness by patient 
toil ; to make the wild valley blossom as the rose ; to sweep away the forest, 
till the soil, make fertile fields out of the prairie lands and build houses, 



308 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

which were to become the abodes of happiness and plenty. The pioneers 
were the reliant vanguard of such an army as this. 

The first hardy and resolute men who penetrated the valley of the 
Scioto, coming up the stream from '• la belle rivere," found a land fertile as 
heart could wish, fair to look upon, and fragrant with the thousand fresh 
odors of the woods in early spring. The long, cool aisles of the forest led 
away into mazes of vernal green, where the swift deer bounded by unmo- 
lested, and as yet unscared by the sound of the woodman's ax or the sharp 
ring of his rifle. They looked upon the wooded slopes and the tall grass of 
the plains, jeweled with strange and brilliant flowers, where once the red 
man had his fields of corn. All about them were displayed the lavish boun- 
ties of nature. The luxuriant growth of the oak, walnut, sycamore, maple, 
beech, hickory, elm, chestnut and the tulip tree, with the lesser shrubs, such 
as the dogwood, wild plum and crab-apple, the red bud, the papaw, the 
heavy-hanging grape-vines, the blueberry and raspberry gave evidence of 
the strength of the virgin soil and the kindness of the climate. The forest 
covered the land with an abundance of food for the smaller animals, and the 
deer, as common as the cattle of to-day, grazed upon the rich grass of the 
prairies, and browsed upon the verdure in the little glades. Other animals 
were abundant. The opossum, raccoon, rabbit and ground-hog existed in 
great numbers. The wild hogs roamed the woods in droves, and fattened 
upon the abundant mast, or " shack." The bear was occasionally seen. 
Wild turkeys appeared in vast flocks, and in the season came the migratory 
fowls and tarried by the streams. The streams had their share of life, and 
fairly swarmed with fish. 

But the pioneers came not to enjoy a life of lotus-eating and ease. 
They could admire the pristine beauty of the scenes that unveiled before 
them ; they could enjoy the vernal green of the great forest, and the love- 
liness of all the works of nature. They could look forward with happy an- 
ticipation to the life they were to lead in the midst of all this beauty, and 
to the rich reward that would be theirs from the cultivation of the mellow, 
fertile soil ; but they had first to work. The seed-time comes before the 
harvest in other fields, too, than that of agriculture. 

The dangers, also, that these pioneers were exposed to, were serious 
ones. The Indians could not be trusted, and the many stories of their out- 
rages in the earlier eastern settlements made the pioneers of the Scioto 
country apprehensive of trouble. The larger wild beasts were a cause of 
much dread, and the smaller ones were a source of great annoyance. Added 
to this was the liability to sickness which always exists in a new country. 
In the midst of all the loveliness of the surroundings, there was a sense of 
loneliness that could not be dispelled, and this was a far greater trial to the 
men and women who first dwelt in the western country than is generally 
imagined. The deep-seated, constantly-recurring feeling of isolation made 
many stout hearts turn back to the older settlements and the abodes of com- 
fort, the companionship and sociability they had abandoned in Virginia, 
Pennsylvania and the Southern and Eastern States, to take up a new life in 
the wilderness. 

The pioneers, coming first down the Ohio and then making their way 
up the Scioto, and later making the tedious journey from the East and South 
by the rude trails, arrived at the places of their destination with but very 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 809 

little with which to begin the battle of life. They had brave hearts and 
strong arms, however, and they were possessed of invincible determination. 
Frequently they came on without their families to make a beginning and 
this having been accomplished, would return to their old homes for their 
wives and children. The first thing done after a temporary shelter from 
the rain had heen provided, was to prepare a little spot of ground for some 
crop, usually corn. This was done by girdling the trees, clearing away the 
underbrush, if there chanced to be any, and sweeping the surface with fire. 
Ten, fifteen, twenty, or even thirty acres of land might thus be prepared 
and planted the first season. In the autumn the crop would be carefully 
gathered and garnered with the least possible waste, for it was the food sup- 
ply of the pioneer and his family, and life itself depended, in part, upon its 
safe preservation. 

While the first crop was growing the pioneer has busied himself with 
the building of his cabin, which must answer as a shelter from the storms 
of the coming winter, a protection from the ravages of wild animals, and, 
possibly, a place of refuge from the red man. 

PIONEER CABIN. 

If a pioneer was completely isolated from his fellow-men, his position 
was certainly a hard one ; for without assistance he could construct only a 
poor habitation. In such cases the cabin was generally made of light logs 
or poles, and was laid up roughly, only to answer the temporary purpose of 
shelter, until other settlers had come into the vicinity, by whose help a more 
solid structure could be built. Usually a number of men came into the 
country together, and located within such distance of each other as enabled 
them to perform many friendly and neighborly offices. Assistance was 
always readily given one pioneer by all the scattered residents of the forest 
within a radius of several miles. The commonly followed plan of erecting 
a log cabin was through a union of labor. The site of the cabin home was 
generally selected with reference to a good water supply, often by a never- 
failing spring of pure water, or if such could not be found, it was not un- 
common to first dig a well. When the cabin was to be built the few neigh- 
bors gathered at the site, and first cut down, within as close proximity as 
possible, a number of trees, as nearly of a size as could be found, but rang- 
ing from a foot to twenty inches in diameter. Logs were chopped from 
these and rolled to a common center. This work, and that of preparing the 
foundation, would consume the greater part of the day, in most cases, and 
the entire labor would most commonly occupy two or three days — some- 
times four. The logs were raised to their places with handspikes and "skid 
poles," and men standing at the corners with axes notched them as fast as 
they were laid in position. Soon the cabin would be built several logs high, 
and the work would become more difficult. The gables were formed by 
beveling the logs, and making them shorter and shorter, as each additional 
one was laid in place. These logs in the gables were held in place by poles, 
which extended across the cabin from end to end, and which served also as 
rafters upon which to lay the rived " clapboard" roof. The so-called "clap- 
hoards " were five or six feet in length, and were split from oak or ash logs, 
and made as smooth and flat as possible. They were laid side by side, and 
other pieces of split stuff laid over the cracks so as to effectually keep out 



310 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the rain. Upon these, logs were laid to hold them in place, and the logs 
Avere held by blocks of wood placed between them. 

The chimney was an important part of the structure, and taxed the 
builders, with their poor tools, to their utmost. In rare cases it was made 
of stone, but most commonly of logs and sticks laid up in the manner sim- 
ilar to those which formed the cabin. It was, in nearly all cases, built out- 
side of the cabin, and at its base a huge opening was cut through the wall 
to answer as a fire-place. The sticks in the chimney were held in place, 
and protected from fire, by mortar, formed by kneading and working clay 
and straw. Flat stones were procured for back and jambs of the fire-place. 
An opening was chopped or sawed in the logs on one side of the cabin for 
a doorway. Pieces of hewed timber, three or four inches thick, were fas- 
tened on each side, by wooden pins, to the ends of the logs, and the door 
(if there was any) was fastened to one of these by wooden hinges. The 
door itself was a clumsy piece of wood-work. It was made of boards, rived 
from an oak log, and held together by heavy cross-pieces. There was a 
wooden latch upon the inside, raised by a string which passed through a 
gimlet-hole, and hung upon the outside. From this mode of construction 
arose the old and well-known hospitable saying, " You will find the latch-string 
always out." It was only pulled in at night, and the door was thus fastened. 
Very many of the cabins of the pioneers had no doors of the kind here de- 
scribed, and the entrance was only protected by a blanket, or skin of some 
wild beast, suspended above it. The window was a small opening, often 
devoid of anything resembling a sash, and very seldom having glass. 
Greased paper was sometimes used in lieu of the latter, but more commonly 
some old garment constituted a curtain, which was the only protection from 
sun, rain, or snow. The floor of the cabin was made of puncheons — 
pieces of timber split from trees, about eighteen inches in diameter, and 
hewed smooth with the broad-axe. They were half the length of the floor. 
Many of the cabins first erected in this part of the country had nothing but 
the earthen floor. Sometimes the cabins had cellars, which were simply 
small excavations in the ground, for the storage of a few articles of food, 
or, perhaps, cooking utensils. Access to the cellar was readily gained by 
lifting a loose puncheon. There was sometimes a loft, used for various pur- 
poses, among others as the "guest chamber " of the house. It was reached 
by a ladder, the sides of which were split pieces of a sapling, put together, 
like everything else in the house, without nails. 

FURNITURE, FOOD AND MEDICINE. 

The furniture of the log cabin was as simple and primitive as the struct- 
ure itself. A forked stick set in the floor and supporting two poles, the 
other ends of which were allowed to rest upon the logs a,t the end and side 
of the cabin, formed a bedstead. A common form of table was a slit slab, 
supported by four rustic legs, set in au^er holes. Three legged stools were 
made in a similar simple manner. Pegs, driven into auger holes in the logs of 
the Avail, supported shelve-;, and others displayed the limited Avardrobe of the 
family not in use. A few other pegs, or perhaps a pair of deer horns, formed 
a rack where hung the rifle and poAvder-horn, which no cabin Avas A\ r ithout. 
These, and perhaps a few other simple articles, brought from the " old 
home," formed the furniture and furnishings of the pioneer cabin. The 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 311 

utensils for cooking and the dishes for table use were few. The best were 
of pewter, which the careful housewife of the olden time kept shining as 
brightly as the most pretentious plate of our later day fine houses. It was 
by no means uncommon that wooden vessels, either coopered or turned, 
were used upon the table. Knives and forks were few ; crockery very scarce, 
and tin-ware not abundant. Food was simply cooked and served, but it was 
of the best and most wholesome kind. The hunter kept the larder supplied 
with venison, bear meat, squirrels, wild turkeys and the many varieties of 
smaller game. Plain corn bread, baked in a kettle, in the ashes, or upon a 
board in front of the great open fire-place, answered the purpose of all kinds 
of pastry. The corn was, among the earlier pioneers, pounded or grated, 
there being no mills for grinding it for some time, and then only small ones 
at a considerable distance away. The wild fruits, in their season, were 
made use of, and afforded a pleasant variety. Sometimes especial effort was 
made to prepare a delicacy, as, for instance, when a woman experimented 
in mince pies, by pounding wheat for the flour to make the crust, and used 
crab apples for fruit. In the lofts of the cabins was usually to be found a 
collection of articles that made up the pioneer's materia medica, the herb 
medicines and spices — catnip, sage, tansy, fennel, boneset, pennyroyal and 
wormwood, each gathered in its season ; and there were also stores of nuts,' 
and strings of dried pumpkin, with bags of berries and fruit. 

HABITS AND LABOR. 
The habits of the pioneers were of a simplicity and purity in conform- 
ance to their surroundings and belongings. The men were engaged in the 
herculean labor day after day, of enlarging the little patch of sunshine about 
their homes, cutting away the forest, burning oft' the brush and debris, pre- 
paring the soil, planting, tending, harvesting, caring for the few animals, 
which they brought with them, or soon procured, and in hunting. While 
they were engaged in the heavy labor of the field and forest, or following 
the deer, or seeking other game, their helpmeets were busied with their 
household duties — providing for the day and for the winter coming on, cook- 
ing, making clothes, spinning and weaving. They were fitted, by nature 
and experience, to be the consorts of the brave men who first came into the 
Western wilderness. They were heroic in their endurance of hardship and 
privation, and loneliness. Their industry was well directed and unceasing. 
Woman's work then, like man's, was performed under disadvantages, which 
have been removed in later years. She had not only the common house 
hold duties to perform, but many others. She not only made the clothing 
but the fabric for it. That old, old occupation of spinning and of weaving, 
with which woman's name has been associated in all history, and of which 
the modern world know nothing, except through the stories of those who 
are grandmothers now — that old occupation of spinning and of weaving, 
which seems surrounded with a glamour of romance as we look back to it 
through tradition and poetry, and which always conjures up thoughts of the 
graces and virtues of the dames and damsels of a generation that is gone — 
that old, old occupation of spinning and of weaving, was the chief industry 
of the pioneer women. Every cabin sounded with the softly whirring wheel 
and the rythmic thud of the loom. The woman of pioneer times was like 
the woman described by Solomon : "She seeketh wool and flax, and work- 



312 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

eth willingly with her hands ; she layeth her hands to the spindle, and her 
hands hold the distaff." 

CLOTHING AND BOOKS. 

Almost every article of clothing, all of the cloth in use in the old log 
cabins, was the product of the patient woman-weaver's toil. She spun the 
flax and wove the cloth for shirts, pantaloons, frocks, sheets and blankets. 
The linen and the wool, the " linsey-woolsey " woven by the housewife, 
formed all of the material for the clothing of both men and women, except 
such articles as were made of skins. The men commonly wore the hunting 
shirt, a kind of loose frock reaching halfway down the figure, open before, 
and so wide as to lap over a foot or more upon the chest. This generally 
had a cape, which was often fringed with a raveled piece of cloth of a dif- 
ferent color from that which composed the garment. The bosom of the 
hunting shirt answered as a pouch, in which could be carried the various 
articles that the hunter or woodsman would need. It was always worn 
belted, and made out of coarse linen, of linsey or of dressed deer skin, ac- 
cording to the fancy of the wearer. Breeches were made of heavy cloth or 
of deer skin, and were often worn with leggings of the same material, or of 
some kind of leather, while the feet Avere most usually encased in moccasins, 
which were easily and quickly made, though they needed frequent mending. 
The deer-skin breeches or drawers, were very comfortable when dry, but 
when they became wet were very cold to the limbs, and the next time they 
were put on were almost as stiff as if made of wood. Hats or caps were 
made of the various native furs. The women were clothed in linsey petti- 
coats, coarse shoes and stockings, and wore buckskin gloves or mittens when 
any protection was required for the hands. All of the wearing apparel, like 
that of the men, was made with a view to being serviceable and comforta- 
ble, and all was of home manufacture. Other articles and finer ones, were 
sometimes worn, but they had been brought from former homes, and were 
usually the relics handed down from parents to children. Jewelry was not 
common, but occasionally some ornament was displayed. 

In the cabins of the more cultivated pioneers were usually a few books, 
such as the Bible and hymn-book, Pilgrim's Progress, Baxter's Saints' Rest, 
prayer-book, Harney's Meditations. .ZEsop's Fables, Gulliver's Travels and 
Robinson Crusoe. The long winter evenings were spent in poring over a 
few well-thumbed volumes by the light of the great log fire, in knitting, 
mending, curing furs, etc. 

EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, ETC. 
Hospitality was simple, unaffected, hearty, unbounded. Whisky was 
in common use, and was furnished on all occasions of sociality. Nearly 
every settler had his barrel stored away. It was the universal drink at 
merry-makings, bees, house-warmings, weddings, and was always set before 
the traveler who chanced to spend the night or take a meal in the log cabin. 
It was the good old-fashioned whisky — ''clear as amber, sweet as musk, 
smooth as oil" — that the few octogenarians and nonogenarians of to-day 
recall to memory with an unctuous gusto and a suggestive smack of the lips. 
The whisky came from the Monongahela district, and was floated down the 
Ohio, and thence boated up the Scioto, or hauled in wagons across the coun- 
try. A few years later, stills began to make their appearance, and an article 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 313 

of peach brandy and corn whisky manufactured ; the latter was not held in 
such high esteem as the peach brandy, though used in greater quantities. 

As the settlement increased, the sense of loneliness and isolation was 
dispelled, the asperities of life were softened and its amenities multiplied ; 
social gathering became more numerous and more enjoyable. The log- 
rollings, harvestings and husking-bees for the men ; and the apple- 
butter making and the quilting parties for the women, furnished frequent occa- 
sions for social intercourse. The early settlers took much pleasure and 
pride in rifle-shooting, and as they were accustomed to the use of the gun 
as a means, often, of obtaining a subsistence, and relied upon it as a weapon 
of defense, they exhibited considerable skill. A wedding was the event of 
most importance in the sparsely settled new country. The young people 
had every inducement to marry, and generally did so as soon as able to pro- 
vide for themselves. When a marriage was to be celebrated, all the neigh- 
borhood turned out. It was customary to have the ceremony performed 
before dinner, and, in order to be on time, the groom and his attendants 
usually started from his father's home in the morning for that of the bride. 
All went on horseback, riding in single file along the narrow trail. Arriv- 
ing at the cabin of the bride's parents, the ceremony would be performed, 
and after that, dinner served. This would be a substantial backwoods feast 
of beef, pork, fowls and bear or deer meat, with such vegetables as could be 
procured. The greatest hilarity prevailed during the meal. After it was 
over, the dancing began, and was usually kept up till the next morning, 
though the newly-made husband and wife were, as a general thing, put to 
bed in the most approved fashion, and with considerable formality, in the 
middle of the evening's hilarity. The tall young men, when they went on 
to the floor to dance, had to take their places with care between the logs 
that supported the loft floor, or they were in danger of bumping their heads. 
The figures of the dances were three and four hand reels, or square sets and 
jigs. The commencement was always a square four, which was followed by 
"jigging it off," or what is sometimes called a " cutout jig." The "settle- 
ment " of a young couple was thought to be thoroughly and generously made 
when the neighbors assembled and raised a cabin for them. 

During all the envly years of the settlement, varied with occasional 
pleasures and excitements, the great work of increasing the tillable ground 
went slowly on. The implements and tools were few and of the most 
primitive kind, but the soil, that had long held in reserve the accumulated 
richness of centuries, produced splendid harvests, and the husbandman was 
well rewarded for his labor. The soil waa warmer then than now, and the 
season earlier. The prairie fields were often, by the 1st of March, as green 
as fields of grain now are by the 1st of April. The wheat was pastured in 
.the spring to keep it from growing up so early and so fast as to become 
lodged. The harvest came early, and the yield was often from thirty-five to 
forty, or more, bushels per acre. Corn grew fast, and roasting ears were to 
be had by the 4th of July in some seasons. 

MILLS, STORE GOODS, PERIOD OF 1812. 

When the corn grew too hard for roasting ears and was yet too soft to 
grind in the mill, it was reduced to meal by a grater. Next to the grater 
■came the hominy-block, an article in common use among the pioneers. I 



314 . HISTORY OF MADISON CuUNTY. 

consisted simply of a block of wood — a section of a tree, perhaps — with a 
hole burned or dug into it a foot deep, in which corn was pulverized with a 
pestle. Sometimes this block was inside the cabin, where it served as a seat 
for the bashful young backwoodsman while " sparking " his girl; some- 
times a convenient stump in front of the cabin door was prepared for and 
made one of the best of hominy-blocks. These blocks did not last long, 
for mills came quite early and superseded them, yet these mills were often 
so far apart that in stormy weather, or for want of transportation, the 
pioneer was compelled to resort to his hominy-block or go without bread. 
In winter, the mills were frozen up nearly all the time, and when a thaw 
came and the ice broke, if the mill was not swept away entirely by the 
floods, it was so thronged with pioneers, each with his sack of corn, that 
some of them were often compelled to camp out near the mill and wait sev- 
eral days for their turn. When the grist was ground, if they were so fort- 
unate as to possess an ox, a horse or mule for the purpose of transportation, 
they were happy. It was not unusual to go ten or twenty miles to mill, 
through the pathless, unbroken forest, and to be benighted on the jour- 
ney and chased by wolves. The mills at Chillicothe and Clifton were the 
first in this region of country, but, as a majority of the pioneers settled in 
the vicinity of some stream, mills soon made their appearance in every set- 
tlement. These mills, however, were very primitive affairs — mere " corn- 
crackers " — but they were a big improvement on the hominy-block. They 
merely ground the corn ; the pioneer must do his own bolting. The meal 
was sifted through a wire sieve by hand, and the finest used for bread. A 
road cut through the forest to the mill and a wagon for hauling the grist 
were great advantages. The latter, especially, was often a seven days' 
wonder to the children of a settlement, and the happy owner of one often 
did for years the milling of a whole neighborhood. About once a month, 
this good neighbor, who was in exceptionally good circumstances because 
able to own a wagon, would go around through the settlement, gather up 
the grists and take them to mill, often spending several clays in the opera- 
tion, and never think of charging for his time and trouble. ' 

Only the commonest goods were brought into the country, and they 
sold at enormous prices, being packed from Detroit or wagoned from Phila- 
delphia to Pittsburgh, thence floated down the Ohio to the mouth of the 
Scioto, and thence brought up that stream in boats or packed along the 
banks. Tea was worth $2 or $3 a pound for a number of years after the 
settlement of the Scioto Valley had extended up as far as Columbia. 
Coffee brought from 75 cents to $1 ; salt, $5 to $6 per bushel of fifty 
pounds, and the commonest kinds of calico were sold at $1 per yard. 
Long journeys upon foot were often made by the pioneers to obtain the 
necessities of life or some article, then a luxury, for the sick. Hardships 
were cheerfully borne, privations stoutly endured ; the best was made of 
what they had by the pioneers and their families, and they toiled patiently 
on, industrious and frugal, simple in their tastes and pleasures, happy in an 
independence, however hardly gained, and looking forward hopefully to a 
future of plenty which should reward them for the toils of their earliest 
years, and a rest from the struggle amidst the benefits gained by it. With- 
out an iron will and indomitable resolution, they could never have accom- 
plished what they did. Their heroism deserves the highest tribute of praise 
that can be awarded. 











William Riddle 

[deceased] 



HISTORY OF "MADISON COUNTY. 317 

During the war of 1812, many of the husbands and fathers volun- 
teered their services to the United States, and others were drafted. Women 
and children were then left alone in many an isolated log-cabin all through 
Ohio, and there was a long reign of unrest, anxiety and terror. It was 
feared by all that the Indians might take advantage of the desertion of 
these homes by their natural defenders, and pillage and destroy them. The 
dread of robbery and murder rilled many a mother's heart, but happily the 
worst fears of this kind proved to be groundless, and this part of the coun- 
try was spared any scenes of actual violence. 

After the war, there was a greater feeling of security than ever 
before ; a new motive was given to immigration. The country rapidly 
filled up with settlers, and the era of peace and prosperity was fairly begun. 
Progress was slowly, surely made ; the log-houses became more numerous in 
the clearings ; the forest shrank away before the woodsman's ax ; frame 
houses began to appear. The pioneers, assured of safety, laid better plans 
for the future, resorted to new industries, enlarged their possessions, and 
improved the means of cultivation. Stock was brought in from Kentucky 
and from the East. Every settler had his horses, oxen, cattle, sheep and 
hogs. More commodious structures took the places of the old ones ; the 
large double log-cabin of hewed logs took the place of the smaller hut ; 
log and frame barns were built for the protection of stock and the housing 
of the crops. Then society began to form itself; the schoolhouse and the 
church appeared, and the advancement was noticeable in a score of ways. 
Still there remained a vast work to perform, for as yet only a beginning 
had been made in the Western woods. The brunt of the struggle, however, 
was past, and the way made in the wilderness for the army that was to 
come. 




818 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI. 



EVENTS LEADING TO THE CREATION OF MADISON COUNTY — DARBY TOWNSHIP 
— MADISON COUNTY ERECTED— SURVEYS OF BOUNDARY LINES— FIRST ELEC- 
TIONS—EARLY LICENSE RATES AND LICENSES — PIONEER LISTERS- 
WOLF SCALPS— TAXATION AND EXPENDITURES— COUNTY SEAT AND 
COUNTY BUILDINGS— FIRST COURT HOUSE AND JAIL— SECOND 
COURT HOUSE AND JAIL — PRESENT BUILDINGS— PRISON 
BOUNDS— COUNTY INFIRMARY, ETC. 

AFTER the erection of Franklin County, the territory embraced 
therein was subdivided into four townships, and from the records at 
Columbus we have obtained the following information. " Ordered, that all 
that tract or part of Franklin County contained within the following limits 
and boundaries, to wit : Beginning on the west bank of the Scioto River, 
one mile on a direct line above the mouth of Roaring Run ; from thence, 
on a direct line, to the junction of Treacles Creek with Darby Creek, 
which is frequently called the forks of Darby ; thence south unto the line 
between the counties of Ross and Franklin ; thence west with said line until 
it intersects the county line of Greene ; thence with the last mentioned line 
north, and from the point of beginning, up the Scioto to the northern 
boundaries of Franklin County, do make and constitute the second township 
in said county, and be called Darby Township." This erection was made 
by the Associate Judges of Franklin County, May 10, 1803. 

The first election was held at the house of David Mitchell in said town- 
ship, and Joshua Ewing was elected Justice of the Peace. This was the 
first election for a Member of Congress ever held in the State. There were 
four candidates, viz., Michael Baldwin, William McMillan, Elias Lang- 
ham and Jeremiah Morrow. Darby Township cast its full vote, viz. : 
twenty-two, for McMillan; and although Franklin County, cast 130 votes, 
Jeremiah Morrow, who was elected to represent Ohio in the halls of Con- 
gress, received but two votes from that county. 

At a session of the Associate Judges of Franklin County, held January 
10, 1804, we find the following among the proceedings, " Ordered, that there 
be paid unto James Ewing out of the Treasury of Franklin County, the 
sum of $8.75, it being the compensation due to him for seven days' services 
in taking the list of taxable property and the enumeration of white males in 
Darby Township for the year 1803." Thus it will be seen that James and 
Joshua Ewing were the first officials of the territory, subsequently greeted 
into Madison County. At this time a living stream of settlers was pouring 
into the country west of the Big Darby, and so rapidly were the lands taken 
up that Darby Township soon contained sufficient population with which to 
found a new county. In accordance with a petition presented by the in- 
habitants thereof, the Legislature passed an act February 16, 1810, through 
which a new county was created, and named in honor of the illustrious 
James Madison, fourth President of the United States, who was then at the 
head of the Government. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 319 

The act establishing the same reads as follows : " That all that part 
of the county of Franklin, lying west of Franklinton, is hereby erected into 
a separate county and bounded as followeth, viz. : Beginning at the south- 
east corner of Delaware County ; thence east with the south boundary of 
the said county line, to a point that a line running due south will be the 
distance of twelve and one-half miles west of the county seat of Franklin 
County ; thence on a straight line, to the northwest corner of the county 
of Pickaway ; thence with said line south, until it intersects the line of Ross 
County ; thence west with said line, to the line of Greene County ; thence 
north with the line of Greene, to Champaign County line ; thence with 
Champaign line, to the place of beginning. 

" That the said county of Madison shall, from and after the 1st day of 
March next, be, and the same is hereby declared to be a separate and 
distinct county, and entitled to all the rights and privileges appertaining to 
the same : Provided, that all actions and suits which are, or may be pend- 
ing, or instituted in the county of Franklin, before the first Monday of 
March next, shall be prosecuted and carried into final judgment and execu- 
tion, and all taxes which shall be now due, shall be collected as though this 
act had not passed. 

" That on the first Monday in April next, the legal voters residing in 
said county of Madison, shall assemble in their respective townships, and 
elect their several county officers, who shall hold their offices until the next 
annual election. 

" That there shall be appointed, by joint resolution of both Houses of the 
present General Assembly, three Commissioners to fix the seat of justice in 
said county of Madison, agreeable to the act establishing the seats of justice, 
who shall make report of their proceedings to the Court of Common Pleas, 
of Franklin County, who shall be govorned by the provisions of the afore- 
said act. 

"That the Commissioners aforesaid shall be paid for their services out of 
the Treasury of the county of Madison, and that the temporary place of 
holding courts, until otherwise provided for according to law, shall be at the 
house of Thomas Gwynne, in said county of Madison. This act shall take 
effect and be in force from and after the 1st day of March next." 

By an act passed January 16, 1818, the following territory was added 
to Madison County : " That all that part of Champaign County, east of the 
eastern boundary of Clark County be, and the same is, hereby attached to 
Madison." 

In the erection of Union County, January 10, 1820, a strip of territory 
two and one half miles wide, parallel with the old line, was taken from the 
north part of Madison, in the formation of the new county, while at the same 
time the following territory was cut off from Franklin County and attached 
to Madison, viz.: "Beginning on the line between the counties of Franklin 
and Madison, at a point two and one half miles south of the north boundary 
of said counties ; thence east two miles ; thence south four miles ; thence 
west two miles; thence north to the place of beginning, be attached to. and 
hereafter considered a part of Madison County." It will, doubtless, be of 
interest to the general reader to know of the many acts passed establishing 
and changing the county lines, and we, therefore, give from official records 
the different surveys and changes since the erection of the county. 



320 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

On the 29th of January, 1821, an act was passed declaring " That the 
line formerly run by Solomon McCulloch, as the eastern boundary line of 
Champaign County, be, and the same is, hereby declared the eastern bound- 
ary of said county. That so much of said line as lies north of a point six 
miles north of the southeast corner of the county of Champaign be, and the 
same is, hereby declared the eastern boundary of the county of Clark. That 
the line between the counties of Madison and Union shall be run parallel 
with the line formerly run as the dividing line between the counties of Madi- 
son and Franklin, and the county of Delaware." February 4, 1825, Will- 
iam Wilson, of Clark County, was appointed to run a line between the 
counties of Madison and Union, viz.: " To commence at the southeast corner 
of the county of Union, and run from thence a due west course to the eastern 
boundary of Champaign County." He was instructed to leave a duplicate 
of said survey, also the plats and notes thereof, with the Commissioners of 
each county, " which line so surveyed, platted and returned, shall be and 
remain the established line between the counties of Union and Madison." 

January 22, 1827, an act was passed to alter and establish the line be- 
tween the counties of Clark and Madison: "Beginning at the northeast 
corner of Clark County, and to run from thence to a point so far east of 
the southeast corner of the said county of Clark as will leave as much land 
or territory, in the said County of Clark, as shall be taken by the County 
of Madison, or in other words, the said line shall be so run as to include in 
and exclude from the said counties respectively an equal quantity of terri- 
tory." By the second section of this act, the Surveyor of Madison Coun- 
ty was authorized and required to run, and have said line plainly marked, 
agreeably to the provisions of the first section of the act ; to have the 
same completed by March 20, 1827, and to make a return of said survey to 
the Clerks of the Court of Common Pleas of both counties, Madison Coun- 
ty to defray the full expense of running and marking said line. 

Under an act passed January 29, 1827, a new line was ordered to be 
run between Union and Madison Counties, to wit : " That Jeremiah Mc- 
Lene, of the county of Franklin, be, and hereby is appointed to run, sur- 
vey, mark and establish a line between the counties of Madison and Union, 
to commence at the southeast corner of the county of Union, and running 
from thence a direct line to a point in the line of the eastern boundary of 
the county of Champaign, two and a half miles south of the line formerly 
run between the counties of Delaware and Madison ; * * * which line 
so run, surveyed, platted and returned, shall be and remain the established 
line between the aforesaid counties of Madison and Union." Each county 
was to bear half the expense of said survey which was to be completed be- 
fore April 1, 1827 ; and all laws or parts of laws passed previously to this 
act and inconsistent with the same were declared repealed. We again find 
it enacted January 5, 1828: "That the line run as the line between the 
counties of Madison and Union, by Levi Phelps, in the year 1820, be, and 
the same is hereby declared to be the established line between the aforesaid 
counties." 

There has only been one change made in the lines of Madison County 
since the above date. By an act passed on the 4th of March, 1845, the 
lino between Madison and Franklin Counties was changed by making Big 
Darby the boundary from the southeast corner of Survey No. 2677, in Jeffer- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 321 

3on Township, to the southeast corner of Survey No. 3313, in Canaan Town- 
ship, and thus the lines have since remained. 

In conformity with the legislative enactment erecting Madison Coun- 
ty, three Commissioners were elected on the first Monday in April, 1810, 
viz.: Joshua Ewing, John Arbuckle, and William Gibson, who subdivided 
the county into townships, to the history of which we refer the reader for 
their official record and erection. On the 7th of May, 1810, the Associate 
Judges of Madison County, viz.: Isaac Miner, Samuel Baskerville, and 
David Mitchell, who had, previously, been elected by the General Assembly , 
ordered the Commissioners of said county to advertise the elections in the 
different townships throughout the county, for the purpose of electing town- 
ship officers, said elections to be held at the following places : "In Darby 
Township, at the house of Mrs. Robinson ; Jefferson, at the house of Thomas 
Foster ; in Deer Creek, at the house of Thomas Gwynne ; in Pleasant, at 
the house of Forgus Graham ; in Stokes, at the house of P. Cutright ; in 
Union, at the house of Elias Langham, and agreed upon by said Commission- 
ers that William Gibson does advertise said election at different places." 

Up to this time the lines of the county had not been surveyed, 
the legislative act of creation alone establishing the boundaries thereof. 
On the 31st of July, 1810, the Board of Commissioners authorized William 
Gibson to notify the Commissioners of Greene, Champaign and Franklin 
Counties to attend with their surveyors and have the lines established agree- 
able to law. The Board of Madison County, with Patrick McLene the sur- 
veyor thereof, were to meet the respective boards and surveyors of the 
adjoining Counties, at the following points, viz. : Those of Greene, at the 
house of Isaac Hudson in Stokes Township, on the 17th of September, 1810 ; 
those of Champaign, at the house of Christopher Lightfoot, near their south- 
east corner, on the 24th of September ; and those of Franklin, at the court 
house in Franklinton, on the first Monday in October following. The 
Commissioners delivered elaborate instructions to Patrick McLene as to the 
course he was to pursue. Each county was to defray one-half the expense 
of making the survey, but, in case the surveyors of the other counties did 
not attend at the place and time appointed, the surveyor of Madison was in- 
structed " to run and mark the lines in the same manner you would consent 
to do were they or either of them present." These instructions were de- 
livered to Patrick McLene September 13, 1810, who at the appointed time 
began to run and ascertain the boundary lines. It is evident, however, that 
the work was not completed until early in 1811, and to dispel all doubt on the 
matter, we here give a verbatim record of the survey as transcribed in Pat- 
rick McLene's own handwriting: 

" April 10, 1811 — Notes of the lines of Madison County as far as I 
have run them. Beginning at a white elm, red elm and black walnut, north- 
east corner of Fayette County, in the Pickaway County line, running west 
by the needle, twenty miles, two hundred and eighteen poles to an elm, post 
oak and two red oaks, one marked M. (7., crossing Deer Creek at sixty 
poles ; at 134 poles, crossing Deer Creek Road from Chillicothe to Urbana; 
at two miles and 116 poles, Langham's road; four miles and 76 polos, a 
branch of North Paint : 5 miles and 62 poles, another branch of North 
Paint; ten miles and 290 poles, East Fork of Paint; eleven miles and 160 
poles, a road; fourteen miles and 40 poles, Main Paint; fifteen miles and 



322 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNT V. 

70 poles, Springfield road to Chillicothe ; sixteen miles and 130 poles, Sugar 
Creek ; eighteen miles and 140 poles, Rattlesnake Fork ; twenty miles and 
58 poles, the corner made by the Surveyor of Fayette County ; twenty miles 
and 182 poles, a branch of Massie's Creek ; thence N. 3° W. nine miles 
and 87 poles, to a stake in Champaign County line, crossing a branch of 
Massie's Creek at 100 poles ; another at 214 poles ; seven miles and 278 
poles, the Little Miami ; eight miles and 208 poles, a branch of the Little 
Miami; thence N. 87° E., six miles to a stake, a burr oak, hickory and 
black oak, bearing trees. Crossing a branch of the Little Miami at 220 
poles ; at two miles and 284 poles, the State road leading from Xenia to 
John Graham's ; thence N. 3° W., twenty miles and 130 poles, to three 
White Oaks (two from one root), two black oaks and two hickories, supposed 
to be the southwest corner of Delaware County. Crossing at two miles and 
254 poles, the new State road ; four miles 116 poles, Wolf Run ; four miles 
160 poles, Urbana road; five miles 25 poles, a branch of Deer Creek; six 
miles 76 poles, State road from Franklinton to Springfield; seven miles 160 
poles, Deer Creek ; nine miles 130 poles, a road by Graham's to Urbana ; 
fourteen miles 254 poles. Little Darby ; sixteen miles 180 poles, Little Lake ; 
seventeen miles 260 poles, branch of Little Darby ; thence east fourteen 
miles and 300 poles, to the northwest corner of Franklin County, a stake, 
burr oak and two ash trees. Crossing a branch of Little Darby at 170 poles; 
the line made by Champaign Surveyor, at one mile 246 poles ; main Darby 
at seven miles 124 poles, etc." P. McLene, S. M. C." 

The chain carriers were Isaac Hudson, Walter Watson, Joseph Brown, 
Abraham Denton and Samuel Brown, while the markers were Skinner 
Hudson and Abraham Watson. In ascertaining the center of Madison 
County, Benjamin Strong and Henry Warner served as chain carriers. 
Patrick McLene was paid the sum of $82.50 for his services in finding the 
center of the county and running the boundary lines as described above ; 
while the chain carriers and markers each received $1 per day. If 
there has ever been a survey of the line between Madison and Franklin 
Counties, it is not on record in London, the book exhibiting a blank space 
where such survey was evidently intended to be transcribed. 

Upon the erection of Union County, in 1820, the Commissioners of 
Madison ordered the Clerk to notify the board of Union County that they 
were willing to give them two miles and a half off the north end of this coun- 
ty, the line to be run parallel with Root's line. It seems, however, that the^ 
line between Madison and Union Counties was not established in a satisfac- 
tory manner, for we find that in May, 1823, Patrick McLene, Auditor of 
Madison County, and the auditor of Union, agreed to order out the sur- 
veyors to establish the line in dispute between these counties. David Chap- 
man was appointed on the part of Madison County, and the following sur- 
vey was made May 24, and reported by him June 2, 1823. 

" To the Auditor of Madison County — Pursuant to your order, 
to me directed, I attended with Alexander Robison, Deputy Surveyor of 
Union County. We proceeded on the 22nd inst. to survey the line be- 
tween the county of Madison and the county of Union. We began at the 
old line dividing the counties of Madison and Franklin, from Delaware, 
where the east line of Union County crosses said line; thence south two 
and a half miles, and made a corner for Union, set a post from which a 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 323 

beech twenty inches in diameter bears N. 20° E., twenty-two links distant, 
and an elm six inches in diameter, bears S. 32° W., twenty-five links dis- 
tant; thence west fifteen miles and 298 poles. First mile tree, a white oak, 
twenty-four inches in diameter ; crossed Sager's Run at one mile and 315 
poles ; second mile tree, a small hickory ; third mile tree, an elm ; crossed 
Darby at three miles and 80 poles ; fourth mile tree, a small white oak ; 
crossed road from Sager's mill to London, at four miles and 50 poles ; fifth 
mile tree, a white oak eighteen inches in diameter; sixth mile, a stake in a 
prairie ; seventh mile tree, blazed a tree ; then run and measured north two 
and a half miles, and found the old Delaware and Madison line at that dis- 
tance, returned to said blazed tree and continued our line west; eighth mile 
tree, a large burr oak ; ninth mile tree, a small jack oak; tenth mile, a 
hickory stake; road from Mitchell's to London, at ten miles and 70 poles ; 
eleventh mile tree, a white oak ; twelfth mile tree, a white oak ; crossed 
Little Darby, at twelve miles and 136 poles running southeast ; thirteenth 
mile tree, a burr oak twenty inches in diameter ; crossed Little Darby at 
thirteen miles and 156 poles running northeast ; fourteenth mile tree, a burr 
oak ; fifteenth mile tree, a burr oak ; crossed Treacles Creek three times at 
about 160 poles ; set a post in the line of Champaign County line, for the 
northwest corner of Madison County, from which a burr oak fifteen inches 
in diameter bears north twelve links, and another burr oak fourteen inches 
in diameter bears S. 85° E., twenty-one links distant." 

The line between Madison and Clark Counties was still unsettled, and 
we find on the records bearing date June 11, 1824, the following: " Ordered 
by the Commissioners of Madison County, that the Commissioners of Clark 
County be notified that they will order their Surveyors to attend at the 
house of John Williams, on Monday, the 5th of July, at 8 o'clock A. M., to 
run and establish that part of the line between said counties, which is not yet es- 
tablished agreeable to an act of the Legislature passed January 29,1821." The 
reader will bear in mind that upon the erection of Clark County in 1817, a 
portion of Madison was taken in the formation of said county. The town of 
South Charleston was, previous to the creation of Clark, within the limits of 
Madison County, as the following record of the plat will demonstrate: 
" Surveyed for Conrad Critz, the foregoing platted town in Madison County, 
Stokes Township, described as follows: Columbus street runs north 61° 
east, crossing Chillicothe street at right angles. Chillicothe street runs 
south 29° east. Given under my hand this 1st day of November, 1815 — 
John T. Stewart." The names of many early settlers of that vicinity may 
be found in the judicial records of Madison County, as London was then 
their seat of justice. 

The last survey of any boundary line of Madison County which we 
find on record is the following : " August 23, 1827, surveyed for Madison 
County, as follows : Beginning at the northeast corner of Canaan Township, 
in the line between the counties of Franklin and Madison, running with said 
line south one and a half miles, marked a hackberry, sugar and a hickory, 
for a corner between said counties ; thence east two miles, marked a mulberry 
and a small beech for a corner between said counties (a beech for a mile tree); 
thence north four miles, and marked a beech for the northeast corner of 
Madison County, on the north side of the Post road ; a small ash for the 
first mile tree, a sugar tree for the second, a beech for the third mile — David 
Chapman, Surveyor." 



324 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



FIRST ELECTIONS. 

At the first election held in Madison County on the first Monday in 
April, 1810, John Moore and John Arbuckle were Judges of Election in 
Deer Creek Township, receiving $3 each for their services, the latter being 
paid $1 extra for taking charge of the poll book. Luther Cary was paid 
$2 for acting as Judge of Election in Darby Township, while Abraham Den- 
ton and Bazil Hunt were allowed $2 and $1 respectively for a similar service in 
Stokes Township. Elias Langham and Patrick McLene were paid $1 each 
as Judge and Clerk of the Election in Union Township, and R. So ward was 
allowed $2 for bringing three books and five quires of paper from Chillicothe 
for the use of Madison County. 

We find from the records that an election was held in many of the 
townships May 19, 1810. In Union, Walter Watson, David Groves and 
John Timmons, were Judges, and Patrick McLene and William Gibson, 
Clerks, all of whom were paid $1 each for their services. In Jefferson 
Township, Frederick Loyd and Henry Smith served as Judges, while the 
Clerks were Lewis Foster and James Moore. The compensation was the 
same as in Union Township. At the same election William Blaine was 
Judge in Deer Creek Township, and Amos Howard Clerk in the same, each 
of whom were paid $1, while William Ross was allowed 75 cents for making 
a ballot box for the use of Deer Creek Township. 

The regular annual election took place October 9, 1810, when William 
Frankabarger, Thomas Gwynne and William Blaine were Judges in Deer 
Creek Township, with John Pepper and Charles L. J. Atchison as Clerks. 
In Darby Township, Samuel Mitchell, Luther Cary and Samuel Robinson 
served as Judges, with James Ewing and Thomas Robinson as Clerks. The 
Judges of Jefferson Township were Thomas Foster, David Bradley and 
James Moore ; the Clerks, Paul Alder and Nehemiah Gates. In Union 
Township, the Judges were John Melvin, Benjamin Kirkpatrick and Andrew 
Cypherd ; while the Clerks Avere Elias Langham and Patrick McLene. The 
Pleasant Township Judges were Forgus Graham, Enoch Thomas and John 
Smith ; the Clerks, Samuel Dawson and David Long. In Stokes Town- 
ship, the only name we find on record is William Kelso, who acted as Judge. 

The record of these early events will preserve the names of many of the 
pioneer fathers, who spent their lives in Madison County, ever taking an 
active interest in its government, while laying the foundation for that wealth 
and intelligence which characterizes its people to-day. Those Judges and 
Clerks were each allowed for their services the small sum of $1, while the 
Judge who took charge of the poll book was paid $1, or sometimes $1.50 
extra. At this same election, John Moore, Sheriff of Madison County, was 
allowed $4 for taking the abstracts of the votes to Franklin County, while 
Robert Hume, Clerk and Recorder of Madison County, was paid $5 for his 
services in opening the election returns. Thus the reader can compare the 
official compensation of the pioneer days with that of to-day, and gain there- 
by a fair knowledge of the wonderful progress in population, wealth and 
development of this garden spot of Ohio ; for as intelligence and wealth 
expand, so, also, do liberal ideas, resulting in a generous compensation for 
all classes of labor wherever just laws and honest government prevail. 



:s»w -SUA* 






ssPSW: ~- ' ■' :''<i 




JohnW. Byers 



DECEASED 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTi'. 327 



EARLY LICENSE RATES AND LICENSES. 

The Board of Commissioners met at the house of Thomas Gwynne, the 
temporary seat of Justice, on the 11th of June, 1810, and established the 
following license rates for taverns in the several townships of Madison 
County: Union Township, $4; Deer Creek, $7 ; Jefferson, $4 ; Stokes, 
$5; Pleasant, $4; and Darby, §4. In 1811, the tavern license was: 
Darby Township, $4; Jefferson, $4 ; Deer Creeek, $6 ; Union, $6; Stokes, 
$4, and Pleasant, $4. In 1812, each of the above townships paid $4, ex- 
cepting Union, in which the rate was $5 ; and in 1813 Union Township 
paid $6, Deer Creek $5, and the balance $4. 

On the 30th of July, 1810, the Court of Common Pleas granted a 
license to Thomas Gwynne for one year to keep a tavern at his house in 
Deer Creek Township. On the following day, the court granted a license 
to Elias Langhain, to keep a tavern at his house in Union Township. In 
March, 1811, Thomas Gwynne was issued a license " to vend merchandise 
where he now lives in Deer Creek Township, for one year." Thus it will be 
seen that Mr. Gwynne was the first licensed tavern-keeper, as well as the 
first merchant of Madison County after its erection. 

At the same session, Nathaniel Hunter was granted a six months' 
license " to vend merchandise as a peddler," which was re-issued in 1812. 
In October, 1813, Hunter, who was an alien, applied "for the benefit of the 
naturalization laws to bo extended to him," which the court granted, and, 
taking the oath as provided under the Constitution, he was admitted as a 
citizen of the United States. This is the first naturalization case upon 
record in Madison County, and as such we deem it worthy of a place in 
its history. 

In November, 1811, Peter Outright was granted a license to keep a 
tavern for one year in Stokes Township, and John Turner, of Stokes Town- 
ship, was issued a similar permit, " to keep a public house for the accommo- 
dation of travelers where he lives in said township." In July, 1812, the 
Court of Common Pleas issued licenses to Joseph Russell and Philip Lewis 
to keep taverns in London, the newly laid out county seat. In March, 
1813, Robert Hume was granted a license to keep a tavern at his dwelling 
in London, and in June, John Gwynne obtained a license for the same pur- 
pose. At the October term of 1813, William Wilson and Joseph McKel- 
fish secured a license " to vend merchandise in the town of London for one 
year." In February, 1815, William and Eli Gwynne were granted similar 
favors ; in 1816, Thomas Needham and Robert Hume, under the firm name 
of Needham & Hume, and John Brodrick & Co. ; in 1817, John Moore and 
Elias N. De Lashmutt ; in 1819, Thomas Gwynne & Co., E. W. Gwynne 
and William Nelson being members of this firm. In June, 1815, William 
McCormick was issued a license to keep a tavern in London for one year; 
and, in May, 1816, James Ewing, of Darby Township, was granted a 
license to vend merchandise for one year at his house in said township. In 
January, 1817, the court issued him a license to keep a tavern at the same 
place. Most of these licenses were renewed again and again, and many 
whose names appear here kept stores or public houses of entertainment " for 
man and beast " during the greater part of the early history of Madison 
County. 

c 



328 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

As a matter of historical interest to the descendants of the pioneer 
fathers and mothers of Madison County, we transcribe the following items 
from the records of the Court of Common Pleas. At the November term, 
1811, " on application of the Rev. Forgus Graham, minister in the church 
of Christ, license is granted him to solemnize marriage agreeable to law." 
At the October term, 1814, Stephen English, "a regular ordained minister 
of the Baptist Church " was granted a license to solemnize marriage 
throughout Ohio. In February, 1815, Richard E. Pearson, "an Elder of 
the Christian Church regularly ordained," was granted a license to celebrate 
the bond of marriage all over the State. In 1816, John M. Foster, an 
Elder of the Christian Church, and Jeremiah Converse, a minister of the 
Methodist Church, were issued licenses to perform marriages any place in 
Ohio. Many others got similar authority, but these are the earliest found 
upon the records, and demonstrates that ministers had to obtain the consent 
of the State ere they could lawfully perform the marriage ceremony therein. 

PIONEER LISTERS. 

We find on the Commissioners' docket, a record of the first appraise- 
ment of property in Madison County, and cull therefrom the following 
items: "June 11, 1810, ordered that there be allowed to John Simpkins 
the sum of $6.25 for five days' attendance while listing and appraising 
houses, making out duplicates and returning the same for Union Township 
by order of the Board." Joseph Kendle was paid the same sum for a like 
work in Stokes Township ; David Foster, $5 for four days' listing, etc., in 
Deer Creek ; James Ewing, $5 for four days' work in Darby ; Thomas Fos- 
ter, $3.12^ for a similar labor in Jefferson, and Samuel Scott $5 for four 
days' appraising and listing in Pleasant Township. At the same time, Pat- 
rick McLene was appointed Lister for resident lands in Madison County, and 
subsequently paid $27 for eighteen days' services in doing said work. 

WOLF SCALPS. 

In the early settlement of the Scioto Valley, one of the greatest nuis- 
ances to the settlers were the large number of wolves infesting the country. 
These pests, although not specially dangerous, were continually killing the 
smaller and younger stock of the pioneer, so that it became a necessity to 
enact laws whereby to rid the settlement of them. At a meeting of the 
Commissioners held July 31, 1810, it was ordered "that there shall be al- 
lowed for all wolf scalps killed after the 1st day of March, 1810, within 
the boundaries of Madison County, that is over six months old, the sum of 
$2, and for all wolves killed within said boundaries that are under six months 
old, the sum of $1 for each scalp by order of the Board." The first person 
to take advantage of this law was Thomas Gwynne, who was paid $2 for an 
old wolf scalp in July, 1810. In September, Daniel Kent received $2 for 
an old wolf scalp, while William Atchison was paid $U tor the scalps of nine 
young wolves. These prices were paid for the purpose of exterminating 
the scourge until September, 1817, when the law was abolished, yet the 
people kept up the war by regular hunts until none were left to spread havoc 
among the peaceful Hocks and herds of Madison County. 



, HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 329 

TAXATION AND EXPENDITURES. 

It will, doubtless, be of interest to the general reader to give a brief 
summary of the receipts and expenditures of Madison County during the 
first years of its existence, and as history, at best, is but a dry compilation 
of facts, we here give a verbatim report of "the early taxation of the county 
as copied from the Commissioners' journal of June 11, 1810: " Ordered, that 
the rate of taxation be on all horses, mares, mules and asses of three years old 
and upward, each 30 cents per head ; on all stud horses the same rate per 
season ; on all neat cattle of three years old and upward, each 10 cents per 
head, and on all houses one-half per centum, on the appraised value by order 
of the Board." This rate of taxation was also adopted for the years 1811, 
1812 and 1813. 

" August 20, 1810, delivered the duplicates of the State tax to John 
Moore for collection, and the amount of said tax appears as per the duplicates 
delivered, to me by the different listers $359, 47 cents, 3£ mills." Under the 
same date we find the following : " Delivered the duplicates of the county 
tax to John Moore for collection, and the amounts of said duplicates appear 
to be $321.20." The State tax of Madison County for 1811 was $102, 59 
cents, 4 mills, and the county tax $357.65. In 1812, the State tax was 
$353.49, and the county tax $535.57. The first settlement was made with 
the County Treasurer, Thomas Gwynne, June 11, 1811, the journal reading 
as follows on that date: " This day came to a settlement with the County 
Treasurer, and received orders to the amount of $534.70, being the amount 
of the orders redeemed by the Treasurer for the taxes, tavern and store 
license, fines, etc., for the year 1810." The full expenses for 1810 was 
$526, 66 cents, 5 mills, and for 1811 $1,179, 74 cents, 4 mills, making 
the total expenses for th,e first two years of the county's existence $1,706, 40 
cents, 9 mills. The reader can readily discover that the business of Madison 
County was run on a very economical basis during its early career. The 
population was small, money scarce, and to use the phrase of an old pioneer, 
" a dollar looked as big as a cart-wheel." There was no extravagance, 
because such a thing was impossible, and where there was no money, it 
could not be spent. This then was the reason why economy prevailed, and 
not that men were more upright or honest than they are to-day. All honor 
to those fathers who guided the affairs of Madison County in her infancy, 
and honor to their sons who have so worthily taken their place, and pre- 
served their fair fame in their own lives. 

COUNTY SEAT AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

In 1810, the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County appointed 
Philip Lewis director to lay out the county seat of Madison County, the 
site of which had previously been selected by John Pollock and George 
Jackson, who were paid $14 each by the Commissioners of this county for 
their services in making said selection. There is nothing on record to indi- 
cate the location of this prospective capital of Madison County, but the plat 
made by Mr. Lewis is recorded and bears date of having been certified to 
before Thomas Gwynne, a Justice of the Peace of Deer Creek Township, 
November 13, 1810. Mr. Lewis was allowed by the Commissioners of this 
county the sum of $20 for his services in laying off the town ; while two 
days were spent by John Arbuckle in selling lots in the new county seat, 



330 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. „ 

and money was appropriated and bids advertised for toward the erection of 
a jail. All this is a matter of record, but while the index to the recorded 
plats of towns reads " Madison, Deer Creek Township, Philip Lewis, 
Director," some of the old settlers claim that London is built upon the site 
of the town laid out by Mr. Lewis, which bore the same name as the coun- 
ty, and that the item recorded is a mistake. We have no opinion to venture 
upon the subject, as there is nothing upon record to determine its exact lo- 
cation, and as we have given the main points connected with its history, the 
reader is at liberty to draw his own conclusions, bearing in mind, however, 
that the townships of Union and Deer Creek were erected on the same day, 
and that the territory comprising either was never a part of the other. 

During the legislative session of 1810-11, Peter Light, Allen Trimble 
and Lewis Newsom were appointed by that body to select a location for the 
county seat of Madison County. Upon hearing of this action, the County 
Commissioners agreed to postpone the sale of the jail previously advertised, 
until such time as a permanent selection should be made by the Commission- 
ers appointed by the Legislature. After examining different localities, their 
final choice fell upon the land of John Murfin, in Union Township. They 
came to this decision April 9, 1811, and August 19 their report was pre- 
sented to the Court of Common Pleas of Madison County, which appointed 
Patrick McLene director to lay off a town upon this land and name it Lon- 
don. This was accordingly done, two inlots, Nos. 9 and 10, " on the corner 
of Main and Main Cross streets," being reserved for the court house and 
jail. The name of the latter street has since been changed to High. The 
plat was recorded September 13, 1811, and the lots sold by Patrick McLene, 
or under his direction. After this occurred, not another word appears on 
record about the town of Madison, outside of bills presented to the Com- 
missioners and paid by them, for selecting and laying off said town, as well 
as for viewing and marking roads leading thereto. For further particulars 
of this event we refer the reader to the history of London, where will be 
found a complete record of the transactions connected with the selection 
and platting of the county seat. 

COURT HOUSE AND JAIL. 

Soon after the county seat was laid out, the erection of county buildings 
became a necessity, and we find that Curtis Ballard was paid the sum of 
$2 " for crying the sale of the court house and jail in the town of London." 
Uriah Humble obtained the contract for erecting the court house and Elias 
Langham the jail. The former was a two-storied hewed log building, the 
first story being used for a court-room, while the second was divided into 
two apartments for jury-rooms. It stood on Lot No. 40, the site of the 
Farmers' Hotel, immediately west of the present court house, cost §170, 
and was received by the Commissioners March 5, 1813, who "considered it 
finished according to contract." There can be no doubt that the building 
was occupied prior to this time, as on the journal under date of December 
2, 1811, we read, " William Sutton was paid $9.25 for making benches and 
table for the court," and " Jonathan Minshall was allowed §1 for hauling 
the benches and table to the court house." We find upon record in the Clerk's 
office the following item which makes it probable that this building was used 
as early as November of that year : " The November term of the Court of 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 331 

Common Pleas, held in London, the newly laid out county seat, was opened 
November 18, 1811." It is not known that the county officials had 
any regular offices outside of their own homes, and we have heard A. A. 
Hume remark that "most of them had their offices in their hats," so it is 
evident that little business was done, and the early official had not much use 
for an office. 

The jail was built of logs hewed on four sides, and was also two stories 
high. The lower story had a double wall of logs, and was without door or 
windows. The upper story was reached by an outside stairway, and was 
used as a debtor's prison ; while access to the lower story was obtained 
through an iron trap door in the floor of the debtor's room, connected by a 
movable ladder with the ground floor. This lower room was occupied by 
those who had committed criminal offenses or the more serious breaches of 
the law. It stood across the alley from the court house, on the west side of 
the present building, and cost $270, the last payment of $10 being made to 
Mr. Langham June 7, 1814. 

In 1814 and 1815, considerable repairing was done to the court house 
and jail. We find that in July, 1814, Joseph Russell was paid $40 for re- 
pairing the court house, and in March, 1815, William Turner was allowed 
$50 for building a chimney to the same. Throughout the latter year $284,- 
62^ was expended in repairs on these buildings, besides the above amounts. 
One item of $17 was paid Joseph Warner " for chinking and daubing the 
court house." Truly this house of justice was a modest one, and in keep- 
ing with pioneer times, yet the law was, doubtless, expounded as logically, 
and even-handed justice meted out with as much dignity as it is to-day, in 
the beautiful temples of law which adorn nearly every county seat from the 
Ohio to the Lake. 

SECOND COURT HOUSE AND JAIL. 

As the population and wealth of the county increased, it soon became 
evident that the old county buildings were not in harmony with the general 
progress of the county, and that new and more modern ones were necessary. 
So in 1816, the Commissioners entered into a contract with Nathan and 
Benjamin Bond, toward erecting a new court house. The work was pushed 
as rapidly as circumstances would allow, and soon a two-storied brick build- 
ing stood on the site of the present one. It was, in shape, nearly square, 
and faced both streets. Philip Lewis was appointed by the county as 
Superintendent of construction, and the cost of the building was $7,370.00, 
while the interest on the balance due, the painting, fencing and other extras, 
ran the cost up to $7,782.09, the last payment being made in 1826. 

In 1829, a brick jail was erected on the southwest corner of the court 
house lot facing High street, and cornering upon the alley. It was a two- 
storied building, containing four rooms, two in each story, and cost $832. 
The contractors were J. Warner and James Rankin. The Jailer lived in 
the two front rooms, the two others being used as cells. The jail was not 
fully completed until 1830, when it was ready for the reception of prisoners. 

The offices of the Treasurer and Recorder were in a one story brick, 
between the court house and jail, on High street, while those of the Auditor 
and Clerk were in a similar building north of the court house, on Main 
street. The Sheriff's office was in a small frame structure, which stood 
between the court house and the offices of the Clerk and Auditor. These 



332 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

buildings were erected by Amos G. Thompson, at a cost of $294.50, Nathan 
Bond being paid $34 for extra work on the same. They were all small, 
cheap structures, but answered admirably the purposes and times for which 
they were built. 

In November, 1830, Robert Hume bought a bell for the court house, 
at a cost of $105.60. The ironing and hanging cost $31.75, and was done 
by Robert Hume, William Jones and Nathan Bond. This is the same bell 
now in use in the belfry of the present court house, having performed its 
mission for more than half a century. 

THE PRESENT BUILDING. 

On the 9th of June, 1853, the Commissioners, Henry Alder, John 
Garrard and John T. Maxey, opened the bids received by them towards 
erecting a new court house, the old one having previously been condemned by 
the Grand Jury. Bids were received from Messrs. Gould, Biddle, Hills, 
Turnbull, Carey, Scott & Reese, Strain and Simpson. On the 10th, after 
a due examination of the several bids, the contract was awarded to A. E. 
Turnbull. On the 2d of August, the contract was completed and closed, 
in which the contractor agreed " to build said court house, as per contract 
and specifications on file, for the sum of $26,975, and to have the same com- 
pleted in good style by the first day of July, 1855." It was ordered to be 
erected with the front facing Main street, and placed in the middle of the 
lots originally set aside for court house and jail, with the steps commencing 
at a distance of six feet from the southwest line of Main street, and north- 
east line of the lots. 

The old buildings were ordered to be sold on June 24, 1853, and on 
that date E. W. Turner, auctioneer, sold the court house to William Gould, 
John Warner and J. F. Freeman, for $77. The county offices and jail not- 
bringing prices sufficiently large were withdrawn from the sale. On Novem- 
ber 2, they were again put up for sale, William Turner being the auctioneer. 
The Treasurer's and Recorder's offices were sold to Joseph Chrisman for 
$37 ; the Auditor's and Clerk's offices to David Haskell for $34 ; the jail to 
James M. Thompson for $50 ; the inside pavement to Nathan Bond, for 
$6.50; the old hook and ladder shed which stood in the rear of the jail, to 
Joseph Warner, for $2 ; the fence around the lot to J. C. Kemp, for $3 ; 
while the Sheriff's office which was not sold until December 5, brought, includ- 
ing the stove, $35, and was purchase d by William Jones. 

The county officials were 1 compelled to find offices elsewhere, and No- 
vember 2, John Rouse, the Auditor, was authorized by the Commissioners 
to rent of George Phifer the two southwest rooms on the second floor of 
his new brick building, for the use of the Auditor and Treasurer, which was 
accordingly done, at a rent of $45 per annum. This is the same building 
in which Wolf's clothing store is now located. The clerk made his office 
in his house; the Recorder, in a small log building which had been weather- 
boarded and which yet stands on the south side of High street, between 
Main and Union, while the Sheriff did without an office until the new 
building was completed. 

On the 8th of March, 1854, a petition was presented to the Commis- 
sioners praying that the plans of the court house be so changed as to have 
two main fronts, one on each street, which prayer was granted; and at a 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 333 

meeting held March 23, they decided to change all former plans as to posi- 
tion, front, etc., and to alter the same so far as to make the size 68x68, 
with two fronts, one on each street, in harmony with said petition. It 
was to contain six fire-proof rooms attached to the various offices, in which 
the records were to be preserved. In January, ^ 1856, the building was 
ready for occupancy and on the first day of that month the Auditor and 
Recorder moved into their new offices, the balance of the officials soon 
following their example. The fence around the lot, together with the out- 
buildings were the next necessary improvements, but much opposition had 
been developed toward the expenditures already undergone, and some of the 
Commissioners had resigned in consequence. Many of the people w r ere, 
therefore, opposed to putting up an iron fence around the building, looking 
upon the scheme as an act of extravagance. Prominent in this class was 
Harvey Fellows, one of the Board of Commissioners, at the time, while the 
other two, Edward Fitzgerald and David Haskell were in favor of the iron 
fence. The Recorder, William Love, was something of a wag, and getting 
up the following fictitious bid sent it through the post office addressed to the 

Board of Commissioners. 

March 1, 1856. 
I propose to build the fence around the Court House at the following rates, furnish good 
white-oak rails at $3 a hundred, and put them up ten rails high with stakes and riders, two 
pair of bars at $1, and paint them red for fifty cents extra. 

John Betts. Signed H. P. Kits. 



Reference -, 

[ Mikk Berry. 

It is needless to say that this amusing proposition demoralized the 
opposition and the contract was awarded to John F. Dodds & Co., of Day- 
ton, Ohio, to build an iron fence around the court house and erect necessary 
outbuildings, at a cost of $4,903, which was carried into effect and the entire 
work done in a satisfactory manner. The court house, fence and outbuild- 
ings made a total cost of $31,878. In March, 1857, the shade trees on each 
front were planted under the supervision of A. A. Hume, and add much to 
the appearance of the structure. 

The building, as it stands to-day, presents a very creditable outward ap- 
pearance which the interior does not justify. It is three stories in height and 
surmounted by a cupola, the second story being reached by a flight of stone 
steps from both Main and High streets. The Auditor's office is in the first 
story facing Main and High; the Treasurer's office is in the northeast cor- 
ner of the building on the first story, and faces Main ; the Recorder's office 
is in the southwest corner of the building, also on the first story, and faces 
High; the Clerk's office is immediately above the Recorder's, in the second 
Btory; the Probate Judge's office is in the same story, directly over the 
Treasurer's, while the Sheriff has an office cut off from the large center hall, 
but it is only temporary, to give him more room in his living apartments,' a 
portion of which originally formed his office. At the summit of the steps 
leading to the second story, are two large stone pillars gracing each flight, 
and supporting the roof above the alcove formed at the head of each. In the 
third story is the court and jury rooms, while on the first story, in the north- 
west corner of the building is the jail and Jailor's residence. None of the 
offices in this building are what they should be in this progressive age. They 
are small, unhealthy and wholly inadequate to the amount of business now 
transacted in th'cm. 



334 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

PRISON BOUNDS. 

When the Colonies proclaimed their independence and shook off the 
grasp of tyranny, a relic of English barbarism, known as imprisonment for 
debt, was engrafted into the laws of the young republic. This law was an 
outrage upon honest poverty and was the cause of untold misery. The pris- 
oner confined for debt, upon giving good security to his creditors, was 
allowed a certain defined limit outside of the jail in which to exercise his 
manhood, and this limit was known as the u prison bounds," but by crossing 
this line he forfeited his security, and, therefore, his liberty. In 1799, a 
law was passed in the Northwest Territory, making 200 yards, in any direc- 
tion from the jail, the prison bounds. In 1800, this was increased to 440 
yards, and reduced to 400 in 1805. In 1821, the corporation line became 
the boundary, and in 1833, it was extended so as to embrace the whole 
county. Thus it remained until the adoption of the new constitution, when 
this relic of a feudal nation was erased from the statutes of Ohio. 

From the proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas, held by the Asso- 
ciate Judges February, 1815, we have culled the following item : " Ordered 
that the prison bounds of the county of Madison shall be and that they are 
hereby established by and with the outlines of the town plat of London, in the 
county aforesaid, including the outlots, unless the said plan of said town 
should be too large for prison bounds as are directed by law ; in that case, 
the said prison bounds shall be laid off to the limits of the law, making the 
jail of said county the center thereof, and ordered that Patrick McLene, 
Esq., County Surveyor of said county of Madison, be, by the Clerk, notified 
to run, lay off and mark sufficiently said prison bounds, by blazing, putting 
up posts, etc., so as to make the said bounds plain and easy to be found and 
discovered, and that the said surveyor make return thereof to the next term 
of this court." In compliance with this order, the prison bounds were estab- 
lished by Patrick McLene June 19, 1815, and ran as follows : " Beginning 
at the south corner of Outlot No. 11, which is the graveyard, running thence 
west until the line strikes Glade Run, above William Pinkard's tanyard; 
thence down said run, with the meanders thereof, until it intersects with Oak 
Run ; thence down Oak Run, with the meanders thereof, to the south cor- 
ner of Lot No. 18; thence S. 57° E., 53 poles, to the north corner of Out- 
lot No. 1 ; thence N. 56° E., 46 poles, to Main street, including George 
Thompson's pottery shop; thence N. 36° E., 50 poles, to the west corner of 
Outlot No. 6 ; thence N. 45° W., with the range of Outlots No. 7, 8, 9 and 
10, 92 poles to the beginning." These bounds were enlarged, in 1821, to 
the corporation limits, and in 1833 to the boundaries of Madison County, 
which was in harmony with the laws enacted in those years. With the 
progress of civilization, all such laws as imprisonment for debt become 
obnoxious to the spirit of enlightenment and humanity which civilization 
engenders, and are therefore annulled as they ought to be. 

COUNTY INFIRMARY. 
Throughout the pioneer days of Madison County, each township sup- 
ported its own poor, but finally the duty devolved upon the county, and 
private individuals were engaged to support indigent persons, or paid for 
doing so. In September, 1857, the County Commissioners appropriated 
$15,000 toward purchasing land and erecting suitable buildings for a County 





James Lilly: 

[deceased] 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 337 

Infirmary, provided, however, that the county vote in favor of said appropri- 
ation at the following October election. Whether or not the Commissioners' 
action was ratified, we are unable to say, but nothing was done toward 
establishing the Infirmary for more than six years subsequent to that event. 
On the 9th of June, 1864, the Commissioners purchased 110 acres of land 
from Jesse Watson and James Q. Minshall, paying for the same $95 per 
acre. It was located immediately south of London, and a portion of it is 
now inside the corporate limits. Fruit trees were planted, fences built and 
the property somewhat improved, but no buildings were erected, nor was it 
ever occupied for infirmary purposes, and was finally sold. 

The present farm was purchased June 6, 1866, from James Rankin, Jr.* 
and originally contained 684; acres of land, for which they paid $75 per 
acre. Additions have since been made and they now have a farm of 105 
acres. The Commissioners met July 2, 1866, and appointed three directors, 
viz.: J. W. Carr, William Cryder and Richard Baskerville, and they in 
turn, subsequently, appointed G. W. Darety as Superintendent of the Infirm- 
ary. He took possession of the frame house standing on the farm, when 
purchased, July 17, 1866, and July 31, the first inmates were admitted. 
On the 3d of August, 1866, bids were advertised for the erection of a 
"lunatic building," and September 3, the contract was awarded to Ginn & 
Henry, of Cedarville, to be completed November 5, at a cost of $4,999. 
On the 6th of November, the contract for erecting a new Infirmary building 
was given to the same firm, at a cost of $18,000. After the erection of this 
building, it was found very imperfect, and prior to its completion it was dis- 
covered that the contractors were not doing the work according to contract. 
It was found absolutely unsafe, and August 31, 1868, was condemned by 
Anderson & Hannaford, architects, of Cincinnati, whom the Commissioners 
called upon to examine the structure. The board then took the matter in 
hand, remodeled and strengthened the building wherever necessary, and car- 
ried the whole to completion. Mr. Darety continued as Superintendent, and 
moved into the new building January 11, 1872. In August, 1873, Isaac 
Curl succeeded Mr. Darety, and served until April 1, 1875, when William 
M. Jackson became Superintendent, and he, in turn, was succeeded by J. 
Smith Davidson, April 1, 1877, who has since occupied the position. 

In 1872, Samuel P. Davidson, one of the Infirmary Directors, was em- 
ployed by the Commissioners to lay off* the grounds surrounding the new 
buildings, and make such improvements as were necessary to the comfort, 
convenience and attractiveness of the institution. He drafted a plan of the 
grounds, which the Commissioners approved. In front of the building the 
landscape was laid off twenty yards square, with a heart shaped driveway 
from the gate to the main entrance of the building, and cutting this figure 
in two, is a gravel walk from the gate to the front door of the Infirmary. 
Within the driveway, flowers, shrubbery and ornamental trees decorate the 
grounds, while surrounding it are planted fruit trees and various kinds of 
evergreens, giving to the whole a handsome appearance, and reflecting much 
credit upon its worthy projector, as well as upon the county whose generous 
munificence has created this asylum for poor, suffering humanity. 

The building is of brick, with stone foundation, 45x108 feet in size, 
four stories high, with a rear wing 32x45 feet, and of the same height as 
the main structure. The basement, or first story, contains nineteen rooms ; 



338 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



here are located the kitchen, bakery, laundry, children's dining room, milk 
house and storage rooms, also the engine and boilers which heat the building 
throughout. Each of the other stories contain twenty rooms. On ascend- 
ing a flight of stone steps from the driveway, you reach the first floor above 
the basement, which contains the Superintendent's office and reception 
room, two dining rooms, and sixteen bed rooms for the inmates. The cen- 
tral and western portion of the next floor is occupied by the family of the 
Superintendent, the rest of it being used for inmates' bed rooms, bath rooms, 
and a clothing room wherein the wearing apparel of the inmates is kept, 
neatly folded away for their use, whenever they need it. The top floor is 
divided into bed rooms for the inmates and the help engaged at the Infirmary. 
There is also located on this floor a school room, where the children stop- 
ping at the institution have regular instruction, by a competent teacher, em- 
ployed for the purpose. The building contains three cells, in which insane 
inmates are confined when such a course is necessary. Close to the rear 
of the main structure, stands a brick wash-house, a brick smoke-house, a 
frame ice-house, and all other outbuildings common to such institutions. 

The farm lies about three miles and a half southwest of London, in 
Union Township, and is located between the Jefferson, South Charlestown, 
& Xenia Turnpike, and the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. 
It is the highest elevation between London and Cincinnati, and possesses an 
excellent soil. The water is unequaled in the county, and contains splendid 
tonic qualities; while the premises at and around the Infirmary have wells 
and pipes from which it flows constantly, yielding a never-failing supply for 
all purposes. The farm is well improved, contains an ice pond, has an or- 
chard of several acres of the finest varieties of fruit trees, is kept in the 
best condition possible, and for a healthful, pleasant location cannot be sur- 
passed anywhere in Madison County. The present Directors are Preston 
Adair, Isaac H. Hambleton, and John Gilliland. 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 339 



CHAPTER VII. 



BOUNDARIES OF MADISON COUNTY — ERECTION OF TOWNSHIPS — AREA AND 

STREAMS — TOPOGRAPHY — APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRY WHEN FIRST 

SETTLED— PRAIRIE FIRES — TIMBER— GPX)LOGICAL SERIES— DRIFT AND 

SOILS— WATER SUPPLY — WILD ANIMALS AND REPTILES. 

MADISON COUNTY is bounded on the north by Union, on the east 
by Franklin and Pickaway, on the south by Fayette, and on the west 
by Greene, Clark and Champaign Counties. It is divided into fourteen 
townships, six of which were erected April 30, 1810, viz., Darby, Jefferson, 
Deer Creek, Union, Pleasant and Stokes. They embraced all of Madison, 
as well as a portion of what is now in Union and Clark Counties. In 
the course of time, other townships became a necessity, and were erected in 
the following order : Range, December 7 , 1812 ; Pike, September 5, 
1814; Monroe, March 16, 1819; Phelps, which title was subsequently 
changed to Canaan, June 7, 1819 ; Fairfield, June 2, 1835 ; Somerford, 
March 4, 1839 ; Paint, June 7, 1853, and Oak Run, March 5, 1856. The 
county contains an area of 470 square miles, and is divided into four prin- 
cipal water-sheds by Rig Darby, Little Darby, Deer Creek and Paint 
Creek. The head-waters of Big Darby are located in the northeast part of 
Champaign County and southeast portion of Logan. Taking a southeast 
direction across Union County, it enters Madison at Plain City ; passing 
thence through Darby and Canaan Townships, it forms the boundary line 
between Madison and Franklin Counties along the greater portion of 
Canaan and Jefferson Townships ; leaving the latter at its southeast corner, 
it passes on through Franklin and Pickaway Counties and empties into the 
Scioto River near Circleville. Little Darby rises in the northeastern part 
of Champaign County and southwestern part of Union ; flowing thence in 
a southeasterly direction through Pike, Monroe and Jefferson Townships, 
leaving the latter subdivision near its southeast corner, and forming a junc- 
tion with Big Darby at Georgesville, in Franklin County. The fountain- 
head of Deer Creek is, we might say, in Somerford Township, although it 
extends across the line into Clark County. Taking a southeastern course, 
it drains the townships of Somerford, Deer Creek, Union, Oak Run, Fair- 
field and Pleasant; thence passing through the counties of Fayette and 
Pickaway, empties into the Scioto in the northern part of Ross. Paint 
Creek, which drains the southwestern portion of Madison County, takes its 
rise in the southeast part of Clark. Meandering in its southern course 
through Paint and Stokes Townships, it flows on through Fayette, High- 
hind and Ross Counties, discharging its waters into the Scioto below Chilli- 
cothe. Big Darby was called after a Wyandot chief named Darby who 
dwelt upon its banks, and the smaller stream of that name derives its title 
from the same source. Deer Creek traces the origin of its name back to 
the time when the Indians camped upon its banks and the white race had 
not yet disturbed their freedom or encroached upon their domain. Upon 
the banks of Deer Creek «jrew a moss which was a favorite food of 



340 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the deer, and here they came in herds to feed upon this succulent growth of 
provident nature, only to meet death from the arrow or unerring rifle 
of the red man. After the coming of the whites, the deer still frequented 
this stream, and the Indian name was retained. Paint Creek was named 
by Nathaniel Massie on account of a certain clay which the Indians found 
along its banks or in its bed, and used in painting or bedaubing their 
bodies. Beginning in the northern portion of the county, the main streams 
are fed by many tributaries throughout their entire course, principal among 
which are Spring Fork, Barron Run, Sweeney's Run, Mammoth Run, 
Three-Mile Run, George's Creek, Oak Run, Glade Run, Crooked Run, 
Coniac Run, Price's Run, Walnut Run, Opossum Run, Sugar Run, Brad- 
ford's Fork, Thompson's Fork, Mud Run, Willow Spring Branch, East, 
West and North Forks of Paint Creek, and Duff's Fork. In the south- 
western corner of the county. South Branch of Massie's Creek, a tributary 
of the Little Miami, assists the drainage in that direction, but as nearly all 
these tributaries are local we refer the reader to the histories of the differ- 
ent townships, where a fuller description of them will be found. 

In 1878, Prof. Edward Orton, Assistant State Geologist, made a 
geological survey of Madison County, and in that article gives the following 
description of its topography. He says: kk Its surface is comparatively 
level. Its lowest land is found in the southeastern corner, near Mount 
Sterling, in the valley of Deer Creek. Its highest land lies to the west and 
northwest of London, and is about 1,100 feet above the level of the sea. 
The range of the county does not probably exceed 300 feet. The altitude 
of a few of the principal points in the county are subjoined: London, 1,010 
feet above tide water; West Jefferson, 880 feet; Mount Sterling, 865 feet; 
Midway, 950 feet; county infirmary. 1,100 feet; county line on Xenia 
pike, west of London, 1,100 feet, and Ohlinger's Hill, west of Somerford, 
1,100 feet above tide- water. Of these altitudes, all but the first were ob- 
tained bv the barometer, and must be taken as approximations only. They 
suffice to show, however, the very great degree of uniformity that prevails 
in the surface of the county. A very large part of its area lies at altitudes 
varying hot ween 950 feet and 1,050 above the sea. Notwithstanding this 
uniformity of level, there is but very little swamp land in Madison County. 
The slopes, though very gradual, are so distributed that the water always 
knows which way to go. Betweeij those sources of Little Darby Creek 
that lies within the county, and the point where the creek crosses the coun- 
ty line, there is a tall o{' scarcely less than 200 feet. The distance is about 
fifteen miles, and the average descent is between thirteen and fourteen feet 
to the mile. Deer Creek descends, from its head-springs near Somerford, 
300 feet, in its diagonal course of twenty miles across the country — an 
average fall of fifteen feet to the mile. The surface of the county, however, 
has been greatly relieved by drains and ditches, and is susceptible of almost 
indefinite improvement by such agencies. None of the streams have deep 
valleys, but the surface lies in gentle undulations between the channels of 
contiguous water-courses. In the northeastern comer of the county, the 
low summit that divides the waters of Little Darby from that of Big 
Darby, extends in the broad and productive tract known as the Darby Plains, 
one of the most famous grazing districts of the State." 

It is a well authenticate 1 fact that a great portion of Madison County 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 341 

was. originally, covered with water most of the year. The first settlers 
called these lands " barrens," and looked upon them as utterly unfit for 
farming purposes. The pioneers located upon the streams, where the lands 
were elevated and dry, and the best of timber grew in abundance. Land 
speculators cared little for the prairie lands; therefore all the first warrants 
were laid upon the territory adjacent to the streams. The prairies consisted 
of level stretches of country covered with sedge-grass, and dotted here and 
there with patches of scrubby burr-oak growing upon the highest points of 
land. The sedge-grass grew to an enormous height, sometimes sufficient to 
hide man and horse when traveling through it; but it proved a blessing to 
the first settlers, being very nutritious food for stock, which had extensive 
ranges where now stands some of the finest producing farms in Madison 
County. The pioneers would cut this grass in June and July, and upon it 
the stock were fed throughout the winter months. Nearly every autumn 
prairie fires swept over the country, destroying everything in their path, 
endangering the lives and property of the pioneers, as well as the existence 
of the denizens of the forest that fled before the devouring elements to 
places of safety ; but with the gradual settlement of the country these fires 
grew less frequent, until at last they became a thing of the past. We have 
been told that the timber on the east bank of the streams was always the 
largest, as these fires generally ran from west to east, and being checked by 
the intervening waterways, the trees on the east bank were generally spared 
the withering destruction that befell those upon the opposite side of the 
stream. The growth of the burr-oak on the prairies was impeded by these 
periodical fires, and the greater amount of the present timber of Madison 
County has grown up since the first settlement of the country. There was 
then little or no spice-brush growing on the flat prairie lands, as the seed 
scattered by the wind and carried by the birds was destroyed by the fires ere 
it took root in the soil. Dr. Converse says : " It was majestically grand to 
see these prairies on fire, fifty years ago ! The blaze of the burning grass 
seemed to reach the very clouds ; or, when driven by a fierce wind, would 
leap forty or fifty feet in advance of the base of the fire. Then add to all 
this a line of the devouring element three miles in length, mounting up- 
ward and leaping madly forward with lapping tongue, as if it were trying 
to devour the very earth, and you have a faint idea of some of the scenes 
that were witnessed by the early settlers of this country. In order to save 
the dwellings, fences, hay stacks and other property from these devastating 
raids, it was necessary to resort to what was called 'back-firing,' which was 
done by selecting a still day, or evening, and burning a strip of grass twen- 
ty or thirty feet wide around the entire premises." 

The same writer, in speaking of the physical appearance of the county 
during the pioneer times, says : " This whole country was a sea of wild 
grass, and flowering herbs. Upon the lower portions of the prairies grew a 
kind of grass that came up in single stalks, very thick on the ground, with 
a large round straw, very tough, long, broad blades, and on top a head 
somewhat resembling barley. This species grew from six to eight feet in 
height, but was of no value for grazing purposes, except when it first came 
up in the spring. There were two other varieties that grew upon the more 
elevated portions of the prairie, the ' limber-will ' and ' sedge-grass.' The 
former of these came up in single stalks, very thick on the ground, with long, 



342 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

drooping blades and slightly sickle edged. The latter variety grew in bunches, 
or tufts, very compact, with fine blades, and center stalks very tall, smooth 
and round, like rye. These latter varieties were very nutritious, not only in 
a green state, but equally so when cut and made into hay. There were 
some other varieties, but not of sufficient importance to attract attention. It 
would be almost impossible to give a full and accurate description of the 
flowering portion of its vegetation, but I will allude to a few, among which 
was the 'prairie dock,' with large, brittle roots, long, broad leaves, and 
every alternate year, large center stalks. It grew to a height of six or eight 
feet, and very branching near the top, upon each of which was a beautiful 
yellow blossom. When the stalks were cut near the ground, or the leaves 
punctured, a thick, gummy exudation took place, which soon became semi- 
solid, and was gathered by the young people for 'chewing-gum,' it being 
far superior to the manufactured article of the present day. The wild "sun- 
flower" was a kind of weed that grew with a large, strong stalk, very high, 
with numerous branches, having a yellow blossom on each about three inches 
in diameter, and drooping like the cultivated species. All of the ponds were 
surrounded with the wild • blue-flag,' and, on the top of each center stalk, 
was a large blue blossom, very pretty in appearance, but its fragrance was 
of an offensive and sickening character. There were many other varieties 
that grew upon the prairies besides those that were found skirting, and in 
the oak-openings, such as the daisies, butter-cups, wild pink, coxcomb, lilies 
and many others equally beautiful. It was, indeed, a grand sight to a 
nature-loving mind, to look over these extensive prairie fields and behold 
them mantled with so luxuriant a growth of vegetation, and decorated so 
lavishly with an almost endless variety of flowers, variegated with all the 
colors of the rainbow, and so blended in beauty that the inmost soul would 
almost involuntarily praise God for the grandeur of His omnipotent wis- 
dom and power ; but to that class of persons who cannot appreciate any loveli- 
ness or beauty in the works of nature, it might appear as a God-forsaken 
wilderness, and not intended as a home for civilized humanity." 

The only portion of Madison County that was entirely covered with 
timber, is Somerford Township, no prairie land lying within that subdivis- 
ion. Along the streams the timber is principally white and black oak, 
hickory, beech, ash, maple and elm, interspersed with basswood, sycamore, 
white elm and walnut. The lands contiguous to the streams are generally 
rolling or hilly, and in many places broken, with here and there rich bot- 
toms, which are much prized by the agriculturist. There is very little 
diversity in the topographical appearance of the county, the prairies and 
timbered lands being about the same in every portion thereof, and for a 
more minute description of the several localities, we refer the reader to the 
township histories, in each of which will be found a topographical outline of 
the same. 

As the county began to be settled more thickly, it became evident that 
if the pioneers intended to remain they would be compelled to drain the 
prairies and wet lands, which they soon recognized as a necessity, and 
ditches began to appear in different portions of this county. In the course 
of time the Legislature passed drainage laws, which, together with private 
enterprise, soon changed the face of the country by gradually draining 
these wet lands, until to-day they are among the most valuable in the coun- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 343 

ty, yet the work goes steadily forward, fostered and encouraged by the 
State. This one enactment, with its subsequent amendments, has done 
more toward the development of the agricultural wealth of Madison County 
than all other laws combined. During the first years of pioneer life there 
was a vast amount of malarial sickness, which retarded the general progress 
of the settlement, but the prospective advantages of the country, with its 
rich soil, fine stock ranges and abundance of all classes of game, sustained 
the spirit of the wavering settlers and re-animated them with a firm resolu- 
tion to make this their future home. So they remained and erected their 
cabins beside the beautiful streams that traversed the surface of the county ; 
here their children were born, lived and died, blessing the foresight and 
enterprise of these sturdy pioneers who did so much for the coming genera- 
tions. 

GEOLOGICAL SERIES. 

The history of geology in Madison County was compiled a few years 
ago by Prof. Edward Orton under the supervision of the State, and as the 
survey made by him is official, we cannot do better than to give a verbatim 
copy of his report. He says : " The geological scale of the county is very 
much contracted. But two formations beside the drift occur here, viz., the 
Helderberg and the Corniferous limestones. There are in the county two 
exposures of the former and but a single one of the latter. The Helder- 
berg limestone (water lime) has been quarried in small amounts for many 
years on the farm of Asa Hunt, Pike Township (Survey 6,965). A branch 
of the Spring Fork of Little Darby, known as Barron Run, has cut its bed 
down to the limestone for a number of rods, and the stone is raised from the 
quarry at such times as the water is lowest. It has been used for lime and 
also for building stone. The first purpose it is very well adapted to ; the 
second, it answers but indifferently well, as the stone is thin and shelly. It 
holds its characteristic fossils which, however, are not necessary for its iden- 
tification, as the lithological characters are too plain to be mistaken. The 
second exposure of this limestone is much more considerable. It occurs on 
the Stoner farm in Jefferson Township, two miles south of the village of 
West Jefferson. A section of fifteen feet of this formation is shown in the 
banks of Little Darby, very near the point where the stream leaves the 
county. The ledge is resorted to for the same purposes as the exposures 
first mentioned, viz., for lime and building stone. The same remarks as to 
quality will apply in this case as before. The lime has an excellent reputa- 
tion, being much milder than the Columbus lime. 

" The principal interest of this locality, however, lies in the fact that 
it furnishes the junction of the Silurian and Devonian formations. A few 
rods from the exposure of the Helderberg limestonejust mentioned, ten feet 
of another formation comes in, which it is easy to identify by all tests as the 
Corniferous limestone, known in this portion of the State as the Columbus 
or State quarry limestone. The beds furnish quite serviceable building 
stone, and are brought into neighborhood use. On the opposite side of the 
creek, and a mile or two further down, there is a still more extended section 
of the same elements. It is found on the farm of the Roberts brothers. It 
does not deserve to be called a new exposure, as the outcrop of the rock is 
scarcely interrupted from one point to the other. 






v \ 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 347 

volume and also in the importance of its offices. As has been before stated, 
borings of sixty feet are sometimes made without exhausting the bowlder 
clay. These facts seem to indicate that the average thickness of this mem- 
ber of the series is not less, certainly, than sixty feet. 

" In considerable areas of the county, the bowlder clay forms the pres- 
ent surface, or rather the bowlder clay as modified by the action of the 
atmosphere and of vegetable growth, and other organic agencies upon it. 
These areas constitute the coldest and most untractable lands of the county. 
The soil formed from their weathered surfaces is a black clay, one foot or a 
foot and a half in thickness. The action of the atmosphere is shown to 
have reached below the surface in the conversion of one or two additional 
feet of the blue clay into yellow clay. These weathered deposits pass by 
insensible gradations into the underlying deposit. The lands of this descrip- 
tion are less varied in the natural forest growth than the other lands of the 
county. They are susceptible, however, of considerable amelioration by 
underdraining, and possess all the elements necessary for long continued 
productiveness. 

" By far the larger part of the county is covered with another order of 
drift-deposit, viz. : Those that have been modified and re-arranged during a 
period of submergence to which the original beds have been subjected. If 
a bed of the yellow clay already spoken of as formed from the weathering of 
the blue clay, were exposed by a slowly advancing submergence to the action 
of waves or currents, it is easy to see' that its clay, sand and gravel would be 
assorted and separated. The coarser materials would be moved the least 
distance, and the finer clays the greatest distance from their original beds. 
As the submergence was gradually extended, we ought to find beds of 
gravel overlying the blue clay, themselves overlain by sand, and finally cov- 
ered with the finest grained clays. Such is precisely the general order of 
the arrangement in all of these districts. We ought, furthermore, to expect 
that on the highest grounds of the county, beds of gravel and sand would 
abound. This also is exactly the case. Ohlinger's Hill, as high a point as is 
contained in the county, is the resort of the whole country for miles around, 
for plastering sand, extensive deposits of which occupy the highest parts of 
the dividing ridge. 

" The same line of facts is met with on the high ground west of London, 
a ridge scarcely inferior in elevation to the one already referred to. It is, 
in fact, a part of the same water-shed — separating the drainage of the Scioto 
from that of the Little Miami. Almost the whole of this region is occupied 
with heavy beds of well-washed gravel. The whole supply for London and 
its vicinity is derived from this locality. It must, however, be noted that 
these high grounds also contain remnants of the old glacial clays, which 
furnish, as at Ohlinger's Hill, a soil of entirely different properties from any 
other soils in the county. The difference lies in the fact that the high loca- 
tion of the masses has prevented the accumulation of vegetable matter in 
them. They produce fruit well, and are good wheat lands when properly 
treated, but they are decidedly inferior as grass-lands to the rest of the 
county. In fact, but a thin sod establishes itself upon them, unless special 
care is taken to secure this result. 

" The submergence of this district, and the consequences resulting from 
such a fact, have been spoken of. It is easy to see that the emergence which 



348 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

converted it into dry land again, must have been attended with equally 
marked results. As drainage systems began to be established or re-established, 
the accumulations of clay, sand and gravel of the re-arranged drift would 
often be withdrawn from the surface over which they had been distributed, 
and the broad valleys through which currents were moving, would be sure 
to receive them. The bowlder clay would thus be exposed on portions of 
these areas. The northern and central districts of the county contain almost 
all of the exposures of this sort, while the southern tiers of townships, which 
lie a hundred feet or thereabouts lower than the above named districts, hold 
by far the most gravel. 

" The facts now enumerated will be seen, upon a little reflection, to lay 
the foundation for an excellent scope of country in an agricultural point of 
view. Generous and lasting soils and an abundant water supply are certain 
to be provided from such modifications of the beds of glacial drift in Cen- 
tral and Western Ohio. In accordance with these probabilities, Madison 
County is found to be one of the finest agricultural districts of the State. 
There is scarcely a foot of waste land in it, and most of it, if not already 
highly productive, is easily susceptible of being made so. The surface clays 
are generally black for at least one or two feet in depth. In land lying as 
nearly level as Madison County does, there would necessarily be enough 
detention of organic matter in the soil to produce this result. Even the 
lands underlain with gravel might have been swampy in their earliest his- 
tory, but after a forest growth had established itself upon them and the roots 
had penetrated to the porous beds below, a natural drainage would be 
secured, which would do much toward their amelioration. The gravel 
washed out of the bowlder clay is largely limestone gravel. Whenever an 
insulated area of this gravel has been left uncovered by the finer clays, and 
has itself undergone atmospheric agencies by which it would be converted 
into soil, we find the productive belts known as mulatto lands. The reddish 
soils thus designated certainly have just such a history. 

" The forest growths on these several sorts of areas are, in every case, 
characteristic. The last-named division is the warmest and most fertile land 
in the county. It is occupied quite largely by black walnut, sugar maple, 
etc., and is, therefore, frequently styled ; black walnut land.' It is con- 
fined to patches and acres, and is nowhere extended in large tracts, or at 
least not in the central portion of the county. More of it is shown in the 
southern townships. The division last preceding this, viz., the clays under- 
lain by gravel or Band, are quite generally covered with burr oak {Quercus 
macrocarpa). This tree marks very definitely all the better portions of the 
areas now under discussion, and as this kind of land constitutes the most im- 
portant element in the surface of the county, the burr oak may be said to 
characterize the county. The colder lands referred to, the weathering of 
the bowlder clay, are covered for their natural forest growth with swamp oak 

rcu8 />'(liostris), post oak | Q. obtusiloba) and occasionally white oak (Q. 
alba). The natural differences between these soils, as attested by their 
original forest growths, are clearly shown in their subsequent history under 
cultivation. 

" The swampy condition of the land before drains and ditches provided 
an easy way of escape for the surface water, is the probable cause of the 
defective condition of the timber produced here. Many of the trees are hoi- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 349 

low-hearted. Another explanation is offered in the fires that the Indians 
were accustomed to kindle annually throughout this part of the State. The 
sparseness of the timber can no doubt he attributed to the last-named cause. 
While some of these varieties of soil are much warmer and kinder than 
others, all of them form blue-grass land. As soon as the surface water is 
withdrawn, this most valuable of all our forage plant- — Poa pratense, or 
Kentucky blue-grass, comes in to displace the wild grasses that have 
pied the ground hitherto, and it comes to stay. This is not the place to take 
up iri detail tins great source of agricultural wealth. It is enotfgh to say 
that all of its characteristic excellences are here shown. The best rewards 
of agriculture in Madison County have hitherto been drawn from this spon- 
taneous product of its soil. The lands of the »ounty have been turned into 
pasture grounds since their first occupation. Under judicious management, 
cattle do well upon them throughout our ordinary winters, without hay 
or grain. 

"It is to be remarked that Madison County is a blue-grass region, not so 
much because of the composition of its drift-beds as from the fad that these drift- 
beds are extended, owing to the accidents of their recent geological history, in 
wide plains which allow the abundant accumulation of vegetable matter in the 
forming soil. These same drift-deposits, when they lie on well-drained slopes, 
form a stubborn, yellow (day, that can hardly be kept covered with sod of 
any description. It must not, however, be inferred that all level drift-tracts 
will become blue-grass land, irrespective of their composition. Clays derived 
in large part from the waste of limestone, as are those of Madison County, 
are especially adapted to the growth of blue grass. Madison County has no 
monopoly of this important product, but all the flat-lying tracts of the coun- 
ties around it. as they have shared in its geological history, share also in its 
agricultural capabilities. 

"These districts were shunned in the early settlements of this general 
region on account of their swampy character, but discerning men soon came 
to see their great possibilities, and as the price per acre was scarcely more than 
nominal, they were bought in large tracts and have been so held until the pres- 
ent time. Farms of 2,000 acres are not unusual in the county, and fields of 
500 acres are common. The recently divided estate of William 1). Wilson, in 
the Darby Plains of Canaan Township, embraced 9,000 acres. The county is 
famous not only for the number of cattle it produces, but also for the quality. 
It holds some of the finest; herd-; of improved cattle to be found in the State 
or country. 

"The lands of the second and third divisions, as might be judged from 
their constitution, are excellently adapted to the production of corn and other 
cereals, and are coining to be used for grain-growing, as well as for grass- 
growing. The varied elements of our ordinary American farming are thus 
becoming established here as elsewhere. 

WATER SUPPLY. 

"The last point to be taken up in the geology of the county is its natu- 
ral water supply. Madison County may be said to have an abundant and 
excellenl supply, but it does not show itself in the ordinary modes, in springs 
and frequent -water-courses. The supply, indeed, is under ground and must, 
for the most part, be brought to the surface by artificial means. The ordi- 



850 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

nary rainfall oi' Contra! Ohio being granted, the geological conditions already 
described, necessitate an immense accumulation of water beneath the surface. 
Such an accumulation, we find, lying within easy reach. The surface of the 
bowlder clay is a common water bearer, though many wells descend into the 
clay to some oi' the irregular veins oi' sand and gravel, to which reference 
has already been made. The porous beds above the bowlder clay, varying 
in thickness from live to fifteen feet, constitute an efficient filter for the sur- 
face water in most instances. It must be remarked, however, that all oi' 
the dangers pertaining to such a supply show themselves here. The drift-beds 
are freely permeable. They have no power to shut out the products of 
surface defilement or prevent cess-pools and other sinks o( impurity from 
discharging their offensive and poisonous drainage into adjacent wells and 
springs. There is abundant and positive proof that drinking-water contam- 
inated from such sources is very often made the medium for distributing 
fever and pestilence through families and neighborhoods. 

" Oi' late years, the agency of the wind has been quite extensively util- 
ized in pumping water from wells into reservoirs for the use of stock. The 
wind-pumps have been improved in so many ingenious ways that they work 
almost as if they were intelligent agents, matching supply with demand, and 
adjusting themselves to the force of the wind. The common method, how- 
ever, oi' providing stock water on those farms which are not traversed by 
living streams, is by means of pools, which obtain their supply directly and 
entirely from surface accumulations of rain. The water oi' such pools is 
always foul with mud and manure, and is heavily charged with vegetable 
and animal organisms in every stage of existence and decay, and yet it is 
claimed to be a safe and wholesome supply. Still another source oi' stock 
water is found in some sections of the county. The water delivered by 
draining tile in underground ditches is gathered and conducted to troughs 
in the pasture grounds. Where the make of the country admits oi' this 
system, a supply in every way advantageous is secured. 

•• Buried vegetation is less frequently met with in the drift oi' M 
County than in the regions further to the southward, but it can scarcely be 
said to be of rare occurrence. Considerable accumulations of vegetable mat- 
ter are needed to explain certain facts met with in a little settlement called 
,\ isville, in Pleasant Township. Several attempts to obtain wells have 
been made here without success. The trouble has been, in every instance, 
that after reaching a certain depth, choke damp or carbonic acid escaped in 
such quantity as to render further work impossible. Several vei 
been lost in these attempts, and one during the summer of \<~'2. The sec- 
tion traversed is: Yellow clay, ten feet: blue clay, abruptly bounded on the 
upper surface, twenty to thirty one feet : then cemented sand and gravel. 
On breaking through the crust oi' cemented gravel, the gas is-ues in strong 
volume. No water has ever been found in the gravel. The section is some- 
what anomalous, but it seems safe to conclude that some such accumulations 
of buried vegetable matter as have been described in previous reports as exist- 
ing in Montgomery. Warren and Highland Counties are to be found here. 

" The remains of a young mast >don were recently found in Range Town- 
ship on the farm of David MeClimans. The skull and its appurtenances 
were in the best state oi' preservation. The tusks were six feet long, meas- 
ured on the outside of the curve. A part oi' the lower jaw had perished. 



HISTORY OP MAE 351 

but in the remaining portion a small molar tooth was found in place, ft 
was afterward detached and found to weigh one pound and two ounces, 
while a larger tooth, but partially developed, lay back of it in the jaw. The 
occurrence of remains of these past glacial mammals is, however, compara- 
tively rare in this immedii 

"The principal points in the geology of Madison County have now been 
briefly treated, and it is seen thai although the story of it-: bedded 

hort, thi - cal questions of great info ed by 

its broad and fertile plains." 

WILD ANIMALS AND REP1 [LE8. 

Throughout the pioneer days of Madison County, the whole region of 
counti-y embraced in the Scioto Valli one vast hunting ground. Here 

naturi lived and flourished; but -own after the coming; of the 

man, they began to avoid his deadly aim and in the d< 

of the forest. Sear after ed away, until finally the I 

animals became extincl in this portion of Ohio, and nothing was left for the 

man but the smaller and more insignificant game, and even that is 
n ire article. Through the a of Dr. Jeremiah Converse, we 

been enabled to gather a brief description of the larger wild animals 
and reptiles that inhabited Madison County ceo the progress of civilization 
destroyed or drove them from its .soil. 

The elk had become extinct prior to the occupancy of tl ry by 

the whites; but that the prairies of Madison County had shortly before been 
their grazing ground, is evident from the large number of norm that were 
found almost everywhere on top of the ground, partly and wholly buried 
beneath the »oil, and turned up in broken fragments by the plow. The elk 
horn in a perf< -vation, especially the larger sizi . is a curi- 

osity to persons who have never seen it. The diameter of the horn to the 
first prong was usually two or more inches, hut where it was attached to the 
head, it often measured from three to four inches. If the pair was perfect, 
with the head of the animal attached, and set upon their points, they would 
measure from three to four feet in height. Each horn had from five to 
seven prongs, and *ed that when the head and neck were in line 

with the body, as iii the act of running, the largest elk could readily pass 
through the thickest under-brush with the grea s, and without any 

impediment therefrom. 

Bears were not very numerous, but enough were left to remind the 
settler that when bruin made a raid upon the pig-sty, his assured rights 
to be respected. Their favorite abode was in the timber along the streams. 
They were not considered a dangerous animal, except when suffering from 
hunger, their anger aroused, or their cubs in danger ; but then it required 

courage and good generalship to effect a safe retreat and thereby avoid 

idly battle. In the fall arid winter, they were hunted for their meat and 
skins. Their flesh was rich and -avory, while their skins were tanned and 
used for robes and bed covering in the winter seasoi 

The wolf was the pioneer's dreaded enemy and '.vie of two kinds, black 
and gray. The former was seldom seen, but the latter infested the country 
in immense floe!:-. The wolf is long legged, with heavy fore-shoulders, 
light hind quarters, very lean and gaunt through the loins, keen-eyed, with 



352 HISTORY OF MADISON count v. 

pointed nose, eara erect and a long bushy tail usually curled between his 
hind legs, giving him the appearance of a thievish, sneaking cur. The first 
settlers suffered more from the depredations of these animals than all others 
combined. They made onslaughts upon the sheep, pigs, calves and colts ; 
and often great numbers would congregate under cover of night and attack 
individuals who happened to be belated, or even whole families whose cabins 
were isolated from the more thickly settled country. The wolf had a pecu- 
liar and instinctive howl, which was quickly taken up by others and in an 
incredible short space of time the bark could be heard in every direction, 
rapidly concentrating toward one point. Its manner of fighting was very 
different from the common dog. Instead of grappling with its antagonist, 
its fighting was done by springing forward, snapping or cutting with the 
front teeth, which were very sharp, and then retreat for another opportunity. 
This method of advance and retreat was rapidly repeated so long as its 
adversary was within reach : but when their numbers were overpowering, 
they exhibited a greater boldness and dash, thereby demonstrating their 
cowardly nature. As the settlements increased, these pests grew beautifully 
less in number, their destruction having been encouraged through a premium 
for wolf-scalps, offered by the County Commissioners during the first seven 
veus of the county's history. In 1835, an immense wolf hunt was 
organized in the eastern portion of the county, which proved but a limited 
success, and was the cause of the Rev. Isaac Jones receiving an accidental 
shot through one of his wrists, which crippled him for life. lie had pur- 
posed ascending a tree so as to obtain a better view of the animals that were 
to be gradually hemmed in toward that point, and shot by him as they came in 
sight. As a Mr. Pitcher wis handing him his rifle ere he got too far up the 
tree, the weapon was discharged, with the foregoing result. Soon after this 
event, the wolf disappeared from this region, although an odd one was seen 
and dispatched at intervals. 

The beautiful animal known as the red deer was a Godsend to the 
pioneers. From these harmless inhabitants of the forest, that were accessi- 
ble at all times, they procured most of their meat. Deer were very numer- 
ous, and more than fifty in one flock have beeo seen grazing upon the 
prairie or ••stamping flies" beneath the shady groves; but they were 
usually found in pairs, or half a dozen at most, except when chased by the 
wolf or dog. At such times, large numbers were aroused from their slum- 
bers and joined in the stampede. Not only was the deer valuable as an 
article of food, but its skin, when tanned, served many useful pur 
The stalwart backwoodsman generally wore a vest and a pair of l< buckskin 
breeches" made from the prepared hides of these animals. In an untanned 
condition, or rawhide state, it was cut into strips, twisted, then dried in the 
sun, after which it served the purpose of tugs or chain-; for the settlers' 
harness ; also lines, bridles, mittens, m >ecasins and other articles used 
in pioneer life. 

Wild hogs were frequently met with, and were more dreaded, perhaps, 
than any other of the wild beasts. The genuine wild boar, exasperated by 
the hunters, was the most terrible game of the forest, and the hunt was 
exciting and dangerous. His attack was too sudden and headlong to be 
easily turned aside or avoided, and the snap of his tusks, as he sharpened 
them in his fury, was not pleasant music to the timid or amateur hunter. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



353 



His tusks arc known to have measured over a foot in length, and many 
desperate fights and hairbreadth escapes are recounted in connection with 
this animal. The wild hog was not valued for its flesh, but was regarded 
simply as a dangerous pest, and hunted mainly to rid the country of his 
presence. 

There were other animals that once inhabited these parts, viz., the pan- 
ther, lynx, native wild cat, porcupine, etc., but these, like the elk, the bear, 
the wolf and the more valuable deer, have long since become extinct. 
Even the fox. raccoon, woodchuck, opossum and squirrel, together with 
many other small animals, are growing scarcer year by year under the 
ruthless hunter's vengeance; and the day is not far distant when Madison 
County will be entirely devoid of the animal as well as the feathery tribes 
that once infested its forests and prairies. This is not as it should be. 
The few specimens that are left ought to be spared, and stringent laws 
should be passed to protect those innocent dwellers of the forest and pre- 
vent their utter extinction. 

Among the venomous reptiles that once endangered life and limb were 
the racers, copper-heads and prairie rattlesnake. The latter were very 
numerous, as well as formidable and dangerous. The antidote for their 
bite, however, grew upon the prairie lands, and was a kind of herb called 
by the Indians " rattlesnake weed." The person bitten, by immediately 
chewing a considerable quantity of the stalk, swallowing the juice and 
binding the pulpy chewings upon the bitten part, prevented all ill effects 
that would otherwise result from the bite. It is well that these reptiles no 
longer exist in this land, and that all such venomous things disappear before 
the onward march of civilization. 



c Q>j 




354 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PUBLIC OFFICERS — MEMBER OF CONGRESS — PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS— MEM- 
BERS OF THE TERRITORIAL ASSEMBLY — SENATORS — REPRESENTATIVES — 
ASSOCIATE JUDGES — PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS— COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 
— SHERIFFS — TREASURERS — CLERKS — RECORDERS — SURVEYORS — 
CORONERS— COLLECTORS — AUDITORS— PROBATE JUDGES— BIOG- 
RAPHIES OF PIONEER OFFICIALS — POLITICS. 

IN writing a history of Madison County, we believe it to be one of the most 
important duties we owe to her citizens to give an authentic list of the 
men who have filled the many public offices and occupied a leading position 
in her affairs. Since the first white settlers built their cabins within her 
limits, there has never been a time when there were not men competent and 
trustworthy to transact the public business, and guide the affairs of the 
growing county in a manner satisfactory to her people. With the object in 
view of preserving the names of those officials, we have spared no pains 
in making a thorough research of all records within our reach, and, if there 
should be any list incomplete, it is because there is no source now in exist- 
ence from which to obtain the information. The reader will bear in mind 
that seventy-two years have passed away since the birth of Madison County, 
and that in the first years of its existence little was done toward preserving 
many facts important to the historian of to-day. No regular method was 
followed in keeping the records of the several offices, often the events were 
not transcribed at all, and what does exist is in places so vague, or dimmed 
by the ravages of time as to baffle our efforts toward deciphering its meaning 
with any degree of certainty. 

The only citizen of Madison County who has ever had the honor of 
being a member of the United States House of Representatives was Richard 
A. Harrison, now a resident of Columbus, Ohio, but who for many years 
was a leading member of the Madison County bar. He was elected to rep- 
resent the Seventh Congressional District in the Thirty-seventh Congress 
(1861-63), vice Thomas Corwin, who resigned to accept the appointment of 
Minister to Mexico. Three citizens of this county have been Presidential 
Electors, viz.: James Curry, in 1816, as a Monroe and Tompkins Elector; 
Aquilla Toland, in 1840, as a Harrison and Tyler Elector ; and Charles 
Phellis, in 1872, as an Elector on the Grant and Wilson ticket. 

For seven years prior to the erection of Madison County its vote 
belonged to Franklin, and ere the formation of the latter its ballots were 
counted among those of Ross. It will, therefore, be of interest to the citi- 
zens of this portion of Ohio to know who represented the territory now 
embraced within its boundaries from the first Territorial Assembly up to the 
present. The members were, from 1799-1801, Thomas Worthington, Elias 
Langham, Samuel Findlay and Edward Tiffin ; 1801-1802, Edward Tiffin, 
Elias Langham and Thomas Worthington. The Territory then became a 
State, and the constitution thereof provided for a General Assembly com- 
posed of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives. 





£zrte^/ 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 357 

SENATORS. 

The members of the Senate were elected every two years by the legal 
voters of the State, which was apportioned every four years, the number of 
Senators being fixed by the Legislature according to the enumeration of 
white male inhabitants over twenty-one years of age, and the districts 
established accordingly. In the First General Assembly (1803), Ross 
County, which then embraced the present counties of Franklin and Madison, 
composed a Senatorial district. In the Second and Third (1803-04 and 
1804-05) Ross and Franklin were together, this territory being a portion of 
the latter county, while in the Fourth (1805-06) Highland County was 
attached thereto and remained so throughout the two subsequent Assem- 
blies. In the Seventh and Eighth (1808-09 and 1809-10), Franklin and 
Delaware formed a district. The Ninth General Assembly (1810-11) is 
the first time we find the name of Madison figuring as a portion of a Sena- 
torial district, composed of Franklin, Delaware, Madison and Pickaway ; 
while in the Tenth (1811-12), Pickaway was put into another district, and 
the others remained together until the Nineteenth General Assembly (1820— 
21), when the new county of Union formed a part thereof. Thus it 
remained until the Twenty-second Assembly (1823-24), at which time 
Marion and Crawford Counties were attached to this Senatorial district, 
which then read Franklin, Madison, Union. Delaware, Marion and Craw- 
ford. This lasted, however, only through that one session, and in the 
Twenty-third (1824-25), the three latter counties were cut off from this 
district, which existed as Franklin, Madison and Union up to the Twenty- 
seventh Assembly (1828-29), when Madison, Logan and Shelby constituted 
a district. The following session, Union Comity was added thereto and 
remained as such until the Thirtieth Assembly (1831-32), at which time 
Madison, Union, Logan, Shelby and Hardin were united. In the succeed- 
ing session, Shelby County, was replaced by Hancock. In the Thirty-fifth 
(1836-37), another change occurred, Madison, Fayette and Greene forming 
a district, existing thus four years, when the district was again changed. In 
the Thirty-ninth General Assembly (1840-41), Franklin, Madison and 
Clark were combined and remained united up to and including the Forty- 
sixth session (1847—48), but in the Forty-seventh, Franklin County was 
replaced by Champaign, so that Madison, Clark and Champaign were 
together at the time of the adoption of the new constitution in 1851, which 
provided that the Senatorial apportionment was to be established decennially, 
and obtained by dividing the whole population of the State by thirty-five, 
the quotient thereof to be the ratio of Senatorial representation. The State 
w,ts divided into fixed districts, which were numbered, and these three coun- 
ties have since constituted the Eleventh Senatorial District of Ohio. 

The following is the list of Senators with their date of service: 1803, 
Nathaniel Massie, Abraham Claypool; ] 803-04, Abraham Claypool. Na- 
thaniel Massie, John Milligan ; 1804-05, Abraham Claypool, Joseph Kerr; 
1805-06, Joseph Kerr, Duncan McArthur ; 1806-07 and L807-08, Dun- 
can McArthur, Abraham Claypool ; 1808-09, 1809-10, 1810-11 and 
1811-12, Joseph Foos: 1812-13 and 1813-14, John Hair; 1M4-I5and 
1815-16, Joseph Foos; 1816-17 and 1817-18, Thomas Johnson; 1818- 
19, 1819-20, 1820-21 and 1821-22, Joseph Foos; 1822-23, Henry 
Brown ; 1823-24, James Kooken ; 1824-25, 1825-26, 1826-27 and 1827- 



358 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

28, Joseph Foos ; 1828-29 and 1829-30, William Fielding ; 1830-31 and 
1831-32, John Shelby ; 1832-33 and 1833-34, Philip Lewis ; 1834-35 
and 1835-36, Samuel Newell ; 1836-37 and 1837-38, John Avbuckle ; 
1838-39 and 1839-40, Aaron Harlan; 1840-41 and 1841-42, Alexander 
Waddle; 1842-43 and 1843-44, Joseph Ridgeway, Jr.; 1844-45 and 
1 8 1:5-46, Alfred Kelley ; 1846-47 and 1 8 17-48, Jennet Stutson ; 1848-49, 
1849,-50 and 1850-51, Harvev Vinal ; L852-54, eTohn D. Burnett; 1854- 
56, Henry W. Smith ; 1856-58, Joseph C. Brand ; 1858-60, Saul Hen- 
kle; 1860-62, Richard A. Harrison ; 1862-64, Samson Mason : 1864-66, 
A. P. Howard ; 1866-68, Toland Jones ; 1868-70, J. Warren Keifer ; 
1870-72, Aaron P. Howard ; 1872-74, Wm. Morrow Beach ; 1874-76, Al- 
exander Waddle ; 1876-78, W. R. Wamock ; 1878-80, George W. Wil- 
son ; 1880-82, Thomas J. Pringle. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

Under the constitution of 1802. the Representative apportionment was 
established by the same law as the Senatorial, but the members of the house 
were chosen annually, while under the new constitution, their official term 
is two years, and the apportionment is designated by dividing the whole 
population of the State by tk one hundred," and the quotient thereof is the 
ratio of representation in the ITouso. The law provides for this apportion- 
ment every ten years. After the admission of Ohio, and prior to the forma- 
tion of this county, it was represented in the First General Assembly (1803), 
by the Representative of Ross County, and in the Second (1803-04), Third 
(1804-05), and Fourth (1805-06), by those of Ross and Franklin ; in the 
Fifth (1806-07). and Sixth (1807-08), by Ross, Franklin and Highland : in 
the Seventh (1808-09, and Eighth 1809-10, by Franklin and Delaware. 
This brings us up to the erection of Madison County, which first appears in 
the formation of a, Legislative district in the Ninth General Assembly (1810- 
11), Franklin, Madison, Delaware and Pickaway, composing the same. 
In the next session, only a portion of Pickaway was in this district, while 
in the Eleventh (1812-13). Madison and Delaware wire together, and so ex- 
isted until the Fifteenth General Assembly (1816-17), when Madison County 
stood alone. Thus it remained until the Nineteenth Legislative Session 
(1820-21), at which time Madison and the newly created county of Union 
were united. For eight years they voted together, but in the Twenty-sev- 
enth General Assembly (1828-29), we find Madison, Union, Logan and 
Hardin funning a new distrief. The latter county was cut off ere the 
Twenty-ninth Assembly met (1830—31 t. but no other change occurred until 
the Thirty-fifth Session (1836-37), when Madison and Fayette were together. 
Four years passed by, and in the Thirty-ninth Assembly (1840-41), Fay- 
ette County was replaced by Clark. The next apportionment put Franklin 
and Madison together (1844-4oK which, ere the meeting of the Forty sev- 
enth Session (1848-49), was again changed, Madison, Clark and Cham- 
paign forming a district, and so existing until the adoption of the new con- 
stitution, since which evenl Madison C >unty has been entitled to one Rep- 
resentative. 

In the following list will be found the names of all who have represent- 
ed the district of which Madison formed a part prior to 1852, as well as those 
who have represented the county since that date: 1803, Michael Baldwin, 



HISTORY OF MADISON' COUNTY. 359 

Robert Culbertson, Thomas Worthington, William Patton ; 1803-4, James 
Dunlap, William Creighton, John Evans, Elias Langham ; 1804-05, Mich- 
ael Baldwin, James Dunlap, Duncan McArthur, William Patton ; 1805-06, 
James Dunlap, David Shelby, Abraham J. Williams, Eli;is Langham; 
1806-07, James Dunlap, Nathaniel Massie, David Shelby, Abraham J. Wil- 
liams ; 1807—08, Thomas Wofthtngton, Elias Langham, Jeremiah McLene, 
William Lewis; 1808-09 a a I L809-10, John Blair ; 1810-11 and 1811- 
12, John Barr; IS 12-13, 1813-14, 1814-15 and 1815-16, James Curry ; 
1816-17, 1817-18 and L818-19, Isaac Miner; 1810-20, James Curry ; 
1820-21, Isaac Miner; 1821-22, William Lewis; 1822-23, Nicholas 
Hit], away; L823-24, Robert Hume; L824-25, 1825-26 and 1826-27, 
Philip Lewis; 1827-28 and 1828-29, Reuben P. Mann ; L829-30, Lanson 
Curtis; 1830-31, John F. Chenoweth ; 1 831.-32, 1832-33 and 1833-34, 
Samuel Newell: 1831-35 and 1835-36, Nicholas Hathaway; 1836-37 
and 1837-38, Batteal Harrison; 1838-39, W. II. Creighton; 1839-40, 
Batteal Harrison: 1840-41, Aquilla Toland, Stephen M. Wheeler ; 1841- 
42. Stephen M. Wheeler; 1812-43, John M. Gallagher, Isaac Ilowsman ; 
1843-44, John M.Gallagher, Aquilla Toland; 1844-45, Joseph Midge- 
way, Jr., Charles McCIoud ; 1845-46, Joseph Ridgeway, Jr., Edward 
Fitzgerald; 1846-47, John Noble, Jeremiah Clark; 1847-48, Aaron F. 
Perry, George Paylor; 1848-49, Jesse C. Phillips, Henry W. Smith; 
1849-50, John D. Burnett, Henrv W. Smith; 1850-51, John D. Burnett, 
James Rayburn ; 1852-54, Zelot T. Fisher; l'854-56, Charles Phellis ; 
L856-58, E. E. Hutcheson; 1858-60, Richard A. Harrison; 1860-62, 
Robert Hutcheson: 1862-64, Milton Lornen ; 1864-66, Ephraim Bidwell : 
1866-68, R. M. Hanson; 1868-70. Jeriah Swetland; 1870-72. William 
Morrow Beach; 1872-74, George W. Wilson; 1874-76, Rodney C. Mc- 
Cloud; 1876-78. John N T . Beach; 1878-80, H. S. Quinn ; 1880-82, and 
1882-84, John F. Locke. 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

This office was established under the Territorial Government in 1788, 
at which time a law was published by which not less than three, nor more 
than five Justi • to be appointed by the Governor in each county, and 

known as the County Court of Common Pleas. In 1700, the law was so 
amended as to make the number not less than three nor more than seven, 
and these Judges transacted the minor law business of the county. The 
constitution of L802, provided, that not less than two nor more than three 
A- ociate Judges in each county, who had to be residents thereof, should be 
elected by joint ballot of the General Assembly, their official term to be 
seven years. In 1810, the number of Associate Judges in each county was 
permanently fixed as three, who, together with the Presiding Judge of the 
Circuit, constituted the Court of Common Pleas ; yet the Associates had 
power to hold special sessions, try cases and transact the legal business of 
the county in the absence of the Presiding Judge. Under the Constitution 
of L851, the judiciary was re-organized and the office of Associate Judge 
abolished. 

From the erection of Madison County until the adoption of the new 
constitution in 1851, the following is a list of those who filled the office of 
Associate Judge in this county: In 1810, Isaac Miner, Samuel Basker- 
ville, David Mitchell. The first mentioned resigned and was succeeded by 



360 BISTORY OP MADISON COUNTY. 

John Arbuekle ; so from 1811—16, the Associates were John Arbuckle, 
Samuel Baskerville, David Mitchell ; I SI 7-1 9, Baskerville, Mitchell, James 
Curry. The latter was elected Representative, and in March. 1820, the 
Associates were Baskerville, Thomas Gwynne, Isaac Howsman, the two lat- 
ter being only temporary, and in November Howsman was re-appointed 
William Lewis and Samuel Oulbertson, suoceeding Baskerville and Gwynne. 
In the following year, Lewis was elected to the Legislature, and was succeed- 
ed by John Arbuckle as Judge; so that in 1821-23, they stood Isaac 
Howsman. Samuel Culbertson, John Arbuckle; 1824—35, Howsman, Ar- 
buckle, George Linson ; L836--37, Howsman, Linson, Nathan Bond; 1838 
-39, Howsman. Bond. William Blaine : 1840, Howsman, Blaine, Isaac 
Jones; May. L841, Blaine, .'ones, Thomas Jones; October, 1841, Jones, 
Jones, James Rayburn; L842, Jones, .'ones. Jacob Garrard; March. 1843, 
Thomas Jones, Jacob Garrard. James Rayburn ; May. 1843-44, Jones, 
Garrard, William T. Rowe; 1845-49, Jones, Rowe, Patrick McLene; 
January. 1850, Jones, McLene, John Rouse; April, 1850— 51, Thomas 
Jones, Edward Fitzgerald, John W. Simpkins. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 
The Prosecuting Attorneys were appointed by the court until January 
•JO, 1833, when a law was enacted providing for their election biennially, 
vacancies to be filled by the court. Under this regime, the appointments 
were generally made for an indefinite length of time. No pretensions were 
made to regularity, and while some served but one term, others held the 
position for several years. Ralph Osborn, of Circleville, served from 1810- 
14; Richard Douglas, of Chillicothe, 1815-17; Caleb Atwater, of Circle- 
ville, June term. 1815; John R. Parish, of Columbus, and G. W. Doan, of 
Circleville, September term. 1816; David Scott, of Columbus, September 
term, 1817 ; John B. Parish, December. 1817-1'J ; James Cooley. of 
Urbana. and A. D. Yanhorn, the first resident attorney of London, 1820; 
Patrick G. Goode, the second resident attorney of London, 1SJ 1— i!il : G. 
W. Jewett, of Springfield, October term 1 S J i^ ; Caleb Atwater. November, 
L822-23; Joshua Folsom. of Circleville, November. 1823-24; Samuel N. 
Kerr, the third resident attorney of London, 1825—36; Isaac X. Jones, of 
London. 1837—38; James L. Torbert, of Springfield, special terms in March 
and May. L838 ; Samuel N. Kerr, 1839-40 ; Henry W. Smith, ISll-US; 
Zelot T. Fisher, 1847-51 ; James F. Freeman. 1852-53; James S. Jones, 
1854-55; Henry W. Smith, 1856-57; John L. McCormack, March term, 
L858; John R. Montgomery, L858-60 ; Henry W. Smith, 1861-62; 
George Lincoln, 1863-64 ; Henry W. Smith, 1865-66 ; George W. Wilson, 
7": Sylvester W. Durflinger, 1871-74; John J. Bell. 1875-76; 
John F. Locke, 1877—79, who wis elected to represent Madison County in 
the State Legislature, resigned the Prosecutorship, and Martin O'Donnell 
was appointed to till the unexpired term of 1879-80; V. C. Smith, 1881- 
82; IX C. Badger, L883-84. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 
By an act published June 19. 1795, adopted from the statutes of 
Pennsylvania, three Commissioners were ordered to be appointed in each 
county for one year, ami each succeeding year one was to be appointed to 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 361 

take the place of the Commissioner first named. These appointments were 
made by the Justices of the Court, of General Quarter of the Peace 

on the first day of their January term. In L799, the length of the official 
term was designated, viz.: The first Commissioner named on the list, one 
year; the second, two years; and the third, three years; one being 
appointed every year as before to supply the place of the retiring member. 
Their powers and duties were fully defined, and they wen; to meet annually 
the first Monday in July to attend to all county business coming under 
jurisdiction. This law of appo existed until February 13, L804, 

when a law wa 1 requiring three Commissioners to be elected in 

county, said election to he held on the first .Monday in April, 1804. The 
Commissioners elect were to determine hy lot the length of time each should 
remain in office, viz.: One to serve until the following October; one until 
the October election in 1805; and the third until the I in L806. 

Thua the office became rotary and thus it has since remained. Vacancies 
were filled hy the Associate Judges, said appointee to continue in office until 
the succeeding Oct ion. The board wer annually in June 

to perform such duties as the law required. On the ±'l\ of February, ]H')~>. 
an act was passed hy which, upon the erection of a new county, the Com- 
tcted at the first election only held office until the next annual 
election ; and January 15, L810, all former acts were amended or repealed, 
but no change was made in the manner or time of holding office, 

only the duties of the Commissioners were enlarged and more fully described. 

eat many acts have- 3ince been passed defining and regulating their 
powers and duties, which may he found in the Ohio statu 

After the organization of Madison County, William Gibson was Clerk 
of the Board of Commissioners from 1810 until June, 1812, when Philip 
becam ■ Clerk, and filled that position up to and including 1818. The 
duties were then performed hy Robert Hume until the creation of the Audit- 
or's office, since which the Auditor has been Clerk of the hoard. The 

i of Commissioners who have served the county are a- follows : I 
Joshua Ewing, John Arbuckle and William Gribson. In the fall of 1810, 
Mr. Arbuckle resigned to accept the position of Associate Judge, and Jona- 
than Minshall was appointed to fill the vacancy. From 1^1 1 -15, Joshua 
Ewing, Jonathan Minshall and William Gibson ; 1816, Ewing, Minshall 
and Burton Blizzard; 1817, Ewing, Blizzard and Philip Lewis; L818, 
Blizzard, Lewis and Ira Finch; 1819, Finch, Blizzard and Patrick Mc- 
Lene : L820, Blizzard, Finch and John Arbuckle; 1821, Finch, Arbu 
and Burton Blizzard; 1822, Blizzard, Finch and William Blaine; I 
Finch, Blaine and Burton Blizzard; 1824, Blaine, Blizzard and [ra Finch; 
L825, Blizzard, Finch and William Blaine; 1826, Finch, Blame and Bur- 
ton Blizzard; i827, Blaine. Blizzard and John F. Chenoweth ; 1828, Bliz- 
ziid. Cheno veth and William Blaine: I 329, Chenoweth, Blaine and Burton 
Blizzard; L830, Blaine, Blizzard and John F. Chenoweth ; L831, Blizzard, 
Blaine and Thomas Jones ; L832, Jones, Blizzard and Titus Dort ; L833, 
Blizzard, Bon ami Thomas Jones; 1834, Dort, Jones and Burton Blizzard ; 
1835, Jones, Blizzard and Jacob Garrard ; 1 336, Blizzard. Garrard and 
Thomas Jones; L837, Garrard, Jones and Burton Blizzard ; L838, Blizzard. 

ird and James Burnham; 1839, Garrard, Burnham and Burton Bliz- 
zard; 1840, Burnham, Garrard and James Guy ; 1841, Garrard, Guy and 



362 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

James Burnham; 1812, Guy, Burnham . and Edward Fitzgerald; 1843, 
Burnham, Fitzgerald and Charles Phellis; 1844, Fitzgerald, Phellis and 
James Burnham; 1845, Phellis, Burnham and Edward Fitzgerald; 1846, 
Burnham, Phellis and John F. Chenoweth ; 1S47, Phellis, Chenoweth and 
Mathew Rea; L848, Chenoweth, Rea and Charles McCloud ; 1849, Rea, 
McCloud and John F. Chenoweth; 1850, McCloud, Chenoweth and Jesse 
Watson; 1851, Watson, Henry Alder and James W. Robinson; 1852, 
Watson, Alder, and John Garrard: L853, Alder, Garrard and John "T. 
Mazey. In the fall of 1853, Garrard resigned, and. Joseph Chrisman was 
appointed to iill the vacancy; so in the beginning of 1854 it stood Maxey, 
Joseph Chrisman and F. 0. P. Graham; but Chrisman and Graham soon 
resigned, and Edward Fitzgerald and Henry Alder were appointed to suc- 
them, so the most of 1854 the Board were: John T. Maxey, Edward 
Fitzgerald and Henry Alder: L855, Maxey, Fitzgerald and David Haskell ; 
L856, Fitzgerald, Haskell and ILarvey Fellows: 1857, Fitzgerald, Fellows 
and (diaries Phellis; 1858, Fellows. Phellis and Benjamin Harrison; 1 
Phellis, Harrison and Thomas P. Jones; 1860, Harrison, Jones and Wash- 
ington Withrow; L861, Jones, Withrow and Jeremiah Converse; L862, 
Withrow, Converse and Richard Whiteman ; 1863, Converse, Whiteman 
and Ira Buzick ; 1864, Whiteman, Buzick and Jeremiah Converse; 1865, 
Buzick, Converse and C. II. Slagle; 1866, Converse, Slagle and Edward 
Fitzgerald; L867, Slagle, Fitzgerald and Charles Phellis; 1868, Fitzger- 
ald, Phellis and John M.Lucas; 1869, Phellis, Lucas and William Hall; 
L870, Lucas, Hall and Charles Phellis ; 1871, Hall, Henry Burnham, vice 
Phellis resigned, and James Foster; 1872, Burnham, Foster and James 
Lilly; 1ST: 1 ). Foster. Lilly and Daniel Boyd; 1874, Lilly, Boyd and Ben- 
jamin Harrison; 1ST'"), Boyd, Harrison and L. B. Wright; L876, Harri- 
son, Wright and James Millikin ; 1877, Wright, Millikin and John M. 
Lucas; 1878, Millikin, Lucas and and James M. Willard : 1879, Lucas, 
Willard and James Millikin; 1880, Willard. Millikin and David Watson; 
L881, Millikin. Watson and Charles Phellis, Jr. ; 1882, Watson. Phellis and 
Henry Lilly : 1883, Phellis, Lilly and Charles H. Beale. 

SHERIFFS. 

Under the Territorial laws-, passed at Marietta, in 1788, the office of 
Sheriff was adopted from the statutes of the older States. Previous to April 
3, L803, the office was appointive, hut on that date an act was passed pro- 
viding for an election every two years. The following is a list of men who 
have filled the office in Madison County since its organization : From L s l<>- 
13, John Moore : 1814, James Ballard ; 1815-16, Philip Lewis: Decem- 
ber 14, L816-18, James Ballard ; December Id. 1818 — June, 1819, Will- 
iam Ware; June 8, 1819-24, Nathan Bond; 1825-26, Stephen Moore ; 
L827-30, Henry Warner; L831-34, William Warner: 1835-36, J. Q. 
Lottspiech; 1837-40, William Warner ; L841-42, William T. Davidson; 
1843-14. Stephen Moore; 1845-46, William Warner; L847-48, John 
Jones; L849, William Squires, who left the county, and the office was tilled 
m L850 by George W. Lohr, the Coroner; 1851-52, William Warner; 

i-56, Edward McCormack ; L857, William Smith, who left the county 
in March, L858, and the Coroner, Calvin Newcomb, served out the term; 
1859-62, W. S. Shepherd; 1863, Calvin Newcomb, who died in office; 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 363 

1864-65, Robert Withrow ; L866-69, 15. II. Lewis; 1870-7:!, Henry T. 
Strawbridge; L874-77, E. R. Florence; 17- 31, William Jones; 1882- 
83, John F. Johnston. 

TREASl i 

Tli of County Trea iirer was created in the Northwesl Territory 

August I. 17')-!, and in L799 the law was amended. On the L6th of April, 
Ism:;, the Ohio Legislature passed an act conferring on th< ite Judges 

the power of appointing the County Treasurer, but February 13, 1804. 
power was transferred to the Board of County Commissioners. Thus it, 
remained until March L2, 1831, when the office was made biennially i 
ive. The following citizens have occupied the position in Madison County. 
From 1810— August, 1811, Thomas Gwynn; August, L811- 1815, Levi II. 
Post, who resigned in December of the bitter year; December, 1815-16, 
Join, Simpkins; 1817-25, Amos G. Thompson ; L826 — June, 1838, Rob- 
ert I! nine; .June. 1838 — June, 1850, Henry Warner; June, 1850 — rune, 
1856, William A. Athey; June, 1856— September, 1860, William T. 
Davidson; September, 1860 — September, 1864, William II. Chandler; 
September, 1864 -September, 1866, Abraham Simpson ; September, 1866 
— September, 1868, Alva, L. Messmore; Horace Putnam began his duties 
in September, 1868, died in May. 1869, and Biggs D. Thomas was appointed 
rve out the unexpired term; September, 1870 — September, 1874, 
Benjamin T. Custer; September, 1874 — September, 1878, Henry T. Straw- 
bridge; September, 1878 — Sept.eml.ei-, 1882, E3. I!. Florence; September, 
1882, Abraham Tanner began his duties, his term expiring in September, 
1884. 

CLERKS. 

Until the adoption of the new constitution, the office of Clerk for the 
Court of Common Pleas, and for the Supreme Court, were separate and 
distinct appointments, each court appointing its own Clerk for the term of 
seven years; but, in Madison County, as in many others, the two appoint- 
ments were always given to the same individual. Under the now constitu- 
tion the District Court was created, and the Supreme Court established 
permanently at Columbus. The election of one Clerk was provided for, to 
serve the Court of Common Pleas and District Court, whose official term is 
three years. But five men have filled this office in Madison County, one oi 
whom, A. A. Hume, held the position for the unprecedented period of i 
one years. From 1810, until June 19, 1815, Robert Hume was Clerk, 
resigning on the latter Hate. He was succeeded by John Moore, who served 
until his death, June 27, 1839, when .lame- I-'. Freeman was appointed 
Clerk, serving until May. 1841, at which time A. A. Hume came into office. 
He was re appointed under the old constitution, and re-elected under the 
new again and again, serving continuously until Febru 32. Mr. 

Hume was succeeded by E. W. McCormack, upon the latter date, who is 
the present incumbent, his term expiring in February, I 

l:i I OB l' 
This office and the duties thereof wore adopted from the statutes of 
Pennsylvania, in 17'.»-"7 After Ohio became a State, in 1803. an act was 
1 giving the power of appointing the Recorder to the Court of Common 
Pleas, his term of service to be seven years. The duties of the office were 



864 HISTORI OF MADISON COUNTY. 

changed and defined by many Bubsequent acts, until February 2~>, 1831, 
when a law was enacted making the office elective every three years, all 
vacancies to be filled by the County Commissioners. It will be seen that 
the same men filled the offices of Clerk and Recorder at the same time, for 
the first twenty-nine years of the County's career, as, doubtless, the labor 
did not justify an offioial for each during those early years. Robert Hume, 
from IS 10 until his resignation, in July, L815; John Moore, July 18, L815, 
until his death, dune 27, 1^ : >'.>: Robert Hume. July 6, L839, until his 
death. May 9, 1854; Oliver P. Crabb served out the unexpired term from 
May LO, 1854, until the following October. In October, 1851. William 
Love came in. serving till his death, in May, L857; W. A. Athey. was 
appointed in dune. L§57, to fill the unexpired term, and served under the 
amended law until the end of that year; 1858-63, George Bowen; 1864- 
66, G. W. Darety: L867-69, Sylvester W. Durflinger; 1870-June, L880, 
Leonard Eastman, who died in office, and, in June, 1880, B. W. McCor- 
mack was appointed to serve until a successor was elected: 1 SSI— 83, Samuel 
P. Trumper. 

SURVEYORS. 
The office of County Surveyor was created and his duties defined by 
an act passed April 15, L803. By law- enacted in L816-17-19-20 and 
1828, the duties of the offi >e were changed and more fully described. The 
term o( office was live years or during good behavior, and the incumbent was 
appointed by the Court ol' Common Pleas. On the 3d o{' March, 1831, an 
act was passed providing for the election of the County Surveyor triennially 
by the legal voters of the county. The following is a list of those who tilled 
the office, bur the records are 30 Incomplete an 1 Vague that we cannot explain 
the irregularity in many o( the terms. Some resigned, and their successors 
were appointed to serve the unexpired terms or until the next general elec- 
tion : From 1810-31, Patrick McLene: L832-37, Henry Warner: 1838- 
40, Blias Warner; L841-50, Henry Alder; L851, J. M. Christian; 1852- 
,~> 3, Henry Alder; L854, .lames S. Burnham ; L855, William G. Allen; 

L856-58, Henry Alder: 1859-64, Levin Willouahby; L865-67, Henry 
Alder; 1868-70, James S. Burnham; 1871-73, Henry Alder; 1874-76, 
Jonathan Arnett ; L877, Lewis Creamer; 1878-80, Jonathan Arnett ; l s M- 
. Clinton Morse. 

CORONERS. 
This office was established under the Territorial government in L788, 
and April 15, 1803, an act was passed making it elective and describing the 
duties thereof, which by subsequent acts were changed and more fully 
defined. The Coroner, in case ^\ the resignation or death oi' the Sheriff, 
becomes the occupant of that office during the unexpired term: and the 
Sheriff holds the same official relations toward the Coroner's office. Since 
the organization of*Madison County, this position has been filled by the fol- 
lowing gentlemen, vis. : 1810-13, John Timmons ; L814-16, John Blair; 
L817, J. K. DeLashmutt; L818-19, Amos G. Thompson; L820, M. 11. Al- 
kire: 1821-24, Henry Warner; L825-27, Josiah James ; L828, John Gra- 
ham; L829-34, B. T. Haiell ; L835-48, DavidDunkin; 1849-50, George 
W. Lohr; L851-52, Samuel P. Davidson; 1853, Toland Jones; L854-55, 

David Dunkin; 1856-59, Calvin NeWCOmb; 1860-61, Andrew L. Brown; 
l^-J-ti:'.. Francis M. Chapman; lStid-u'5, Abraham Zombroj ISliG-OT, 




^^MsUts^ 




O 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 367 

George Harding; 1868-69, Francis M. Chapman; 1870, Owen Thomas, 
appointed vice Abraham Zombro, who was elected, but did not qualify; 
1871-72, A. V. Chrisman; 1873, Andrew L. 13rown; 1871-75, Francis 
M. Chapman; 1876-83, A. V. Chrisman. 

COLLECTORS. 

Many changes have taken place in the mode of collecting taxes. Dur- 
ing the early history of the State, the chattel tax was collected by Town- 
ship Collectors, and a County Collector gathered the land tax. From about 
1806 to 1820, the State was divided into four districts, and a Collector of 
non-resident land tax appointed by the Legislature for each district, while 
at the same time the County Collector collected the chattel tax, and tax 
upon resident lands. From 1820 until 1827, the County Collector collected 
all taxes for State and county purposes, but in the latter year the office was 
abolished, since which it has been the duty of the Treasurer to receive or col- 
lect the taxe3. In 1810-1811, John ' Moore ; 1812, William McCor- 
mack ; 1813, James Ballard; 1814-1815, Philip Lewis; 1816, James 
Ballard; 1817, John Simpkins; 1818, William Ware; 1819-1824, 
Nathan Bond ; 1825-1826, Stephen Moore. 

AUDITORS. 

The office of County Auditor was created by an act passed February 8, 

1820, by which said officials were appointed by a joint resolution of the 
General Assembly, to hold office one year, but in case of a vacancy occur- 
ring, the Court of Common Pleas was authorized to fill the same. The 
duties of the office were established by the same act, and February 2, 1821, 
a law was enacted, providing for the election of Auditors in the following 
October, to hold office for one year from March 1, 1822. The power of 
filling vacancies was transferred to the County Commissioners by the act of 

1821. On the 23d of February, 1824, a law was passed, making the official 
term two years, which, five years ago, was increased to three years, and 
so remains. Prior to the creation of this office, the principal duties since 
performed by the Auditor were discharged bv the County Commissioners 
and their Clerk. From 1820-1844, Patrick McLene ; 1845-1850, 
John Melvin:- 1851-1854, John Rouse, who resigned in the fall of the 
latter year ; November, 1854 — March, 1857, P. R. Chrisman ; March, 
ls;,7_March. 1863, Oliver P. Crabb; March, 1863— March, 1865, 
J. Peetery; March, 1865— March, 1875, Noah Thomas; March, 1875— 
November, 1880, M. M. Thomas; November, 1880— November, 1883, 
Samuel M. Prugh. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

The office of Probate Judge was created by the seventh section of 
Article IV of the New Constitution, and the first election held to fill sail 
office on the second Tuesday in October, 1851, tho official term to be three 
years. It is a court of record in the fullest sense, and belongs to that class 
whose records import absolute verity, that are competent to decide on their 
own jurisdiction, and to exercise it to final judgment without setting forth 
the facts and evidence on which it is rendered. The Probate Judge has 
jurisdiction in probate and testamentary matters, the appointment of ad- 



368 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ministrators and guardians, the settlement of the accounts of executors, ad- 
ministrators and guardians, and such jurisdiction in habeas corpus, the issu- 
ing of marriage licenses, and for the sale of land by executors, administrators 
and guardians, also such other jurisdiction in any county as may be provided 
bv law. The first to hold this office in Madison County was Nathan Bond, 
who served from 1852 to February, 1858 ; B. F. Clark succeeded him, 
serving from February, 1858, to February, 1864 ; J. H. Kennedy, Februa- 
ry, 1864, to February, 1876 ; Oliver P. Crabb, February, 1876, to Feb- 
ruary, 1885, on which date his last term expires. 

BIOGRAPHIES OP PIONEER OFFICIALS. 

The destiny of every county in Ohio has been guided by a certain class 
of men selected by the people for their ability and peculiar fitness to transact 
the public business; and we find as a rule, that they were men well worthy 
of the trust imposed. We have, therefore, selected, without favor, for brief 
sketches in this chapter, those who first occupied the offices in Madison 
County. To continue the list farther would be foreign to the object in view, 
viz., the preservation of the biographies of the men who watched over the 
public affairs of Madison County during its infancy and guided its official 
bark in safety throughout its early career. The material at hand was, in 
most cases, very meager, and while we believe the sketches to be reliable, yet 
if we claimed freedom from mistakes, that perfection would have been at- 
tained of which we had not the faintest conception, and which Macaulay 
once said never could be reached 

ELIAS LANGIIAM. 

The early life of Col. Elias Langham seems to be involved in complete 
obscurity, and we first hear of him coming to Chillicothe, Ohio, in the spring 
of 1798. We know, however, that he was a native of Virginia, a Major in 
the Revolutionary war. and a man of education and ability, whose later 
years were clouded by the demon of intemperance. He located first in Ross 
County, and was extensively engaged in land speculation. In 1799-1801, 
and 1801-03, he was a member of the Territorial Assembly ; and in 1803, 
at the first election held in Ohio, was one of the four Congressional candi- 
dates, one of whom was to be chosen to represent the new State at Wash- 
ington. In 1803-04, 1805-06 and 1807-08, he was a member of the 
Ohio General Assembly, and was Speaker of the House in 1803-04. Dur- 
ing his residence in Ross County, he was one of the surveyors appointed 
to survey the residue lands which subsequently composed the Chillicothe 
Land District, which included Madison County. Thus he became familar 
with this region of country and acquired a large amount of land which he 
disposed of to the early settlers. It is said that considerable trouble- was 
experienced by many of these purchasers in obtaining good titles, some of 
whom had to pay for their land a second time or lose it; but injustice to 
Col. Langham, we must say that it was not dishonesty on his part that 
caused this, he really believing the lands to be his, but it is laid at the door 
of his love for strong drink, which made him neglectful and unfitted him 
for attending to his business. The exact date of Col. Langham 's settlement 
in Madison County is a mere matter of conjecture, but according to the 
reminiscences of David Watson, he was living in a cabin about one mile 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 369 

south of London, in July, 1807. He was then a widower and father of 
three sons, viz., John, Angus and Elias, none of whom resided in this 
county any length of time. Col. Langham spent the balance of his days 
here ; was active in building up London ; died at the residence of Judge 
Baskerville, about 1830, and was buried on the Baskerville farm. 

ISAAC MINER. 

One of the most popular men during the pioneer days of Madison 
County was Judge Isaac Miner, a native of Massachusetts, born in 1778, 
subsequently removing to New York, whence, in 180b', he came to Franklin 
County, Ohio. In early life, he learned the trade of a millwright and upon 
coming to this State erected a mill at Georgesville, but getting into financial 
trouble, he, with his brother Jeremiah, who had come a year later, removed, 
in 1808, to leased lands on Deer Creek, in what is now Oak Run Township, 
Madison County, where they engaged in the stock trade which proved very 
remunerative, each of the brothers accumulating a fortune. In 1809, Isaac 
Miner was elected Associate Judge of Franklin County, and held that 
office until the territory composing Madison was cut off and formed into a 
new county, when he was elected one of the Associate Judges of Madison, 
serving through 1810, then resigning the office. In the sessions of 1816— 
17, 1817-18, 1818-19 and 1820-21, he represented this district in the 
Ohio Legislature. He married and. became the father of three sons, viz. : 
Griffin, who removed to the West; John, who studied law, rose to the posi- 
tion of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and died in Cincinnati ; and 
William, who was Sheriff of Franklin County, 1855-56. A few years after 
the expiration of his last legislative term, Judge Miner and his brother re- 
turned to Franklin County, and purchased the property known for many 
years as the " old Miner farm," near Columbus, where the Judge died in 
the fall of 1831, aged fifty-three years. II is brother, Jeremiah, lived a 
bachelor, dying at the advanced age of seventy-four years at Sandusky, 
Wyandot County, in the spring of 1851. lie was interred in Green Lawn 
Cemetery, on the "old Miner farm." Both were honest, independent- 
minded men, successful in getting property, but Jeremiah was very eccentric, 
while Isaac possessed a well-balanced legal mind and a capacity of winning 
friends which assisted him very materially in the battle of life. 

SAMUEL BASKERVILLE. 
Among the worthy pioneers of the Scioto Valley, Judge Samuel Bask- 
erville stood deservedly high. Born in Virginia, he there grew to manhood, 
and upon the breaking-out of the Revolutionary war. entered the service of his 
country. For seven years and nine months he was a Lieutenant in a Virginia 
regiment, battling against the hereditary foe of liberty. Upon the trium- 
phant close of that struggle, he settled down to enjoy the fruits of that in- 
dependence he helped to win. He was twice married, and became the 
father of the following children : John, William, Mary, Samuel, Martha, 
James, Richard A., Nancy, and an older son whose name we have been un- 
able to learn. About 1809, he removed with his family to what is now 
Paint Township, Madison Co., Ohio , settling on the head-waters of Brad- 
ford's Fork, and in June, 1813, he received a Virginia military land war- 
rant for 333^ acres of land, upon which he had previously settled. In 1810, 



870 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Judge Baskerville was elected an Associate Judge of Madison County, and 
served continuously until November, 1820. All of his children lived to 
ripe old ages, and were well known throughout this section of country. 
Politicallv, Judge Baskerville was a Whig, and possessed that easy, suave, 
polite and hospitable manner, indicative of the old-fashioned Virginia gen- 
tleman. His remains were interred upon his farm, where he had passed his 
declining years in the enjoyment of that peace, happiness and liberty which 
he fought seven years to obtain. 

JOHN ARBUCKLE. 

In 1805, John Arbuckle, a native of Greenbrier County, Va., located 
upon 400 acres of land, where his son Jacob now resides, in Somerford Town- 
ship. He was born October 2, 1771, and married Nancy Sturgeon October 3, 
1799, who bore him two children — Elizabeth and Sarah. His wife died 
prior to the war of 18 L2, and, February 2, 1813, he married Elizabeth 
Bishop, who became the mother of the following children : William, Mathew, 
Susan, Charles, Rebecca and Jacob, several of whom are living and among 
the most respected citizens of Madison County. Upon the erection of this 
county, Mr. Arbuckle was elected one of the County Commissioners, and 
served through 1810. From 1811-16, he was one of the Associate Judges ; 
was County Commissioner in 1820-21, and again Associate Judge from 
1821 to 1835, inclusive. In the sessions of 1830-37 and 1837-38, he 
represented this Senatorial District in the Ohio General Assembly, and in 
all these ollicial trusts he fully retained the confidence of the people who had 
chosen him to execute the public business. Like .all valuable citizens, he 
was constantly called upon to fill the many minor offices of his township, 
from its organization until his death, September 30, 1845. His widow sur- 
vived him nearly twenty years, dying, April 8, 1865. Judge Arbuckle was 
an adherent of the Whig party; yet, while firm in his opinions, he was not 
offensive, and won an I retained hosts of friends of every creed and political 
faith. 

JONATHAN MINSHALL. 

Few men have had the good fortune to win the affectionate regard and 
honest friendship of the people of Madison County to such an extent as 
Jonathan Minshall. He was born near Winchester, Frederick Co., Va., 
November 8, L782, and in October, 1803, became a member of the M. E. 
Church. Soon after his conversion, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Eleanor Watson, daughter of Walter and Rachel Watson, natives of Mary- 
land. In the fall of 1806, he removed to Ross Co., Ohio, where his wife re- 
mained until ho could select the site of their future home. He, with his 
brother-in-law, David Watson, selected land on Walnut Run, in what is now 
Paint Township, Madison County, upon which they erected a small cabin, 
which was completed and occupied, January 17, 1807. There was no other 
house for many miles in any direction, and Jonathan Minshall and wife, 
with David Wats i i, C >mprised the entire settlement in that vicinity. They 
were not, however, discouraged, but went to work with vigor to make for 
themselves a home. In June, 1807, Rev. Benjamin Lakin, came and 
preached in this cabin, and forme I a class, consisting of its three occupants. 
Mr. Minshall was appointed leader of this pioneer band of Christians, and 
the influence of this little society, from that day to this, has impressed its 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 371 

fundamental character upon that neighborhood. About two years after the 
formation of the class, Mr. Minshall was licensed as a local preacher, and 
being the only one in that region of country, he did much, in every way, to 
lin the principles of Christianity. Gifted in speech, upright in life, 
manly in appearance and personal bearing, and firm in purpose, he stood as 
a bright example in the midst of the gradually increasing settlement. 

To Jonathan and Eleanor Minshall, were born the following children: 
.! !' el, Permelia, Hannah, Walter, Polly, James Quinn, Harriet, 

Lydia and Ellen ; the last mentioned and Polly being the only survivors. 
His wife died, June 6, L820, and he subsequently married Leah Bradford, 
who bore him seven children, viz. : Edward, Isaac, William, Enoch, Asber- 
ina, Wesley, and one died in infancy. Mr. Minshall was not only a useful 
man in the church, but also in the business affairs of the neighborhood, lie 
was honored, both with township and county offices, the trust and duties of 
which he discharged with fidelity. He was a .Justice of the Peace for some 
years, and County Commissioner from 1811-16, inclusive. Mr. Minshall 
was a good, plain, practical, common-sense preacher, who was much respected 
and loved by those who knew him best. At the meridan of life, he was 
broken down in health, and prostrated in his financial affairs, which embar- 

I him all the remainder of his days. He still preached, when oppor- 
tunity afforded, until the weight of age and afflictions pressed him down 
into comparative helplessness, but his declining years were solaced by the 
affectionate care of his son James Quinn, who was one of the leading busi- 
ness men of Madison County. Mr. Minshall passed away in peace and 
tranquillity, September 30, 1868, respected by all and loved by most who 
knew him. 

WILLIAM GIBSON. 

Little is known of this gentleman or where he lived prior to his settle- 
ment in Madison County. He located with his family two miles and a half 
north of where London stands early in the present century, upon land now 
owned by William Morrow Beach, ami on the erection of this county was 
elected County Commissioner, serving in that capacity from 1810 to 1815. 
He was Clerk of the board until June. 1812, and must have been a man of 
fair education, as most of his work in the Commissioners' journal is very cred- 
itable for those days, it is said that he never owned land in this county, 
or if so, a very small amount, but was merely a " squatter." After he was 
deprived of the Commissioner's office, he left the county, and as far as we 
know, was never heard of again. 

PATRICK MCLENE. 
There was not in Madison County during his lifetime, a man more 
widely known or respected than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. 
He came of Irish ancestry, who bad settled in Pennsylvania, subsequently 
removing to the Territory of Tennessee, but whether Patrick was born in 
Pennsylvania or the latter State is yet a mooted question. His birth occurred 
about 1787, and his parents died when he was quite small, leaving him to 
the care of an aunt who resided in Alabama. There were four brothers in 
the family, viz., Jeremiah, who was born in Pennsylvania, removed to Ten- 
nessee with his parents, where he became an intimate friend of Gen. Andrew 
Jackson, and subsequently was a pioneer of the Northwest Territory. In 



37:2 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNT V. 

the beginning of the present century lie located at Chillicothe, and while 
there was Sheriff of Rosa County, and in 1807-08 represented Franklin 
County in the Legislature. From 1808 to 1831 he served as Secretary of 
State, and represented Franklin County in the Twenty-third and Twenty- 
fourth Sessions of Congress. By education a surveyor, he loved his com- 
pass ; was one of the Commissioners who located the county seat of Frank- 
lin County in 1803, and served in the capacity of County Surveyor of Frank- 
lin County, also City Surveyor of Columbus for many years, dying at Wash- 
ington, D. C. during thesecond session of his Congressional career March 19, 
L837, aged seventy years ; Isaac, went to Arkansas, where he spent his life; 
John, settled in Chillicothe, was engaged in the cattle trade for some years 
with his brother Patrick, removed thence to Little Rock, Ark., where he 
followed merchandising until his death. 

In early life, Patrick learned surveying, but soon after coming to Ohio, 
he entered into a partnership with his brother John, in the cattle trade, 
grazing cattle near the present site of London, which he followed in connec- 
tion with his profession. In 1811, he was appointed Director by the Court 
of Common Pleas to lay off the town of London, on the site selected by the 
Commissioners previously authorized b} T the Legislature to locate the county 
seat of Madison County. The wide, regular and handsome streets which 
are the pride of this city to-day arc the result of the wisdom and foresight 
of Patrick McLene. lie did more surveying in Madison County than any 
man of his time; from 1810 to 1831, he occupied the office of County Sur- 
veyor, and in 1811 established the boundaries of Madison County, and 
located the center of the same according to law. He owned a large farm in 
Oak Run Township, upon which he lived many years. In 1818, he was 
elected a Justice of the Peace, and was very popular as an official to perform 
the marriage ceremony during those pioneer days, and through 1819 he 
served as County Commissioner. On the creation of the Auditor's office, be 
was appointed by the General Assembly Auditor of Madison County, until 
the next election, but he was elected continuously again and again, serving 
in that capacity from L820 to 1844 inclusive. In 1845, he entered upon 
his duties as Associate .Judge, and held that position something over five 
years. Mr. McLene was twice married, first to Mary Warner, sister of 
" Uncle Billy " Warner, of London, who was a weakly woman, and did not 
live long. He then married Rebecca Warner, a half-sister of his first wife, 
who became the mother of two children, who died in infancy, thus leaving 
no issue from either marriage. Mr. McLene died December 7. 1863, and 
his remains now lie in Kirkwood Cemetery. His widow still survives him. 
Although a Whig in polities, lie was no politician, but rather a quiet unob- 
trusive man who attended strictly to his own business. In all his active bus- 
iness and official career, he sustained an unblemished character: as a hus- 
band, neighbor and citizen, his life was beyond reproach, and in his death 
Madison County lost ono of its truest friends, and the world an honest man. 

ROBERT HUME. 

This well-remembered pioneer \n is a son of William and Annie Hume, 

he a native of Virginia, and she of Pennsylvania, who were the parents of 

a large family, but who died when Robert was about fourteen years of age. 

Our subject was born in Fauquier County, Va., in 1781, and in 1799 



HISTORY OP MADISON COUNTY. 373 

came with two older brothers to the vicinity of Westfall, Pickaway Co., 
Ohio, where he assisted in raising one crop. Thence he went to Chillicothe, 
and engaged as clerk in a store, remaining there until L804, when he re- 
moved to this county, purchasing land in what is now Paint Township. In 

-. he marred Isabella Stockton Davis, a native of Morgantown, Va., and 
daughter of John and Isabella Davis, of that State. Of this union were born 
the following children : Alexander A., Annie (deceased), John D. (deceased), 
Robert (deceased;, William deceased), James S.. Thomas YV. (deceased), 
Charles I. ed), Eliza ■). (the wife of Elihu Fallis), Evelina (deceased), 

Edgar (deceased) and Edmund (deceased). Mrs. Hume died in 1 829, and he 
married Mrs. Elizabeth Huston, a daughter of John Arbuckle, jvho bore 
him two children — Edward (deceased) and Isabella (the wife of John Stroup). 

The official career of Robert Hume spreads over nearly forty years of 
the county's existence. He owned about O'J'J acres of land, upon which he 
was living when Madison County was erected, and he was chosen as Clerk, 
and Recorder of said county, serving in both offices, respectively, from 
1810 until June and July, 181 ~>, at which time he resigned, removed to 
Chillicothe, and thence to Kentucky. In the spring of 1811, he erected a 
cabin on the site of John Dungan's residence in London, into which he re- 
moved from the farm the same year. A couple of years passe 1 away, and 
the cabin was replaced by a substantial two-storied hewed log house, in 
which he kept a tavern until his removal to Chillicothe. During his absence 
from Madison County, a store was operated in London, under the name of 
Needham & Hume, these gentlemen supplying the capital. In a few years, 
he again came to Madison County, and in 1823-24 represented this district 
in the Ohio Legislature. He was County Treasurer from 1820, to June, 
1838, and again Recorder from July, 1839, until his death May 9, 1854, 
his wife having died a few years prior to the latter date. Politically, Mr. 
Hume was a Whig, and an ardent supporter of his party. In size, he was 
of the ordinary cast of manhood, but although his life was a busy one, he 
seldom enjoyed good health, yet lived to the ripe age of seventy-three years. 
He was always regarded as a valuable citizen, and that the people had the 
utmost confidence in his ability and integrity, was demonstrated by the 
many official trusts they conferred upon him. 

Jo try MOORE. 
If a lifetime of business activity terminating in success, from every 
standpoint, deserves to be remembered in the . then are we doubly 

justified in inserting a brief sketch of John Moore. Of his ancestry, we 
know nothing, but his name evidently signifies his Irish origin. He was 
born near Richmond, Va., in 1780, at a time- when the colonies were strug- 
gling against the tyranny of England, in that bitter contest for indepen- 
dence. We learn that in early manhood, he was in the habit of making 
periodical trips to the Northwest Territory, on hunting expeditions and in 
this way became familiar with the country, now embraced in Madison 
County. At what particular date he located permanently here is not even 
known by his only surviving child, but we are convinced it was early in the 
present century, as he was instrumental in finding the relatives of Jonathan 
Alder, who was then living with his Indian wife on Rig Darby, and went to 
Virginia with John Moore, where he found his mother and brothers whom 



374 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

lie had not seen since his early boyhood. Upon the organization of Madison 
County in 1810, Mr. Moore was elected Sheriff, and served from 1810-13 ; 
was County Collector in 1810-11, and Clerk and Recorder, respectively, 
from June and July, 1815, until his death, June 27, 1839. He married 
Dorcas Phifer, of London, who became the mother of two children — Eliza 
and Caroline. The latter died in childhood, the former married Joseph 
Chrisman, a leading merchant of London, who died leaving no issue. His 
widow still survives him and resides in Topeka, Kan., although the owner 
of a large estate in this county. Politically, Mr. Moore was a stanch Dem- 
ocrat ami an ardent admirer of Andrew Jackson. He was one of the pioneer 
merchants of London, which business he carried on in later years, in the 
present residence of Stephen Watson, which he erected in 1833. He was 
also an extensive stock-dealer and one of the largest land-owners of Madison 
County. As already stated, he died June 27, 1839, his widow surviving 
him until November 2, 1^70, aged seventy years. Both are sleeping side 
by side in Oak Hill Cemetery, where free from the cares of a life of activity 
and usefulness devoted to the welfare and prosperity of his adopted county, 
rest the remains of an honest, successful citizen, a Christian and a patriot. 

PHILIP LEWIS. 

The history of Madison County would be incomplete without a brief 
sketch of the career of Philip Lewis, who, during the first thirty years of his 
residence therein, took a leading place in its affairs, lie was born in Penn- 
sylvania about 1778, his infancy being passed in the midst of the eventful 
days of the Revolutionary war. His father's name was also Philip, and 
about 1796 the family removed to the Northwest Territory and settled in 
Adams County, on the Ohio River. Here our subject attained his man- 
hood, and in the session of 1804-05, represented Adams County in the Ohio 
Legislature. In 1805-06, and 1806-07, his father was one of the Legis- 
lature members from that county, and was succeeded by Philip, Jr., in 1807— 
OS. Thus, prior to his coming to Madison County, he was one of the rising 
young men of the Scioto Valley. He was married, in Adams County, July 
4, 1805, to Miss Nancy Umble, and in 1809 located temporarily on Deer 
Creek, in what is now Somerford Township, Madison Co., Ohio. His stay 
there was brief, for we find upon record that he was appointed Director in 
the summer of 1810, to lay off* the county seat for the newly organized 
county, and call the same Madison. The plat of this town bears date of 
having been certified- to November 13, 1810, but its exact location is a mat- 
ter of dispute. It, however, was short lived, being legally displaced by Lon- 
don, which was laid out by Patrick McLene the following year. To Philip 
and Nancy Lewis were born the following children : Betsy, who married 
l>r. Aquilla Toland ; Alithea, became the wife of Samuel N. Kerr ; George 
\Y\; Delilah, who married A. W. Tinder; and Hamilton. Mrs. Lewis died 
about 1814. and March . s . L816, he married Abigal Melvin, daughter of John 
Melvin, of this county. She was born in Tennessee March 25, 1796, and 
by this union became the mother of seven children, viz.. Augustus. Jane, 
John, Elias L., Minerva (who married Richard Acton), Joseph R. and Mis- 
souri (who became the wife of Thomas Acton). 

Soon after London was laid out, Mr. Lewis erected a log tavern, and 
was engaged as an inn-keeper for nearly forty years. His official life is one 



Mi ***' 





HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 377 

of much interest. In 1818, lie was appointed Paymaster of the First Regi- 
ment, Fourth Brigade, Second Division of the Ohio Militia, and we presume 
it was on account of holding this position that in subsequent years lie bore 
the title of " Colonel." In 1814-15, he served as County Collector; was 
Sheriff in 1815-16, and County Commissioner in 1817-18. He represented 
the Madison County District in the Ohio Legislature, in L824-25, L825— 
26 and L826-27 ; and in 1882-33 and 1833-34, he occupied a seat in the 
Senate. He filled many of the minor offices in the township, such as Jus- 
tice of the Peace, etc., and throughout his official career his ability, honor 
and integrity, were never questioned. Generous to a fault, he was not a suc- 
cessful money-getter, but if to be a kind husband, an indulgent father, a 
warm and faithful friend, an efficient public officer, and an honest man, is 
worthy of record, then indeed does the life of Philip Lewis deserve a place 
in the pages of history. He died June 28, 1851, and was interred with 
Masonic honors, of which order he was a member, in the old Methodist 
Graveyard, but was subsequently re-interred at Oak Hill Cemetery. His 
widow survived him until May 8, 1878, when she, too, passed away, and was 
laid to rest beside the companion of her earlier years. 

THOMAS GWYNNE. 
Some time prior to the erection of Madison County, probably as early 
as 1808, six brothers — Thomas, John E., William, Eli W., David and 
Horatio Gwynnc — natives of Maryland, came to the territory now compos- 
ing this county, and settled in what is now Deer Creek Township. Upon 
the organization of the county, the temporary seat of justice was established 
at the house of Thomas Gwynne, where it remained throughout 1810 and 
the greater part of 1811. He served as County Treasure]' from 1810 until 
August, 1811, and Associate Judge, by appointment of the Governor, from 
March to November, 1820. Prior to the permanent location of the county 
seat, Mr. Gwynne labored hard to have it established on his land in Deer 
Creek Township, and was much chagrined at the defeat of his pet project. 
He kept the first tavern and store in the county after its creation, subse- 
quently removing the latter to London. Thomas Gwynne married a Miss 
M unlock, of Maryland, of which union was born Lewellen, David, Thomas 
M., Mrs. John W. Andrews, Mrs. Buttles and, perhaps, others. In 1816, 
he laid out the town of Lawrenceville, which has since become extinct. His 
brother David was a Paymaster in the United States Arm;,-, and assisted his 
brothers very materially in their business ventures. They were all connected 
together in their mercantile transactions, operated stores at London, Urbana 
and Columbus, and while living in Urbana, Thomas died, leaving to his 
heirs a large estate. These Gwvnnes were very active, energetic business 
men, and all died wealthy. The descendants of the family still own a large 
amount of land in Madison County, but none are residents thereof. 

A. A. HUME. 
We believe there can be no more appropriate way of closing these 
sketches than to briefly mention the long official career of A. A. Hume, who, 
although not a pioneer in the strictest sense of the term, has. nevertheless, 
lived so long in Madison County, and served the people so faithfully that to 
leave him out of this chapter would be an injustice. He was born in Paint 



378 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Township, this county, September 30, 1809, and is a son of Robert and 
Isabella S. Hume, who are mentioned in the foregoing pages. Here he 
grew up during the pioneer days, and in 1841 was appointed Clerk of the 
Court of Common Pleas. He was elected to fill that position eleven times 
in succession, serving continuously until February, 1882. The amount of 
official work done during this period of forty-one years cannot easily be esti- 
mated — a period stretching over one and one-third generations of people. 
Since the time when he took office, eight out of ten who were then living 
have passed away. On the 22d of February, 1882, the bar of London ten- 
dered Mr. Hume a banquet at the Phifer House, in honor of his long 
official life and his worth as a public servant. Every member of the bar 
was present, excepting two, all of the county officers and many other lead- 
ing citizens to celebrate the close of the longest continuous official career in 
the history of Ohio. Col. J. C. McCloud, President of the Bar Associa- 
tion, presided at the banquet, while Hon. Henry W. Smith, on behalf of the 
bar, presented Mr. Hume with a gold-headed cane, on the head of which 
was engraved the following: " Presented to A. A. Hume, Clerk of Court 
from 1841 to 1882, by the London, Ohio, Bar, February 22, 1882." It 
was a fitting testimonial to the integrity of Mr. Hume, and a worthy mark 
of friendship from those whom he served so long. Letters of regret were 
received from Hons. Joseph R. Swan, Joseph Olds, Richard A. Harrison, 
Eli P. Evans and Samuel W. Courtright, while Hon. James L. Bates was 
present to testify to his warm friendship for the old ex-Clerk, whom he had 
known intimately many years. As is the general custom at such entertain- 
ments, wit and wisdom flowed freely, assisted materially by the invigorating 
viands prepared for the occasion. Hon. James L. Bates responded to " The 
Common Law;" Hon. George Lincoln to " The Court;" James M. Horrell 
to "The Lawyers ;" S. W. Durflinger to " The Jury;" B. H. Lewis to 
" Attorney's Fees ;" Ernest McCormack to "Costs;" G. W. Wilson to 
" George Washington;" Bruce P. Jones to "The Mayor of London;" 0. 
P. Converse to " The Ladies ;" D. C. Badger to " The Law of Evidence ;" 
George B. Cannon to " The Civil Code;" Martin O'Donnell to "The Bar;" 
W. B. Hamilton to " Our Host and Hostess ;" M. L. Bryan and George E. 
Ross to wt The Press." The worthy recipient of this banquet is proud of the 
place he won in the hearts of the Madison County bar, and fully appreciates 
the honor, which was a just and fitting tribute to his official honesty and 
ability.* 

POLITICS. 
The political history of Malison County may be told in a few brief 
sentences. During the first ten years after its erection, politics were in a 
crude state, and party organization was not fully developed ; therefore, the 
political ties then binding men to any particular party were easily severed. 
In 1812, its vote was cast for James Madison, and in 1816 and 1^20, it 
went for James Monroe. The first election at which partisan spirit was in 
any degree aroused, was in L824. when Andrew Jackson carried the county 
on the Democratic ticket. He again carried it in 1828 and 1832; but by 
this time the Whigs had devoloped such strength that the Democrats never 
again carried the county in a State or Presidential election during the ex- 
istence of the Whig party. 

♦The biograplii. s of David Mitchell and Joshua Ewing will be found in the chapter on pioneers. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



379 



The Know-Nothing craze swept over both parties in Madison County 
for the time being, but this fanaticism soon passed away, leaving the new- 
born Republican party in the ascendency. It has ever since had a small 
majority in State and Presidential contests, with the exception of the 
Gubernatorial election between Allen G. Thurman and R. B. Hayes, in which 
the former carried the county by seventeen majority ; and one or two 
other State elections when the Republicans were defeated. The Democrats 
usually elect a portion of the county ticket, while the county has been rep- 
resented in the General Assembly several times by a Democratic member ; 
yet in a close contest, where party spirit ran high, Madison County has 
always given a majority for the candidates of the Republican party. 




380 . HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX. 



TERRITORIAL JUDICIARY— STATE JUDICIARY PRIOR TO 1851 — SUPREME COURT 
— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— JUSTICES OF THE PEACE — CIRCUITS- 
JUDICIARY SINCE 1851 — SUPREME COURT — COURT OF COMMON 
PLEAS— DISTRICT COURTS— JUSTICES OF THE PEACE 
—PIONEER COURTS OF MADISON COUNTY. 

AS people often fail to agree with regard to their relative rights and 
J_jl_ duties, and as they sometimes violate their agreements with each other, 
and even violate and disobey those rules and regulations prescribed for their 
conduct, it is necessary that tribunals should be provided to administer 
justice, to determine and declare the rights of parties, to investigate and de- 
cide whether the laws are observed or violated, and to declare and pronounce 
judgment according to law and the just deserts of the citizen. These de- 
terminations are called judicial. Upon the organization of the Northwest 
Territory, courts were established and laws promulgated for the proper gov- 
ernment of the same. The first to take shape was the Court of Common 
Pleas, established by the Governor and Judges at Marietta, August 23, 
1788. This court was composed of not less than three nor more than five 
Justices, appointed in each county and commissioned by the Governor, " to 
be styled the County Court of Common Pleas," whose sessions were held 
twice a year in each county. By an act passed at Cincinnati, November 6, 
1790, this court was authorized to hold four sessions per year for the greater 
facility in the transaction of business, and the number of Judges were in- 
creased, to not less than three nor more than seven in each county. Beside 
the regular sessions, these courts were empowered to hold special terms, as 
often as necessary, while their powers and duties were fully defined and 
regulated by law. 

On the 30th of August, 1788, the General Court of the Territory was 
organized for the trial of "civil and criminal cases." Its sessions were 
held once a year in each county, and November 4, 1790, the time and place 
for holding said courts was defined. An act Avas adopted from the Virginia 
statutes July 16, 1795, giving the Judges power to continue suits in neces- 
sary cases. 

Probate Courts were created by an act passed at Marietta August 30, 
1788, establishing a Judge of Probate in each county. He was authorized 
to hold four sessions annually, and special sessions whenever necessary. 
Probate Judges were appointed by the Governor, and had charge of all pro- 
bate and testamentary business-- Their decisions were not final, but they 
could call in two Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, who, with the 
Probate Judge constituted the Court of Probate, which had power to render 
final decisions and decrees in all matters cognizable in said court, subject, 
however, to appeal in all cases to the General Court of the Territory. 

The act establishing Orphans' Courts was adopted from the statutes of 
Pennsylvania, June 16, 1795. They consisted of the Justices of the Gen- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 381 

eral Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and were created in each county. These 
courts were domestic, possessing peculiar facilities for acquiring correct in- 
formation of the condition of intestate estates within their jurisdiction, 
and much was intended to be confided to their discretion because their pro- 
ceedings were ex parte, and in most cases operated upon and effected the 
rights of minors. They worked in harmony with the Judge of Probate, 
and their duties and powers were defined in conjunction with his. 
Upon the organization of the State judiciary April 15, 1803, all business of 
a probate or testamentary nature, pending in the Orphans' Courts, or Courts 
of Probate, was transferred to the Courts of Common Pleas ; and the law of 
1795, defining the limits of judicial power in relation to intestate estates 
remained in force. Thus the Court of Common Pleas was endowed with all 
the former duties and power of the Probate and Orphans' Courts, and so re- 
mained until the adoption of the new constitution, when the office of Pro- 
bate Judge was created as it exists to-day. 

The General Quarter Sessions of the Peace were established August 
23, 1788, to be held four times a year in each county. This court consisted 
of not less than three nor more than five Justices, who were appointed by 
the Governor. It was created for the trial of small causes, and its jurisdic- 
tion was defined by law. 

Circuit Courts were created by an act approved December 9, 1800. 
They were held annually in the several districts into which the Territory 
was divided, by one or more Judges of said Territory, to which cases from 
the Court of Common Pleas were taken, removed or appealed. These sev- 
eral courts comprised the Territorial judiciary, until the admission of Ohio 
into the Union. 

STATE JUDICIARY PRIOR TO 1851. 

At the first session of the Legislature in April, 1803, an act was 
passed organizing Judicial Courts. The Supreme Court consisted of three 
Judges, elected by joint ballot of the General Assembly, their official term 
to be seven years. One session a year was held by this tribunal in each 
county. The Constitution gave the Supreme Court original and appellate 
jurisdiction, both in common law and chancery, in such cases as the law 
should direct. On the 17th of February, 1808, the number of 
Judges were increased to four, and the State divided into two districts, East- 
ern and Western, two of said Judges to hold court in each, as they should 
determine among themselves. This county was in the Eastern District, but 
the law was repealed February 16, 1810, at which date the number of Su- 
preme Judges was reduced to three. By this act the Supreme Court was 
given concurrent jurisdiction of all civil cases, both of law and equity, 
where the matter in dispute exceeded $1,000, and appellate jurisdiction from 
the Court of Common Pleas in all cases wherein that court had original 
jurisdiction. It also was given exclusive cognizance of all cases of divorce 
and alimony, and in all criminal cases except where the prisoner elected to 
be tried by the Court of Common Pleas. The number of Judges was 
again increased to four February 13, 1816, and exclusive cognizance of 
criminal cases conferred upon this tribunal. Thus it stood until the adop- 
tion of the new constitution in 1851. Many laws were passed, defining 
more minutely the powers and duties of the Supreme Court, which may be 
found in the Ohio statutes. 



382 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. 

The State was divided into circuits, for each of which a Judge was 
elected by joint ballot of the General Assembly, whose term of office was 
seven years. In each county, not less than two nor more than three Asso- 
ciate Judges were chosen in a similar manner and for the same period of 
service. The President Judge with the Associates composed the Court of 
Common Pleas of each county, whose powers and duties were defined and 
time of holding court stated. Under the constitution, this court had com- 
mon law and chancery jurisdiction with the Supreme Court, while both had 
complete criminal jurisdiction, as the law from time to time should define. 
The Associate Judges were empowered to hold special sessions to transact 
county business whenever such was necessary. The Court of Common 
Pleas, by an act passed February 22, 1805, had cognizance of all crimes, 
offenses, etc., the punishment whereof was not capital, and January 27, 
1806, an act was passed allowing capital punishment offenses to be tried 
before this tribunal, at the option of the prisoner, but the decision was final. 
On the 16th of February, 1810, the several acts organizing judicial courts, 
defining their powers and regulating their practice, were reduced into one. 
By this enactment, the decisions of the Common Pleas Court in all criminal 
cases might be taken to the Supreme Court on error, the former final clause 
being repealed. The Court of Common Pleas was to consist of a President 
and three Associate Judges, and were to have original jurisdiction in all 
civil cases of law and equity where the sum or matter in dispute did not 
exceed $1,000, and did exceed the jurisdiction of a Justice of the Peace. 
It also had appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of Justices of the Peace, 
in all cases in their respective counties. It had exclusive power to hear and 
determine all causes of a probate and testamentary nature, to take the proof 
of wills, grant letters of administration, appoint guardians, etc.; also exclu- 
sive cognizance of all crimes, offenses, etc., the punishment of which was 
not capital, and then if the defendant so desired. In 1816, the power of 
trying the latter class of cases was taken from the Court of Common Pleas, 
and by many subsequent acts their powers were defined and regulated. In 
1831, this court was given exclusive cognizance of all crimes, offenses, etc., 
the punishment whereof was not capital ; also original and concurrent juris- 
diction with the Supreme Court of all crimes, offenses, etc., the punishment 
of which was capital. Thus the judiciary remained with immaterial changes 
until the adoption of the new constitution, at which time the courts were 
again re-organized. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
When the State was organized, a law was passed (April 16, 1803) pro- 
viding for the election in every township of Justices of the Peace, the num- 
ber to be determined by the Court of Common Pleas. The official term 
was three years, and many subsequent acts were passed defining and regu- 
lating the duties and powers of this court. Under the constitution of 1851, 
a competent number of Justices was authorized to be elected in each town- 
ship, the term of service being the same as under the old Constitution. 
The jurisdiction of Justices is fully established by law and will be found 
further along in this chapter. Although the office of Justice of the Peace is 
generally looked upon as an insignificant one, yet it has done its share in 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 383 

moulding the law-abiding sentiment of every community and causing evil- 
doers to respect the power and majesty of the judiciary. 

CIRCUITS. 

Under the old constitution, the State, as already mentioned, was di- 
vided into judicial circuits, which were increased and changed from time to 
time, as necessity and the growing population demanded. The territory 
composing Madison County was then a portion of Franklin, and belonged, 
of course, to whatever circuit the latter county formed a portion of. It will 
therefore be proper to give the organization of the circuits into which this 
county was thrown from 1803 until 1852. In 1803, the Second Circuitwas 
composed of Adams, Scioto, Ross, Franklin, Fairfield and Pallia Counties, 
to which Muskingum was added in 11S04. In 1808, the State was divided 
into four circuits, the Second being Adams. Highland, Scioto, Gallia, Ross, 
Franklin and Delaware Counties. In February, 1810, the counties form- 
ing the Second Circuit were Ross, Pickaway, Madison, Fayette, Highland, 
Clermont, Adams, Scioto and Gallia, The following year the circuit was 
again changed and comprised the counties of Pickaway, Franklin, Mad- 
ison, Fayette, Highland, Clermont, Adams, Scioto, Gallia and Ross. On 
the 27th of February, 1816, the State was divided into six circuits, and 
this county became a part of the Sixth, viz., Clermont, Clinton, Greene, 
Champaign, Delaware, Franklin, Madison and Fayette ; but in 1817, Cler- 
mont was attached to the First Circuit. In January, 1818, the Seventh 
Circuit was created, leaving the following counties comprising the Sixth, 
viz., Franklin, Delaware, Madison, Clark, Champaign, Logan and Fayette. 
In February, 1810, two more circuits were established and Fayette County 
was thrown into the Second Circuit. Upon the erection of Union County, 
in 1820, the Sixth Circuit contained Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, Perry, 
Pickaway, Madison and Union. Thus it remained for four years, Avhen an- 
other change occurred and the following counties composed the Sixth Cir- 
cuit, viz., Madison, Fayette, Ross, Pickaway, Hocking, Fairfield and Frank- 
lin. In 1828, Union was again added to the Sixth and thus this circuit 
existed until January 24, 1834, when the State was divided into twelve cir- 
cuits, this county forming a part of the Twelfth, viz., Clark, Madison, 
Franklin, Delaware, Union, Logan, Hardin, and Champaign. In 1839, 
the Thirteenth Circuit was created, and in 1840 the Fourteenth and Fif- 
teenth, yet no change was made in the Twelfth. In 1845, the Sixteenth 
Circuit was created, and Hardin County was put into that circuit and Dela- 
ware into the Second. In 1848, the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Circuits 
were formed; in 1850, the Nineteenth, and in March, 1851, the Twentieth, 
none of which made any change in the Twelfth, it standing from 1845 to 
1852, Clark, Madison, Franklin, Union, Logan and Champaign Counties. 

JUDICIARY SINCE 1851. 

The constitution of 1851 provided for the re organization of the judi- 
ciary, to consist of the Supreme Court, District Courts, Courts of Common 
Pleas, Probate Courts, Justices of the Peace, and such other courts inferior 
to the Supreme Court as the Legislature mav from time to time establish. 

SUPREME COURT. 

This tribunal consistsof five Judges, to be chosen by the electors of the 
State at large, whose official term is five years. Its sessions are held in 



884 HISTORY ov MADISON COUNTY". 

Columbus, and its original jurisdiction is limited to quo warranto, man- 
damus, habeas corpus, procedendo, and such appellate jurisdiction as has 
been provided by law, extending only to the judgments and decrees of courts 
oreated and organized in pursuance of the constitutional provisions. It has 
power when in session to is9ue writs of error and certiorari in criminal cases. 
and supersedeas in any case, and all other writs which may bo necessary to 
enforce the due administration of justice throughout the State. It has also 
power to review its own decisions. 

COURT OF common PLBAS. 

The new constitution provided lor the division of the State into judi- 
cial districts, and each district into subdivisions. In each subdivision one 
Common Pleas Judge was to he chosen by the qualified electors therein, who 
mus! he a resident of said subdivision, but the Legislature can increase the 
number oi' Judges whenever such becomes necessary. The State was 
divided into nine judicial districts. ' The counties of Adams. Brown and 
Clermont formed the First Subdivision, Highland, Ross and Fayette the Sec- 
ond, and Pickaway. Franklin 'ami Madison the Third Subdivision of the 
Fifth Judicial District. In April, L858, the Tenth Judicial District was 
Created, abolished in ISlll!. and again created dune 7. L879. On the 29th 
of March. ISTo. a law was passed cutting the Third Subdivision in two, and 
thus creating an extra subdivision in the Fifth Judicial District ; but the 
act was subsequently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, 
although the Judge elected under said act was allowed to serve his full term. 
In May. L878, an act was passed re-districting the State into five judicial 
districts, but t!n< same decision of the Supreme Court applied to this act. and 
it never took effect. The constitution confers no jurisdiction whatever upon 
the Court of Common Fleas, in either civil or criminal cases, hut it is made 
capable oi' receiving jurisdiction in all such eases, yet can exercise none 
until conferred by law. It has original jurisdiction in all civil eases, both at 
law ami in equity, where the sum oi' matter in dispute exceeds the jurisdic- 
tion oi' Justices oi' the Feaee, and appellate jurisdiction from the decision oi' 
County Commissioners, Justices of the Peace, and other inferior courts in 
the proper county in all civil cases ; also oi' all crimes and offenses except 
in eases oi' minor olTonses, the exclusive jurisdiction oi' which is invested in 
Justices oi' the Feaee. or that may be invested in courts inferior to the Com- 
mon Fleas. It also has jurisdiction in cases oi' divorce and alimony. Three 
terms oi' the Court oi' Common Fleas are usually held in each county 
annually. 

DISTRICT col i; t'S. 

These tribunals are composed oi' the Judges oi' the Court of Common 
Fleas of their respective districts ami one oi' the Supreme Judges, any three 
oi' whom is a quorum. For the purposes o\' the District Courts the nine 
judicial districts are divided into circuits. Its sessions are held once a year 
in each county, but the Judges have power to appoint special terms for good 
cause This eourt has original jurisdiction with the Supreme Court and 
appellate jurisdiction from the Court oi' Common Fleas o( all eases in 
equity in which the parties have not the right to demand a trial by jury ; 
and orders dissolving injunctions in certain eases. The district courts have 
power in certain eases to allow injunctions and to appoint receivers, also to 
review their own decisions. 





\ & , $07 Up on* 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 387 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

The jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace in civil cases, with a few ex- 
ceptions, is limited to the townships in which they reside. They, however, 
have authority co-extensive with their respective counties, among other things, 
to administer oaths ; to take acknowledgments of instruments of writing ; 
to solemnize marriages; to issue subpoenas for witnesses in matters pending 
before them ; to try actions for forcible entry and detention of real property ; 
to issue attachments and proceed against the effects and goods of debtors in 
certain cases, and to act in the absence of the Probate Judge in the trial of 
contested elections of Justice of the Peace. Under certain restrictions, 
" Justices of the Peace shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of 'any sum 
not exceeding $100, and concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Common 
Pleas in any sum over $100 and not exceeding $300." Justices are con- 
servators of the peace and may issue warrants for the apprehension of any 
person accused of crime, and require the accused to enter into a recogniz- 
ance with security, or in default of bail commit him to jail to answer before 
the proper court for the offense. Persons accused of offenses punishable by 
fine or imprisonment in the jail, brought before the magistrate on complaint 
of the injured party and who plead guilty, may be sentenced by the magis- 
trate or be required to appear before the proper court for trial. 

The establishment of Probate Courts under the constitution of 1851, 
together with the powers and duties of said office, will be found under the 
head of Probate Judges, in the chapter on public officials, to which we refer 
the reader. 

PIONEER COURTS OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Pursuant to an act of the General Assembly, passed on the 16th of 
February, 1810, establishing the County of Madison, Isaac Miner, Samuel 
Baskerville and David Mitchell met at the house of Thomas Gvvynne, on 
Deer Creek, the temporary seat of justice for said county, April (3, 1810, 
and produced their commissions from the Governor of Ohio, as Associate 
Judges of Madison County. The oath of office was administered to them 
by Jonathan Minshall, a Justice of the Peace of said county, whereupon 
the Judges proceeded to advertise the time and place for holding an election 
for the purpose of electing the following county officers, viz., Sheriff, Coro- 
ner, and three County Commissioners. Robert Hume was elected by the 
Judges, Clerk, and Recorder pro tern. This completed the business for 
which the Court met. 

On the 17th of May, 1810, the Associate Judges opened court at the 
same place. Letters of administration were granted to Ziba Wingett, on 
the estate of Luther Wingett (deceased). Ziba Wingett executed a bond, 
together with Luther and Abijah Gary, as securities in the penalty of $700 ; 
the court thereupon appointed said Carys and Thomas Gwynnc appraisers 
of said estate. This was the first probate business executed in Madison 
County. 

The first regular session of the Court of Common Pleas was opened 
at the house of Thomas Gwynne, Monday, July 30, 1810 ; present, Hon. 
John Thompson, President, Isaac Miner, and Samuel Baskerville, Associates. 
The following Grand Jurors were impaneled, viz. : Elias Langham, foreman, 
Andrew Cypherd, Hugh Montgomery, Curtis Ballard, Charles Atchison, 
Paul Adler, Thomas Foster, Nicholas Moore, William Blaine, John McDon- 

j 



388 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

aid, Nehemiah Gates, William Gibson, Andrew Shields, Philip Lewis, and 
John Arbuckle. The court then appointed Ralph Osborn as Prosecuting 
Attorney ; and Robert Hume as Clerk, for the constitutional term of seven 
years. On the following day. the court met, pursuant to adjournment, the 
President and three associates being present. Its first act was accepting 
and ordering to be recorded the will of John Blair (deceased), Samuel 
Blair, and Samuel McNutt, being the executors of the same. Elias Lang- 
ham, having been appointed to examine applicants for the office of County 
Surveyor, recommended Patrick McLene, whom the court appointed to the 
position. The first indictment presented at this session was against George 
Blair, for assault and battery, who pleaded guilty, and was fined $1 andcosts. 
Michael Dickey, John Graham, and Thomas Gwynne, were appointed apprais- 
ers of the estate of John Blair, deceased. Indictments were found against 
Philip Cryder, John Graham, and Nathan Frakes, and the causes continued. 
Ralph Osborn was allowed $25 as compensation for his services as prosecut- 
ing attorney, and after some other business, unimportant in this connection, 
all cases on the docket were continued, and court adjourned until the 
November term. 

As an item of history, we give a verbatim copy of the will of John 
Blair, for the reason that it was the first will recorded in Madison County: 

In the name of God, amen, I John Blair, Sr., of the. County of Madison, and State 
of Ohio, being frail in body, but sound in judgement and memory, do ordain this my las( 
will and testament, and do hereby revoke all and every former will or testament made at any 
time prior to this ; and. first, 1 recommend my soul to Almighty God, who gave it to me. 
Secondly, I allow all my lawful debts to be paid, of which the following is a hue list, accord- 
ing to the best of my memory, viz. : By book account to Nathan Gregg, $28 ; also, Ephraim 
Doolittle $45, by book account; also, $10 per note to Lyne Starling: also $6 per note to 
John Brick ell ; also, a book account to Dr. John Ball, supposed to be twelve dollars. Thirdly, 
1 do hereby will to each and all my children $2 in cash, apiece, with which 1 request, them to 
buy each of themselves a bible with. Fourthly, 1 do hereby will and bequeath to my loving 
wite, Susannah, all that tract or parcel of land which I obtained from James McNutt, dece sed, 
for service done to said McNutt, by myself, whilst he was living, together with all town lots 
which may be included in the bounds of the above mentioned tract id' land ; also, I leave my 
loving wife all the late purchase id' land that 1 made from James Galloway, Jr., to be dis- 
posed of as she thinks proper; also, all my personal property that I now have, to her own 
proper use and behoof forever; and lastly, 1 do ordain my loving sous, Samuel Blair, and 
Samuel McNutt, executors of this, nij T last will and testament. In testimony whereof. I have 
hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty-first day of July, one thousand eight hundred 
and ten. 

J. BLAIR. [seal.] 

Michael Dickey, ~\ 

Amoiiw Shim:-. Witnesses present. 

lb i mi; r Scott, J 

The next term of the Court of Common Pleas began November 19, 
1^1 0, with lion. John Thompson, President, Samuel Baskerville and David 
Mitchell, Associates. The Grand Jurors were Jonathan Minshall, Foreman, 
David Groves, John Timmons, John Simpkins, Daniel Wright, John Shields, 
John Blair, Charles Atchison, Paul Alder, Calvin Cary, Jr., Frederick 
Sager, William Ware, Patrick McLene. John Turner and Elias Brock. 
The first case was against John Graham, for retailing spirituous liquors 
without license. He was found guilty in two cases, and fined $5 and costs 
in each case. The jury in the trial of Graham were David Bradley, Abra- 
ham Johnson, David Harris, Henry lloby, Jacob Johnson, Peter Paugh, 
William Jamison, William Chard, John Scott, John Beetley, John Wilson 
and Frederick Loyd, which is the first Petit Jury that appears on record. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 389 

Philip Cryder was arranged at this session for assault and battery on John 
Sutherland, pleaded guilty, and was fined $6 and costs. 

One of the most noted cases during this early period was the trial of 
Tobias Bright, for killing Nicholas Monhem, an Indian. The story goes that 
Bright, with one of his neighbors, both residents of Jefferson Township, went 
up Little Darby on a hunting expedition, and, toward evening, culled at the 
campof two Indians at the noted camping ground, near the " big mound," close 
to the junction of Spring Fork and Little Darby. Afterremaining a short time, 
they started for home, but when a few rods' distant, Bright wheeled around, 
and, without any provocation, shot one of the Indians dead. This treacher- 
ous act caused great indignation, both among the whites and Indians, and 
nearly led to more bloodshed, but during the summer of 1810, the excite- 
ment died away, through the prompt arrest of the murderer. In connection 
with this act, we find the following item on record, " Ordered, that Peter 
Paugh be allowed the sum of $3 for making one pair of handcuffs and fet- 
ters for the use of the county to put on Tobias Bright." On the second day 
of this session, the case came to trial, Bright pleading " not guilty." The 
jury were Jacob Johnson, Abram Johnson, David Bradley, Andrew Shields, 
Charles Ewing, William Ross, John Graham, John McNutt, Samuel Blair, 
James Barr, Isaac Williams and George Blair. It is not strange, consider- 
ing the feeling against the Indians during the pioneer days, that Bright was 
acquitted. During this session, John McNutt was fined $6 and costs for 
an assault and battery on James Blair. For this and all future terms, it 
was ordered that Ralph Osborn be allowed $3 3 J- for his services, as Prose- 
cuting Attorney during each term. 

At the next term of the Common Pleas Court, held at the same place 
and beginning March 18, 1811, with Hon. John Thompson, President, 
Samuel Baskerville, David Mitchell and John Arbuckle. Associates, the fol- 
lowing Grand Jurors were returned, viz., Philip Lewis. Foreman. Jacob 
Vandevender, Jonathan Minshall, William Frankabarger, William Jamison, 
John Phoebus, Enoch Thomas, Curtis Ballard, John Kelso, Daniel Taylor, 
Henry Shover, Michael Dickey, Abijah Gary, Charles Atchison and John 
Wilson. A number of indictments were found, the majority of which were 
for assault and battery. Nathan Frakes, John Murfin and Samuel McNutt 
were each fined $6 and costs for this latter offense. 

A special session of the Associate Judges was held May 27, 1811, to 
try Usual Osborn, charged " with bantering one John Davis to fight a 
duel." Osborn pleaded "not guilty," and was acquitted. 

On the 19th of August, 1811, the Court of Common Pleas began its 
next session. Hon. John Thompson, President, Samuel Baskerville, David 
Mitchell and John Arbuckle, Associates. The Grand Jury were Joshua Ewing, 
Foreman, James Robinson, John Taylor, Jacob Vandevender, Peter Outright. 
Nathan Lowe. John Mozier. Reason Francis. Levi II. Post, John Cowan, Will- 
iam Ware. Samuel Taggart, James Graham. Samuel Mitchell and Peter Paugh. 
The three latter jurors not appearing, the Sheriff was ordered by the court 
to summon a talisman at once ; thereupon Isaac Miner was returned. The 
first case tried at this session was the State vs. Samuel Ulair, John McNutt 
and Samuel McNutt, " for a riot or conspiracy " against Elias Langham. 
They were found guilty, and fined $25, 815 and $6 respectively, and bound 
over to keep the peace for one year. The names of the jury in this case 



390 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

were Jonathan Alder, Frederick Lloyd, John Johnston, Jacob Coon. John 
Beetley, Hezekiah Bayliss, Garrison Waddle, Thomas Mullin, John Clarnoe, 
Richard King, Jesse Indicott and Leonard Alkire. Another jury during 
the session was as follows : Nicholas Moore, Andrew Shields, John Wilson, 
David Foster, John Blair, John Ross, William Jamison, Thomas Foster, 
James Marks, Charles Dickinson and Richard King. The case they tried 
was Isaac Williams vs. John Graham, for assault and battery, the latter being 
found guilty and fined $10 and costs. Simon Shover and William' Kirkley 
served on a jury in this session, taking the places of Richard King and 
Jesse Indicott, all the balance of the jurors being the same as the first 
chosen in the session. 

The first term of the Court of Common Pleas held in London, the 
newly laid out county seat, was opened November 18, 1811, by the Hon. 
John Thompson, President, Samuel Baskerville, David Mitchell and John 
Arbuckle, Associates. The following were the Grand Jurors impaneled at 
this term: James Withrow, Foreman, Curtis Ballard, Richard Brock, James 
Pringle, Philip Cryder, Calvin Cary, Jr., John Kent, Daniel Brown, Peter 
Helphenstine, Samuel Timmons, John Shields, Charles Atchison and Philip 
Lewis. The Petit Jury were Thomas Pattison, Robert Soward, Nicholas 
Moore, Dennis Lane, Joseph Powell, Christonher Ladd, William Hume, 
James Criswell, James Barr, John Blair, David Bradley and John Kelso. 

We have now ran through the two first years of the Court of Common 
Pleas, and the reader will notice that the majority of the cases tried were 
those in which muscular development took the leading part. The early set- 
tlers were in the habit of taking the law into their own hands. They were, 
as a rule, peaceable, yet ever ready to assert their personal prowess, or re- 
sent an insult, and woe betide the man who showed "the white feather." 
John Graham was considered " the best man " of his locality during the 
pioneer days of Madison County, and throughout these two first years of 
the county's career, we find his name figuring at every term of court in an 
assault and battery case, and in every instance he was found guilty as 
charged. Our object in giving the lists of jurors for 1810-11 is to trans- 
mit to these pages the names of many worthy pioneers who have long since 
been lost sight of, some of whom were prominent in enforcing civil law at 
that early day. Doubtless, each had a record worthy of preservation, and 
while the history of many will be found elsewhere in this work, some there 
are of which nothing can be gleaned but their names to rescue them from 
oblivion. We have, however, culled from the musty records of bygone 
days, " dimned by the dust of the years rolled away," names and events 
which we believe can properly be given a modest place in the pages of 
history. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 391 



CHAPTER X. 



JUDICIAL— THE BENCH— PRESIDENT JUDGES — JUD.GES SINCE 1851— Till: BAB- 
VISITING LAWYERS— RESIDENT ATTORNEYS— MADISON 
COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION. 

AMONG the prominent agencies which give shape and order in the early 
development of the civil and social condition of society, the pulpit, 
press and bar, are perhaps the most potential in molding the institutions of 
a new community; and where these are early planted, the school, academy, 
and college are not long in assuming their legitimate position, and the main- 
tenace of these institutions secures at the start a social and moral foundation 
upon which wc may safely rest the superstructure of the county, the State, 
and the nation. The establishment of courts and judicial tribunals, where 
society is protected in all its civil rights under the sanction of law, and 
wrongs find a ready redress in an enlightened and prompt administration of 
justice, is the first necessity of every civilized community, and without which 
the forces and press of society in its changeable developments, even under 
the teachings of the pulpit, the direction of the press, and the culture of the 
schools, are exposed to peril and disaster from the turbulence of passion and 
conflicts of interest; and hence the best and surest security that even the 
press, the school, or the pulpit can find for the peaceful performance of its 
highest functions, is when protected by and intrenched behind the bulwarks 
of the law administered by a pure, independent and uncorrupted judiciary. 
The Madison County bar has from its beginning numbered among its 
members able jurists, talented advocates and safe counselors. Here, 
many eminent lawyers from the surrounding counties have, with "silver 
tongue of ready utterance," sought to make the wrong appear the better 
reason, or with honest purpose and manly courage maintained their client's 
cause; while others of the local bar are still upon the stage of action, who 
have been prominent in the advancement of the interests of Madison Coun- 
ty, and figured conspicuously in the councils of the State. 

THE BENCH. 

It will not be inappropriate to recall the names of the Judges of 
of the court who sat in the '"old temples" and the new, and dispensed jus- 
tice with impartial hand. Material changes have been made since the first 
court was opened in Madison County, both in the organization of the court 
and in the general practice of attorneys ; but as the different changes in the 
State judiciary has been given in the previous chapter, we will here confine 
ourselves to a record of the Presiding Judges under the old constitution and 
those who have sat upon the " Woolsack " in London, since the adoption of 
the new. 

PRESIDENT JUDGES. 

Hon. John Thompson comes first in the order of time. We have been 
unable to find anything further regarding the life of Judge Thompson than 



392 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNT!'. 

that he lived at Chillicothe, and occupied the bench in this county from 
1810 to 1815 inclusive. Old settlers tell us that he was a small, compactly 
built man, a good Judge and a well read lawjer. In August, 1811, he 
adopted the following rules for the government of those practicing law in the 
courts of Madison County, and which we here give for the sake of " auld 
lang syne." " First — Attorneys and counselors shall never make amotion 
unless they ask the court if they will hear such, and shall always stand in 
the place appointed for them. Second — They shall be orderly and treat 
each other with respect at the bar, make no noise or contradict any gentle- 
man addressing the court or jury unless moving the court to interfere, and 
if the gentleman thus contradicted talk back, he shall suffer suspension at 
discretion of the court. Third — No gentleman is to interfere with the 
papers of the court or Clerk. Fourth — Counsel shall consult and agree on 
separate and distinct points of law and fact, otherwise only one on each side 
will be permitted to speak. Fifth — Only one counsel shall be admitted on 
each side to examine and cross-examine witnesses. Sixth — In all causes, 
one counsel, before the introduction of testimony, shall open the nature of 
the issue and the testimony to be offered. " Similar rules were laid down by 
Judge Thompson for the guidance of the prosecuting attorney and other 
officers of the court. The judicial business in those early days was insig- 
nificant compared with the present, but with the passing years it gradually 
increased, and the duties of the Judge became more arduous. 

Orris Parish was the next Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He 
was born in Canterbuiy, Windham Co., Conn., in the year 1782. His father 
was Reuben Parish, and his mother Zurilla Bishop. Orris received the early 
part of his education in the common schools of Connecticut. In 1790, his 
father's family, with those of his grandfather and uncle, Levi Parish, settled 
in Middletown (now Naples), Ontario Co., N. Y., where Orris attended such 
schools as were found in the first settlements in the wilderness, and he may 
have attended the academy a few terms, in Canandaigua, N. Y. In 1807 or 
1808, he entered the law office of the late John C. Spencer, but, before com- 
pleting his course, his parents died, and he left Spencer's office, and finished 
his studies with his cousin, John Parish, in Windham, Windham Co., Conn. 
In 1811 or 1812, he emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Franklin, Franklin 
County. He was there during the war, and, in 1815, moved Lo Columbus, 
after the capital was fixed there. He acquired some distinction as a prac- 
titioner, especially in jury cases, where his style of oratory was very effect- 
ive. His services were consequently in large demand, and he had a large 
practice on the circuit, which, in those times, was traveled on horseback from 
court to court, even to distant counties, by the jolly lawyers of the olden 
time, among whom he was noted. He was a very eccentric man, and many 
stories are related of him, his free translation to a jury of the legal phrase, 
''''rectus in curia," which he gave as "coming into court head and tail up," 
was long remembered by the fun-loving generation of that day, and has 
descended as a bon mot in the profession. In 1816, he was elected President 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for this district. At the legislative 
session of 1818-19, charges were preferred against him calling for an investi- 
gation of his official conduct. They were referred to a committee, and the 
Judge published his address to the committee, in which he says: " To you, 
gentlemen, I submit my official conduct, and of you I solicit the most rigid 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 393 

inquiry and the severest scrutiny ;" concluding, " I neither ask nor desire 
any other justice at the bar of my country or Heaven, than that which I 
have contributed my best exertions to measure out to those whose rights have 
been confided to my hand." The committee reported in his favor, and after- 
ward he resigned, and returned to the practice of the law, at which he con- 
tinued with great success, as his reputation as a jury lawyer was co-extensive 
with the State. 

In 1817, he was married to Aurelia Butler, daughter of Judge Butler, 
of Madison County, N. Y., at the residence of her brother-in-law, Richard 
Douglas, in Circleville, Ohio. He built, on Fourth street, Columbus, a resi- 
dence known now as the Whitehill property, at present the residence of 
Chauncey N. Olds, a leading lawyer of the city. He and Gustavus Swan, 
David Scott and David Smith were the first four lawyers, that located in 
Columbus after it was laid out in 1812. 

Upon the resignation of Judge Parrish, Frederick Grimke was appointed 
to fill the vacancy until the next session of the General Assembly, and 
served throughout 1819 ; but as Judge Grimke was regularly elected at a 
later date, we will omit any further mention of him in this connection, and 
take up his successor. 

John A. McDowell, son of Samuel McDowell and Ann Irvin, was born 
near Harrodsburg, Ky., May 26, 1780. He studied law, and served with 
distinction on the staff of Gov. Shelby in the war of 1812. At the battle of 
the Thames, in Upper Canada, the British commander, Gen. Proctor, escaped 
from the field of battle, leaving his carriage and personal baggage, which 
were captured. Among the spoils was a heavy old-fashioned silver watch, 
with a seal, which was presented to Gov. Shelby, who detached the seal and 
gave it to his aid-de-camp, Maj. John A. McDowell, who retained it, and 
often exhibited it in after life as a trophy. It is now in possession of his 
relative, Joseph Sullivant, of Columbus, who preserves it as a memento. 

On November 9, 1809, he was married to Lucy Todd Starling, young- 
est daughter of Col. William and Susannah (Lyle) Starling, and at the 
solicitation of his brother-in-law, Lucas Sullivant, removed to Franklinton 
in 1815, or early in 1816, and became a prominent and successful lawyer. 
In 1819, he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Franklin County, and 
in the session of 1818-19 was a member of the Legislature. In 1820, he 
was elected President Judge for this judicial district, and died September 30, 
1823. He was a fine-looking, handsome man, of great talents and very 
popular; but his bright future was cut short by his early decease, leaving 
two surviving children to mourn his departure to that land beyond the 
grave. 

His successor as Judge of this district was Gustavus Swan, son of 
John and Sarah (Mead) Swan, born July 15, 1787, at Petersboro, N. H. 
His means of early education were limited, as his parents were poor, but, by 
his own perseverance and exertion, he obtained an excellent classical, 
mathematical and scientific course of instruction at the Aurean Academy, 
Amherst, Hillsboro Co., N. H. Dr. Reuben D. Murrey, son of Dr. 
John Murrey, and who subsequently settled in the city of Boston, and be- 
came one of the most celebrated surveyors in the country, was a fellow- 
schoolmate. Judge Swan always said he was indebted to Dr. John Murrey's 
aid in his studies and encouragement more than than to any one else for his 



394 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

subsequent success in life. He studied law with Samuel Bell, a celebrated 
lawyer, at Concord, N. H., who was afterward Governor of the State, and 
was admitted to the bar in New Hampshire. 

He first came to Marietta, Ohio, in 1810, and remained a year there, 
and was admitted to the bar of Ohio. In 1811, he came to Franklinton, 
then the county seat of Franklin, and commenced the practice of the law. 
His ability and industry soon gave him high professional reputation, and he 
was employed in all the important cases, which brought him in constant 
conflict- with Beecher, Ewing, Irwin, Baldwin, Grimke and other dis- 
tinguished leaders of the Ohio bar, who then rode the circuit, and practiced 
in the courts held at the capital of the State. Judge Swan, in these legal 
contests, involving nice questions, under the old rules of pleading, and re- 
quiring a thorough knowledge of the land laws, especially in the Virginia 
Military District, soon took rank among the first at the bar. He was a dil- 
igent student and fine speaker, having great power with a jury, and his 
practice extended through Fayette, Madison, Union, Delaware, Pickaway 
and Fairfield Counties, where his name is still associated, in the traditions of 
the people, with the pioneer lawyers of his day. He was the first Repre- 
sentative elected by Franklin County to the Legislature, as soon as she was 
entitled to elect alone, in 1812, and was elected again in 1817. He waa 
constantly engaged in the practice of his profession until 1823, when he 
was appointed by Gov. Morrow Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in 
place of Judge J. Adair McDowell, deceased, and was elected by the Leg- 
islature, on its meeting, for the term of seven years, and was the Judge 
when the court was removed from Franklinton to Columbus, in 1824, and 
made an able one. In pursuance of the resolutions of the General Assem- 
bly, passed January 22, 1825, he compiled the land laws for Ohio, including 
the State laws to 1815-16, an invaluable publication to the practitioner. 
He w r as subsequently promoted to the bench of the Supreme Court. 

In 1830, he resumed the practice of law in Columbus, to which place 
he moved his residence in 1815. He continued from that date in active 
practice until 1843, doing a lucrative and extensive business. By this time, 
he had acquired a large fortune. He had been President, from 1823, of the 
old Franklin Bank of Columbus, incorporated by the Legislature February 
23, 1816, whose charter expired January 1, 1843. On the organization of 
the State Bank of Ohio, and its branches, under the act of February, 
1845, the old Franklin Bnik, on July 1, 1845, organized as one of its 
branches, Judge Swan was elected one of its directors, and afterward Pres- 
ident of the State Bank of Ohio, he being considered one of the ablest 
financiers in the State. The duties of the place required his whole time, 
in connection with his other large private interests, and he retired from 
practice. 

The last time he appeared as counsel in court was in defense of Will- 
iam Clark, a convict in the penitentiary, tried for the murder of Cyrus 
Sell, one of the guards, by a single blow with a cooper's ax. He was tried 
at the December term, 1843, of the Supreme Court of Franklin County, 
reported in the eighth volume of the Ohio State Reports, and convicted of 
murder in the first degree, and hung on February 9, 1844, with a female 
colored convict, Esther, who had killed another prisoner. The defense was 
insanity, and there was an array of eminent counsel on both sides. Judge 




cu-v 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 397 

N. IT. Swavne conducted the prosecution, examining the medical experts for 
the defense, including his own family physician. Judge Swan, who had 
been generally successful in criminal cases,' put forth his full powers, and 
confidently remarked, it is said, that he had never had a client hung in his 
life, and if Clark was, he never would put his foot in the court house again, 
as a lawyer; and he never did, unless on his own business. 

Judge Swan, from this time, devoted himself to his duties as President 
of the State Bank of Ohio, and the management of his large estate. lie 
was very fond of books and philosophical discussions. On October 14, 
1819, he was married, by Rev. Dr. James Iloge, to Mrs. Amelia Weston, 
daughter of George and Mary Aldrich, born at Meriden, Mass., December 
20, 1785 ; died November 5, 1859, and is buried under the same monu- 
ment, in Green Lawn Cemetery, with her husband, who died February 6, 
1860. Judge Swan had two sons, both of whom died before him. George 
was lost at sea. on the ill-fated steamer Lexington. It was a great grief to 
his father, which was intensified by the death of Charles, who, he hoped, 
would have lived to take his position. He had two daughters — Mrs. Sarah 
Whitney, of New York City, and Mrs. Jane Parsons, wife of George M. 
Parsons, of Columbus, Ohio. 

Frederick Grimke was elected Judge of the Common Pleas Court, for 
this judicial district, at the session of 1829-30. He came from the South- 
ern States to Chillicothe, early in the present century, and was a cotempo- 
rary of Ewing, Bcecher, Swan, Irwin, Baldwin and other distinguished 
lawyers who rode the circuit during those pioneer days. As already men- 
tioned, he served throughout 1819 as Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, after which he practiced his profession until his election to the Judge- 
ship by the General Assembly. He sat upon the bench but three years of 
his second term, Avhen he was promoted to a. Supreme Judgeship, and was 
noted for his eminent legal ability, and high-toned sense of justice. Like 
many able men, he was very eccentric on one point — his dislike of women, 
which he carried to extremes. It is said of him that upon one occasion 
while! out horseback riding near Chillicothe, he was met by a hevy of young 
ladies, who, knowing his aversion to their sex, mischievously determined to 
make him speak to them. They joined hands across the road, which was 
flanked on one side by a fence, while upon the other the bank led down a 
steep descent toward the Scioto River. Seeing the trap set for him and 
divining their intention, he turned his horse's head, and with the contempt- 
uous remark, "What an infernal set of fools," rode in the opposite direction. 
Judge Grimke was of medium size, possessing a slender figure, and lived 
and died a bachelor, carrying to the grave this foolish eccentricity. He was 
very well liked by the bar throughout the district, and is said to have been 
an honorable upright man, whose mind was of the highest judicial cast, and 
whose decisions were always just and equitable. 

Joseph II. Swan, Bon of Jonathan and Sarah (Rockwell) Swan, was 
the next to don the judicial ermine in this district. He was born at West- 
ernville, Oneida Co., N. Y., December 28, 1802. He is of Scotch-Irish 
ancestry (from Londonderry) and received an academic education at Aurora, 
N. Y., where he commenced the study of law, which he completed at 
Columbus, Ohio, with his uncle, Gustavus Swan, and was there admitted 
to the bar in 1824. He immediately commenced the practice of his pro- 



398 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

fession in Franklin and the adjoining counties, and soon gained the reputa- 
tion of a learned, honest and safe lawyer and counselor. 

In 1833, he was married to Hannah Ann Andrews, of Rochester, N. Y., 
daughter of Samuel S. Andrews, one of the early residents of that city 
from Darby, Conn., and has three sons and two daughters, one of whom is 
married to Maj. II. S. Smith, of Columbus. Mrs. Swan died in 1876. 
Mr. Swan was Prosecuting Attorney of Franklin from 1830 to 1834. In 
1834, he was elected by the Legislature as Common Pleas Judge for the 
district composed of the counties of Franklin, Madison, Clark, Champaign, 
Logan, Union and Delaware, and re-elected in 1841, and by his satisfactory 
and impartial discharge of the duties of the office, obtained the reputation 
of being one of the best Judges in the State. Judge Swan, on the expira- 
tion of his second term, resumed the practice of law in Columbus, and 
formed a partnership with John W. Andrews, which did a large business 
under the firm name of Swan & Andrews. 

In 1854, the opponents of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by 
the Kansas-Nebraska act, which created quite an excitement in Ohio, nomi- 
nated and elected him Supreme Judge by over 77,000 majority. On the 
bench, he maintained his distinct characteristic of great conscientiousness, 
that neither personal interest nor sympathy could, in any manner, influence 
his judgment of right or law. This was strikingly illustrated in May, 1854, 
when S. P. Chase, then Governor of Ohio, brought a strong pressure to 
bear upon the Judges of the Supreme Court, to obtain a decision declaring 
the fugitive slave laws unconstitutional and void, that the enforcement of 
them might be resisted by the State ; the court stood, two Judges in favor of 
nullifying, and three opposed. If there had been a majority in favor, and 
the United States Marshal had re-arrested the discharged prisoner, as he 
was instructed to do, and the Governor had resisted the re-arrest with mili- 
tary force, as he proposed to do by orders issued to the military to be ready 
for service, a conflict might have been brought on that would have changed 
the subsequent history of the loyalty of Ohio to the laws and constitution of 
the United States. Great excitement prevailed — party passion and prej- 
udice ran high in the political convention that was to pass on the question 
of his renomination, and to assemble on the day after the opinion of the 
court was delivered. Rising to the importance of the coming crisis. Judge 
Swan, then Chief Justice, in delivering the opinion of the court sustaining 
the fugitive slave law, in his closing remarks, says : 

As a citizen. I would nol deliberately violate the constitution or the law by interference 
with fugitives from service. But if a weary, frightened slave would appeal to me to protect him 
from his pursuers, it is probable I might momentarily forget my allegiance to the law and 
isfitution, and give aim a cover! from those who were upon his truck. * * * 
And if 1 did it, and was prosecuted, oondemned and imprisoned, and brought by my coun- 
sel before this tribunal on a habeas corpus, and were then permitted to pronounce judgment 
in my own oase, i trust thai 1 should nave the moral courage to Bay, before God and the 
country, as I am now compelled to say, under the solemn duties of a Judge, bound by my 
official oath to sustain a icy of the constitution and the law — run pbjsonbb mist 

BE BBMAHDBD. 

In the convention, the next day, the prejudices and passions of the 
hour defeated his nomination, hut the judgment of the bar of Ohio sus- 
tained him. The politicians who raised tha issue never reached the Presi- 
dency. Ohio made Abraham Lincoln, President, and resistance to the con- 
stitution and laws of the Union, pronounced valid by its highest court, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUJ 399 

came from those who took the sword to defend the right to extend slavery, 
and broke their idol iii pieces by their own folly. 

Judge Swan, in L859, resumed the practice of law, and soon after be- 
came connected with the Columbus & Xenia Railroad, and afterward the 
general solicitor of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway Company, 
in which capacity he is still engaged. G >v. Brough appointed him to 
vacancy on the Supreme Bench, occasioned by the death of Judge 
which he declined, as he did also the same position tendered him since the 
war. Judge Swan has prepared the following elementary law books, which 
have been accepted by the profession in Ohio as the best authority on the 
Bubjects upon which they treat: En L835-36, "Swan's Treatise" — an in- 
dispensable companion of every J is ice of the Peace — which has passed to 
the tenth edition ; 1843, " Guide for Executors and Administrators ;" 1841, 
" Swan's Revised Statutes ;" 1854, a revise! edition of the statute- ; 1 
a revised edition of the statutes to which L. S. Critchfield annexed 
of the decisions of the Supreme Court; in 1868, a supplement to the edi- 
tion of l^ r > [ ) wars compiled and published, with notes of the decisions of the 
Supreme Court, by Milton Sayler : L851, " Swan's Pleadings and Pracl 
two volumes; 1862-63, " Swan's Pleading and Precedents under the Code." 
None of the decisions of the Supreme Court rendered by nim have ever 
been overruled. As a jurist, his opinions stand high with the profession. 
II is well-known integrity lias secured him the universal respect of the peo- 
ple where he resides, and of the State where his books have made his 
name a household word. For years he has been an active member of Trinity 
Episcopal Church. 

The last to sit upon the bench under the old c ins il iti * i ■'• ■:- Ju Ige 
James L. Torbert, the eldest son of Lamb and Eliza (Slack) Torbert, of Bucks 
County, Penn., where he was bom in 1796, on the 22d of February. He 
was the recipient of a liberal classical education, Princeton being his 
Mater; coming to this State in 1818, he was. for several years, en- 
gaged in educational duties in an academy at Lebanon, Ohio, assisting in 
the intellectual training and development of a number of young men, who 
have' since achieved distinction, among whom may be :;i i the dis- 

tinguished astronomer, Gren. 0. M. Mitchell, the founder of the Cincinnati 

pvatory, and author of several astronomical works and text b 
Judge Torbert made his advent in Springfield in 1821. and j a fine 

linguist, devoted himself, during the first few years of his residence here, to 
giving instruction in the languages ; having been admitted to the bar in 
the meantime, he became associated with Gren. Samson Mas m in a law co- 
partnership. In 18 16, be- 3ucceed 1 ■' iseph R. Swan as Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas for the- Twelfth Judicial District and filled that office until 
the adoption of the new constitution, holding his last term of court in Lon- 
don, in November, 1851. He filled most satisfactorily and ably, for several 
years, the office of Judge of Probate for Clark County. 

While Judge Torbert was a man of superior scholarly attainments and 
literary taste-, he was modest, unobtrusive and retiring; and with a remark- 
gentleness and amiability of disposition, he united an immovable firm- 
ness and fidelity to bis convictions, which were sincere and earnest on all 
subjects, whether religious, political or domestic; he was found at an early 
date, battling, with voice and pen, against oppression, especially as he be- 



400 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

lieved it to exist in the institution of slavery, and at this period to take so 
advanced a position, indicated the possession of a rare order of courage. But 
the stern lojnc of events has demonstrated the correctness of his views and 
position on this important question. On the 31st of July. 1821, he married 
Hannah C, daughter of Dr. John C. Winans, of Lebanon. Warren Co., 
Ohio, to whom were born eight children, of whom two sons and three daugh- 
ters survived their father : his death occurred very suddenly on the 15th of 
May, 1859, onboard the steamboat Tecumseh, on the Mississippi River, near 
New Madrid, en route from New Orleans, whither, accompanied by his wife, 
he had gone to bring home their eldest son, who had been for some time ill 
in that city. The occasion of his funeral elicited marks of the highest es- 
teem and sincerest affection from the whole community, and especially his 
late associates of the bar. Gen. Samson Mason, his quondam law part- 
ner, who has long since joined him on the other side, and who was well- 
known to bestow none but sincerest praise, said of him on the occasion of 
the meeting of the Springfield bar, to pass resolutions of condolence and 
respect, that J. L. Torbert was ki one whom no mede of praise could flatter." 
The November term, 1851, closed the regular sessions of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Madison County under the old regime, but the Associate 
Judges held two sessions subsequently for the transaction of probate business, 
viz., in December, 1851, and February, 1852. 

JUDGES SINCE 1851. 

At the April term of the Court of Common Pleas for 1852, the Hon. 
James L. Bates, win* had been elected the previous fall, produced his com- 
mission dated January 16, 1852, as Judge of the Third Subdivision of the 
Fifth Judicial District. James L. Bates was born near Canandaigua, N. 
Y., January 4, 1815. His father was Stephen Bates, and his mother 
Naomi (Handy) Bates ; the former from Granville, Mass., and the latter 
from Guilford, Conn., both descendants from old Revolutionary stock. His 
grandfather settled in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1700. James L. was edu- 
cated at the Canandaigua Academy and Geneva College, New York ; read 
law with John C. Spencer two years ; came to Columbus in October, 1835, 
and read a year with Orris Parish and N. II. Swayne, and was admitted to 
the bar in the winter of 1836—37; commenced practice, and formed a 
partnership with N. 11. Swayne in the spring of 1837, which continued until 
lie was elected in 1851, on the adoption of the present constitution. Judge 
of the Common Pleas, for the third subdivision of the Fifth Judicial District, 
composed of the counties of Pickaway, Franklin and Madison, and was re- 
elected in 1856 and 1801, the last time without opposition — a handsome 
compliment in a district politically against him, serving thus fifteen years 
continuously. Judge Kates made a safe and excellent Judge, was a sturdy 
worker, and alone did the business of the three counties satisfactorily, with- 
out allowing the docket to accumulate, with undisposed business. 

Judge Bates held the office of Director of the Ohio Penitentary from 
L866 to L874, ami was a member of the Board of Education of the city of 
Columbus from 1844, six years consecutively, being Secretary of the board 
the first four years. He was active in advancing the city school system of 
Columbus to a high state of perfection. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 401 

On October 18, 1837, he was united in marriage to Miss Maria Kelley, 
eldest daughter of Hon. Alfred Kelley, one of the ablest and most promi- 
nent men in Ohio. Since Judge Bates has retired from the bench, he has 
principally been employed in the management and settlement of large estates 
involving the interests of minors and widows, without engaging in general 
practice. His straightforward honesty and known integrity, especially qual- 
ify him for trusts of this kind, and the community where he has lived over 
forty years, fully appreciate the fact. 

Th» second Judge under the new constitution was the Hon. John L. 
Green, a native of Virginia, who located in Circleville, Ohio, about 1830, 
where he won and retained a large and successful practice. He was elected 
to the State Senate from Pickaway and Franklin Counties, serving in the 
sessions of 1837-38, 1838-3'.), 1839-40, and 1840-41. He subsequently 
removed from Circleville to Chillicothe, and was there elected Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. Thence he removed to Columbus, and in October, 
1866, was elected Judge of this subdivision to succeed Judge Bates. He 
was re-elected in 1871, and again in 1876, his term expiring in February, 
1882. 

During the legislative session of 1867-68, an act was passed creating 
an extra Judgeship for the Third Subdivision, and in April of the latter year 
Joseph Olds, of Circleville, was elected to fill the position. Judge Olds is a 
native of Pickaway County, and a graduate of Yale College. After serving 
his full term on the bench, he returned to the practice of his profession. He 
is a member of the firm of Harrison, Olds & Marsh, and one of the leading 
attorneys of Columbus, whither he removed from Circleville. 

In 1873, Edward F. Bingham, of Columbus, was elected to succeed 
Judge Olds,, and re-elected in 1878. Judge Bingham is one of the best 
Judges in the State, and takes great pains in examining the points and 
authorities submitted to him by council. His decisions satisfy all who hear 
them, of the impartiality with which he has formed his opinions. 

The Legislature in March, 1875, passed an act creating an extra sub- 
division in the Fifth Judicial District. In April of that year, Samuel W. 
Courtright, of Circleville, was elected as Judge of the new subdivision of 
Pickaway and Madison Counties. He is a native of Pickaway County; 
read law with D. M. Jones, of Circleville, and with Hon. Belatny Storer, 
of Cincinnati. He graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, and in 1863 
began the practice of his profession. He has been Prosecuting Attorney of 
Pickaway County for two terms, and for more than a year was in partner- 
ship with C. F. Krimmel. After twelve years of practice, he was elected 
Judge, but the act creating an extra subdivision in this district being sub- 
sequently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the office died 
at the expiration of Judge Courtright's term. He was said to be the young- 
est Judge in Ohio, and was well liked by the bar of Madison County. 

Under the act of 1878, Eli P. Evans was elected Judge of the Fourth 
Subdivision. lie is a son of George W. and Mary R. (Eberly) Evans, and 
was born June 10, 1842, at Dublin, Franklin Co., Ohio; attended the com- 
mon Schools, and obtained his education chiefly by his own efforts ; read law 
with James E. Wright, and was admitted to the bar September 6, 1870, by 
the District Court of Franklin County, Ohio. He immediately commenced 
the practice of the law, and opened an office in Columbus, Ohio. In 1878, 



402 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the General Assembly erected a Fourth Subdivision of the Fifth Judicial Dis- 
trict out of Franklin County, by separating it from Pickaway and Madison. 
He was elected Judge on the 1st of April, 1878, the term beginning on the 
1st of May, 1878. This office, like Judge Courtright's. expires under the 
decision of the Supreme Court, but the Legislature in 1881-82, passed an 
act creating an extra Judgeship, and in October, 1882, Judge Evans was 
elected to fill the position. He is a diligent worker on the bench, and care- 
fully examines all questions before deciding them. The criminal docket, 
however, has been assigned him in the division of the business, and'occupies 
most of his time. 

The General Assembly of 1878-79, passed an act creating an extra 
Judgeship in the Third Subdivision of the Fifth Judicial District, by virtue of 
which George Lincoln, of London, was elected in October, 1879, Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. He was born in Westford, Windham Co., Conn., 
June 24, 1825. His paternal grandfather, George Lincoln, was of Puritan 
stock, his ancestry being among the first settlers of Massachusetts. He 
married Delia Ingalls, and George, the father of our subject, was born of 
this union in 1799. He was reared in New England, was a tanner by 
trade, and married Laura, daughter of Joseph and Delia (Record) Ashley, 
of Connecticut. Five children were the fruits of this union, four of whom 
are living. The father died in 1872, but his widow resides in Connecticut, 
at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Judge Lincoln grew to manhood 
in his native State, working in his father's tanyard, and attending school 
three or four months per year until he attained the age of twenty-one, when 
he left home and began working on a farm. He followed this vocation for 
several months, teaching school the following winter, and the next summer 
attended Monson Academy, at Monson, Mass., and again engaged 
in teaching school the subsequent winter. In the spring of 1848, he com- 
menced to read law in the office of the Hon. Jared D. Richmond, at Ash- 
ford, Conn., and the following spring went to Toland, Toland Co., Conn., 
and for two years pursued his law studies under Hon. Z. A. Storrs, of that 
place. He taught school during the winter of 1850-51, and in the spring 
of the latter year came to Rockport, Ind., where he engaged in teach- 
ing. Failing health induced him to go to Genesee, Wis., where he continued 
teaching during the winter of 1851—52, but not regaining his health he re- 
turned to Connecticut in June of the latter year, weighing less than 100 
pounds and anticipating death from consumption. 

After a few months visit, his health being somewhat improved, he again 
came West, stopping at the home of his uncle, Charles Lincoln, in Champaign 
County, Ohio. Throughout the winters of 1852-53 and 1853-54, he 
taught school at Woodstock, reviewing his law studies with John II. Young, 
of Urbana. In March, 1S54, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme 
Court, the oath being administered by the Hon. Allen G. Thurman. Judge 
Lincoln immediately went to Marvsville, Union Co., Ohio, and began the 
practice of his profession, and in the fall of 1854 entered into a partnership 
with Hon. C. S. Hamilton, of Marysville, which existed until his removal 
to London, in October, 1860. In 1863-64, he was Prosecuting Attorney of 
Madison County, and soon won the reputation of being one of the leading 
lawyers at the bar. In October, 1879, he was elected Judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas, taking his seat in February, 1880. Judge Lincoln was 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 403 

married, June 15, 1859, to Harriet M. McMullen, a native of Madison 
County, who bore him one son, John A. Mrs. Lincoln died May 29, 1867, 
and September 7, 1871, he was married to Annette T. Phelps, of this county. 
Politically, Judge Lincoln is a stanch Democrat, and although not a 
politician, always takes a warm interest in the success of his party. He is 
the only member of the Madison County bar, since the organization of the 
county "to the present time, who has been honored by an elevation to the 
bench, where by his impartial and unswerving rectitude in his rulings, he 
has sustained the purity of the judiciary and the dignity of his profession. 

THE BAR. 

In the early days of mud roads and log cabins, the lawyers rode the 
circuit with the Judge on horseback from county to county, equipped with 
the old-fashioned leggings and saddle-bags, averaging about thirty miles a 
day. The party had their appointed stopping places, where they were 
expected, and, on their arrival, the chickens, dried apples, maple sugar, corn 
dodgers and old whisky suffered, while the best story-tellers regaled the 
company with their humor and anecdotes. With the organization of Madi- 
son County came also the attorneys — a necessary appendant to the adminis- 
tration of justice. Throughout the earlier period of the county's history the 
disciples of Blackstone and Kent do not seem to have looked upon London 
as a fruitful field for their profession, and for many years the county did not 
possess a single lawyer. From Chillicothe, Circleville, Columbus, Xenia, 
Urbana and Springfield came the first attorneys who figured before the 
courts of this county, and as some of them held the office of Prosecuting 
Attorney during those early days, it will be appropriate to give them a brief 
space in this chapter. 

VISITING LAWYERS. 

Ralph Osborn, a native of Waterbury, Conn., where he acquired his 
profession of the law, came to Franklinton in 1806, where he remained a 
few years; but, upon the organization of Delaware County in 1808, he was 
appointed Prosecuting Attorney of that county. Soon after he removed to 
Circleville, and, in December, 1810, was elected Clerk of the Ohio Legisla- 
ture, which position he filled five consecutive sessions. Upon the organiza- 
tion of Madison County,- he was appointed at the first term of court Prose- 
cuting Attorney, serving in that capacity from 1810 to 1814, inclusive. In 
1812, he married Catharine Renick, daughter of John Renick, then living 
on Big Darby. In 1815, he was elected Auditor of State, and held that 
office eighteen years in succession, and, in the fall of 1833, was elected to 
the Ohio Senate to represent Franklin and Pickaway Counties. After his 
election as Auditor of State, he did not practice his profession. His wife, 
Catharine, having died, he was married, in 1831, to Jane, eldest daughter of 
Col. James Denny, and widow of Dr. Daniel Turney. Upon the location of 
the seat of government at Columbus, he removed his residence to that point, 
and there died December 30, 1835, aged fifty-two years. Mr. Osborn was, 
in manners, courteous, discharging his several trusts with care and integrity. 
The Hon. J. R. Osborn, of Toledo, Ohio, is one of Mr. Osborn 's sons, and 
Mrs. Josiah Renick, Mrs. P. C. Smith, and Mrs. S. II. Ruggles are his 
daughters. Mr. James Osborn, another son, was a leading merchant in 



401 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



Columbus, and died, leaving sons who still carry on his old firm business, 
and are leading men in the city. 

Richard Douglas, the Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County from 
1815-17, was also born in Connecticut. He read law with Hon. Henry 
Brush, of Chillicothe, and settled as an attorney first at Jefferson, Pickaway 
County, removing to Circleville soon after the county seat had been located 
there. Thence about 1815, he removed to Chillicothe, where he died in 
1852, aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Douglas was Prosecuting Attorney of 
this and Ross Counties, a member of the Ohio Legislature, and First Lieu- 
tenant of the company commanded by Capt. Tryatt in the war of 1812. 
He was a lawyer of more than ordinary ability, and his abounding humor 
and- fund of anecdotes made him the most agreeable company to the lawyers 
while circuiting. It is said that he possessed considerable poetic talent, and 
bore the title among his cotemporaries of "the poet of the Scioto." His 
son and grandson, Messrs. Albert Douglas, Sr., and Jr., are residents of 
Chillicothe. 

Caleb Atwater located in Circleville about the close of the war of 1812, 
as an attorney at law. For several years he was Postmaster, and a member 
of the Ohio Legislature for one term. At the June session of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Madison County, in 1815, he was Prosecuting Attorney, 
and held the same position from November, 1822, to the same period in 
1823. About the year 1827 or 1828, he was appointed, by President Jack- 
son, as one of the Commissioners to treat with the Indians for the purchase 
of their lands at Prairie du Chien. Mr. Atwater's information was exten- 
sive, but he is better known as an antiquarian and historian, upon which 
subjects he has written several works. He died in Circleville, on the 3d 
day of March, 1867, nearly ninety years old; he .was a native of North 
Adams, Mass. 

John R. Parish was the next Prosecutor of this county. He was a son 
of Roswell Parish, and born at Canterbury, Windham Co., Conn., in 1786 ; 
educated in the common schools and the Plainfield Academy, which was in 
a town of that name close to Canterbury. He read law in the office of his 
uncle, John Parish, of Windham, and was there admitted to the bar. In 
1816, he came to Columbus, Ohio, and began the practice of his profession. 
He was a man of vigorous mind, a good lawyer, and soon obtained a fair 
share of the litigated business. In 1820, he was elected to the Legislature 
from Franklin County, and re-elected in 1821 ; was a popular legislator, 
and upon the expiration of his second terra, was appointed Prosecuting At- 
torney of that county. Prior to this, he served as Prosecutor of Madison, 
viz., in the September terra, 1816, and from December, 1817, up to the 
close of 1819. Mr. Parish married Mary Phillips, of Columbus. Like 
many lawyers of that period, he indulged in the convivialities of the times. 
He died in June, 182'.) ; was a cousin of Judge Orris Parish, and is said to 
have been much the abler lawyer, and better versed in the legal learning of 
the profession. 

Among the early Prosecuting Attorneys were G. W. Doane, of Circle- 
ville, in 1816; David Scott, of Columbus, in 1817; James Cooley. of 
Urbana, in 1820, and George W. Jewett, of Springfield, in 1822. G. W. 
Doane was a native of New Milford, Conn.; graduated at Union College, 
New York, and attended the law school at Litchfield, Conn.; located in Cir- 




Capt. Robert M.Hanson 

[deceased] 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 407 

cleville, in the year 1816, as an attorney at law ; was one of the editors of 
the Ohio Branch, a weekly newspaper of Circleville, now continued and 
published by S. Marfield, Jr., as the Union-Herald. Mr. Doane was a man 
of liberal education, and a most exemplary citizen. On the 4th day of 
February, 1862, he died, aged seventy-six years. For many years previous 
to his death, he had entirely lost his sight, and, consequently, was disquali- 
fied for business. He was a brother-in-law of the late Judge William B. 
Thrall, for a long period publisher of the paper above referred to. A son of 
his, George W. Doane, is now in practice, as an attorney, in Omaha, Neb. 
Mr. Doane, for one term, represented the county of Pickaway in the Lower 
Branch of the Legislature. David Scott was born in Peterboro, N. H., 
in 1786, came to Franklinton in 1811, engaged in the practice of .the law, 
and was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of that county in 1813, serving 
until 1819, a portion of which time he was Prosecutor of Madison County. 
James Cooley was one of the pioneer lawyers of Urbana, and, in 1826, was 
appointed United States Minister to Peru, where he died April 24, 1828. 
He was a young man of brilliant parts, of fine appearance and prepossess- 
ing manners, and stood in the front rank of his associates. We have been 
unable to learn anything definite of Mr. Jewett, only that he practiced law 
in Springfield for some years, during the early history of that town. 

Another of the pioneer visiting lawyers of the courts of Madison Coun- 
ty, and who was Prosecuting Attorney from November, 1823, until the close 
of 1824. was Joshua Folsom, born at Henniker, N. H., in the year 1783. 
His parents were Quakers, and his. ancestors came from the north part of 
England, and settled at Hingham, Mass., in the year 1638. His grand- 
father was known as " Quaker Joshua," and was extensively known and re- 
spected as a man of strong sense and integrity. Joshua Fols >m, the subject 
of this sketch, studied at Dartmouth College, but did not graduate. After 
leaving college, he read law two years, at Baltimore, in the office of Robert 
Goodloe Harper, who was a very distinguished lawyer and orator, and mem- 
ber of the United States Senate. Mr. Folsom began the practice of law at 
Circleville, Ohio, about the year 1810, and practiced, also, in many other 
counties of the State, as most lawyers of that day did, on account of the 
paucity of cases at home. About the year 1824. at the lime Grustavus 
Swan was appointed Judge, he went to Columbus to practice, being re- 
quested by Judge Swan to come there to take charge of his business. After 
remaining at Columbus two or three years, he returned to Circleville. In 
L830, having accumulated a moderate fortune, for that day, and not being 
in good health, he retired from practice and settled on a large tract of land 
which he owned in Logan County, Ohio. Mr. Folsom was a man of very 
extensive information, having, also, a respectable knowledge of Latin, Greek 
and French, and being well read in history and general literature. We 
have, also, the authority of Hooking Hunter, for saying he was "a very good 
lawyer." Some of his arguments at the bar are yet remembered as very fine. 
He never held any office, except that of Prosecuting Attorney of Pickaway 
and Madison Counties. 

Besides those attorneys who were Judges and Prosecutors of the courts 
of Madison County, the following have practiced at this bar, viz.: John S. 
Wils. James Iv. Corey, Noah H. Swayne. John W. Anderson, Brush & 
Gilbert and P. B. Wilcox of Columbus. From Urbana came Moses B. Cor- 



t08 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

win, Israel Hamilton and John 11. Young. Circleville aenl Joseph Olds, 
Sr.; Cliillicothe, William Creighton and Henry Brush, the Latter of whom 
subsequently settled in Madison County, and here died. lie was not, how- 
ever, identified with this bar to any extent, but resided on a farm close to 
London for many years. From Xenia, came John Alexander, and from 
Springfield, Charles Anthony. William A. Rogers, Samson Mason, James 
L. Torbert, William White and perhaps a few others from the several towns 
of the adjoining counties. 

RES] DENT ATTORNEYS. 

The first lawyer to locate in London was A. D. Vanhorn. a native of 
Vermont who came to Columbus, and in 1819 settled in this town. He 
made his home at the hotel of Phillip Lewis, and is said to have been a fine- 
looking man, and a lawyer of considerable ability. We find his name on 
record as Prosecuting Attorney, in 1820, and we learn that he died shortly 
afterward. It is said that he lett a wife and family in the East, as he often 
spoke of his children. He was somewhat dissipated, and this perhaps was 
the cause oi' his leaving his Eastern home, to die far away from wife and 

family. 

The next lawyer who settled in London was Patrick Gr. GrOOde. lie 
came from Xenia in the spring ofl821, and from July, 1821, until October, 
1822, was Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County. He possessed an over- 
powering appetite for strong drink, and after remaining here a couple of years 
removed to Sidney. Ohio. Soon afterward he abandoned his drinking habits, 
was joined by his wife, who had previously separated from him, became Judge 
of the Court 'of Common Pleas ami Member of Congress, and during his lifetime 
was one of the most prominent men in that portion of Ohio. We have also 
heard that he joined the Methodist Kpiseopal Church, and in his latter 
vears was a preacher of that denomination. 

Samuel N. Kerr comes next in the order of time. He was born in 
Miami County, Ohio, studied law at Troy, was there admitted to the bar, 
and in L824 located in London. He boarded with Philip Lewis, and sub- 
sequently married Alithea. the second eldest, child of Col. Lewis. Of this 
union were born tour sons and two daughters, viz.: Lucien, deceased : 
Josephine, the wife of James Jones, of San Jose. Gal; Wellington. 
who resides in ( Iregon ; Maria J., the wife of Captain Fuller, of Peoria. 111. ; 
Newell, who resides on the homestead near Peoria, HI., and Lewis, 
deceased. Mr. Kerr practiced his profession for many years in this county. 
and accumulated considerable property. Wc was Prosecuting Attorney from 
1825 to L836 inclusive, and again" in 1839-40. During a considerable 

period o( the county's history, lie was its only resident lawyer, and is said to 
have been a good one. About L851, he removed to a farm which he pur- 
chased uear Peoria, 111., and spent the remainder of his days in that 
State. Politically, he was an ultra Democrat. His health and mind became 
shattered in old "age. and he died at Decatur. 111. while upon a visit to 
one of his daughters who then resided in that town. 

[saac N.Jones and William H. Roberts were the next to -hang out 
Bhingles " in London. The former came from Tennessee, and was Prosecut- 
ing Attorney in L88 3. In the fall of L840, he went to Philadelphia, and 
engaead in merchandising. Thence he removed to Missouri, where he fol- 



lowed his profession with considerab While in London, he mar- 

a daughter ol 1 1 Phifer, a well-known pioneer of Madison County. 

William R. Roberts came from Philadelphia to Ohio, and settled in London 

prior to L838. He was a large, pr< rig-looking man, and a tali 

lawyer, but indulged too freely in strong drink. After a short residence, 

be removed to [ndianapolis, there married a rich wife, and became much 

jpected. 

James P. Freeman was horn in Belmon Ohio, March 6, 1815, 

and died at Harrisburg, Franklin Co., Ohio, September 21, 1857. His 

father, Richard Freeman, frith hi brothei Thoma . and bard, 

Tated from Ireland to America immediately after the American R 
lution, and ae early as 1799 settled at Wheeling, W. Va. [n 1800, he 
married Marjory Carter, who died in L849, of cholera. From Wheeling 
emigrated to Belmont County, Ohio, and in 1833 came to Madison 
County, where he died in November, L836. James F. received the ad van - 
of the town Qed a good common school education. 

At the age of twenty or twenty-one years, he entered the law office of Sam- 
uel X. Kerr, of London, and in L838 was admitted to the- bar by the 
Supreme Court, al i of that court held in Marysville in that year. 

He immediately began the practice of his profession in London, and devoted 
to it the whole of his energies, until shortly before hi- death, when he 
removed to Harrisburg. He was appointed Clerk of the Court in 183 

fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John Moore, and served in that 

capacity until May, 1811. During the years of L852 and 1853, he se 
as Prosecuting Attorney of the county. On ■ married 

Eleanor Dawson, orphan daughter of Ephraim and Eleanor (Bucking] 
Dawson, of Virginia, and by her had ten children, of whom seven 

Shortly before bis death, his wife having died, he married Margaret Chafer, 
of Franklin County, and by her had one child — now deceased. Mr. Free- 
man was a man of much natural ability, a good lawyer, ;i keen obse 
and a ready speaker. By his witty sallies, for lie was a perfect wag, he 
ingratiated himself into the- hearts of a large circle of friends, by whom he 
was always welcomed ae a genial friend and an entertaining companion. 

lion. Henry W. Smith, the nestor of the Madison County bar, was 
born at Whitestown, Oneida Co.. X. V., April 6, L814. Hi- anci 
were from Great Britain, and located in Massachusetts and Connecticut at 
an early day in our colonial history. lb- was educated at the common 
schools principally, although he attended the academy at Champion, and 
the Rensselaer Oswego Academy in New York. When hi 
old. hi- father, who was a farmer, moved to Jeflferson County, X. V. \[<;rwy 
was reared on a farm, working in the summers and _ i the common 

schools in the winters. His leisure tim tudy and reading 

while on the farm. In May. L838, he emigrated Ohio, and stopped at 
Circleville. In June, following, he commenced the study of law with II. 
A. Hedges, Esq., with whom he remained about one year. He completed 

tudy of law with G. W. Doane, Esq. In June, L840, he was admitted 
to the bar by the Supreme Court, at Delaware, Ohio. Shortly afterward. 
he settled at London, where he lias since resided and engaged in the practice 
of his profession. He was elected Prosec iting Attorney in the fall of 1 I 
in 1842 and in 1844, thus holding the office for six consecutive years, the 



410 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

last term expiring in 1846. In 1856, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in 
the same office by the court; in the fall of 1860, he was again elected thereto 
for two years, and yet again in 1861. The duties were performed by him dur- 
ing all that time to the satisfaction of the court and the people. His business 
in his profession has been extensive and lucrative; he has acquired a compe- 
tence and raised a large family. He commenced life poor, without money 
or friends, but he soon acquired both, by energy and perseverance. 
In his politics, Mr. Smith belonged to the old Whig party as long as it 
lasted, and in 1856 he became a member of the Republican party, and has 
always remained a consistent and active member of that party to the present 
time. In the fall of 1848, he was elected to represent Madison, Clark and 
Champaign Counties in the General Assembly of Ohio, and re-elected in 
1849. During his legislative service — the winters of 1848-49 and 1849- 
50 — he was an active and useful member, and originated and carried through 
a great reform in the law of evidence. Prior to that time, by the law of 
evidence, neither parties in an action at law, nor any person, having any 
pecuniary interest in the event of a suit, could be witnesses. The law 
seemed to be based on the theory, that a witness who had a pecuniary 
interest, large or small, in the event of a suit, would be tempted to, and 
often would, commit perjury, etc. Mr. Smith, early in the session of 1848- 
49, introduced a bill " To improve the law of evidence," providing that 
parties to actions at law might call each other as witnesses, and that a pecu- 
niary interest in the event of a suit should not disqualify a person from 
being a witness. The bill, after its second reading, was referred to Mr. 
Smith and the Hon. George E. Pugh, as a select committee. On February 
21, 1849, Mr. Smith, of said committee, made an elaborate report on the 
bill, which was ordered to be printed. (The report is found in the "Appen- 
dix to the House Journal," session of 1848-49, page 185.) This proposed 
reform was so bold and radical, in striking down rules, venerable for their 
antiquity, that many members hesitated, although the report in favor of said 
measure was unanswerable and absolutely convincing. Finally, it was pro- 
posed, in order to give the bar time for reflection and consideration, to post- 
pone the measure till the next session, which was done. During the next 
session, 1849-50, the measure was passed into a law with remarkable unani- 
mity (vide Vol. XLVEII, page 33, session laws of 1849-50). This was 
a great advance in law reform. This remained to be the law till the adop- 
tion of the Code in Ohio, when the same principle was carried into the code, 
extending a little on one point by allowing parties to volunteer as witnesses, 
in the session of 1848-49, Mr. Smith introdnced a bill to amend the 
law of descents, by providing that husband and wife, in default of children, 
should be heirs to each other. Prior to that time, and for a short time after, 
the act regulating descents postponed the heirship of husband ami wife to 
the last degree before property escheated to the State. The bill was referred 
to Mr. Smith as a select committee, and on the 24th of February, 1849, he 
made an exhaustive report thereon, which was ordered to be printed. (This 
report is in the "Appendix to the House Journal," for 1848-49. page 198. 1 
This bill did not then pass ; and. as it proposed such a radical change in the 
rules of descent, a great many of the members were afraid to support it, not 
because it was not reasonable and equitable, but because it was a great inno- 
vation; the seeds were sown, however, and produced fruit in due time. In 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 411 

the session of 1851-52, the principle was adopted, and ever since that time 
husband and wife, in default of children, have been heirs to each other. At 
the same session, Mr. Smith introduced a bill to punish the stealing of a will, 
after the death of the testator, or a testamentary paper before his death. 
The bill was enacted into a law February 23, 1849 (vide S. and C.," Stat- 
utes," Volume II, page 1632). Thus was a great omission in the crim- 
inal law of the State of Ohio very efficiently supplied. In the fall 
of the year 1853, Mr. Smith was elected to the Senate of Ohio, from 
the district composed of Madison, Clark and Champaign Counties. He 
made a useful and active member, and assisted in enacting a large amount 
of useful legislation, including the liquor law, the ten per cent law, the 
fee bill, etc., etc., and aided in reforming abuses and in reducing taxation. 
He discovered, at the end of his term in the Senate, in the spring of 1854, 
that he could not live very high, and support his family by going to the 
Legislature (as many more have before and since discovered), and he de- 
termined to abstain therefrom in the future, and to devote his time exclus- 
ively to his profession. This determination he rigidly adhered to until 
1864, when he was nominated and elected a Presidential Elector by the 
Republicans, when the Hon. A. Lincolin was a candidate for re-election to 
the Presidency. He met the Electoral College of Ohio at the Capital of 
the State, in 1864, and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President and 
Andrew Johnson for Vice President of the United States. In the spring 
of 1865, he aided in establishing the Madison National Bank of London, 
and was elected its President. He served in this position for about two 
and a half years, then sold his stock and invested the proceeds in land. 
In 1870, he was appointed Assessor of Interval Revenue by President 
Grant, and confirmed by the Senate of the United States, for the Seventh 
Collection District of Ohio, and he held the office for nearly three years, 
when the taxes having all been taken off by Congress except on whisky, 
beer and tobacco, the Assessors of Internal Revenue were abolished by Con- 
gress. During Mr. Smith's term as Assessor, nearly $2,000,000 internal 
revenue per year was raised in this district, comprising the counties of 
Franklin, Madison, Greene and Clark. He administered the office prudently 
and honestly, and to the satisfaction of the Government and the people. 
He supported the war of 1861 strenuously, but did not go into the service, 
as he was over the military age when the war commenced. He did, how- 
ever, go into the service for ten days, at Camp Chase, during the Morgan 
raid, as Captain of a company. In 1876, he was selected as the delegate 
from this Congressional district to the National Republican Convention at 
Cincinnati, and assisted in nominating Gen. R. B. Hayes for President. 
He was married at Whitestown, Oneida Co., N. Y., in June, 1844, to a 
most estimable lady, Miss Jennette Smith. She is a descendant of the 
celebrated Otis family, of Revolutionary memory, in Massachusetts. She 
has been a model wife, and an ornament to her sex. Mr. Smith is still 
hale and vigorous, and stands a fair chance to live beyond the allotted age 
of man. Mr. Smith and wife have been blessed with ten children, five of 
whom survive. They are as follows : Ellen A., wife of W. S. Squires, of 
Squires and McCollum, grocers, London ; Mary G., wife of G. A. Florence, 
of Circleville, Ohio ; Luke P., a farmer of Deer Creek Township, who mar- 
ried Grace Mayne, of Council Bluffs, Iowa ; Palmer C, an attorney at law, 



H2 HISTORY ov M U)ISON COUNTY. 

and ex Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County, who married Bertha, 
daughter of Hon. George W. Wilson, of London, and Benjamin P., on the 
farm with his brother, Luke D. During the summer of L882, Mr. Smith 
and his wife made the tour o( Europe, and visited Sootland, England, 
France, Switzerland, Italy, Prussia and Germany, esoaping all the dangers, 

of the sea and land, and arrived home in October, 1882. 

Charles Harrold, a native oi' Stokes Township, this oounty, oame here 

SOOn after Mr. Smith. He studied law at Springfield; was admitted to the 

bar, and in L842— 48 was in partnership with Samuel N. Kerr. He subse- 
quently quit the profession, and engaged in farming, lie was aoripple, and 
prior to his entering the legal profession, followed sohool teaohing. 

In L843, /•• T, Fisher, a one armed man, and a native oi' Delaware 
County, Ohio, where he had read law and been admitted to practice, eame 
to London. lie was here married to Jemima Jones, daughter of Barney 

Jones. From L847 to L851, he was Prosecuting Attorney iA' Madison 

County, and represented the county in the Ohio General Assembly in L852 
and L854 ; but soon after the latter date removed to Iowa, where he eon- 
tinned the practice of his profession. 

Hon. Etiohard A. Harrison was born April S. 1 Sill, in the city of Thirsk. 
Yorkshire Co., England, where his parents then resided. In the spring oi' 
1882, the family removed to the United States, and settled in Clark County, 

Ohio. He was educated in the common sohool, the R&public printing offioe, 

and in an academy under the oharge o( Kev. Chandler lvobbins, Springfield, 

Ohio. He was obliged, on his arrival at twelve years o( age, and until he 

oommenoed the practice of the law, to earn by daily labor as a typographer, 
the means requisite for his support and education. He studied law in the 
office o\' Judge Rodgers, Springfield, Ohio; graduated from the Cincinnati 

Law Sohool April, L846, and was admitted to the bar May 28, IS it!, at a 

term o( the Supreme Court, on the circuit held at London, Madison Oounty. 
by Judges Hitchcock and Woo^ He at once began the practice o\' the law 
in London. He was married. December 25, 1847, to Maria Warner, daughter 

oi' Henry Warner, ot* Madison County, and in the spring o[' ISIS, he com- 
menced a oircuit practice, which he has ever since kept up. He was a mem- 
ber of the Legislature, from Madison Oounty, during the sessions o( 1S,~>S- 
59 and L859— 60, ami served on the Judiciary Committee : was a member o\' 
the Senate from the district composed of the counties o[' Madison, Clark and 
Champaign, during the sessions o\' !S-*> 1—60 and 1860—61, serving as Chair- 
man of the Judiciary Committee, and President, pro (em., of the Senate ; 

was eleeted a Member of Congress from the district composed o( the coun- 
ties of Madison. Fayetl ■. Clinton, Warren and Greene, at a special election 
held in May, 1861, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation o\' Gov. 
Corwin upon his appointment as Minister to Mexico; served during the 
special session held in July. 1861, and until the expiration o\' his term. 
March 8, L868. He was nominated for Judge o[' the Supreme Court in 
1 870, but was defeated with the rest of the State ticket at the ensuing election. 
In January, l s 7t>. he was appointed and commissioned by Gov. Hives 

a member of the judicial commission, provided for in the amendment, of Arti- 
cle IV. of the Constitution of the State, but he declined the appointment. 
In the spring of l s 7 : >. he formed a partnership with Joseph Olds, who had 
just retired from the Common Pleas bench, and removed to Columbus in the 



HI8T0 U3 

spring of 1874. H f the 

firm of Harri I ■ ' 

eh he 
I J.R. 

P, B Wilcox -J •- W A -. i 

in the book-., bat presen great fo 

' ! pa ta 

me Court he .■ ; le or the - 

tant cases. Hi the B el Railroad cases, repo 

erne Court rep his emii 

rhile at the same mpo- 

sitionofano] em of taxation thai vould J. 

anotnei example oi I - : - 1 u 
to the head of this honorable profession must subordinate ev< 

■ . ; i is a jealou n I brook i tio 

of Mr. Han 
of London, born July 31, 1830. He >ra admitted to the bar in ! 
iras P aey of M . I 85 J 55. I f . - pa 

were William and Elizabeth ' 

■; 1814. Boon after the expiration of hi . : ' 

. to Lincoln, III., where he engaged in teaching school I prac- 
tice of hie prol the lattei ring saffic 

port him. He returned to London dai \ period of the war, 

and thence went to Champ married to E 

daughter of Dr. Robert Hon ton, tie pionee 

Counl Ohio, who I 

born. Champaign < \ III. 

mtinued to follow the legal pi at that <. 

John 1 1. born in 

this C ;';. If 

Proa Attorney of Madison C J Jo- 

• T E Iwai noved to Litl B ecame 

General of th led in the practice of the law 

until a fe i he rem i . purcha 

a plantation, and engaged if: farming. He irdent Republican, and 

a fair lawyer. 

Col. J. C. M of McCI law, Lon- 

don, and a prominent mem I >im in 

Union County, Ohio, February L5, 1829. . : I 
a native of v and gran 

from Vermonl ■ Frankli i - - 

McCloud subsequ ed in Union Count;/, and about 1839 located on 

a farm in :" Plain City. He 

a farmer .. and i I 

He married El Cutler, al Green M 

and a 
• childrei 
the only one in Ma I 

Col. McClou I ' age. He 



414 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

received a fair education in the district schools, and, after reaching his 
majority, attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He assisted 
his father on the form, and subsequently taught school for a short period. 
He read law with R. A. Harrison, a prominent attorney of London, 
now residing at Columbus, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1857. 
He immediately formed a law partnership with Mr. Harrison, the firm being 
known as Harrison & McCloud, until April, 1859, when it was dissolved. 
He has subsequently been in partnership with Emery Smith, George W. 
Burnham. Martin O'Donnell, R. H. McCloud, and, on March 9, 1881, the 
present firm, consisting of J. C. and R. H. McCloud and 0. P. Converse, 
was formed. He was married, in 1854, to Elizabeth Winget, a native of 
this county, and reared by a cousin of her father, William Winget, of Union 
County. Mr. and Mrs. McCloud have been given five children, four living 
— William Mc, R. H. (of McClouds & Converse), Luther and George. John 
is deceased. Mrs. McCloud is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
Col. McCloud is well and favorably known to every person in Madison 
County, and his success in law practice has been steady and firm. He was 
Chairman of the County Republican Central Committee for sixteen years, 
but was never an aspirant for office of any kind. He is recognized as one 
of the best jury lawyers at the bar, and his citations of law and fact are 
looked upon as being always correct. To be a lawyer, in the highest sense 
of that term, has ever been 'his aim, and the undoubted success he has met 
with in the practice of his profession, while at the same time he has won and 
retained the confidence of the people of Madison County, is the strongest 
evidence that his dealings with his fellow-man have at all times been 
straightforward, upright and honorable. 

Robert Hutcheson and John L. McCormack, both read law with R. A. 
Harrison, and were admitted to the bar in 1857. Mr. Hutcheson was born 
in the northern part of Madison County, was a fine scholar and a bright 
lawyer. In 1860-62, he represented this county in the Ohio Legislature, 
and upon the expiration of his term was married, subsequently removing to 
New Orleans, and was appointed Attorney General of Louisiana. He is 
now residing at Washington, D. C, in the practice of his profession. John 
L. McCormack was born in London, Ohio, December 15, 1836, and is a son 
of Thomas McCormack, a life-long resident of this county. Immediately 
after his admission to the bar he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for 
Prosecuting Attorney, and elected in the fall of 1857. He occupied the 
office in 1858, then resigned and removed to Iowa, where he has since 
resided. He was married, in this county, to Miss Ella Crain, and is said to 
have been a promising young lawyer. 

Benjamin F. Montgomery came from his home in Richland County, 
read law in his brother's office at London, was admitted about 1860, and 
formed a partnership with John R., which continued during their resi- 
dence here. He married Elizabeth Riddle, of Union County, removed to 
Michigan, and from there to Utah Territory, where he engaged in mining 
speculations and became very wealthy. Like his brother, he was an ardent 
adherent of the Republican party. 

Emery Smith was born in Delaware County, Ohio, April 9, 1838. and 
in 1844 removed to Canaan Township, of this county, Avhere he received the 
benefit of a common school education. In 1856-57, he attended Oberlin 




„*C '" 



JAm^ J &-<y^ 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 417 

College; thence, in 1858, he went to the Cleveland Law College, graduating 
in the spring of 1860, and was immediately admitted to the bar by the 
Supreme Court, at Columbus. On the 16th of August, 1860, he came to 
London, and formed a law partnership with Col. J. C. McCloud, which 
lasted about seven years, when it was dissolved and he continued alone. He 
subsecpuently was in partnership Avith John J. Bell, B. H. Lewis and D. C. 
Badger, respectively, but since the dissolution of the last partnership, has 
practiced alone. He was married to Sarah McClimans, daughter of James 
and Margaret McClimans, of Madison County. She lived but a few months 
after her marriage, and he was subsequently united to Frances McClimans. 
a sister of his first wife, who has borne him one son, Forest. Politically, Mr. 
Smith is a Republican, and in 1861 enlisted in Company C, Seventeenth 
Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the three months' service. After 
the expiration of that term, he was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal of 
the Seventh District, which he held until the close of the war. He has been 
Mayor of London one term, and is a well-read lawyer, who obtains a fair 
share of the law business of Madison County. 

Robert M. Hanson, a native of Madison County, born April 14, 1837, 
was for a short time a member of this bar. He was educated in the common 
schools of the county, and Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. He read law 
with Henry W. Smith, and was admitted to the bar early in 1861. In 
April of that year, he went into the army and served throughout the war. 
In the fall of 1865, he returned to London, and was elected to- represent 
Madison County in the Ohio Legislature. During this time he practiced his 
profession in London, but in 1869 he was appointed by President Grant, 
Consul to Bremen, returning to the United States in December, 1870, on 
account of poor health from wounds received during the war, and on the 
29th of February, 1871, was married to Miss Kate Williams. In March, 
he again set sail for Bremen, but was destined to never again see his native 
land. His health continued to fail while in Europe, and in August, 1873, 
he embarked for home, but died September 14, ere reaching New York. 
A fuller sketch of Capt. Hanson will be found in the biographical depart- 
ment of this work. 

Judge B. F. Clark, Cashier of the Madison National Bank, and a life 
resident and well respected citizen of this county, was born in Deer Creek 
Township, October 23, 1829, in the neighborhood familiarly known as 
" Limerick,'' and where the first term of court was held in Madison County. 
His father, Franklin Clark, was a native of Massachusetts, and a trunk 
maker by trade. While a resident of the township, he served as Justice of 
Peace for many years. He was twice married. By his first wife he had 
three children, probably none now living. His second wife was Narcissis 
(Babcock) Newcomb, widow of William Newcomb. Our subject was their 
only child. The father died in October, 1843, aged sixty-five years, and 
the mother in March, 1874. aged eighty-two years. When fourteen years 
of age. Judge Clark went to Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he learned 
carriage-trimming and harness-making, following these two trades for twelve 
years at Urbana and Columbus, and eight years after locating in London. 
He was appointed to the position as Postmaster of London by President 
Franklin Pierce, serving in that capacity for a period of six years. 
He was then elected Probate Judge of Madison County, holding the 



418 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

office for six years. Daring this time, he studied law, and on February 22, 
1864, was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He opened 
an office at London, and remained in the practice of his profession until 
July 1, 1870, when he was appointed Teller of the Madison National Bank. 
He accepted the position, acceptably filled it until October, 1880, when he 
was made Cashier. Judge Clark is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, 
and Adamran Chapter (Masonic), and Madison Lodge, No. 70, and London 
Encampment, No. 126 (I. 0. 0. F.). He has always evinced a deep inter 
est in religious matters, and for twenty years has served as Elder in the 
Presbyterian Church at London. In 1870, he was a delegate from the Co- 
lumbus Presbytery to the General Assembly, which met at Philadelphia, 
Penn., and which was the first union of the Northern and Southern branches 
of the church after the close of the war. Judge Clark has ever voted the 
Democratic ticket, and was serving his second term as Mayor of London 
when he resigned to accept the position offered him in the bank. He was 
married, in August, 1850, to Rachel Jones, a native of this county. Two 
children were given them, one living — Job J., an insurance agent of Lon- 
don. The elder son, Quinn, died in 1879. Mrs. Clark is also a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

George W. Wilson, of the law firm of Wilson & Durflinger, London, 
was born at Brighton, Clark Co., Ohio, February 22, 1840. He is the third 
son of Washington and Mary A. Wilson. His parents are natives of Ohio, 
and now reside in Springfield. Washington Wilson is a retired farmer of 
considerable wealth, and highly respected by all who know him. He is a 
son of Michael Wilson (deceased), who was a brother of Valentine Wilson 
(deceased), late of Madison County. Mary A. Wilson is a daughter of 
William Foreman (deceased), late of Clark County, Ohio. Washington 
and "Mary A. Wilson had eleven children, named, respectively, Michael. 
William J., George W., Harrison, John, Addison, Nancy T., Luther, Har- 
riet F., Mary A. and Flora Etta, all of whom are living, except Luther. 
George W. Wilson, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on his father's 
farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he was sent to Antioch Col- 
lege. Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he remained three years. During this 
time, that institution was presided over by Horace Mann, and after his 
death by Dr.- Thomas Hill, subsequently President of Harvard College. 
In the year 1861, Mr. Wilson commenced the study of law in the office 
of Hon. R. A. Harrison, of London. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 
Ninety-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was afterward com- 
missioned respectively Second and First Lieutenant in the regiment. On 
the 2d of July, 1864, he received a commission from the President as First 
Lieutenant in the First Regiment of United States Veteran Volunteer Engi- 
neers, the only organization of the kind in the service. About the close of 
the war, he was appointed Captain of Company L, of that regiment, but 
never received the emoluments of that rank. He was mustered out of the 
army about October 1, L865, the services of his regiment being no longer re- 
quired. After the war. Mr. Wilson resumed his studies in the office of his 
preceptor, and was admitted to the bar on August 7, 1866. In the October 
following, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County for a 
term of two years. x\t the expiration of his term, he was re-elected to the 
same office for another term. In October, 1871, he was elected to the 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 419 

House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Ohio, and served in 
that body two years. In October, 1877, he was elected a member of the 
Ohio Senate from the district composed of the counties of Champaign, Clark 
and Madison. He has also held several minor offices of honor and trust. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the Masonic fraternity. 
Mr. Wilson has always been a Republican, believing that by means of that 
party, the best interests of the country would be promoted and preserved. 
He is a successful lawyer, the firm of Wilson & Durflinger enjoying a large 
practice, and no member of the legal profession has a better standing at the 
Madison County bar than the subject of this sketch. Before going to the 
army, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Martha L. Rice, of Yellow Springs, 
Ohio. They have three children — Bertha J., William R. and Fannie. 
Miss Bertha J. was recently married to Palmer C. Smith, Prosecuting At- 
torney of Madison County. Mr. Wilson has a pleasant home, and, while 
devoted to his profession, takes time for social intercourse with his friends 
and neighbors. 

Otis C. Smith, a deceased member of the bar of Madison County, Ohio, 
was born in London, in said county, on the 29th of September, 1845. After 
graduating from the London schools, he prepared himself for college under 
the tuition of Rev. C. W. Finley; entered the Miami University, and gradu- 
ated therefrom in 1866. He studied law with his father, Hon. H. W. 
Smith, was admitted to the bar in 1868, and commenced the practice of his 
profession in Madison County, Ohio, with his father. He was married to 
Miss Sallie Coons on the 20th of October, 1871. On the 24th of June, 
1873, after a lingering illness, he departed this life. He was in good stand- 
ing as a member of the bar, a kind son and husband, and a good citizen. 
On the 25th of June, 1873, a meeting of the bar of the county was 
held to take action concerning his death. This was the first time in the 
history of the county that the bar had lost one of its members by the hand 
of death. Appropriate resolutions were passed, showing the standing and 
merit of Mr. Smith, as a member of the bar to have been of the first order, 
as considered by his brethren. The proceedings and resolutions of the bar 
at that meeting will be found recorded on the journal of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas for the year 1873. Mr. Smith was also a member of the Lodge 
of I. 0. R. M., which lodge passed appropriate resolutions concerning his 
death. 

Sylvester W. Durflinger, of Wilson & Durflinger, attorneys at law, 
London, was born near Jefferson, in this county, April 20, 1836. His 
father, Philip Durflinger, was a native of Ohio, and looated in Madison 
County at an early day. He died about 1839. lie was united in mar- 
riage to Mary Lilly, a native of Ross County, who bore him two children- 
Philip, a farmer of Jefferson Township, and our subject. Mrs. Durflinger 
subsequently married Samuel T. Pearce, an old an honored resident of 
London, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. S. W. Durflinger 
was the oldest of two children, and was reared on the old homestead. He 
received a fair education in early years, and at eighteen years of age entered 
the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, graduating in 1860. Soon 
after this date, he came to London, and commenced the study of law with 
R. A. Harrison, an able attorney, now a resident of Columbus. Mr. Dur- 
flinger remained with Mi'. Harrison six months, and then removed to 



420 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Bloomington, 111. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty- 
third Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He served 
nearly four years, being once wounded in a railroad accident, while in 
Louisiana. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and soon after re- 
turned to this county. In the summer of 1866, he was nominated by the 
Republican party for. the office of Recorder, and elected the ensuing fall. 
He served his constituents in this position for a term of three years. 
During this period, he employed his spare time in reading law and was 
admitted to the bar in 1869. He immediately formed a law partnership 
with George W. Wilson, under the firm name of Wilson & Durflinger, 
and the firm has remained such to the present. Both members are able 
attorneys, and enjoy a large share of the legal patronage of Madison County. 
Mr. Durflinger served as Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County, in 
1871-74, is politically a Republican, is a member of the Board of Education 
of London, and holds a position as Trustee in the official board of the M. 
E. Church. He is connected by membership with Chandler Lodge, No. 
138, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Durflinger was married, 
October 17, 1867, to Eliza J. Silver, a native of this county. Two chil- 
dren were given them — Mary K. and Annie L. Mrs. Durflinger departed 
this life May 22, 1878. Mr. Durflinger was again married, in the fall of 
1879, to Mary A. Flannigan, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. They have one 
child — Florence. 

John Fletcher Chapman was born in Madison County, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 8, 1843, and was a son of James and Mary Ann (Chapell) Chapman, 
natives of Virginia. Fletcher, as he was always called, grew to maturity in 
this county, and was self-educated, never having attended school but three 
months in his life. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the war closed, 
being mustered out at Louisville, Ky., with the balance of his regiment. He 
was an ardent Democrat all his life. Upon the close of the war, he began 
to read law in the office of Col. J. C. McCloud ; was admitted to the bar in 
1869, and practiced his profession until his death, December 7, 1879, leav- 
ing his widow, Clara B. Chapman, with two children, all of whom reside 
with her father, James B. McCarty, of Xenia. Mr. Chapman enjoyed a 
fair practice, and is kindly remembered by the bar of the county. 

Bruce P. Jones, Mayor of London and attorney at law, was born in 
this village May 9,. 1843. His father, Job K. Jones, was a member of the Jones 
family of the eastern part of Tennessee, where he was born November, 1811, 
and accompanied his father, William Jones, to this county in November, 
1814. He located in London, where he resided till his death, April 4, 
1877. At that time, he had 813 acres of land in Union and Deer Creek 
Townships, which he had owned for many years. He married Miss M. C. 
Custer, a native of Rockingham County, Va., who accompanied her father, 
Paul Custer, to this county about 1822. She died in January, 1874. They 
were the parents of nine children, six now living. Two sons were in the 
late war. Jasper enlisted in Company K (Capt. Hanson's), Ninety-fifth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; was taken prisoner, and confined in the 
Andersonville Prison, Georgia. After release, died at Wilmington, N. C. 
The other son, Berthier W., enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in the hospital at Franklin, Tenn. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 421 

The subject of this sketch obtained his early education in the London 
High School, and subsequently attended Miami University at Oxford, But- 
ler Co., Ohio. He studied a term of fi*ve years, and graduated in the reg- 
ular course in the class of '68. He commenced the study of law with Col. 
J. C. McCloud, of London. He was admitted to practice at the December 
term of the Ohio Supreme Court, in 1869, and to the United States Court, 
at Leavenworth, Kan., in 1874. He removed to Ottawa, Kan., and prac- 
ticed five years with fair success. He was Police Judge two years, and City 
Attorney two years. In 1875, he came back to London, and has since 
practiced his profession. Mr. Jones has always advocated Republican prin- 
ciples. In December, 1880, he was appointed Mayor by the Village 
Council, and elected the following April to fill an unexpired term. He was 
re-elected in 1882 for a full term. Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and connected with Chandler Lodge, No. 138, of London. 

B. H. Lewis, a well-known attorney at law of London, was born at 
Jefferson, this county, August 1, 1839. He is a son of George W. Lewis, 
a farmer, and grandson of Philip Lewis, one of the early settlers of the 
county, who assisted in laying out London, and who represented this district 
in both Houses of the General Assembly of the State. He first attended 
school in Jefferson, and subsequently became a student in the London 
High School, where he remained until he attained the age of eighteen years. 
He then passed a year as clerk in a warehouse in London, and afterward 
taught school for three terms of four months each. During the late civil 
war, he enlisted in the Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Au- 
gust 14, 1862, and was an Orderly Sergeant, and afterward Sergeant Major 
of the regiment. He served in that command for the full term of three 
years, being honorably mustered out in August, 1865. In the autumn of 
the same year, he was elected Sheriff of Madison County, and re-elected 
in October, 1867, serving four years in that office. During this time, he 
was also Deputy United States Marshal for Madison County, under Gen. 
A. Hickenlooper, Marshal of the Southern District of Ohio. After his 
term as Sheriff had expired, he commenced the study of law, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar May 12, 1872. He opened an office in London, and prac- 
tices his profession in Madison and adjoining counties. In April. 1875, he 
was elected City Attorney of London for a term of two years. Mr. Lewis' 
progress, so far in life, is entirely due to his own energy and perseverance, 
combined with unremitting patience and industry, never having received as- 
sistance from any source whatever. He was united in marriage, October 14, 
1875, to Nannie, daughter of A. Dunkin, of London (and a grand-daughter 
of Simon Kenton), a prominent stock-raiser and dealer of Madison County. 

Hon. John F. Locke, attorney at law, London, and Representative to 
the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-fifth Sessions of the Ohio Legislature from Madi- 
son County, was born in Somerford Township August 12, 1848. His father, 
John B. Locke, is a native of West Virginia, and located in Madison County 
in 1836. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits through life, and 
now resides on the old homestead in Somerford Township, consisting of 300 
acres of valuable land. He was married in this county to Louise Morris, a 
native of Adams County, Ohio. They are the parents of six children, all 
living. Both parents are living, father sixty-eight years of age and mother 
fifty-four. Our subject is the eldest child, and resided on the farm till 



422 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

eighteen years of age. In 1865, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University 
of Delaware, graduating in the class of '70. He immediately commenced 
the study of law with R. A. Harrison, Qf London, and was admitted to the 
bar in March, 1873. He commenced the practice of his profession alone, 
and has continued successfully, with one exception, to the present time. 
Mr. Locke has always been an advocate of Republican principles, and 
in 1873 was elected City Solicitor of London, serving two years. In 1875, 
he was elected Mayor of the village to fill a vacancy. In 1876, he was 
elected Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County, and re-elected in 1878. 
In 1879, he was the Republican nominee from this county, for Representa- 
tive, and though the county was close on party votes, yet he was elected. 
His' services were well appreciated, and in 1881 his constituents once more 
elected him to the same position. In his official duties, Mr. Locke has been 
governed by no partisan views, but has endeavored to assist in creating and 
voting for those measures which be believed would tend to promote the best 
interests and prosperity, both in a moral and financial way, of his constitu- 
ents and the State at large. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138 
(Masonic), of London, and a Master Mason. He was united in marriage, 
in 1876, to Sally E. Waite, a native of New York. There was one child 
given them, a daughter named Gertrude. Mrs. Locke departed this life, 
June 29, 1877. Mr. Locke is a suave, pleasant gentleman, who by his 
genial manners has won hosts of warm friends. 

John J. Bell was admitted to practice about 1873, and in the spring of 
1874 came to London from Greene County, Ohio. He served throughout 
the war in a regiment from that county, and upon coming to London formed 
a partnership with Emery Smith, which lasted until his election as Prosecut- 
ing Attorney in the fall of 1874. He held that office two years, and is said 
to have been a bright young lawyer. He married Susan Pepper, and in 
March, 1879, left for Texas, thence removed to New Mexico, where he is 
now engaged in the practice of the law and publishing a newspaper. 

George W. Burnham, a native of Champaign County, Ohio, removed 
to Iowa, with his parents, in childhood ; there grew to maturity and gradu- 
ated from the Agricultural College. He returned to Ohio, and began read- 
ing law in the office of Col. J. C. McCloud, of London. In the spring of 
1873, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, and 
immediately entered into partnership, with his preceptor, under the firm 
name of McCloud & Burnham. This continued until November, 1874, and 
soon afterward Mr. Burnham went back to Iowa, where he is now residing. 
James M. Horrell was born in Madison County, Ohio, December 3, 
1829, and is a son of Christopher C. and Rebecca (Skiles) Horrell, natives 
of Pennsylvania. Mr. Horrell was raised in Pleasant Township, receiving 
his education in the common schools, and subsequently taught school five 
years. He served as Justice of the Peace in Range Township six years, 
during which time he began reading law. He was admitted to the bar be- 
fore the Supreme Court at Columbus, October 22, 1874, and afterward 
studied for one year under John J. Bell, of London, since which time he has 
been following the legal profession. In politics, Democratic; he has served 
as Justice of the Peace one term since locating in London. 

Orson P. Converse, attorney at law, was born in Champaign County, 
near Mechanicsburg, Ohio, May 27, 1842. He was the fifth in a family of 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 423 

twelve children, seven of whom are living. His parents, Caleb H. Con- 
verse and Lovira L. Ketch, were natives of Vermont, and came to Ohio 
about 1822. Our subject removed from Champaign County, with his par- 
ents, about 1847, to the home farm near Unionville Center, Union Co., 
Ohio. His parents still reside there. Our subject lived on that farm, and 
did general farm work, going to school about three months each year, until 
1860 ; he then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, with 
the intention of preparing himself for the legal profession. During this 
time he taught school for a period at $1 per day, " boarding around " 
with the scholars. When the war commenced, he left his studies, bidding 
good-bye for the time to his high aspirations for a professional life, and en- 
listed as a private in Company E, Eighty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry. He served about four months in all, chiefly in the 
Virginias. In the spring of 1863, when the regiment was re-organized at 
Camp Cleveland, for a term of six months, he again enlisted as a private, 
this time in Company B. When the re-organization of the regiment was 
completed, he was appointed Orderly Sergeant of his company. He served 
in this position two months, and then failing health caused him to enter the 
hospital at Columbus. He was discharged from there on account of general 
disability, from which he has never fully recovered. On December 23, 
1863, he married Emiline Cramer, and went to work on a farm. He some- 
times taught school of winters, having very reluctantly given up reading 
law on account of ill health. In 1869, he accepted the position of ticket 
and freight agent of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, 
at Unionville, Union County, which position he held until 1876. Dur- 
ing this time, he read law with a cousin, George L. Converse, of Co- 
lumbus, commencing in 1871. In order to support his family and con- 
tinue his studies, he taught school four or five months each winter, his wife 
attending to the duties of the station. He was admitted to practice at the 
December term, 1874, of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and shortly after 
located at Columbus. His wife and family still resided at Unionville and 
carried on the railroad company's business, with what assistance Mr. Con- 
verse could give after office hours. In 1876, he removed to Columbus, 
where he followed his profession until the spring of 1 881, when he formed 
his present partnership with Col. J. C. and R. H. McCloud, under the firm 
name of McClouds & Converse. The firm enjoy a very extensive law prac- 
tice. Mr. Converse resides on Lafayette street with his wife and two sons — 
Walter and Ebbie. In the fall of 1872, he was elected Justice of the Peace 
for Darby Township, Union County, declining a re-election three years 
later, on account of his law practice at Columbus. He is a Republican and 
a member of the Masonic fraternity ; he belongs to no church, although his 
parents were both connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. 

Martin O'Donnell, an able and rising attorney of London, was born at 
Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, May 7, 1853. He is a son of Manus O'Donnell, 
a native of Ireland, who came to the United States about 1851, locating at 
Xenia, where he now resides. He married Onour Berry, also a native of 
Ireland. They were the parents of ten children, seven living. Mrs. 
O'Donnell departed this life in April, 1879. Martin is the second eldest, 
and when he was about five years of age his parents removed to Oldtown, 
the site of the Shawnee village destroyed by Gen. Clark, in 1780. In 



424 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

1865, our subject returned to Xenia ; from there he went to St. Paul, Minn., 
thence to Chicago, 111., and in the fall of 1866 came back to Xenia. He 
attended the High School of that town, and on the 9th of January, 1867, 
removed to London, where he remained six months. For the following 
three years, he made his home in Xenia and Morrow, engaged at book-keep- 
ing. In 1871, he again came to London and entered the employ of Michael 
Riley, a leading merchant of the town. During this time he commenced to 
read law, and subsequently completed his studies with Col. J. C. McCloud. 
On the 2d of March, 1875, Mr. O'Donnell was admitted to the bar and 
immediately became the law partner of his preceptor. The firm continued as 
McCloud & O'Donnell for four years ; it was then dissolved by mutual con- 
sent, and Mr. O'Donnell has since been practicing alone. He possesses the 
largest and best law library in the city, and his practice is fully in propor- 
tion. His jovial manner, free and ready " mother wit," combined with 
steadiness of purpose, have won for him hundreds of friends in this and 
adjoining counties, and have placed him in the front rank among the promi- 
nent young attorneys of Central Ohio. He is recognized as a sound judge 
of law, determined and aggressive in argument, and noted for his quick per- 
ception of the legal points involved in a case. Of fine personal appearance, 
a fluent speaker, and possessing strong common sense, he is sure to discover 
the weak points in an adversary's plea, and is, therefore, looked upon as a 
dangerous foe in a legal conflict. He is politically Democratic, and in 1880 
was appointed by Judge Courtright (then on the bench) as Prosecuting At- 
torney of Madison County. He served in that position one year. Mr. 
O'Donnell was married, in September, 1879, to Katy E. Malloy, a native 
of Warren County, Ohio. One child was given them — Carrie, now about 
two and a half years of age. Mrs. O'Donnell was a member of the Catho- 
lic Church, and departed this life May 8, 1881. 

W. B. Hamilton, attorney at law, was born at Marysville, Union Co., 
Ohio, November 28, 1855. His father, Hon. C. S. Hamilton, was also a 
native of Ohio, and an attorney by profession. He died December 22, 
1867, being at that time a member of the United States Congress, from the 
Eighth Ohio Congressional District. He married Louiza Bizant, of 
Muskingum County, Ohio. They had eight children, six now living. 
Mrs. Hamilton died in May, 1868. The subject of this sketch is the fifth 
child of the family, and was educated at Adrian College, Adrian, Mich. 
After leaving college, he taught school for some time, and then studied law 
with M.C.Lawrence (since deceased). He was admitted to the bar in April, 1877, 
and first commenced practice with Judge Lincoln, of London, in the spring 
of 1878. They were associated together in law practice for two years, since 
which time Mr. Hamilton has been alone. His efforts have gained for him 
reasonable success. He is a Republican in politics. He was married, June 
13, 1881, to Mrs. Eva Graham, widow of Z. T. Graham, deceased, and 
daughter of Dr. Toland Jones, of London. Mrs. Hamilton is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Palmer C. Smith, ex-Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County, and a 
well-known young lawyer of London, was born in this county April 22. 
1857. He is a son of Hon. Henry W. Smith, whose sketch appears in this 
volume. His mother was Miss Jennette Smith, a descendant of the cele- 
brated Otis family, of Revolutionary fame, in Massachusetts. Our subject 




- Y^ 
\ 





£y>^}-<^ 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 427 

received a good education, and early commenced the study of law with his 
father. He graduated from the Cincinnati Law School May 8, 1877, and 
was admitted to practice by the District Court of Cincinnati on the follow- 
ing day. He returned to London, and has since been engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession in connection with his father. In April, 1880, he was 
appointed Mayor of London, to fill out the unexpired term of Noah Thomas, 
now Warden of the Ohio Penitentiary at Columbus. He was elected Prose- 
cuting Attorney of Madison County, in the fall of 1880, on the Repub- 
lican ticket, for a term of two years. He resigned his former position of 
Mayor, in December of that year, to accept the latter one. Mr. Smith was 
married, in April, 1882, to Bertha, daughter of Hon. George W. Wilson, a 
prominent attorney of London. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge and Chapter of London. 

George B. Cannon, attorney at law, office with Mayor Bruce P. Jones, 
was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 11, 1851. His father, Mat- 
thew W. Cannon, was a native of Maryland, and accompanied his parents. 
Jesse and Margaret Cannon, to Ross County, when a small child. He was a 
farmer by occupation, and resided in Pickaway County until 1859, when he 
removed to Madison County, and now resides at Mt. Sterling, in the Seven- 
ty-second year of his age. He married Mary A. Lister, a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, and daughter of William Lister. He was a resident of both 
Ross and Madison Counties, and a man of great physical endurance ; he died 
in 1877, at the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. He lived under 
the administrations of all the Presidents, up to the time of his death, and walked 
two miles to cast his vote for Samuel J. Tilden. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon 
were the parents of twelve children, nine living. Mrs. Cannon departed 
this life February 26, 1872. Our subject was the eighth child of this fam- 
ily, and was seven years of age when his parents removed to Madison Coun- 
ty. His educational facilities were rather limited, his time being taken up 
in assisting his father on the farm until his twentieth year. His principle 
education was obtained in the hours between farm labor and retiring for 
the night. When twenty-one years of age, he taught the wl Maxey School," 
in Paint Township, and was engaged in that profession for about eight years. 
During this time, he commenced the study of law, and in 1874, came 
to London and entered the law office of R. A. Harrison, and subsequently 
that of George Lincoln. He was admitted to the bar April 24, 1878, and 
afterward taught school for one year. Mr. Cannon has met with fair suc- 
cess in his law practice. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, 
Masonic, and the Knights of Pythias. Politically, his views are in strict 
accordance with those of the Democratic party. He once served as Clerk 
of Paint Township. Mr. Cannon was married, on "Thanksgiving Day" 
of 1878, to Laura J., daughter of John T. Maxey (deceased). They have 
two daughters — Mary E. and Georgia B. 

Richard Harrison McCloud, was born in London, Ohio. March 11, 
1858, and is a son of Col. J. C. McCloud, a leading attorney of the county. 
Richard H. grew up in his native town, and in 1875, graduated from the 
London High School. He then spent two years at the Ohio University, 
read law during his school days in his father's office, and began to read reg- 
ularly in 1877. On the 13th of March. 1879, he was admitted to the bar 
at Marysville, Ohio, by the District Court then in session. Prior to this, 

L 



428 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

on the 1st of March, he had formed a partnership with his father and is 
now of the firm of McClouds & Converse. Politically, he is a Republican. 
In April, 1880, he was elected a member of the School Board, being the 
first graduate of the school who has ever filled the office, and the youngest 
member ever elected to that position, which he looks upon as an honor to 
bestow upon so young a man. 

D. C. Badger, Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County, was born in 
Range Township, this county, August 7, 1857. His father, Benjamin 
Badger, is a native of Fayette County. Penn. He came to Ohio about 
1827, locating in Fayette County, and to Madison County in 1845 ; he 
bought a farm in Range Township, where he has since resided; he owns 
110 acres of land, and is one of the prominent farmers of Southern Madi- 
son. He married Martha, daughter of Levin Willoughby, an honored 
pioneer of Range Township. Our subject is the second of five children, 
four of whom are living. He grew up on the farm and when between fif- 
teen and sixteen years of age, taught school in his native township. He 
subsequently attended the academy at Bloomingburg, Fayette County, and 
Mount Vernon College, Stark County, Ohio. He afterward resumed teach- 
ing in Range Township for nearly four years. During this time, he read 
law and was admitted to practice November 4, 1879, and has since been 
located at London. Mr. Badger is still a young man, but his energy and 
perseverance bid fair to win him a place among the legal lights of the State. 
He is Secretary of the Madison County Bar Association, and connected by 
membership with the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. Politically, Mr. 
Badger is an ardent Democrat, and in the summer of 1882 was nominated 
for the office of Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County, and in October 
was elected by 520 majority, which was one of the largest majorities ever 
given in this county. 

Manus O'Donnell, the youngest attorney at the bar of London, was 
born at Oldtown, Greene Co., Ohio, and is a brother of Martin O'Donnell, 
previously spoken of. He attended the Xenia High School, and in De- 
cember, 1876, came to London, where he has since resided. He read law 
in his brother's office, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1882. In 
October, 1881, he was appointed official stenographer of the courts of Mad- 
ison County, which position he still occupies, and is often employed by the 
adjoining counties to act in the same capacity. 

Among other lawyers who have resided in Madison County were J. T. 
Lacy and A. F. Reed, in 1852; Lawrence Weldon, in 1854; D. M. 
Creighton, in 1858 ; Darius Warner, the present United States Consul at 
St. Johns, New Brunswick ; George E. Rapp, at one time Mayor of London ; 
Martin Marshall, and A. Waddel, Jr.; also Charles P. Neal, of Plain City. 
At the present time there are William P. Andrews, of Plain City ; B. F. 
Thomas of Mount Sterling ; John C. Hayes, of South Solon ; R. S. Leake, 
of Jefferson ; George Hamilton and F. Webster, of London. 

MADISON COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized December 2, 1880, and a constitution 
and by-laws adopted. The following officers w T ere elected and have served 
continuously to the present time. Col. J. C. McCloud, President ; George 
W. Wilson, Vice President; Sylvester W. Durflinger, Treasurer; D. C. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 429 

Badger, Secretary ; John F. Locke, P. C. Smith and Bruce P. Jones, Ex- 
ecutive Committee. The association meets annually, also at the call of the 
President or Executive Committee; and all members of the Madison Coun- 
ty bar, in good standing, are eligible to membership. 

The senior members of the bar of Madison County, have, many of them, 
made up their records ; those left are still to follow, and the juniors are to 
assume their places at the bar and on the bench ; to them will soon be com- 
mitted these great, responsible trusts. The perpetuity of our free institutions 
is committed to the guardianship and keeping of the bar and judiciary of 
our free country, for the history of the world teaches, and all free govern- 
ments illustrate this truth — treat the subject lightly as you will — that to 
the profession of the law civil government is indebted for- all the safeguards 
and intrenchments with which the liberties of the people are protected ; 
that legislation is shaped, constitutions enlarged, amended and adopted by 
the enlightened administration of the statesmen in all free governments, ed- 
ucated for the bar, and, ascending by the inherent force of their disciplined 
professional life, they become the directors of the destinies of States and 
nations. Military chieftains may spring into power ; tyrants may for the 
hour dazzle, with the glamour of military parade and the pomp of war, an 
oppressed and frenzied nation ; but they turn as the cannonade dies away, 
to the statesmanship of the country, and call to the legislative halls for final 
debate the arbitraments of the liberties of the people. 

From the days of King John to the present hour, the bench and the bar 
have furnished the great majority of the statesmen who have erected the bul- 
warks of constitutional law, and extorted from tyrants the Magna Chartas 
which have secured to the oppressed the guarantees of free institutions. Im- 
bued with the historical traditions of their predecessors, tracing the higher 
paths they have trod, and emulating their good example, it should become more 
and more the resolute purpose of the Madison County bar to so walk in 
the light of their professional teachings that when they are called to follow 
them to that upper court, and file their judgment-roll of the great trial of 
life with that Supreme Judge from whose bar there is no appeal, 

" Thou go not like the quarry slave at night, 
Scourged to his dungeon ; but sustained and soothed 
By an unfaltering trust, approach the grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." 




430 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XI. 



MEDICAL PROFESSION OF MADISON COUNTY— PAST AND PRESENT PHYSICIANS 
OF LONDON — PLAIN CITY — JEFFERSON— MT. STERLING — AMITY — MIDWAY- 
LA FAYETTE— SOMERFORD— LIVERPOOL —SOUTH SOLON — CALIFORNIA 
— TRALERSVILLE — NEWPORT — DANVILLE — LILLY CHAPEL — 
MADISON COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION— ARMY 
SURGEONS FROM MADISON COUNTY. 

IN the preparation of the following history of the medical profession of 
Madison County, I have tried to be thorough and impartial. The time 
given me for its preparation has been limited, and I have found an apathy 
on the subject that I did not foresee or expect when I gave my consent to 
attempt the enterprise. In the preparation of it, I have arranged by vil- 
lages, in as near a chronological order as my information would admit. In 
the year 1829, there existed in Ohio a law, under which the income of all 
professional men was taxed. Samuel Kerr was the Prosecuting Attorney of 
this county, and he was ordered by the court to return for taxation the 
names of all practicing lawyers and physicians in the county. His own 
name was returned as the only practicing lawyer in the countv; and Loren- 
zo Beach, Aquilla Toland, Israel Bigelow and John Warner, as the only 
physicians in the county. They were each taxed $5 per annum. 

In 1847, the income tax was in proportion to the amount of income, 
and in that year the following physicians were reported, and assessed the 
amounts opposite their respective names: 

Thomas Adams, $1; Jacob Swank, $1; Milton Lemen, $3; Elam Bod- 
man, $3; Samuel McClintick. S3; William McClintick, $2; D. E. McMillan, 
$3; Aquilla Toland, $4; William A. Strain, $3; Toland Jones, $1; William 
F. Cartmell, $1; Dennis Warner, $1; Daniel Wilson, $2; M. Valentine, 
$1; William Cheney, $1; David Wilson, $3; Jennet Stutson, $4; Ezra 
Bliss, $2; Charles McCloud, $3; D. W. Seal, $1; A. W. Fields, S3; D. K. 
Bigelow, $3; J. L. McCampbell, $1; Willis H. Twyford, §2; J. H. Taylor, 
$1; M. P. Converse, $2; William Adams, $1; C. A. Putnam, $1; D. R. Bell, 
$3; J Simmerman, $1; Dr. Wi throw, $1. 

It is presumable that the many different isms and systems of practice 
that have prevailed here have prevailed in common elsewhere throughout 
the country, but it may not be amiss to mention that, owing to the scarcity 
of physicians, and the difficulty that the early settlers experienced in ob- 
taining the wherewithal for a quid pro quo when they were obliged to em- 
ploy them, cheaper systems of practice were introduced by charlatans. One 
of these was the system of " steaming " the patient. The practice was to 
place the patient in bed, closely covered. Then a large kettle of water was 
placed ovor the tire, in the open tire-place, with a close fitting lid, through 
which a long tin spoul was inserted. When the water began to boil, the 
farther end of the spout was thrust under the bed clothes, and all the gen- 
erated steam was thus turned on to the patient. A large portion of the fam- 
ilies through the country had their steam kettle aud tin spout. I remem- 

*By William Morrow Beach, M. D. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 431 

ber of an old woman over in the Darby Plains who sent for a " steam doc- 
tor," and who was really very sick. She did not live many hours after the 
" doctor's " arrival, and when they came to " lay her out," they found her 
parboiled! The skin slipped from her body like the skin from a boiled eel! 
Upon the heels of this system came the Thomsonian or botanical sys- 
tem. For this system they sold " family rights." Their different prepara- 
tions were numbered and labeled. No. 1 was good for one thing, and No. 
2 for another thing. Their favorite number was " No. 6." To take a tea- 
spoonful of it one would think they had made a mistake and got No. 60! 
Capsicum, or Cayenne pepper, was the chief ingredient. "Dr. Gunn," a 
work on domestic practice, was placed on the table by the side of the Bible 
and Fox's Book of Martyrs. But this was a great improvement over the 
" steam doctors." But No. 6 and lobelia, as universal panaceas and spe- 
cifics, have had their day. A lobelia doctor was called to see a very nice 
little woman, a bride of three months, up at Milford. in the palmy days of 
lobelia and No. 6, who was moderately sick with milk-sickness. He pre- 
scribed a lobelia emetic. He told her to stick her finger in her throat to 
aid the emetic. It is likely it did to some extent, as she died in two min- 
utes, from collapse. But a new light has dawned. More rational systems 
now prevail, and the main differences now existing exist mostly in the 
names. Under the laws of Ohio now, all practitioners are required to be 
graduates of some regularly chartered college; and most of the physicians 
of Ohio, and all in Madison County, are moderately well qualified for the 
responsibilities and requirements of the calling. 

LONDON. 

Dr. Simon Steers was the first resident physician in or near London. 
He probably came from Jefferson County, Ohio. He lived on the John 
Thompson land, on the north side of the road, near where the lane comes 
out from Israel Dalby's house. He was a lame man, and under size. Will- 
iam Wingate, of Union Township, north of London, says that he had ; heard 
him called " little old Dr. Steers." He came to that farm, west of London, 
about 1810, and probably died in this county. Dr. Samuel Baldridge was 
the second physician here. He came about 1811. He was also a Presby- 
terian preacher. He is remembered by the old citizens with a moderate de- 
gree of respect. When he left London, about 1820, it is thought he went 
over about Cambridge, Ohio. Dr. Blount located here for a short time in 
about 1814. He was from Massachusetts, and probably from Boston, He 
married a Miss Donlin, who lived on the west side of Deer Creek, in Deer 
Creek Township, on the James AVilson farm, and nearly opposite his resi- 
dence. 

Dr. Aquilla Toland was born September 26, 1793, in Harford County, 
Md. He was a pupil of Dr. Luckey, of Baltimore, and. after one course of 
lectures in the University of Maryland, he came West and located for a 
time at Franklinton. near Columbus, and, in 1819, located in London. He 
graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in the year 1837, after he had 
been for eighteen years a practitioner here. In 1843, he was elected by the 
Whig party to the State Legislature. He was tall, portly, dignified, of a 
somewhat haughty demeanor, but extremely gracious and courteous, and 
courtly to his colleagues. He never had occasion for jealousy toward them, 
for they were compelled to be respectful, and as for practice, he always had 
more than was desirable. His practice was scarcely confined to the limits 
of the county. The business about Midway was divided between him and 



432 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Dr. Joshua Martin, of Xenia, and he was the one l-elied on in great emer- 
gencies for twenty miles around in all directions. He always rode on 
horseback, and he looked like a very Knight Errant, he sat a hoi*se so grace- 
fully. In the summer season he generally returned late at night, when he 
returned at all, and, in riding through the tall prairie grass and in unbeat- 
en paths, he would usually return wet to the waist by the heavy dews. Dr. 
Aquilla Toland was the Nestor of the profession at London for forty years, 
both in medicine and surgery. He died at, London, of erysipelas, Decem- 
ber 30, 1866, aged seventy -three years, leaving a large estate. He mar- 
ried, April 11, 1822, Miss Elizabeth Lewis, of London, Ohio, who still sur- 
vives him. 

Dr. Scott was at London for several years from about 1820 

While here, he married a Mrs. Gregory, from Oldtowu, Ohio. Dr. 

Eastman, Mrs. Aquilla Toland thinks, was here prior to her marriage, and 
probably as early as 1820. Dr. Seeley Waite located at London as early as 
1820. Mrs. Toland and William Warner remember him as an elegant gen- 
tleman. He married Miss Clara Phifer, sister of George Phifer. His 
widow married Lewis Crane, and,* after his death, she married William 
Vance, of Champaign County, Ohio, brother to ex-Gov. Vance, of Ohio. 

Dr. Waite died in Springfield, Ohio, in about 1822. Dr. Gage came 

to London in about 1820, but lived only about thiee years. Dr. Robert 
Martin, a brother of Dr. Joshua Martin, of Xenia, located here about 1822. 

Dr. Raiff, a German, located at London in about 1823. He was 

an eccentric, fiery, impetuous, but educated physician. Many anecdotes 
characteristic of the man are still extant. Gabriel Prugh, of Somerford, 
Ohio, says that he rode like a whirlwind. It is said of him that one Dela- 
shmutt, down on the Glade, once sent him a formula after which he wanted 
him to make him some pills. The Doctor flew into a passion and said: 
" Cot tarn him! Vat's dat? Some bills? He no dink I un'erschtan how 
to make bills! I makes him bills! I show 'im! " The pills were 
sent, and Delashmutt lived just two hours. He had carried Schuler Mc- 
Donald through the milk-sickness. When convalescent, he cautioned him 
repeatedly about guarding his appetite. He was sent for in great haste, 
ami went and found his patient dead. He ascertained that death had been 
caused by the immoderate indulgence of the appetite on a plate of bacon 
and cabbage. He lost his temper again, and. going to the corpse, he caught 
it by the nose, and, tweaking it violently, he said: " You rat cabbitch, ha! 
Cot tarn you! eat cabbitch again mit bacon, will you, as much as you blease 
now! " and, mounting his horse, was off like a rocket. 

Dr. John Warner, twin brother of William Warner, ex-Sheriff of the 
county, located here for a time in about 1825. He subsequently went West, 
and died at Pekin, 111. Dr. Craig was also here for awhile in about L825. 
Dr. Grover was also here about 1825. Dr. Joseph Anthony, brother to old 
Gen. Charles Anthony, of Springfield, Ohio, came to London in about 
L83] or L832. He was a lame man. but large, portly and prepossessing. 
He is remembered best, however, by his having a printing press, upon which 
he printed sacred hymns and such like literature as was in demand. Dr. 
Herrirnan came here in about 1834. He married a Mis> Mitten, some- 
where beyond Jefferson, in the Darby country. Dr. David J. Mauls 
by. born in Fredericktown, Md.. came in about l^'."): pract iced here until 
about 1S42 or L843, and returned to .Maryland. He became quite irregular 
in his habits, but was a good practitioner when not in his cups. Dr. Dennis 
Warner was a pupil of his for awhile. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 433 

Dr. Dennis Warner, son of William and Snsan (Matthews) Warner, 
bom in Union Township, Madison Co.. Ohio. May 19, 1818. Commenced 
the study of medicine in 1838, under Dr. David J. Maulsby, and afterward 
with Dr. Aquilla Toland. Commenced the practice of medicine, but grad- 
iiated M. D. at Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 2, 1847. 
He was married. November 10, 1847, to Miss Mary Chenoweth, daughter of 
John F. anil Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth. born in Madison County. 
Ohio. October 10, 1829. Dr. James M. P. Baskerville, of Range Town- 
ship, studied medicine, but did not practice to any extent. He was schol- 
arly, and devoted to the dead languages and the exact sciences. Read med- 
icine with Dr. A. Toland, of London, Ohio. Dr. Alfred Jones practiced 
here at one time. Dr. Enoch Thomas, an eclectic, was a man of more than 
ordinary ability. About 1842, was in Cleveland, Ohio, the last I knew of 
him. Dr. Lewis was here about 1842. Dr. Jehial Gregory came in about 
1840 (vide Midway). 

Dr. William A. Strain, son of John C. and Margaret Strain, born in 
L813, in Greenfield, Ohio, studied medicine with Dr. McGarry, of Green- 
field Ohio. Located at Mt. Sterling, Madison Co., Ohio, about 1S37. 
Came to London about 1840, where he remained until 1865, when he moved 
to Greenfield, Highland Co. , Ohio, the place of his birth. He graduated at 
Starling. Medical College in the class of 1852. He married, shortly after 
commencing practice, Miss Mary G. McMillen, daughter of William Mc- 
Millen, of Greenfield, Ohio. Dr. — — Thomas was here as a partner of Dr. 
William A. Strain in about 1859. He moved to California, this county, in 
about 1860, and died there in 1861. He was a partner, while there, of Dr. 
O. G. Field. He mai'ried. in about 18(H), a daughter of Sylvanus Bates, of 
this place. Dr. David E. McMillen, vide Mt. Sterling. Dr. James Allen 
married, first, Betsey Russel; second, Martha Reyburn; was more identified 
outside of the county, but was a highly respected gentleman and a good 
physician — much above the average. Read medicine with Dr. A. Toland. 
Moved to Darbyville, and returned to London in 1859. 

Dr. Toland Jones, born in Union Township, this county, January 10, 
L820, son of Thomas Jones, studied medicine with Dr. Aquilla Toland, of 
London. Ohio, and, after one course of lectures at Ohio Medical College, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, commenced practice of medicine in London. The title of 
M. D. was conferred upon him by the Cleveland Medical College about 
1858. He has been in practice at London for thirty-six years. He mar- 
ried. March 19, 1846, Miss Frances A. Toland, of London, Ohio, oldest 
daughter of Dr. Aquilla and Elizabeth (Lewis) Toland. He was Colonel of 
the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Regiment during the 
war. Dr. Nelson Strong Darling, vide Midway. Dr. A. J. Miles was a 
practicing physician before entering the army in 1862, as a private in the 
Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry from Darke County, Ohio; was the Hos- 
pital Steward of the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was discharged for 
disability, and came to London and commenced practice in 1864; went to 
Cincinnati, Ohio. He married, and lias been a college professor there for 
several years. Dr. D. W. Williams, born iu Granville, Ohio. July 15, 
L836, educated at Dennison University, Granville. Ohio, studied medicine 
with Dr. D. H Beckwith. Zanesville. Ohio. Graduated at Cleveland Ho- 
moeopathic College in L865, and came to London in the spring of that year, 
lb- was married to Miss Adelia Chrismau, youngest daughter of Jacob 
Chrisman, in the fall of 1866. Dr. William Morrow Beach lives two miles 
north of London: moved to the farm in 1865, after the war. since which 



434 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

time London has been his post office. Dr. John H. Holton practiced first 
at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Came to London in 1866. He was eminent in the 
profession. Could not obtain a sketch of his life. He died of pneumonia 
in about 1874. His death was caused by exposure and overwork. Hi- 
widow resides in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. D. B. Wren came from Mechanicss 
burg in 1864; did not remain long. 

Dr. A. H. Underwood was born April 21, 1836, in Brimfield, Portage 
Co., Ohio. Commenced the study of medicine with Dr. A. S. Weatherby, 
of Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio, in 1862. Graduated at the Cincinnati 
College of Medicine and Surgery in 1865. Commenced practice the same 
spring, in South Charleston, Clark Co. , Ohio, and, in February, 1866, came 
to London, where he still resides. Dr. C. G. Slagle located in London 
shortly after the war. Whilst here, he married Miss Emma Sprung, daugh- 
ter of the long-time and veteran editor of the London Chronicle. He moved 
to Greenfield, Ohio, in about 1868. He is now in Minnesota, and is an as- 
sociate editor of the Northwest Medical Journal. Dr. James T. Houston 
was born in 1816, on a farm four miles east of Springfield, Ohio. Com- 
menced the study of medicine in 1833, with his brother, Dr. Bobert Hous- 
ton, and Dr. Bradbery, of South Charleston, Ohio. At the session of 1837 
-38, attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College, known 
as " Drake's School. " The faculty consisted of seven Professors — Drake, 
Gross, Parker, Harrison, McDowell, Bievs and Bodgers. Among his class- 
mates were Carey A. Trimble, John Dawson, Samuel Mitchell Smith, Davis. 
Kincaid, and Brown. He commenced practice with his brother, Bobert 
Houston, of South Charleston, in 1838. In 1840, he removed to Jefferson- 
ville, Fayette Co., Ohio, where he practiced for fifteen years, and then 
removed to Jamestown, Greene Co. , Ohio, where he practiced fifteen years, 
making thirty-one years of continuous professional labor, nearly twenty of 
which was over mud roads and on horseback. He graduated at Starling 
Medical College in 1857, and came to London in 1869. In 1838, he was 
commissioned by Gov. Vance, of Ohio, as Brigade Surgeon of Militia of 
Clark County, Ohio. He was married, in 1844, to a daughter of Capt. 
William Palmer, of Fayette County, Ohio. 

Dr. James B. Sprague was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., 
Ohio. He was educated in part at an academy of which Chandler Bobins 
was Superintendent. Was a pupil of Dr. Bobert Bogers, of Springfield, 
Ohio. Graduated at Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, March, 1851. Has 
practiced at Vienna Cross- Boads and Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, and 
came to London January 9, 1871. He was in the army three years as the 
Assistant Surgeon of the Twenty- seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry Begi- 
ment. He was married, November 8, 1843, to Miss Sarah Chamberlin, 
youngest daughter of Isaac Chamberlin. 

Dr. Henry J. Sharp was born March 2, 1845, in Gallia County, Ohio. 
Educated at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. Was a pupil of 
Prof. John W. Hamilton, of Columbus, Ohio. Graduated at Starling Med- 
ical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1871, and came to London in October of 
same year. He was married, April, 1872. to Miss Catherine E. Dooris, of 

Zanesville, Ohio. Dr. Booney was in partnership with Dr. J. B. 

Sprague in Vienua, and was with him here, also, for about a year. Was 
an M. D., and also an A. M. Was very bright. He is at present in the 
West, I think at Springfield, 111. Dr. D. A. Morse, a " vade mecum " in 
medicine, now at Oxford, Ohio, superintending Lunatic Asylum. Has been 
a Professor in different medical colleges. His specialty is nervous diseases. 




-^ /r,^C~ r 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 437 

He is author of several works on medicine, some of which have been re- 
printed in Germany. 

Dr. A. J. Strain was born in Greenfield. Highland Co.. Ohio, January 
3, L845. Was a pupil of William A. Strain, his uncle. Graduated at Mi- 
ami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, March, 1873. Came to London in 
L876. He was married, January 7, 1880, to Mary, daughter of Washington 
Wilson, Springfield, Ohio. Dr. Clifton S. Morse, son of Nathan and Ame- 
lia (Calliver) Morse, was born at Amity, Madison Co., Ohio, July 28, 1857. 
He graduated at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, 1879; located in 
London the same spring, and moved to Creston, Iowa, in 1882 He married 
Miss Emma McDonald, daughter of J. B. McDonald, of Union Township. 
Dr. Addison Piatt King was born in Marion County, Ohio, in 1847. Grad- 
uated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, in 1878. He 
was married, in July, 1881, to Miss Mary Smith, of Mansfield, Ohio, daugh- 
ter of E. W. Smith, a clergyman. Both were drowned by the overturning 
of a skiff in a storm, on Lake Chautauqua, New York, the summer f ol low- 
ing their marriage. The news produced a most profound sensation in Lon- 
don, where he had been residing for about two years. He was not a prac- 
titioner, but was a member of the drug firm of Robinson & King. He 
joined the Ohio State Medical Society at the session of 1881, in June, at 
Columbus, Ohio. 

Dr. Melville M. Mofntt was born in Orville, Wayne Co., Ohio, Novem- 
ber 15, 1857; educated at Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio; studied 
medicine with Drs. Bayer & Kirkland, Massillon, Ohio, and afterward with 
Prof. A. O. Blair. Graduated at Homoeopathic Hospital College, Cleve- 
land, Ohio, March 8, 1882. While in college, was Physician in charge of 
News-boys' and Boot-blacks' Home, and also an Acting Assistant Physician 
in the county jail of Cuyahoga County for one year. Holds at present, at 
this point, the Surgery of the I. B. & W. R. R. He married, February 17, 
1881, Miss Flora N. Henderson, daughter of H. T. and M. A. Henderson, 
of Westerville, Ohio. Dr. A. J. Kepler was born in Dayton, Ohio, July 22, 
1852. Read medicine with Dr. G. W. Dickey, of Eaton, Ohio. Graduat- 
ed at Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 6, 1882. Practiced 
with Dr. Dickey, his preceptor, at Eaton, Ohio, until in October, 1882, and 
then moved to London, Ohio. He married, March 3, 1873, Rosannah 
Dafler, of Dayton, Ohio. 

PLAIN CITY. 

Drs. Hill and .Tappan were the first resident physicians of Darby 
Township. They were Eastern men — probably from the State of Vermont. 
But little is known respecting them. " Th«> deep damnation of their tak- 
ing-off" was for robbing a grave of the body of a squaw for the purpose of 
dissecting. This excised the resident Indians to a high degree, and, as the 
act also excited the indignation of many of the white citizens, they came to 
the conclusion that, under the circumstances, " discretion would be the bet- 
ter part of valoi'," and accordingly their leaving was somewhat precipitate. 
Their location was probably near where Plain City now is. 

Dr. Isaac Bigelow. son of Dr. Israel Bigelow, was born August 25, 
1 797, near Balston Spa. Saratoga Co., N. Y. At the age of seventeen, in 
tin- year L814, he came on foot from Center County. Penn. . to make a pay- 
ment for his father on a land purchase from his uncle, Isaac, the land be- 
ing that where Plain City now stands. Returning to Pennsylvania, he 
studied medicine with his father. Dr. Israel Bigelow, and in 1817 returned 



4.38 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

to Ohio and located on Trickle's Creek, in Champaign County. He re- 
mained there one year, and in 1818 came to Darby Township, Madison 
County, and laid out the town of Westminster. This name was afterward 
changed to that of Pleasant Valley, but in 1872, after his death, the citizens 
petitioned their Representative in the Legislature — William Morrow Beach 
— for an act to- change the name to Plain City. It was done. The reason 
therefor was the fact that there were four or five towns in Ohio by the name 
of Pleasant Valley, and perishable merchandise, shipped by railroad, was 
often sent wrong, and became a loss to the receiver before reaching its 
proper destination. In about 1828. after his father came on and located 
for practice, Dr. Isaac went out of practice and became a general trader. 
From September 23, 1847, until September 23, 1849, I was an inmate of 
his household, and, during all that time, I found him diligent, persevering 
and active in all his enterprises. He had kept a hotel and store on the 
southeast corner of Main and Chillicothe streets until after the year 1838, 
when he sold out to Samuel O. Weatherington. He built the large brick 
dwelling house on the northwest corner of the same streets, now occupied 
by Mooney Bros., in about 1842. He was Mayor of Pleasant Valley at one 
time, and was Postmaster during Polk's administration. He married, July 
17, 1815, Miss Polly Bigelow, daughter of Isaac and Polly Bigelow, who 
then lived where Plain City now stands. He died in Pleasant Valley, 
Ohio, April 10, 1857, of pneumonia. 

Dr. Israel Bigelow, father of the preceding, was born August 21, 1774. 
in Dummei'ston, Windham Co., Vt. His father was Rev. Isaac Bigelow, a 
Revolutionary soldier, and his grandfather was Isaac Bigelow, of the prov- 
ince of Maine. At the age of about eighteen, or in 1792, he became a pu- 
pil of Dr. White, of Schenectady. State of New York. He practiced at 
Balston Spa, N. Y., until 1812, when he moved to Center County, Penn. 
In 1823, he moved to New Philadelphia, Ohio, and in 1828 to Pleasant 
Valley, Ohio, where lie remained until his death. He was very justly emi- 
nent in his profession, both as physician and surgeon. As a surgeon, he 
was many years in advance of any other surgeon of the county. He oper- 
ated in this county for vesical calculi by the lateral operation; removed the 
tibia by resection (on Brainard Hager); removed the entire breast for can- 
cer (Mrs. Zenas Hutchison, Dublin); and performed many other important 
operations. He married, first. Miss Eunice Kathron, daughter of Daniel 
Kathron, of Balston Spa, N. Y., born August 23. 1771. early in the year 
1794. He married, second. Miss Clippiner; and third, Mary Brown, the 
mother of Diana. Eosea I). and Chamberlain B. Bigelow. He died of ves- 
ical calculi, at his home in Pleasant Valley, Ohio, May 28, L838, aged sixty 
four. 

Dr. Daniel K Bigelow, son of Dr. Israel, was born in ISalston Spa, 
N. Y., March 22. L801 Studied medicine with his father, and commenced 
practice with his brother, Dr. Lebbens Bigelow. at Morris Cross-Roads, 
Fayette Co., Penn. In L823, i lt . moved to Adamsburg. Westmoreland Co. , 
Penn.. where he remained until L831, when he came to Ohio and settled on 
the farm near Pleasant Valley where he afterward died. I know him well 
during the years of IS 17, L848 and L849, and I can not. recall the time that 
I ever saw him idle. His charges were ridiculously low, but he accumu- 
lated a fair estate, continuing in active practice up to the time of his death. 
He married, February 7, L822, Miss Lydia Custer, of Georges Township. 
Fayette Co.. Penn. She was the daughter of George and Catherine (Leath- 
erman) Custer, and was born April 24, L826, and died at her home, near 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 439 

Pleasant Valley, Ohio, November 14, 1854. of strangulated hernia. He 
died at his home, near Pleasant Valley, on the 10th day of November. 1850, 
of diabetes, aged fifty years. 

Dr. William F. King was raised out on the Darby Plains. He was a 
brother of Joseph, Benjamin and Sarah King. He studied medicine with 
Dr. Israel Bigelow, of Pleasant Valley, Ohio. I remember him and Kil- 
bourne Beach as Marshals of the Day one Fourth of July, and they both 
impressed me as being particularly handsome, graceful, courtly and distingue. 
Ho practiced in conjunction with Dr. Israel Bigelow, he attending mostly 
to the visiting of patients, and the old Doctor to the office business. 
He married Miss Diana, daughter of Dr. Israel and Polly (Brown) Bigelow, 
and died not many years afterward, at Pleasant Valley. 

Dr. Fitch, a large, handsome, elegant- looking gentleman, was 

there about 1842. It is possible, however, that he was not as elegant as he 
appeared He compounded a nostrum that met with a large and ready sale 
as an ague specific, that he called " the devil's toe-nail." 

Dr. James Sidney Skinner, about 1842, vide Amity. 

Dr. Willis Hix Twiford, son of Rev. Clement Twiford, born and raised 
in Ross County, Ohio. Studied with Dr. J. S. Skinner, and commenced 
practice in Pleasant Valley about 1842. Moved to Union City, Ind., in 
about 1853. Was a Surgeon of an Indiana regiment during the war. Is 
now living in Minnesota, where he went directly after the war. Is a mem- 
ber of the American Medical Association. He married Miss Nancy Dominy, 
daughter of Jeremiah Dominy, of Darby Township, Madison Co., Ohio, 
about the time he commenced his professional life. 

Dr. Jeremiah Converse was born in Darby Township, Madison Co., 
Ohio, in the year 1822; studied medicine with Dr. Marshall P. Converse, 
and commenced practice at Liverpool in 1846. Graduated at Starling Med- 
ical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1848. Located on the old homestead in 
Darby Township, of which he became the owner, three miles from Plain 
City, in 1847, where he still remains. He married Miss";Sarah Hemenway, 
daughter of Farmery Hemenway. 

Dr. James L. McCampbell located in Pleasant Valley in about 1846. 
He was a brother to the McCampbolls north of town— Andrew, Samuel, and 
the family in and about New California. He was well qualified for the pro 
fession, and was active aud diligent in business. He would have been a 
tall man, but rickets in his childhood had made him very short in the 
body. He had an immense practice in 1818 and 1849, and led the profes- 
sion in the north part of the county. He died of typhoid fever, unmarried, 
in about 1850. 

Dr. Joel N. Converse, son of Lothrop, was born and raised in Darby 
Township. His mother married for her second husband Mr. Wheeler, who 
lived and died on the south end of what is now' the Solomon Cary farm. 
He studied medicine, for awhile at least, at Jefferson, and, marry 
ing, he settled at Beachtown, in Union County, Ohio. In about 1851, he 
came to Pleasant Valley, and in about 1853 moved to Union City. Ind. . 
after which time until now he has been identified with railroad men. and 
with railroad enterprises. He resides in Lincoln, Neb. He married Miss 
Ann Eliza Phillips, daughter of Seth Phillips, of Darby Township. 

Dr. John E. McCune is " native and to the manor born/' He was born 
and raised and has always lived near the village. He left the farm and was 
for a time clerk for George A. Hill & Co.. but left that lucrative calling to 
commence the study of medicine with Dr. James L. McCampbell. He fit- 



440 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ted himself very thoroughly for the profession, and then, like any other 
sensible young man when entering upon the profession, he married a sen- 
sible young woman, and then put out his sign. His history, as a boy, a 
clerk, a medical student, practitioner, druggist and citizen, is a part of the 
history of Westminster, of Pleasant Valley and of Plain City. Dr. Charles 
McCloud, vide Amity. 

Dr. William Inskeep Ballinger, oldest son of Joshua and Delilah (Ins- 
keep) Ballinger, was born in Logan County, Ohio, October, 1828, and was 
for three years, from 1848, a student at the old Marysville Academy in 
Union County, Ohio, under the super intendency of Rev. Sterritt, Rev. Joseph 
D. Smith and Hon. James W. Robinson. In September, 1860, he entered 
the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, for three years, and, in the 
fall of 1853, entered as a pupil the office of Dr. David W. Henderson, 
Marysville, Ohio. He took one course of lectures at Starling Medical Col- 
lege, session of 1854-55, and one at Cleveland Medical College, Cleve- 
land, Ohio, at the session of 1855-56, where he was graduated M. D. April 
9, 1856. He settled in Pleasant Valley the same year, and formed a part- 
nership with Dr. John N. Beach, and has been engaged in his profession to 
some extent since that date. In conjunction with Richard Woodruff, he 
built the flouring-mill in 1873. He married, February 18, 1857, Miss Ma- 
tilda, daughter of John and Eliza (Mark) Taylor, of Darby Township. 

Dr. Thomas Jefferson Haynes, son of J. B. W. Haynes, of Richwood, 
Union Co., Ohio, was a graduate in medicine. Practiced for a few years in 
New California, Union Co., Ohio, near which he was married to Miss Mitch- 
ell, daughter of Jesse Mitchell. He moved to Pleasant Valley in about 
1860, and was Captain of Company G, Seventeenth Regiment, three-months 
men. He died there in 1863, of erysipelas of the throat. He was well read 
up in his profession, and was a man of much more than ordinary ability. 

Dr. Salathiel Ewing is a son of James M. and a grandson of James 
Ewing, the first white settler of what is now Union County, Ohio. He has 
always been counted among our best practitioners. He and Dr. M. J. Jen- 
kins were the prime movers in the organization of our county medical asso- 
ciation, of which he became the first President. He is also a^meinber of 
the State Medical Society. 

Dr. A. Sells was raised near Dublin, Ohio. I have no history of him, 
but remember him well. He married Miss Angalia Halm, of Columbus, 
Ohio. His widow resides in Columbus. 

Dr. A. Haner has been a practitioner in Plain City for several years. 
He is an active business man, and stands well in the profession. 

Dr. A. Carpenter was for a few years located at Amity. I regret that 
he declined a sketch for use in this connection. He married Miss Lucy 
Jane, daughter of Asa and Thankful Converse. 

Dr. M. J. Jenkins, second son of Rev. Thomas and Anne Jenkins, was 
born in Aleramman, South Wales, November 15, 1853, at which place and 
neighboring towns the first ten years of his life were spent. In 1864, he 
came to America with his father, on temporary business, but his father, be- 
coming infatuated with the country, left his son in charge of friends at 
Johnstown, Penn. , while he i-eturned to Europe for the balance of his fam- 
ily. Returning to America, his father became the pastor for seven years of 
the Welsh Congregational Church at Johnstown, Penn., when he removed 
to Radnor, Delaware Co., Ohio, where he became pastor of the same de- 
nomination for ten years, after which he removed to Sharon. Penn., and 
thence, in May, ISM. to Waterville, Oneida Co., N. Y. In 1873, M. J. 



HISTORY Otf MADISON COUNTY. 441 

Jenkins entered Ohio Wesleyan University, as a pupil, where he remained 
for th ree years, having previously prepared himself for college in the high 
schoo Is of Johnstown, Penn., and Radnor, Ohio. After leaving Delaware, 
he entered the office of Dr. P. H. Bauer, at Richwood, Ohio. Graduated 
at Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 1, 1878, and located at 
Plain City May 1 of same year. Dr. Jenkins was active in organizing the 
Madison County Medical Society, and was the first permanent Secretary. 
He was married, December 24, 1879, to Miss May Beem, of Richwood, 
Ohio, a cultured lady and oldest daughter of Owen and Ellen Beem. 

Dr. F. M. Mattoon was born June 21, 1842, in Genoa, Delaware Co., 
Ohio; educated at Central College, Ohio. Commenced the study of medi- 
cine in July, 1869, under Dr. Andrus, of Westerville, Ohio, and attended 
a course of lectures at Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1870, 
but remained a pupil under Dr. Andrus until the spring of 1872, when he 
entered the office of Dr. Davis W. Halderman, Columbus, Ohio, where he 
remained until graduated M. D. , at Starling Medical College, February 23, 
1873. He located in Belle Center, Logan Co., Ohio, in April, 1873. Re- 
mained three years, and removed to Piqua, Ohio, and in 1877 came to the 
Darby Plains, stopping at Unionville Center for three years, and, in April, 
1880, came to Plain City. He married, July 29, 1875, Miss Miriam R. 
Lecky, of Millersburg, Ohio, a graduate in the class of 1867 of the Ohio 
"Wesley an Female College, Delaware, Ohio. 

JEFFERSON. 

Dr. David Wilson was born in Washington County, Penn., April 20, 
1789. He did not study medicine until past middle life. Was a pupil of 
Dr. Robert Houston, of South Charleston, Ohio. Commenced practice at 
West Jefferson, Ohio, December 1, 1831, and continued in active practice 
about twenty-five years. He died of apoplexy, at his home in Jefferson, 
July 15, 1877, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. 

Dr. Jennet Stutson was born in Scituate, Mass., September 7, 1807. 
Was a pupil of Dr. John A. Turner, of Zanesville, Ohio. In the winter of 
1836-37, he attended one course of lectures at Ohio Medical College, Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and came directly to Jefferson from the college, where he 
resided until his death, September 23, 1861, aged fifty-eight years. 

Dr. Ezra Bliss had practiced in Vershire, Vt., for several years. Was 
twice married, having twelve children by his first wife, and four by his sec- 
ond, of whom Webb Bliss was the youngest. He came to Jefferson in about 
1846, and died there in about 1852. 

Dr. John McCullough was born January 10, 1805, in Washington 
County, Penn.; studied medicine in Eastern Ohio, and afterward practiced 
medicine for several years in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Moved to Jeffer- 
son, Ohio, in 1848, where he continued to practice until about 1S72, when 
age and failing health compelled him to desist. He was married in 1821 
to Miss Abba Brower and died December 26, 1880, in Springfield, Ohio. 

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Crabb, son of Rev. Henderson and Jemima 
(Downing) Crabb, was born in Amity. Madison Co., Ohio; studied with Dr. 
Jennet Stutson, of Jefferson, Ohio; graduated at Starling Medical 
College, and practiced a few years after 1851) in this place, and removed 
to South Charleston, Ohio, and afterward to Washington. Iowa. He was 
a Colonel in the Union army, and was taken prisoner in his first battle — 
that of Belmont, Mo. Resides in Lincoln. Neb. 



442 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Dr. Johnson, from about ]851 to 1854, was a popular physician, 

and died in Jefferson about 1854. 

Dr. D. W. Seal, Dr. Archer and Dr. Davis, all eclectics, practiced 
there for a short time from about 1852. I remember Dr. Seal personally. 
I called at his house in about November, 1855 or 1856. He impressed me 
as a man of ability and general intelligence. He was probably about thirty 
years of age. He was tall, with an intellectual countenance, high forehead, 
and evidently a cultured gentleman. He had a wife and some small chil- 
dren, but he died not long after my visit, of consumption. 

Dr. Thomas W. Forshee practiced there about 1854 to 1857. He was a 
graduate in medicine, and moved to Amity, from which place he went into 
the army as an officer in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry. He resigned during the 
war, and became an Assistant Surgeon to some regiment. He is living in 
Illinois. 

Dr. John Colliver was born in Kentucky December 6, 1811; came to 
Ohio as early as 1840. In 1812, he lived over in the Darby Plains, on one 
of James Wilson's farms. It is said of him that he neglected to try to save 
his large crop of hemp that he had sown, but that he would sit down on the 
hearth in his log cabin, with his back to the jamb, and alternate until the 
" wee sma' hours " of night between his book and an effort to keep the fag- 
gots burning brightly enough to see to read. He subsequently studied 
medicine with Dr. Daniel Bell, of Somerford Township, this county, and 
located at Mechanicsburg, where he practiced for several years. He 
moved to Amity in about 1852, and wast here in 1856, when the small-pox 
got hold of his family. One daughter died, and the entire family became 
victims to the disease. In 1857, he moved to La Fayette, this county, and 
in 1858 to Jefferson, Ohio. Whilst he was in La Fayette, I met him 
almost daily, and remember him as a genial old gentleman, and honorable 
as a colleague in the profession. He became the most eminent eclectic 
physician who has ever resided in the county. He died of pneumonia, at 
his home in Jefferson, Ohio, June 10, 1865. He married, February 5, 
1832, in Kentucky, Miss Matilda Kobinson. 

Dr. John Noble Beach was born at Amity, Madison Co. , Ohio, January 
29, 1820. Was the pupil of Dr. Charles McCloud, and graduated at Star- 
ling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, February 25, .1850. After a few- 
years of practice at Unionville Center and Plain City, Ohio, he removed to 
Jefferson, Ohio, August 8, 1858, where he has since resided continu- 
ously, with the exception of the three years spent in the army. He married, 
June 1, 1858, Eliza J. Snyder, of Champaign County, Ohio. 

Dr. Homer Summerfield Quinn, son of Rev. Isaac and Cynthia (Wit- 
ten) Quinn, was born February 28, 1840. He was a pupil of Dr. John H. 
Quinn, of Clinton County, Ohio. Graduated at Medical College of Ohio, 
in the class of 1862, and located at Jefferson in the same year. He 
was elected by the Democratic party to the State Legislature in the fall of 
1877. He married Miss Bettie Putnam, of Jefferson, Ohio, in 1870, and 
has continued in successful practice since locating at this point. 

Dr. Jefferson T. Colliver was born in Kentucky January 19, 1841. He 
is ,i son of the late Dr. John and Matilda (Robinson) Colliver. He grad- 
uated at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 1, 1864. 
He located in Jefferson, and, after the death of his father, in the year 
following, succeeded to his large and lucrative practice, and still resides 
there. He married, in November, 1860, Miss Frances Adams, of Clinton, 111. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 443 

Dr. Charles Snyder was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 12, 
1848. Was a pupil of Dr. J. N. Beach, and received the degree of M. D. 
from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, March 4, 1870. He was ap- 
pointed Resident Physician to the Ohio Penitentiary after his graduation, 
which position he resigned, and located in Jefferson, Ohio, in 1872, 
where he yet resides. Dr. Horatio Seymour Downs was born in Urbana, 
Ohio, November 6, 1854; is a grandson of the late Dr. John Colliver. He 
graduated M. D. at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 
3, 1879, and commenced practice in Jefferson, Ohio, in June, 1880. He 
married, May -I, 1880, Miss Lizzie Bowen, 

MT. STERLING. 

Dr. Jehiel Gregory, vide Midway. 

Dr. Seeds, the second, if not the first, physician at Mt. Sterling. 

was an Englishman. He claimed to have been a graduate of Oxford, En- 
gland. He was at least a scholarly man. David Haskell thinks he was 
there as early as 1833. He married, while there, a daughter of Robert 
Abernathy, of Jamestown, Greene Co., Ohio. He moved to Wooster, "Wayne 
Co., Ohio, and shortly afterward left that city. 

Dr. William McClintick located in Mt. Sterling in 1840, vide Danville. 

Dr. Samuel McClintick was born February 1, 1821, in Pickaway Coun- 
ty, Ohio. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth McClintick. His father 
was a native of Ireland, and his mother of Pennsylvania. He commenced 
the study of medicine in 1841, under his brother, William, and J. F. Wil- 
son, of New Holland, Pickaway Co., Ohio. He attended a course of lect- 
ures at Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, during the session of 1844-45. 
and located in Mt. Sterling in April, 1845, where he still resides. He mar- 
ried, May 20, 1846, Miss Louisa C. Kauffelt. 

Dr. Elam Bodman was in Mt. Sterling for several years, and was one 
of the leading physicians. In about 1850, he bought a farm up in the Rea 
settlement, and probably retired from the profession. 

Dr. David E. McMillen located at Midway in 1847. He is a physician 
of an extensive accpiaintance. and long identified with the interests of the 
county, but I was unable to obtain a personal sketch of his life. 

Dr. John H. Holton was an educated physician and a good practition- 
er. His wife's maiden name was Stimmel. He located at Mt. Sterling in 
about 1860, and moved to London, Ohio, in about 1865, where he died of 
pneumonia. 

Dr. E. B. Pratt has been in Mt. Sterling several years. He is a mem- 
ber of the Madison County Medical Association, and has been its President. 
He is also a member of the Ohio State Medical Society. 

Dr. W. H. Emory is also a member of the Madison County Medical 
Association, as well as that of the State Medical Society. 

AMITY. 

Dr. Lorenzo Beach, son of Abel and Elizabeth (Kilbourne) Beach, was 
born at New Haven, Vt, November 7, 1798. He came to Ohio in the fall 
of 1813, and joined his brother Uri, who had preceded him one year, at 
Worthington. Ohio. He availed himself of such opportunities as Worth, - 
ington afforded for improving his education, and in about 1816 or 1817 he 
commenced the study of medicine at Worthington, Ohio, and afterward went 
to Erbana." Ohio, and took a course of instruction from Dr. Carter, of that 
place. He was one of a class of ten students under Carter, and, upon the 



444 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

completion of the course, lie gave them a " certificate " of the fact. My 
recollection of the matter, as I have heard it in boyhood, was that James 
Comstock, who was afterward his colleague or partner in business, and also 
Dr. Mosgrove, of Urbana, were of this "class." He located where Amity 
now stands, and where Uri, my father, had preceded him, in about 1820, 
when in his twenty- second year. The amount of professional business 
transacted in those days, when physicians were scarce, was only limited by 
their capacity to labor; and they traveled over, on horseback, a territory 
extending often to fifteen and twenty miles in all directions. 

For some years after about 1833, Dr. Beach was the leading merchant 
in the north part of the county, and subsequently began to place his capital 
in real estate. For several years he was the largest landholder aDd the 
heaviest trader in live stock, and the heaviest capitalist that Darby Town- 
ship had ever had. In 1853, when lands in the north part of the county 
were worth from $30 to $40 per acre, he began to sell out, and, going to 
IlliDois, he invested his money in land warrants that were then abundant 
in the market, at 80 cents an acre, and located several thousand acres of 
land in McLean, Ford, Kankakee and Livingston Counties. 

He married Miss Edith Bull, of Franklin County, Ohio, near Worthiug- 
ton, about the time he commenced the practice of medicine. He was married 
again, after the death of his first wife, to a widow woman, in Fairbury, 111., 
who is still living there. He died at his home, in Fairbury, 111., in August, 
1878, aged eighty. 

Dr. James Comstock located at Amity about the same time that Dr. Lo- 
renzo Beach did. I have always heard him well spoken of. He was a 
brother, I think, to Buckley Comstock, who for many years was a leading 
business man of Columbus, Ohio, and an uncle to the present Comstock, 
who is the proprietor of Comstock's Opera House. He was a resident of 
Jamestown,. Greene Co., Ohio, in 1853, and I had correspondence with him 
at that date, respecting his opinion of the cause of the excessive malarial 
troubles during the years 1822-23-24. I think he died at Jamestown 
within the last ten years. 

Dr. Charles McCloud was probably about the third physician at Amity. 
He was born in Vermont February 2, 1808, and moved with his father in 
his youth to Delaware County, Ohio. He studied medicine with Dr. Alpheus 
Bigelow, of Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio. He settled in Amity about 1833. 
when Amity was about three years old. For a few years, he taught winter 
schools, also in Amity. But as soon as the people began to understand 
him, his practice began to increase, and for several years he was a very 
hard-working man in his profession. He was our family physician for 
more than twenty years, and. he had the most implicit trust anil faith and 
respect of the entire family. In 1850, he was the Whig member from Mad- 
ison County in the Ohio Legislature, and was elected a member of the Ohio 
Constitutional Convention in 1850. During the first year of my student 
life (1851), I was with him almost daily, discussing matters relating to 
my studies; but when I came to matriculate, 1 gave the name of 
James F. Boal as my preceptor, when in point of fact I was more in- 
debted for instruction to Dr. Charles McCloud. He married Miss Jane 
Carpenter, and died at Plain City. Ohio, of obstruction of the bowels, April 
1, 1861, aged fifty-three. 

Dr. James Sidney Skinner was an Eastern man, probably from the 
State of New York. He settled in Amity in about L840. He was a dap 
per, dilettante sort of a man. Whilst a student at Buffalo. X. V. . he so 



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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 447 

fascinated a daughter of one Judge Clarke that an elopement and a clandes- 
tine marriage was the result. Amity, I think, was his first location. His 
wife was a very accomplished lady. Their history was known at Amity, and 
it was thought she began to regret the folly of her conduct. She was much 
admired by all classes of people there, and her influence had much to do in 
refining the society by which she was surrounded. It was a hard struggle 
with her husband to make a respectable living. He did not succeed in be- 
coming a popular practitioner. She sickened and died, and her body was 
started for Buffalo, by the way of Cleveland, in a two-horse wagon. Two 
days after it had left, her father, Judge Clarke, came to Amity to see her, 
having been notified of her illness, having passed the body of his unfortu- 
nate child on the road. The Doctor afterward practiced at Plain City, 
Ohio, Columbus, Cincinnati, and then went to California. They had one 
child — Clarke Skinner. 

Dr. Ashbaw, a bright little man from over about Dublin, I think, was 
the next. He was badly marked with small -pox. He did not remain long. 

Dr. Davis was probably the next. He came from over about Dublin, 
I think. He stayed only a short time. The last I knew of him I 
stayed overnight at his house, at Cheney's Grove, McLean Co., 111. He 
was improving a farm and practicing medicine also. 

Dr. Abel W. Field, a New York State man, came to Madison County in 
about 1835, and settled over on the Darby Plains. He was a physician, 
and lived for several years two miles south of the late William D. Wilson's. 
He moved to Amity in about 1842, probably as early or earlier than the 
time of either Ashbaw or Davis. He generally had a fair practice, and was 
very popular in his manners. He was killed while returning from a pro- 
fessional call by being thrown from his sulky, on the 9th day of August, 
1851. He was the father of Dr. Archellaus Field, now a wealthy and 
prominent physician of Fort Des Moines, Iowa; of Dr. Orestes G. Field, of 
South Solon, this county, and of Capt. James Field, of Marysville, Ohio. 

Dr. James F. Boal was born and raised up on Big Darby, in the Mitch- 
ell settlement, near Milford, I think. He was a graduate of Starling 
Medical College, and had practiced at Canal Winchester, Ohio, before com- 
ing to Amity. He located there in about 1848. He was a creditable prac- 
titioner, and active in business. In about 1853, he bought up a drove of 
horses and moved to Illinois. He was a married man. 

Dr. Lucius Burr Carpenter, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, from 
about Galena, was a nephew of Mrs. Dr. Charles McCloud. Lived at Amity 
' several years as a clerk in McCloud' s store and as a general student. He 
taught school and studied medicine with his uncle, and had fairly entered 
upon a promising future when he fell a victim to Asiatic cholera during the 
epidemic of that year, 1850. He was attending the Stanton family over in 
the Plains, who had cholera, and, returning late, went to bed not very well, 
grow worse, and died before morning. He married Hester Mann, and left 
one child — Medora. 

Dr. Isaac Newton Hamilton, raised at Richwood, Union Co., Ohio, 
brother to ex- Congressman Cornelius Hamilton and Prof. John W. Hamilton, 
of Columbus, Ohio, remained from about 1852 to 1855, when he moved to 
Unionville Center, Union Co., Ohio, afterward to Milford Center, and then 
to Marysville, where he now resides. 

Dr. John Colliver, notice in Jefferson. 

Dr. Thomas W. Forshee, vide Jefferson. 

Dr. William H. Jewett, the present practicing physician at Amity, has 



448 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

been there for about ten years. He is a good physician and an exemplary 
gentleman, and I regret that I cannot give a more particular personal 
sketch, from lack of information. 



Dr. Jehial Gregory was probably the first resident physician of Mid- 
way. He located there in about 1833. He married Susan Hazle, of Lon- 
don, Ohio. Prior to marriage, he boarded at the hotel then kept by John 
M. Blue, father-in-law of John Dungan, of London, Ohio. He moved from 
Midway to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, in about 1835, and became the first resident 
physician there. He studied for the profession with Dr. Martin, of Bloom- 
ingburg, Fayette Co., Ohio. 

Dr. Clai-ke was the second physician at Midway, locating there in 
about 1835, where he remained about two years, when he went to London, 
the county seat, and boarded with Col. Lewis and practiced there for a 
short time, then moved to Michigan. 

Dr. Milton Lemen was probably the third resident physician. He was 
born March 1, 181'), in Range Township, Clark County, Ohio. He was a 
son of Judge John and Rebecca (Donelson) Lemen. Judge Lemen' s wife 
is said to have been an aunt to Gen. Andrew Jackson's wife. The Lemens 
were natives of Virginia and emigrated from Tennessee to Ohio. He stud- 
ied medicine with Dr Robert Houston, of South Charleston, Ohio, and lo- 
cated at Midway in 1843. He had an immense practice at Midway. He 
was a man of great energy, tall, wiry, restive, impetuous — a kind of steam- 
engine man. He was a good — an extra physician. In the fall of 1860, he 
was elected to the Ohio Legislature as an Independent Republican. He 
removed to London in 1802. and, in 1863, was appointed by President Lin- 
coln an Examining Surgeon for the counties of Madison, Clark, Greene 
and Franklin. He was attacked with paralysis in 1865, before his discharge 
from the service, and died at his home, in London, Ohio, April 24, 1879. 
He had led a very inactive life for the fourteen years preceding his death, 
owing to his paralytic condition. 

Dr. John W. Greene was at Midway in about 1844. He moved from 
there to Fairfield, Greene Co.. Obio. He married Miss Winans, of James- 
town, Greene Co., Ohio, sister to Judge James Winans. 

Dr. Nelson Strong Darling, a native of Massachusetts and a graduate 
of Starling Medical College, in February, 1853, located there in the same 
year. He subsequently married a daughter of Dr. Wetmore, of Worthing- 
ton, Ohio, and located for a few years at London, when he moved to Indi- 
ana. He was a bright, energetic little man, and successful in business. 
Efe was a brother of Mrs. R. L. Howards, whose husband was for many years 
the distinguished professor of surgery in Starling Medical College. 

Dr. Garrard was also a practitioner and druggist there for several 
years. 

Dr. Washington Atkinson was probably the next, practitioner. 

Dr. Orestes (I. Field was born in Canaan Township. Madison Couuty, 
Ohio, son of Dr. Abel YY. Field, for a number of years a practitioner at 
Amity, was a practitioner ai Midway for several years, having located there 
after the war. He was a graduate of Starling Medical College in about 
1858. At present, in South Solon, this county. 

Dr. D. A. Morse, now Superintendent of tbe Private Lunatic Asylum 
at Oxford, Ohio, was also a practitioner there, vide London. 

Dr. Seaton. also, but I can obtain no history of him. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 449 

Dr. A. Ogan, born August 4, 1841, in Greene County, Ohio, educated 
at the public schools, read medicine with Dr. C. H. Sparrh, of Jamestown, 
Greene Co., Ohio, graduated at Starling Medical College, Columbus. Ohio, 
in 1878, and located the same year in Midway. Was married, in Octo- 
ber, 1861, to Miss Z. 13. Owens, at Port William, Clinton Co., Ohio, 
daughter of Dr. William Owens, of Wilmington. Clinton Co., Ohio. 

Dr. J. Finle.y Kirkpatrick, son of James S. and Sarah A. Kirkpatrick, 
was born in Kosciusko County, Ind. , July 17, 1847; moved with his parents 
when young to Bloomington, III., and there received a liberal education. 
Read medicine in 1872 73, with Drs. Finley & McClelland, and attended 
lectures in 1874—75-76 in Keokuk, Iowa, graduating in the latter year. 
Practiced medicine in Paintersville and Jamestown, Greene Co., Ohio, and 
located in Midway October 13, 1877. He was married, in Mt. Sterling, 
Ohio, September 26, 1878, to Miss Kate Bonham, daughter of William J. 
and Letitia J. Bonham, of Midway, Madison Co., Ohio. 

LA FAYETTE. 

The first settled physician at La Fayette was Dr. Christian Anklin. He 
was a German and an educated gentleman, whose wife, Martha, an English 
woman, was a sister to the late Richard Cowling, of London, Ohio. He 
came on from the East — probably from Philadelphia, where he had married 
his wife only a few months before. He bought a lot at the first sale of 
town lots by auction, adjoining the present residence of Mrs. Ann M. Rod- 
gers, on the west side. He had a fine professional standing, and enjoyed, 
to a large extent, the confidence of the better class of people. After a few 
years spent in La Fayette, he moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he shortly 
after died. 

Dr. Hornbeck probably simceeded him. He married a daughter of 
Abraham and Elizabeth Simpson, of La Fayette. 

Dr. M. Valentine, a native of Ohio, came to La Fayette in about 1847, 
and stayed two years. He was a graduate of Starling Medical College. 
Leaving La Fayette, he moved to Royalton, Fairfield Co., Ohio, and subse- 
quently to Pulaski. Licking Co., Ohio, where he yet remains. One of his 
sons also graduated at Starling Medical College in about 1872. Valentine 
was unmarried when at La Fayette. 

Dr. Ransford Rodgers, a native of Vermont, sold his location at Royal - 
ton, Ohio, to Dr. Valentine, and was his successor at practice in La Fayette, 
where he located in 18U). Ho was a graduate in medicine, and had a good 
practice, but remained only a few years. 

Dr. Cheney was probably the next, and he must have located there as 
early as 1849. He was an eclectic. Ho had an extensive practice, but he 
moved to Iowa in 1855. 

Dr. William Morrow Beach, a native of Madison County, located there 
in September. L855. He had practiced two years previously at Unionville 
Center, Union Co., Ohio. He graduated at Starling Medical College, Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, in 1858. He remained at La Fayette, marrying there on the 
12th of June, 1860, until April. 1.862, when he went into the army as a 
Surgeon. Returning in July, ISC)"', immediately after his muster-out of the 
service, he located on a farm two miles west of La Fayette, on the London 
road, where he now lives, practicing his profession. 

Dr. John Colliver, vide Jefferson. 

Dr. Nathaniel J. Sawyer, youngest son of Nathaniel Sawyer, an early 
land speculator in Madison County, was born in Kentucky. He graduated 



450 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

at a Cincinnati medical college, and was one year thereafter an interne at 
one of the city hospitals. He subsequently went as physician on board an 
ocean vessel bound for Valparaiso, South America. Arriving in Valparaiso, 
he remained there engaged in his profession for two or three years. Upon 
his return to the United States, he improved his farmhouse on the National 
road, two miles east of La Fayette, brought a young bride from Kentucky 
there, built a nice office and commenced practice in about 1861. Shortly 
thereafter, he sold his farm to John Snyder, and moved to another one of 
his farms up in the Dunn settlement. He sold out and moved, in about 
1870, to Kentucky, where he now lives. 

Dr. Edward Granville Forshee, born in Clark County, Ohio, studied 
with Dr. W. M. Beach, of La Fayette, Ohio, and, with his brother, Thomas 
W. Forshee, at Amity, this county. Graduated in Cincinnati, Ohio, and 
located in Hilliards, Franklin Co., Ohio, for about three years, where he 
married; located in La Fayette about 1863, and, in about 1867, moved to Il- 
linois, where he is now living. 

Benjamin F. Bierbaugh, youngest son of Christopher Bierbaugh, born 
in La Fayette, Ohio, studied medicine with Dr. A. H Underwood, of London, 
Ohio; was at La Fayette daring the two last years of his student life; attend- 
ed one course of lectures at Starling Medical College, but died of pulmonary 
hemorrhage just before he was to have entered upon his last course of lect- 
ures previous to his graduation as M. D. He was a highly respected 
young man, and died universally lamented. 

Dr. B. F. Adams, from Mechanicsburg, Ohio, was there for a few 
months in the summer of 1881. 

Dr. W. F. Wallace, a native of New Hampshire, and formerly a peri- 
patetic schoolmaster of this county, located there in the spring of 1881, im- 
mediately after taking his degree of M. D. at Columbus Medical College. 
He left for New Hampshire in the fall of the same year. 

Dr. Sidney C. Teeters was born in Wayne County, Ohio, raised in 
Athens County, Ohio; married, first, Miss Margaret Gibson, of Meigs Coun- 
ty, Ohio, April II, 1857, and second, to Miss Esther M. Carpenter, of Meigs 
County, Ohio, June 2, 1880. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical Insti- 
tute, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1873. Practiced in Athens County, Ohio, for 
about fourteen years; in Vinton County, ten years, and located in La Fay- 
ette in the spring of 1882. 

SOMERFOBD. 

Dr. Daniel Wilson settled there in 1837. He was a botanic physician. 
He was probably the best known physician who has ever practiced there. 
He was a member of the German Baptist Church (Tunkors) and a Deacon 
among them. He occasionally preached for them, and conducted the exer- 
cises on funeral occasions. He died near there on the 27th of May, 1867. 
He was born in Kentucky June 5, 1801 

Dr. John Zimmerman, a quadroon Pottawatomie Indian, was the next. 
He had previously practiced in South Solon, this county. He located in 
Somerford in about IS 1-8. He was a Christian preacher, and organized the 
first Christian Church there. He afterward went to Liverpool, where he 
practiced for awhile, from about 1852. I knew him personally while he 
was living there. The boys over on the Little Darby called him Dr. 
" Rutabaga," on account of his being a "herb doctor." He was a good 
practitioner and an able preacher. 

Dr. William Adams read medicine with Dr. Enoch Thomas, of London, 
Ohio, in about 1844. Practiced in Somerford two or three years, and 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 451 

moved to Clinton, 111. Was a brother of Eli H. Adams, of Somerford 
Township. Dr. J. T. Colliver, of Jefferson, Ohio, married one of his 
daughters. 

Dr. Andrew Summers located there about 1848, but did not remain 
long. He moved West. 

Dr. Daniel Bell was there also for a time, and also a Dr. Ecord. 

Dr. J. H. Grahnn settled there in about 1863. and remained about one 
year, when he moved to South Charleston, Ohio. 

Dr. Edwin Guy Keifer, son of James and Deniza (Reed) Keifer, was 
born May 21, 1846, in Fairfield Township, Greene County, Ohio. He en- 
listed, August 15, 1862, in Company H, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio In- 
fantry, and was mustered out at the close of the war. He enjoyed the lux- 
ury of " sticking his legs under the mahogony " for one month at Libby 
Prison, Richmond, Va., Gen. Rasser having surprised the camp at Beverly, 
Va., by night, taking in nearly the entire command, his regiment having 
been changed to a cavalry command. He commenced the study of medicine 
under John W. Greene, of Fairfield, Ohio, and graduated an M. D. at the 
Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1871. He located in Som- 
erford in the spring of 1871, where he now lives. He married January 15, 
1868, Miss Lou Snediker, of Fairfield, Ohio. 

Dr. Milton C. Sprague, son of Dr. James B. Sprague, was born in 
Harmony Township, Clark County, Ohio, October 23, 1849; graduated at 
the Cincinnati Medical College in June, 1874. Practiced with his father 
in London, Ohio, until January, 1880, when he located at Somerford, Ohio. 
He married, August 20. 1874, Miss Alice C. Hurd, of Vienna, Clark Co., 
Ohio. 

LIVERPOOL. 

Dr. Jeremiah Curl, son of Thomas Curl, was born near Mechanicsburg, 
Ohio; studied medicine with Dr. Abner Cheney, of Mechanicsburg, and lo- 
cated in Liverpool about 1840. He afterward moved to Marysville, Ohio, 
where he became a prominent physician. 

Dr. Marshall Perry Converse located in Liverpool in 1846. In 1847, 
he received into partnership his cousin, Dr. Jeremiah Converse, then direct 
from his well earned honors as a graduate at Starling Medical College. 
They were partners for two years. Dr. M. P. Converse moved West and 
died in Champaign County, III., in 1856. He was a brother to Dr. George 
Converse, of Georgesville, Franklin Co., Ohio, who was the father of George 
L. Converse, M. C. 

Dr. John Zimmerman was there in about 1851. He was probably a 
son of the Zimmerman noticed in South Solon, and is probably the same 
man noticed in Danville, California and Somerford. 

Dr. Joseph C. Kalb was born and raised on a farm, near Canal Win- 
chester, Ohio; was a pupil under Dr. James F. Boal, of Canal Winchester 
and Amity, Ohio. Graduated at Starling Medical College in 1854; located 
at Liverpool the same year, and was Assistant Surgeon in the Fortieth Ohio 
Regiment. 

Dr. Andrew Sabin practiced medicine in Liverpool in about 1857-58; 
was a distinguished surgeon in the army, but I think was not commissioned 
from this county. His present residence is Marysville, Ohio. 

Dr. F. M. Carter, a native of Virginia, has been in Liverpool since 
about 1865. 

SOUTH SOLON. 

Dr. John Zimmerman, said to have been a quadroon Pottawatomie, was 



452 HISTORY OF MAD [SON COUNTY. 

the first resident physician at Solon. From what I can ascertain, he was 
the father of another John Zimmerman, who is noticed as having been at 
Somerford, Liverpool and California. He probably died at Solon. 

Dr. Parker was probably the next. He moved to Tipton County, Ind. 

Dr. Alfred Jones, from Charleston, was there eight or ten years. He 
moved to Burlington, Iowa, 

Dr. Winans, from Xenia, Ohio, practiced here. 

Dr. Thomas Adams was there in 1847, and was followed by Dr. Glass. 
Dr. Ernest located there in about 1861. Dr. Washington Atkinson located 
at Solon in about 1866. He studied with Dr. Curtis, of South Charleston, 
Ohio. He had previously practiced in Midway. 

Dr. John S. Smith came from Washington County, Penn. ; was a grad- 
uate in medicine. 

Dr. Thomas Wessinger and Dr. H. H. McClellan practiced at this point. 

Dr. O. G. Field, son of Dr. Abel W. Field, was raised in Amity, Madi- 
son Co., Ohio; studied medicine in part with his father. Graduated at 
Starling Medical College. Has practiced at London, California and Mid- 
way. 

Dr. John Sidner graduated at Columbus Medical College in the class 
of 1882. Located for a short time at Jefferson, and then moved to Solon. 

CALIFORNIA. 

Dr. Davis was probably the first resident physician of Fairfield Town- 
ship. He lived about three miles northeast from where the village now 
stands. 

Dr. Holmes built the first house in the village in 1849. He began 
practicing there the same year, and when a post office was eatablished there 
he was appointed the first Postmaster. 

Dr. McComb, from South Charleston, Ohio, located there in 1851. 

Dr. Dennis Warner, in 1853, vide London. 

Dr. John Zimmerman and his son-in-law, Dr. Martin, in about 1854. 

Dr. B. F. Welch in 1855. He was a pupil of A. H. Baker and also of 
Jennet Stutson, of Jefferson, Ohio. 

Dr. Orestes G. Field located there in about 1858, and had as a partner 
Dr. Thomas, who had previously been a partner of Dr. Strain's, of London. 
Dr. O. G. Field was commissioned as Assistant Surgeon in the Fourth Ohio 
Cavalry, March I'.'. 1864, and was promoted to Surgeon of the same regi- 
ment October 25, 1864, and was mustered out with his regiment. 

Dr. Charles W. Higgins, son of Charles Higgins, was born and raised 
near Alton, Franklin Co., Ohio; was a soldier in the war of the rebellion. 
Studied medicine with Dr. Richard Woodruff, of Alton, Ohio. Graduated 
at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. Located at California iu 
about 1865. He combined merchandising with his profession, and has been 
prosperous. 

Dr. Smeltzer located there in 1882. He is a graduate of Miami Med- 
ical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

TRADERSVILLE. 

Dr. Thomas P. Boud was born in Harrison County, W. Va. , June 13, 
1825. He studied medicine in Whitewater, Wis., and graduated at La 
Porte, Ind., in 1847. He located at Tradersville about 1847, and boarded 
first with Isaac Fox. and afterward with Abram Lewis. He moved to Me- 
chanicsburg about 1850. He was elected Treasurer of Champaign County, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 453 

Ohio, in 1861, and was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the Sixty-sixth 
Regiment Ohio Infantry, but had to resign on account of ill health. Re- 
covering his health after his return home, he was again tempted to accept a 
commission in the Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, of which, I think, he be- 
came the Surgeon. Again breaking down in health, he again had to resign 
his commission. I knew Dr. Bond before the war, and in the army also. 
He was a good physician and an educated and accomplished gentleman. 
When he joined our Ohio Brigade prior to the Vicksburg campaign, I 
was detailed to a " feather-bed " position at Division Hospital. Bond was 
a stranger in the brigade, and I was his friend at home before the war. 
I had a feeling that he was too frail for the hardships of roughing it in 
the open air, day and night, in sunshine and in storm, through many event- 
ful weeks, without shelter at night, which could only be found at Division 
headquarters. I went to headquarters unknown to him, and had the de- 
tail changed from myself to Dr. Bond; but my humanity resulted to my ad- 
vantage after all, as I was detailed afterward as the Division Hospital 
Director. He died at his home, in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, of disease con- 
tracted in the army, March 28, 1806. He was married, September 9, 1851, 
to Miss Mary J. Blew, who survives him. 

NEWPORT. 

Dr. Thornburg was the first resident physician there. 

Dr. Anderson Neibarger was born in Pleasant Township, Clark Coun- 
ty, Ohio, on a farm now owned by David Ward. Studied medicine with Dr. 
Thornburg, of Newport, Madison Co., Ohio, and practiced first at London, 
from about 1865, for about one year, and then at Newport for four or five 
years, and moved to Jamestown, Greene Co., Ohio, near which he died 
about 1875. He married Miss Morse, of near Catawba, Clark Co., Ohio, 
' sister of Mrs. David Woosley. 

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Riggin was born May 1, 1844, in Pickaway 
County, Ohio, near Mt. Sterling, son of Isaac C. and Lucinda (Baker) 
Riggin. Was five years at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, from 
1857. Left at the end of his Junior year, in 1862; became a pupil under 
Dr. John Holton, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Graduated at Starling Medical 
College in the class of 1865. During 1864, was a partner in practice with 
Dr. John Holton, at Mt. Sterling, and returned to Mt. Sterling and located 
in 1865, after graduation, and practiced there until 1875, when he went to 
Columbus for one year, and then located at Newport, where he remained 
until September, 1882, when he moved to London, Ohio. He was married, 
May 17, 1865, to Miss Isabella Leach, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah 
(Bostwick) Leach. 

DANVILLE. 

Dr. William McClintick, a brother to Dr. Samuel McClintick, of Mt. 
Sterling, Ohio, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, near Zanesville, in 
1817. He studied medicine with Dr. James F. Wilson, of New Holland. 
Ohio, and located in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, in 1840, where he practiced for 
about twenty years. He graduated at Starling Medical College in 1848. 
He bought a farm two miles esat of Danville, and moved to it in 1860, 
where he died November 21, 1871, of cancer. He was a good physician. 
Danville was a good point and his excessive labor in his profession prob- 
ably brought an untimely death. In 1842, he married Hannah Reeves, 
who died in L845 without issue. In 1847, he married Fannie Reeves, sis 



454 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ter to his first wife, who, with two daughters and one son, still live at the 
home farm. 

Dr. Thomas Reeves McClintick was born in Mt. Sterling, Madison 
Co., Ohio, in 1848, read medicine with his father, Dr. William McClintick. 
and graduated at the Medical College of Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1870. 
He lived on his father's farm until 1877, when he married Sarah Howsman, 
and then moved into the village of Danville. In 1880, he moved to Kansas 
City, Mo., where he has a good practice. 

Dr. James Bradley Morgan was born in Ross County, Ohio; read medi- 
cine with Dr. William Latta, of Frankfort, Ross Co., Ohio. Graduated at 
the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1869, and located at Danville in 
the same vear; stayed about one year and then moved to Clarksburg, Ross 
Co., Ohio' 

Dr. C. M. Deem is the only physician at Danville at the present writ- 
ing. He located there on the 11th of August, 1881. He is a genial, pleas- 
ant gentleman, and has a good practice. He had practiced at Plain City 
and at Lilly Chapel, Ohio, before going to Danville. 

LILLY CHAPEL. 

Dr. L. F. Scofield was born at Hilliards Station, Norwich Township, 
Franklin County, Ohio, September 12, 1853; studied with Dr. J. M. Merry - 
man, of Hilliards. Graduated at Columbus Medical College, Columbus, 
Ohio, February, 1881, and located at Lilly Chapel the 23d day of March, 
1881, being the first physician to locate in the village. He is a member of 
the Madison County Medical Society, and also of the State Medical Society. 

MADISON COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 

In September, 1857 or 1858, an attempt was made to organize a County 
Medical Society. The meeting was called by publication, and a few phy- • 
sicians responded. Nothing further was done than the selection of Dr. Will- 
iam Morrow Beach, as President, and Dr. A. H. Underwood, as Secretary. 
On motion of Dr. Toland Jones, the appointment of committees was de- 
ferred until the next meeting. There was an unusual amount of sickness 
during the next month, and when the meeting day came around there was 
not a quorum for transacting business, and so this, the first attempt to es- 
tablish a society in the county, became a failure. 

On the 31st day of May, 1878, in accordance with a movement inaugu- 
rated by the physicians of Plain City, there was a meeting held at 
Jefferson, Ohio. There were present at this meeting Drs. Salathiel Ewing 
and M, J. Jenkins, of Plain City; Drs. J. N. Beach, H. S. Quinn and 
Charles Snyder, Jefferson; Dr. J. S. Howland, of New California, 
Union County; Dr. W. H. Jewett, of Amity; Dr. Richard Woodruff, of Al- 
ton, Franklin County; Drs. Toland Jones, H. J. Sharp and James B. 
Sprague, of London, and Dr. Davis, of Georgesville. Dr. Richard Wood- 
ruff, of Alton, was chosen Chairman pro tern. ; Drs. Ewing, Beach and How- 
land were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws, which 
committee reported before the close of the meeting, and their report was 
adopted. Dr. Salathiel Ewing was chosen President, and Dr. M. J. Jen- 
kins, Secretary. The officers of the association were to be elected twice a 
year. At the meeting in December, 1878, Dr. J. N. Beach was chosen 
President. In June, 1870, Dr. Toland Jones, of London: in January, 1880, 
E. B. Pratt, of Mt. Sterling, and A. J. Strain to succeed M. J. Jenkins as 
Secretary. In June, 1880, Dr. William Morrow Beach, of London, was 





<y 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 457 

elected President; in January, 1881, H. J. Sharp, of London, was elected 
President; in June, 1881, .Richard Woodruff, of Alton; in December, 1881, 
J. P. Kirkpatrick, of Midway. The meetings are usually held at London. 
The present membership consists of Drs. Toland Jones, H. J. Sharp, 
J. B. Sprague, A. J. Strain, William Morrow Beach, J. T. Houston and C. 
S. Morse, of London; Drs. Salathiel Ewing, M. J. Jenkins, T. M. Mattoon, 
Jeremiah Converse and William I. Ballinger, Plain City; Drs. E. B. Pratt, 
W. H. Emery and Samuel McClintick, Mt. Sterling; Drs. John N. Beach, 
Charles Snyder. Jefferson; Drs. A. Ogan and J. P. Kirkpatrick, Mid- 
way; Drs. B. F. Welch and C. W. Higgins, California; Drs. Richard 
Woodruff and T. B. Norris, Alton; Dr. W. H. Jewett, Amity; Dr. E. G. 
Keifer, Somerford; Dr. John Sidner, South Solon; Dr. L. F. Scofield, 
Lilly Chapel; Dr. W. L. Pinkerton, Galloway; Dr. E. H. Smith, Vienna; 
Dr. G. W. Gardner, Harrisburg; Dr. J. S. Howland, New California, Union 
County. The association meets on the last Friday in each month, at 10 
o'clock A. M. 

AKMY SURGEONS FROM MADISON COUNTY. 

Dr. Joseph C. Kalb, commissioned Assistant Surgeon in the Fortieth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 3, 1861. He resigned Janu- 
ary 6, 1863; term of service, two years and three months. 

Dr. John Noble Beach, commissioned by Gov. David Tod Surgeon in the 
Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to succeed Surgeon Alexander 
McBride, April 14, 1862, to rank as such from April 1, 1862. Was mus- 
tered out at Nashville. Tenn., with that portion of the regiment that did not 
re-enlist or veteranize, December, 1864; term of service, two years and nine 
months. 

Dr. William Morrow Beach, commissioned by Gov. David Tod, Assist- 
ant Surgeon in the voluntoer forces of Ohio in the service of the United 
States (State Surgeons), April 3, 1862, and was assigned to duty at Shiloh 
with the Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Was commissioned 
by Gov. David Tod Assistant Surgeon in the Seventy-eighth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, May 3, 1862, to rank as such from April 20, 
1862; re- enlisted or veteranized with the Seventy-eighth Ohio Regiment for 
the remaiader of the war at Vicksburg, Miss., in April, 1864. Was com- 
missioned by Gov. John Brough as Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eight- 
eenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, May 19, 1864. Was mustered 
out with the regiment, after the close of the war, at Salisbury, N. O, June, 
1865; term of service, three years and three months. 

Dr. Orestes G. Field, commissioned by Gov. John Brough Assistant 
Surgeon in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry March 19, 1864; promoted to Surgeon, 
to succeed Surgeon Lucius H. James, resigned, October 25, 1864. Mus- 
tered out with regiment; term of service, one year and three months. 




458 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XII. 



EDUCATION — SCHOOL LANDS — PIONEER SCHOOLS— GROWTH OF EDUCATION— 
SCHOOLS FOR COLORED YOUTH — PRESENT GOVERNMENT OF SCHOOLS. 

THE men of to-day who were familiar with the olden time which they 
made and of which they were a part, and who grew up with the ever- 
enlarging civilization, are living in a changed atmosphere. So suddenly 
and so strangely has the genius of change and alteration waved his charmed 
wand over the land, that the early settler has changed and kept pace with 
the changing years, and the unwritten history of the early days is recalled, 
as one remembers a fading dream. The sharp and hard conflicts of life 
make heroes, and the tierce struggles of war and bloodshed develop them 
into self-reliant, stubborn and aggressive men, as fierce and sanguinary as 
their bitter foes. We are living in the age of invention and machinery. 
These have destroyed the romance of frontier life, and much of the strange, 
eventful realities of the past are rapidly becoming mythical, and the narra- 
tives of the generation that settled the Scioto Valley, abounding in rich 
treasures of incidents and character, are being swallowed up and forgotten 
in the surging, eventful present. 

The most casual observer cannot but have noticed, notwithstanding the 
privation and discomforts attending the lives of the early settlers, the zeal 
they manifested in education, and that, as soon as a sufficient number of 
pupils could be collected and a teacher secured, ;i house was erected for the 
purpose. The period just preceding the Revolution was characterized by its 
number of literary men and the interest they gave to polite learning; and 
the patriots who were conspicuous in that struggle for human liberty, were 
men not only of ability but of no ordinary culture. We can readily un- 
derstand that the influence of their example had its weight in molding pub- 
lic sentiment in other respects, besides that of zeal for the patriot cause. 
To this may be added that, for the most part, the early pioneers were men 
of character, who endured the dangers and trials of a new country, not sole- 
ly for their own sakes, but for their children, and, with a faith in what the 
future would bring forth, clearly saw the power and value of education. 
Then we find, from the beginning, their object kept steadily in view, and 
provision made for its successful prosecution, and the express declaration of 
the fundamental law of the State, enjoins that " the principal of all funds 
arising from the sale or other distribution of lands or other property, grant- 
ed or intrusted to the State for educational purposes, shall forever be pre- 
served inviolate and undiminished, and the income arising therefrom shall 
be faithfully applied to the specific objects of the original grants or appro- 
priations, and the General Assembly shall make such provisions by taxation 
or otherwise, as, from the income arising from the school trust fund, shall 
secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the 
State." 

SCHOOL LANDS. 

The act of Congress providing for the admission of Ohio into the 
Union, offered certain educational propositions to the people. These 
were, first, that Section 16 in each township, or, in lieu thereof, other con- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 459 

tiguous or equivalent lauds, should be granted for the use of schools; sec- 
ond, that thirty-eight sections of land, where salt springs had been found, 
should be granted to the State, never, however, to be sold or leased for a 
longer term than ten years; and third, that one-twentieth of the proceeds 
from the sale of the public lands in the State should be applied toward the 
construction of roads from the Atlantic to and through Ohio. These propo- 
sitions were offered on the condition that the public lands sold by the 
United States after the 30th of June, 1802, should be exempt from State 
taxation for five years after sale. The ordinance of 1787 had already pro- 
vided for the appropriation of Section 16 to the support of schools in every 
township sold by the United States; this, therefore, could not, in 1802, be 
properly made the subject of a new bargain between the United States and 
Ohio; and, by many, it was thought that the salt reservations and one- 
twentieth of the proceeds of the sale of public lands, were inadequate 
equivalent for the proposed surrender of a right to tax for five years. The 
convention, however, accepted the propositions of Congress, on their being 
so modified and enlarged as to vest in the State, for the use of schools, Sec- 
tion 16 in each township sold by the United States, and three other tracts 
of land, equal in quantity respectively to one-thirty-sixth of the Virginia 
Military Reservation, of the United States military tract and of the Con- 
necticut Western Reserve; and to give 3 per cent of the proceeds of the 
public lands sold within the State to the construction of roads in Ohio, un- 
der the direction of the Legislature. Congress agreed to the proposed modi- 
fications, and, in March, 1807, offered to the State, in lieu of the one thirty - 
sixth part of the Virginia Military Reservation, eighteen quarter townships 
and three sections of land lying between the United States Military tract 
and the Connecticut Reserve. On the llth of January, 1808, the State ac- 
cepted these lands and released all right and title to the school lands in the 
Virginia Military District. We here have the basis of the common-school 
fund of Ohio, never probably conjectured or intended to be sufficient for 
the purposes of education, but adequate to encourage broader and more 
liberal views. 

We have seen in the foregoing how Congress by a compact with the 
people, gave them one thirty-sixth part of all of the lands northwest of the 
Ohio River for school purposes. The lands for this purpose set apart, how- 
ever, were often appropriated by squatters, and through unwise, careless 
and sometimes corrupt legislation, these squatters were vested with pro- 
prietorship. Caleb Atwater, in his History of Ohio, in speaking on this 
subject, says: " Members of the Legislature not unfrequently got acts passed 
and leases granted, either to themselves, their relatives, or to their parti- 
sans. One Senator contrived to get, by such acts, seven entire sections of 
land into either his own or his children's possession." From 1803 to 1820, 
the General Assembly spent a considerable portion of every session in pass- 
ing acts relating to these lands, without ever advaucing the cause of educa- 
tion to any degree. 

In 1821, the House of Representatives appointed five of its members, 
viz., Caleb Atwater, Loyd Talbot, James Shields, Roswell Mills and Josiah 
Barber, a committee on schools and school lands. This committee subse- 
quently made a report, rehearsing the wrong management of the school land 
trust on behalf of the State, warmly advocated the establishment of a sys- 
tem of education and the adoption of measures which would secure for the 
people the rights which Congress intended they should possess. In com- 
pliance with the recommendation of the committee, the Governor of the 



460 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

State, in May, 1822, having been authorized by the Legislature, appointed 
seven Commissioners of Schools and School Lands, viz., Caleb Atwater, Rev. 
John Collins, Rev. James Hoge, N. Guilford, Ephraim Cutler, Josiah Bar- 
ber and James M. Bell. The reason why seven persons were appointed was 
because there were seven different sorts of school lands in the State, viz., 
Section 16 in every township of the Congress lands, the Virginia Military 
lands, Symmes' Purchase, the Ohio Company's Purchase, the Refugee lands 
and the Connecticut Western Reserve. This commission of seven persons 
was reduced by various causes to one of three, Messrs. Atwater, Collins and 
Hoge, who performed the arduous duties incumbent upon them with but 
little remuneration, and (at the time) but few thanks. 

The Legislature of 1822-23 broke up without having taken any definite 
action upon the report presented by the commission, but, during the sum- 
mer and autumn of 1824, the subject of the sale of the school lands was 
warmly agitated, and the friends of this measure triumphed over the oppo- 
sition so far as to elect large majorities to both branches of the General As- 
sembly in favor of its being made a law. The quantity of land set apart 
was ascertained, in 1825, to be a little more than half a million acres and 
was valued at less than §1,000,000. 

Having now briefly related the facts connected with the school lands, 
we will pass on to the Legislative enactments through which they were dis- 
posed of. On the 17th of February, 1809, the lands belonging to the Vir- 
ginia Military District were authorized to be leased and the proceeds there- 
of paid into the State Treasury for the future use of the schools. From 
1810 up to 1824, acts were passed at nearly every session of the Legisla- 
ture more fully describing the condition of those leases and disposition of 
moneys accruing therefrom. In 1827, a law was enacted directing a vote to 
be taken in the district as to whether these lands should be sold or not. 
The vote decided in favor of selling, and, January 28, 1828, the Legislature 
ordered them to be sold. In 1829, an act authorized the distribution among 
the several counties, or parts of counties, in said district, the sum of $54,- 
000 of school moneys, then in the State Treasury, Madison County receiv- 
ing as her share $2,075.34^. This distribution, however, was for some cause 
postponed by an act passed January 21, 1830, until May 1, 1830. The 
manner of apportionment was as follows: The School Directors delivered to 
the Courjty Auditors a list of white children in their respective districts, 
between the ages of four and sixteen; the County Aiidi tors transmitted said 
lists to the Auditor of the State, who divided the school fund among the 
several counties, or parts thereof, according to the foregoing enumeration. 
From that time up to the present this principle has been carried out, each 
county receiving annually its quota of moneys derived from this school 
fund. The reader must bear in mind, however, that the school age was 
changed whenever the General Assembly saw fit to do so, or considered such 
a change necessary or judicious. 

PIONEER SCHOOLS. 

In the early development of Madison County, a great variety of influ- 
ences were felt in the way of general education. The settlements were, and 
for years continued to be, sparse. The people, as the pioneers of all new 
counties are, were poor and lacked the means of remunerating teachers. 
Their poverty compelled all who were able, to labor, and the work of the 
females was as important and toilsome as that of the men. Added to these, 
both teachers and books were scarce. This condition of things continued 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 461 

perhaps for more than a quarter of a century Taking these facts into con- 
sideration, it is surprising that they had any schools whatever. 

The interest awakened in literature and science immediately after the 
Revolution, followed the pioneers to their Western homes; but, to make 
their efforts productive of useful results, time became absolutely necessary. 
Just as soon as the settlements were prepared for the experiment, schools 
were opened; but at every step it was the acquisition of knowledge under 
difficulties. Everything connected with them was as simple and primitive 
as were their dwellings, food and clothing. Houses were built in the va- 
rious neighborhoods as occasion made necessary, not by subscription in 
money, but by labor. On a given day, the neighbors assembled at some 
place previously agreed upon, and the work was done. Timber was abund- 
ant; they were skilled in the use of the ax, and, having cut logs of the re- 
quired length out of it, the walls were raised. The roof was made of clap- 
boards, kept in place by heavy poles reaching the length of the building. 
The door was of clapboards and creaked on wooden hinges, the latch of 
wood and raised by a string. The floor was " puncheon," or trees split in 
the middle, tolerably true, the edge and face being dressed with the ax. 
The crevices between the logs forming the walls were tilled with " chinks," 
or split sticks of wood, and daubed with mud. The fire-place was equally 
rude, but of ample dimensions, built on the outside of the house, usually of 
stone, lo the throat of the flue, and the remainder of the chimney of split 
sticks of wood, daubed with puddled clay within and without. Light was 
admitted through the door and by means of an opening made by cutting 
out one of the logs, reaching almost the entire width of the building. This 
opening was high enough from the floor to prevent the boys from looking 
out, and in winter was covered with paper saturated with grease to keep 
out the cold, as well as to admit the light. 

In the rural districts, school " kept " only in winter. The furniture 
corresponded with the simplicity of the house. At a proper distance below 
the windows, auger holes were bored in a slanting direction in one of the 
logs, and in these strong wooden pins were driven, and on these a huge 
slab or puncheon was placed, which served as a writing-desk for the whole 
school. For seats, they used the puncheon, or, more commonly, the body of 
a smooth, straight tree, cut ten to twelve feet in length, and raised to a 
height of twelve to fifteen inches by means of pins securely inserted. It 
has been said that not infrequently the pins were of unequal length, and 
the bench predisposed to " wabble." Many of the pioneer " masters " were 
natives of Ireland, who had fled from the cruel oppression of the English 
Government, prior to and succeeding the struggle for Irish independence, 
in 1798, and here in this land of freedom were putting to good use that 
education obtained in their native isle. Thus did the oppression of En- 
gland inure to the benefit of the young Republic; and the literary ability 
of Irishmen, like their military prowess in the Revolutionary war, do much 
toward founding and building up this great free and enlightened nation. 
Dr. Johnson's notion that most boys required learning to be thrashed into 
them was practically carried out in the pioneer schoolhouse. The pupils 
sat with their faces toward the wall, around the room, while the teacher oc- 
cupied the middle space to superintend each pupil separately. In some 
rooms a separate bench was furnished for those too young to write Classes, 
when reciting, sat on a bench made for this purpose. 

The books were as primitive as the surroundings. The New Testament 
was a common reading book; the "English Reader" was occasionally 



4G2 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

found, and sometimes the " Columbian Orator." No one book was common 
in all the families. The reading class recited paragraphs alternately, and 
the book in use was made common property, passing from hand to hand 
during recitation. It was not unusual for the teacher to assist a pupil in one 
of his "sums," discipline a refractory scholar, and hear the reading-class 
while the reading was going on. Deibold, Smiley and Pike's Arithmetic 
were commonly used, with the examples for practice almost exclusively in 
pounds, shillings and pence, and a marked absence of clear rules and defi- 
nitions for the solving of the different divisions. Webster's " American 
Speller" was the ordinary sj:>elling-book, which afterward made way for 
Webster's " Elementary Speller. " This latter book maintained its popu- 
larity for half a century. The spelling class closed the labors of the day. 
All who could spell entered the "big class," and the rivalry was sharp as 
to who should rank first as good spellers. The class was numbered in the 
order in which they stood in line, and retained the number until a " miss " 
sent some one above them. Spelling-matches were frequent, and contribut- 
ed largely to make good spellers. Grammar was not often taught, partly 
for the reason that books were hard to get, and partly because some of the 
teachers were not proficient in this branch of learning. When the science 
was taught, the text-book was the earlier and larger edition of Murray, 
which, by the close of the first quarter of the century, was largely super- 
seded by " Kirkham," which- though of little real merit, stimulated a taste 
for grammar. The boys and girls went to the same school, but sat on op- 
posite benches. It occasionally happened that teachers were employed who 
had learned that an elephant may be led by a hair, or more probably were 
blessed with gentle natures, and won the hearts and life-long affection of 
their pupils by their pleasant and loving ways; but these were exceptions. 
The standard of excellence was often measured by the ability and swift 
readiness to thrash the scholars on any provocation. Disobedience and igno- 
rance were equally causes for the use of the " hickory." " Like master, like 
boy." The characteristics of the one tended to develop a corresponding 
spirit in the other, and the cruelty of the one, with the absence, too fre- 
quently, of all just discrimination in the use of the rod, excited animosities 
which lasted through life. There were few boys of that day who did not 
cherish the purpose to " whale " the " master " on sight at some future day. 

The schools were supported by subscription, the charge being from $1 
to $3 per term of three months, during winter, to begin at 8 o'clock in the 
morning, with an hour to an hour and a half recess at noon, and close at 5 
o'clock. One-half of Saturdays, or alternate Satxu-days, made part of the 
term. Writing was taught to all the larger pupils, and the only pen used 
was the goose or turkey quill, made into a pen by the skillful hand of the 
teacher. Mending the pens was an essential part of the work. Copy-books 
were made of sheets of foolscap paper stitched together, and copies were 
" set " by the teacher during recess, which were commonly taken from the 
maxims in use from time immemorial. Sometimes the teacher was partly 
paid in produce or other commodities, which were the equivalent to him for 
money, while his support was often obtained by "boarding around." 
Money was scarce, and to make change it was usual to halve and quarter 
pieces of silver coin Avith an ax or heavy chisel. 

The introduction of schools in one settlement was an incentive to their 
speedy adoption in all. The above description applies to all the earliest 
schoolhouses erected. The building of saw-mills and the opening-up of 
wagon roads brought about a better order of things, and plank, weather- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 463 

boarding and glass took the place of clapboards, puncheon floors and log 
benches. For the history of the pioneer schools in the different localities 
of Madison County, the reader is referred to the history of London, and the 
several townships thereof, where the subject is fully written up from the rec- 
ollections of the oldest living pioneers. 

GROWTH OF EDUCATION. 

Tbe gradual development and progress of education in Ohio was en- 
couraged and fostered by State laws that were the germs from which came 
forth the present common school system, and, believing that a brief synopsis 
of these enactments would be of value in this article, we have culled the 
following facts from the Ohio statutes, which we trust will assist the reader 
in understanding more thoroughly the history of the schools in the Scioto 
Valley, up to the adoption of the new constitution. On the 2d of January, 
1806, three Trustees and a Treasurer were authorized to be elected in each 
township, for the purpose of taking charge of the school lands, or the mon- 
eys arising therefrom, and applying the same to the benefit of the schools 
in said township. In 1810, this act was more fully defined, and, in 1814, 
every scholar was entitled to his or her share of said school fund, even when 
attending a school outside of their own township. In 1815, these moneys 
were distributed according to the time of school attendance, an account of 
which each teacher was required to supply to the Trustees, and the appor- 
tionment made accordingly. No act of any importance was then passed 
until January 22, 1821, when a vote was ordered to be taken in every town- 
ship for the purpose of deciding, for or against, organizing the same into 
school districts; also, for the election of a school committee of three persons, 
and a Collector, who w r as also Treasurer in each district. These commit- 
tees were authorized to erect schoolhouses in their respective districts, on 
land donated or purchased for that purpose, said schools to be paid for by 
donations and subscriptions, together with the taxes raised for such pur- 
pose. This act authorized that all lands located in said districts liable to 
State or county taxation, were also liable to taxation for erecting school- 
houses and for educating the children of those unable to pay for schooling. 
Parents and guardians were assessed in proportion to the number of chil- 
dren sent to school by them, but those unable to pay had their assessment 
remitted, and such deficiency was paid out of the fund raised by taxation. 
Of course, the moneys accruing from the school lands went into the school 
fund held by the Treasurer of each district. 

The first general school law was passed February 5, 1825, and it pro- 
vided " that a fund shall hereafter be annually raised among the several 
counties in the State, in the manner pointed out by this act, for the use of 
common schools, for the instruction of youth of every class and grade with- 
out distinction, in reading, writing, arithmetic and other necessary branches 
of a common education." This was in harmony with the constitution, 
which asserted that schools and the means of instruction should forever be 
encouraged by legislative provision. This act provided for a general tax to 
be levied for the fostering of common schools throughout the State, which 
was to be collected annually and used for general educational purposes. 
Three School Directors were to be elected annually in each district, to trans- 
act the business of said schools, erect buildings, employ teachers, receive 
and expend all moneys derived from any source, etc. The Court of Com- 
mon Pleas in each county was authorized to appoint annually " three suit- 
able persons to be called Examiners of Common Schools," whose duty it was 



464 HISTORY <>F MADISON COUNTY. 

to examine teachers for qualification and grant certificates; also, to visit and 
examine the schools throughout the county. If any district neglected to 
keep a school therein, at any one time for the space of three years, its 
proportion of the school fund was divided among the other districts in said 
township that employed teachers. The school fund of each county was 
taken charge of by the Auditor, who distributed the same between the sev- 
eral townships. In 1827, this act was amended. The Directors were in- 
structed to appoint a Treasurer for each school district. Fines imposed by 
any Justice of the Peace, for offenses committed in any given district, were to 
be paid to the Treasurer, to be used for the support of education in said dis- 
trict. Taxes were levied to build new houses and repair old ones. Every 
householder, whose tax was less than $1, had to pay tbat amount, or give 
two days' labor toward the building or repairing of sehoolhouses The 
number of Examiners was increased, but at no time were they to exceed the 
number of townships in the county. 

In February, 1829, a law was enacted providing more fully for general 
education, but the children of black or mulatto persons were not permitted 
to attend these schools, nor were such persons compelled to pay taxes to 
ward the support of the same. The official term of Examiners was desig- 
nated as two years, and their number to be not less than five in each county, 
nor more than one in each township thereof. Whenever the regular school 
fund ran short, the teachers, if not paid by voluntary subscription, were to 
be paid by those sending scholars to said schools. Often the regular fund 
did not pay for more than three months' schooling annually, so that even 
then the schools, though slowly improving, were anything but flourishing. 
The act of 1830 did not materially improve them, and, in March, 1831. the 
following clause appears in a law relative to raising the school fund. It 
says a general fund shall be raised " for the instruction of the white youth 
of every class and grade," so that, although Ohio was a free State, a black 
man was debarred from the educational advantages accorded to his white 
brother, and, though his body was not kept in slavery, his mind was kept 
in ignorance, as far as the State laws had the power to do so. With all 
this injustice, the property of negroes was exempt from taxation for school 
purposes, which was at least a small grain of justice to the despised race. 
The school age was changed so as to include those between four and twenty- 
one years, and the number of Exairiners read " not less than five in each 
county, nor more than two in each township." 

On the 2d of March. 1831, an act was passed authorizing the establish- 
ment of a fund to be designated " The Common School Fund," the income 
to be used for the support of common schools. All moneys arising from the 
sale of school lands were to be put into this fund, and the State guaranteed 
a certain interest on all such moneys paid into the State Treasury. The 
County Auditors were authorized to draw naid interest and distribute it 
among the several districts in their respective counties, to which said lands 
originally belonged. Donations and bequests were also put into this fund 
and used for the same general purpose. These moneys, however, were to 
be funded annually, until January 1. 1835. after which date the interest 
was divided among the several counties in proportion to the number of white 
males over twenty-one years of age residing therein. 

Up to this time women were not eligible as school trachers, for we find 
that an act was passed December 23. 1831. allowing Directors to employ 
female teachers, but the Directors had to signify in writing to the School 
Examiners that it was the desire of the inhabitants of said district to em- 




&j4u/ Z 5 'S^UcaAl 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY". 4H7 

ploy " a female teacher for instructing their children in spelling, reading 
and writing only." The Examiners were then empowered to give the lady 
" a special certificate " to teach those branches. It is unnecessary for us to 
comment on this injustice; we take it for granted that the most illiberal of 
men will agree with us that this discrimination against women was a griev- 
ous wrong and unworthy of this great commonwealth. In 1833, other pro- 
visions and amendments were made to the school laws, whose object was to 
increase their influences, but no material changes were made in former 
ones. 

The office of Stale Superintendent of Schools was created March 7, 
1837, and made permanent a year from that date. He was elected by the 
General Assembly for a term of five years, but, on the 23d of March, 1840, 
the office was abolished, and the Secretary of State required to perform the 
duties thereof. In 1838, a fund of $200,000 was provided for, to be annually 
distributed among the several counties, according to the number of white 
youth, unmarried, between the ages of four and twenty-one. Ii was known 
as the " State Common School Fund," was reduced, March 7, 1842, to 
$150,000, and again raised to $300,000 on the 24th of March, 1851. By 
Article VI of the New Constitution, it is declared that the principal of all 
funds accruing from school lands, donations or bequests, " shall forever be 
preserved inviolate and undiminished. " It was enacted by the law of 1838 
that the Township Clerk should be Superintendent of Schools within his 
township, and this law remained in force until the re-organization of the 
school laws under the new constitution in 1853. By this same law, the 
County Auditor was endowed with the position of Superintendent of Schools 
throughout the county. The number of School Examiners was reduced to 
three members for each county, who were appointed by the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. 

On the 16th of March, 1839, an act was passed providing for the estab- 
lishment of niglit schools in towns, wherein male youth over twelve years 
of age, who could not attend school in the daytime, might be instructed. 
This law also enacted that scholars could attend German schools, and yet 
receive their quota of school money. Subsequently, the German language 
was introduced into the schools as a part of the regular studies. 

8CHOOLS FOR COLORED YOUTH. 

On the 24th of February, 1848, a law was passed authorizing the es- 
tablishment of separate schools for colored children. This law was amended 
in 1849, and was thought by many to be contrary to the spirit of the con- 
stitution, but the Supreme Court declared it constitutional. Separate school 
districts were authorized to be organized and managed by Directors chosen 
by the adult male colored tax-payers, whose property was alone chargeable 
for the support of said schools. Colored children were not really debarred 
under the constitution at that time from attending the schools of white 
children, but it amounted to about the same thing as the objection of any 
parent or guardian whose children attended said school prevented the at- 
tendance of colored youth. Thus the law existed until 1853, when the 
schools for colored children were placed upon the same basis as those for 
white. By the law of 1853, boards of education were directed, whenever 
the colored youth in any school district numbered more than thirty, to es- 
tablish a school for them. This law was so amended in 1864 that two or 
more districts could unite for the same purpose. Much trouble has been 
caused in different towns by the colored people insisting on sending their 



468 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

children to the school for whites. In some places little or no opposition 
has been manifested, while in others a bitter struggle resulted. In the 
country districts, white and colored children usually attend the same school, 
and, as far as we have investigated the plan, it seems to work harmoniously. 

PRESENT GOVERNMENT OF SCHOOLS. 

The school law of 1853 made ample provision for the education of every 
class and grade of youth within the State. We have seen in the preceding 
pages that those who participated in the organization of the Northwest Ter- 
ritory, and subsequently the State, recognized religion, morality and knowl- 
edge as necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind. We 
have also seen the gradual development of education from its earliest incep- 
tion in the State up to its present permanent foundation through the law of 
1853. Under the present law, the State is divided into school districts as fol- 
lows: City districts of the first class, city districts of the second class, village 
districts, special districts and township districts. To administer the affairs of 
the districts, and to look after and promote the educational interests there 
in, the law has provided for the establishment of boards of education in 
each district. These boards may acquire real or personal property for the 
use of their districts, and are required to establish schools for free educa- 
tion of the youth of school age, and may establish schools of a higher grade 
than the primary schools. They are to determine the studies to be pursued 
and the text- books to be used in the schools under their control; to appoint 
Superintendents of schools, teachers and other employes, and lix their sal- 
aries. They are authorized to make such rules and regulations as they may 
deem expedient and necessary for the government of the board, their ap- 
pointees and pupils. 

The State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected by the people, 
and his official term is three years. He is required to superintend and en- 
courage teachers' institutes, confer with boards of education, or other 
school officers, counsel teachers, visit schools and deliver lectures calculated 
to promote popular education. He is to have a supervision over the school 
funds, and has power by law to require proper returns to be made by the 
officers who have duties to perform pertaining to schools or school funds. 
It is his duty to give instructions for the organization and government of 
schools, and to distribute the school laws and other documents for the use 
of school officers. He is required by law to appoint a Board of State Ex- 
aminers, consisting of three persons, who hold their office for two years. 
This board is authorized to issue life certificates to such teachers as may be 
found, upon examination, to have attained " eminent professional experience 
and ability." These certificates are valid in any school district in the 
State, and supersede the necessity of all other examinations by the county 
or local boards of examiners. Each applicant for a State certificate is re- 
quired <<> pay a fee of $3, 

There is in each county i?i the Stale a board of examiners appointed by 
the Probate Judge, their official term being three years. The law provides 
that " it shall be the duty of the examiners to fix upon the time of holding 
the meetings for the examination of teachers, in such places in their respect- 
ive counties as will, in their opinion, best accommodate the greatest num- 
ber of candidates for examination, notice of all such meetings being pub- 
lished in some newspaper of general circulation in their respective coun- 
ties, and at such meetings anj two of said board shall be competent to exam- 
ine applicants and grant certificates; and as a condition of examination, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 4i 9 

each applicant for a certificate shall pay the board of examiners a fee of 50 
cents." The fees thus received are set apart as a fund for the support of 
teachers' institutes. 

In city districts of the first and second class and village districts, hav- 
ing a population of not less than 2,500. the examiners are appointed by the 
boards of education. The fees charged are the same as those of the county 
boards, and are appropriated for the same purpose. 

There are in the different townships, subdistricts, in which the people 
elect, annually, a local director, whose term of office continues for three 
years. From this it will be seen that each subdistrict has a board consist- 
ing of three directors. These directors choose one of their number as clerk, 
who presides at the meetings of local directors, and keeps a record thereof. 
He also keeps a record of the proceedings of the annual school meetings of 
the subdistrict. The board of education of each township district consists 
of the Township Clerk and the local directors, who have been appointed 
clerk of the subdistricts. The law provides that " in every district in the 
State, there shall be taken, between the first Monday in September and the 
first Monday in October, in each year, an enumeration of all unmarried 
youth, rioting race and sex, between six and twenty-one years of age, resident 
within the district, and not temporarily there, designating also the number 
between sixteen and twenty-one years of age, the number residing in the 
Western Reserve, the Virginia Military District, the United States Military 
District, and in any original surveyed township or fractional townships to 
which belongs Section 16, or other land in lieu thereof, or any other lands 
for the use of schools or any interest in the proceeds of such land: Provid- 
ed, that, in addition to the classified return of all the youth residing in the 
district, that the aggregate number of youth in the district resident of any 
adjoining county, shall be separately given, if any such there be, and the 
name of the county in which they reside. " The clerk of each board of edu- 
cation is required to transmit to the County Auditor an abstract of the re- 
turns of enumeration made to him, on or before the second Monday of Oc- 
tober. 

The County Auditor is required to transmit to the State Commissioner, 
on or before the 5th day of November, a duly certified abstract of the enu- 
meration returns made to him by clerks of school districts. The law pro 
vides that " the Auditor of State shall, annually, apportion the common 
school funds among the different counties upon the enumeration and returns 
made to him by the State Commissioner of Common Schools, and certify the 
amount so apportioned to the County Auditor of each county, stating from 
what sources the same is derived, which said sum the several County Treas- 
urers shall retain in their respective treasuries from tho State funds; and 
the County Auditors shall, annually, and immediately after their annual 
settlement with the County Treasurers, apportion the school funds for their 
respective counties, according to the enumeration and returns in their re- 
spective offices." 

The law provides that the school year shall begin on the 1st day of 
September of each year, and close on the 31st of August of the succeeding 
year. A school week shall consist of five days, and a school month of four 
school weeks. The law also provides, in relation to common schools, that 
they shall be " free to all youth between six and twenty-one yearB of age 
who are children, wards or apprentices of actual residents of the school dis- 
trict, and no pupil shall be suspended therefrom except for such time as 
may be necessary to convene the board of education of the district, or local di- 



47" HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

rector of the subdistrict, nor be expelled unless by a vote of two-thirds of said 
board of local directors, after the parent or guardian of the offending pupil 
shall have been notified of the proposed expulsion, and permitted to be 
heard against the same; and no scholar shall be suspended or expelled from 
the privilege of schools beyond tbe current term: Provided, that each board 
of education shall have power to admit other persons, not under six years 
of age, upon such terms, or upon the payment of such tuition as they pre- 
scribe; and boards of education of city, village or special districts shall also 
have power to admit, without charge or tuition, persons within the school 
age who are members of the family of any freeholder whose residence is not 
within such district, if any part of such freeholder's homestead is within 
such district; and provided further, that the several boards of education 
shall make such assignments of the youth of their respective districts to the 
schools established by them, as will, in their opinion, best promote the in- 
terests of education in their districts; and provided further, that nothing 
contained in this section shall supersede or modify the provisions of Section 
31 of an act entitled an act for the re-organization, supervision and main- 
tenance of common schools, passed March 14. 1853, as amended March 18, 
1864." 

Provision is made by law for the establishment and maintenance of 
teachers' institutes, which are established for the professional improvement 
of teachers. At each Session, competent instructors and lecturers are em- 
ployed to assist the State Commissioner, who is required by law to superin- 
tend and encourage such institutes. They are either county, city or joint 
institutes of two or more counties, and the examination fees paid by teach- 
ers to boards of examiners are devoted to the payment of the expenses in- 
curred by these institutions. 

It is said that a State consists of men. and history shows that no art or 
science, wealth or power, will compensate for the want of moral or intel- 
lectual stability in the minds of a nation. Hence, it is admitted that the 
strength and perpetuity of this Republic must consist in the morality and 
intelligence of the people. Every youth in Ohio, under twenty-one years 
of age. may have the benefit of a public education, and since the system of 
graded and high schools has been adopted, may obtain a common knowledge 
from the alphabet to the classics. The enumerated branches of study in 
the public schools of Ohio are thirty-four, including mathematics and as- 
tronomy,' French, German and the classics. Thus the State, which was in 
the heart of the wilderness one hundred years ago, and has not been a State 
but eighty years, now presents to the world, not merely an unrivaled devel- 
opment of material prosperity, but an unsurpassed system of popular edu- 
cation. 




f +H 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 471 



CHAPTER XIII. 



AGRICULTURE— ITS GROWTH AND PROGRESS— BUILDINGS, IMPLEMENTS, CROPS 

AND STOCK OF THE EARLY SETTLERS— PIONEER FARMING— MADISON 

COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY— THE MADISON COUNTY STOCK 

IMPORTING COMPANY — MADISON COUNTY STOCK SALES. 

BY reference to the topographical description of the county in another 
chapter, the reader will readily infer that, although covering a small 
area of territory compared with other counties, few possess finer agricultural 
advantages. In the earlier settlement of this section, ponds, marshes and 
swamps abounded where to-day are found fertile and well-cultivated fields. 
The low and flat places were avoided for the higher grounds, not only on 
account of the wetness, but for sanitary reasons. The proximity of a 
spring, also, had much to do with the location of a cabin; but in the selec- 
tion of places for the erection of other buildings, convenience was the ordi- 
nary test. The corn-crib, made of rails or poles, and covered with prairie 
hay or clapboards, as convenience suggested, was as apt to be in close prox- 
imity to the " front door " as at the rear of the building, or near the stable. 
In the matter of stables and corn-cribs, very little improvement took place 
until long after material changes had been made in the dwellings, and we won- 
der, at this day, at the want of consideration shown, not only in the general 
arrangement of these outbuildings, but of many things connected with the 
household work, which now are considered of prime importance. Agricult- 
ural implements were, at the first, necessarily rude, and the state of agri- 
culture of a corresponding character. Even had such a matter been known, 
there was little need for " scientific " agriculture. The soil was new and 
productive, and it was a question simply of home supply, while for many 
years the markets within reasonable distance scarcely repaid the labor of 
hauling. The methods and implements employed fully answered the pur- 
poses for which they were intended. 

The first substantial inclosui - es were constructed of rails in the form 
still used, called the worm fence — in anew country, with abundance of tim- 
ber, the cheapest, most substantial and durable fence that may be built. 
After the sod was broken, the ground was mellow, and plowed with oxen. 
The plow in common use was a long wooden one, somewhat after the shape 
of the plow now in use, with an iron sole and point and an iron cutter. 
The immigrant usually brought his plow with him, but many did not own 
one until he made it, or had it made by some mechanic of the settlement. 
If the field was too full of stumps and roots, the mattock and hoe were re- 
quired to do good service, and the field was planted in corn. The corn 
was dropped by hand — in which work the girls took part — and was covered 
and cultivated with the hand-hoe. Many farmers in the later days fol- 
lowed the same method, but the horse-hoe, or shovel -plow, soon began to be 
used, and gradually worked its way into general use. to mark out the rows 
and cross-furrows for the " dropper," and to follow after to cover the seed. 
Finally the "double-shovel" plow drove the hand-hoe from the corn-field, 
while the horse, with the changes ia implements, superseded the ox. In- 



472 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

vention has kept pace with the demand for better improved machinery, but, 
after the lapse of more than three-quarters of a century, the science of corn- 
raising is still far from perfect. Though great changes have been made in 
modes of planting and culture, as well as in the style of the implements 
used, it is questionable whether larger corn crops are raised than were pro- 
duced fifty years ago. The future will probably show material changes in 
the use, rather than in the form of the machinery, and the past ten years 
have made great changes in both respects. To-day, save in the cutting, 
shocking and husking, the use of machinery enters into every process, while 
in Illinois a machine is now in use for cutting and shocking corn at the 
same time. Invention has come to the assistance of the farmer, as it has 
come to all other industries, and lifted from his life the drudgery of toil; 
yet it is a matter of surprise that none of the great labor-saving agricult 
ural implements have been invented by farmers. 

In the cultivation of wheat, greater changes have perhaps taken place 
than in the planting and gathering of corn. The land was plowed the same 
as for corn, and harrowed with a wooden- toothed harrow, or smoothed by 
dragging over the ground a heavy brush, weighted down, if necessary, with 
a stick of timber. It was then sown broadcast, by hand, at the rate of a 
bushel to a bushel and a half per acre, and " harrowed in " with the brush. 
Thoxigh corn meal was the main reliance for bread, and continued to be for 
many years, yet wheat was raised at an early day. Occasionally a field 
would be grown producing what was called " sick wheat," so named from 
its tendency to cause vomiting. Various devices were adopted to obviate 
this difficulty, but none of any avail; but this class of grain was usually 
converted into whisky. The cause of this poison in the wheat has never 
been definitely ascertained; whether it was on account of the malarial lo- 
cality in which it was grown, the variety of wheat, or simply caused by the 
wheat getting wet and sprouting, is yet a matter of dispute. It has been 
described as differing little or none from the wheat now grown, except in 
the appearance of a red spot on the grain, indicating a sprout; but what- 
ever the cause, it has totally disappeared. 

The wheat harvest ripened in the earlier part of July, and farmers ex- 
pected to be pretty fairly in the field by the " Glorious Fourth." The im- 
plement used was either the sickle or cradle, and, not infrequently, both 
in the same field. The sickle was at first the only instrument; but soon the 
cradle came into common use, and finally superseded altogether the more 
primitive implement. The reaper followed in the course of time, and has 
now as well-nigh effectually displaced the cradle as the latter did the sickle. 
Life on the farm necessarily compels the husbandmen to be a " jack-of-all- 
trades," and there were many farmers over the county who could not only 
make a tub or a barrel, but the frame work and fingers for the cradle. 
Sometimes an ingenious backwoodsman made it a business of repairing all 
classes of farm implements, and manufacturing new ones. When such a 
man lived in a neighborhood, he was usually well patronized. 

There were few farmers who did not know how to swing the scythe 
and cradle, and there was no more pleasant picture on the farm than a gang 
of workmen in the harvest field, nor a more hilarious crowd. Three cradles 
would cut about ten acres a day, and one binder was expected to keep up 
with each cradler. Barns for the storage of the unthreshed grain are a 
comparatively modern invention, and, as soon as the shock was supposed to 
be sufficiently cured, it was hauled to some place on the farm convenient for 
threshing and feeding, and there stacked. Prior to the introduction of 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 4/3 

threshing machines, the work was performed by flail, or tramping with 
horses, but generally the latter plan was adopted. The flail was used in 
stormy weather, on the sheltered floor, or when other farm work was not 
pressing, the threshing by tramping, commonly in clear weather, on a level 
and well-tramped clay floor, or, in later days, if the space was sufficiently 
large, on the barn floor. When sufficiently tramped, the refuse straw was 
thrown into a stack, and the wheat cleaned by a fanning-mill, or, prior t:> the 
use of these mills, by letting it fall from a height of several feet, subject to 
the action of the wind. Other modes were also in vogue, which the de- 
scendants of the pioneers are familiar with. 

The next step was to get the wheat to market, but in the early days 
there was little surplus after the home demands were satisfied. This, how- 
ever, did not continue many years, as each year added to the number of pro- 
ducers, and. as early as 1830. the hauling of wheat and other products to 
distant markets was the general practice. Chillicothe, Columbus, Sandus- 
ky. Springfield, Dayton and Cincinnati were all patronized from Madison 
County. The custom was for several farmers to go in company. The roads 
were heavy and full of marshy places, and the frontiersman's skill with the 
ax, and ingenuity in " fixing up " a " break-down," were always in requisi- 
tion. When heavy loads were hauled, it was not unusual to talie relays of 
horses, with provender for the trip, the exchange of horses being made at 
about the half-way house on the road. Teamsters carried their own provis- 
ions, and camped out whenever nightfall came on, or, if corn and hay taken 
for the trip were consumed, to turn into the yard of one of the inns to be 
found along the line of all the great thoroughfares, " for man and beast." 
After the completion of the National road through this county, much of the 
hardest work on these trips disappeared, as the largest loads could be hauled 
with ease, without constant fear of breakages and long delays caused by the 
terrible state of the muddy roads. 

Laborers were abundant, and the farmer had little or no difficulty in 
supplying himself with " hands," either for the season or for an emergency. 
Almost every one could swing the scythe or cradle, or perform any other 
work on the farm. The rule was, not only with the hired laborer, but with 
the farmer and his boys, to be at work with the early light. A day's work 
on the farm was the labor that might be performed between " sun and sun," 
and this was understood and accepted on the part of the employer and em- 
ploye, though it was usual to perform the " chores " after the return from 
the field. The price of labor was 50 cents a day, which was also the wages 
of a harvest hand. A good farm hand could be hired at from $8 to $10 per 
month. There was no fixed price for produce or stock. Old settlers tell us 
that they have sold wheat as low as 25 cents per bushel, and stock at cor- 
respondingly low prices. In 1830, wheat hauled to Cincinnati brought 37£ 
cents per bushel; a cow and calf, $12; and a brood sow, $5. A load of 
flour, containing eight barrels, was exchanged at Cincinnati, in 1815, for 
two barrels of salt. 

The swine of the early settlers, compared with the hogs of 1883, would 
present as wide a contrast as it is possible to conceive. Whatever the breed 
may have previously been called, running wild, as was customary, the spe- 
cial breed was soon lost in the mixed swine of the country. They were 
long and slim, long- snouted and long-legged, with an arched back, and 
bristles erect from the back of the head to the tail, slab-sided, active and 
healthy; the " sapling-splitter " and " razor-back," as he was called, was 
ever in the search of food, and quick to take alarm. He was capable of 



474 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

making a heavy hog, but required two years or more to mature, and until a 
short time before butchering or marketing, was suffered to run at large, 
subsisting mainly as a forager, and in the fall, fattening on the " mast." 
Yet this was the hog for a new country, whose nearest and best markets were 
in Cincinnati and Baltimore, to which places they were driven on foot. 
Persons then, as now, engaged in the purchase and driving of swine or cat- 
tle as a special occupation, and, by means of trustworthy agents, visited 
distant sections to buy up large droves. It was not uncommon to see a 
drove of hogs driven to a certain place to be weighed ere starting them on 
their long journey. As each porker was caught, it was thrust into a kind 
of leather receptacle, which was suspended to steelyards. As soon as the 
hog was fairly in the contrivance, the whole was lifted from the ground, and 
thus, one by one the drove was weighed and a minute made of each, and with 
a pair of shears, a patch of bristles was cut from the hind-quarters, or some 
other mode of marking followed, as evidence of the fact that the hog had 
been weighed. Two or three days' drive made the hogs quiet enough to be 
driven along the highway without much trouble, moving forward at an aver- 
age gait of from eight to ten miles a day. Whenever the animals were 
wilder than usual, they were enticed into a pen, there caught, and their 
eyelids " stitched," or this was done during the weighing process. Thus 
blinded, the hogs seemed instinctively to keep the road, and, reaching their 
destination, a clip of the scissors or knife made all things right again. 

Almost every farmer raised a few hogs for market, which were gath- 
ered up by drovers and dealers. The delivery of hogs began usually in 
September, and the business was carried on past the middle of winter. 
The price ranged at about $1.25 per 100 pounds, though at times running 
up to $3.25 or $3.50. with a fair margin after driving to Cincinnati or Bal- 
timore. About 1840, the hog trade was brisk, and speculation ran high. 
Many men along about this time laid the foundation of subsequent fortunes, 
while doubtless others lost all in wild speculation. In no stock of the farm 
have greater changes been effected than in the hog. From the characteris- 
tics of this wild animal, long-legged, slab-sided, roach- backed, muscular, 
tall, long, active and fierce, it has been bred to be almost as square as a 
store-box, quiet as a sheep, taking on 250 pounds of flesh in ten months. 
They are now ranked into distinctive breeds, which, as far as Madison Coun- 
ty is concerned, has mainly narrowed to the Berkshire and Poland -China, 
though other breeds are found here. 

In horses, cattle and sheep, Madison for many years has claimed a 
high grade. The first sheep were brought into the county by Joshua Ew- 
ing, in 1800, and since that time their numbers have gradually increased, 
until to-day this county contains thousands of the finest sheep in the State. 
The breeding of thoroughbred horses began at a later day. Walter A. Dun 
and Maj. William A. Neil have done much toward the growth and develop- 
ment of thoroughbred horses in this portion of Ohio It has not proven 
remunerative to these individuals, but nevertheless Madison County derived 
great benefit from their enterprise, as it raised the grade of her horses to a 
high standard. This county being the center of the blue grass region of 
Ohio, it necessarily follows that nature intended it for a great cattle mart. 
and as siich it is recognized throughout the world of trade. The great 
monthly cattle sales held in London since 1856, as well as the thoroughbred 
Short-Horns imported from Europe at an earlier day, has made the name of 
" Old Madison " famous. There is uo county of this great State where the 
buying and selling of stock has proven such a grand success as here in the 







^J%^VUJ> r^&rcr-yiy 



.! 



HISTORY OF .MADISON COUNTY. 477 

little county of Madison. Her sale-days are the great events in the lives of 
stock men for miles in every direction. Over her broad acres, covered with 
the succulent blue grass, roam vast herds of sleek, well-fed cattle, which 
are ever in demand at the highest market prices. 

MADISON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

In 1846, the Clark and Madison Agricultural Society was organized, 
which held fairs alternately at South Charleston and London. The last of 
these fairs was held in London, on the 6th, 7th and 8th of October, 1852. 
On the 13th of November, 1852, the following agricultural notice appeared 
in the Madison Reveille : " We, the undersigned, citizens of Madison 
County, are in favor of calling a county convention, for the purpose of or- 
ganizing a county agricultural society, within and for Madison County, 
separate and apart from Clark County; and recommend said convention to 
be held on Saturday, the 20th day of November, 1852. Paul Smith, Sebas- 
tian Roberts, Abraham Johnson, Thomas J. Stutson, J. McCullough, R. Ac- 
ton, G. W. Lewis, G. B. Olney, N. H. S. Miller, Jennet Stutson, F. H. 
Olmstead, O. C. Standart, G. E. Hartwell, Nathan Burnham, E. S. Han- 
cock, B. Crabb, N. E. Davis, Evans Pennington, Henry Alder, Carlton E. 
Gregg, John Gr. Dun, Caleb Morse, James Burnham, John T. Maxey, Rob- 
ert Armstrong, William C. Minter, Dr. J. Stutson, A. Toland, A. J. Ryan, 
John Williams, William Morris, Washington YVithrow, Jackson Brock, W. 
A Koontz, Coleman Asbury, William Riddle, D. Haskell, P. R. Asbury." 
In response to this call, a large and enthusiastic meeting of the farmers, 
mechanics and business men took place in London on that date. 

The meeting was organized by appointing J. Stutson, of Jefferson 
Township, Chairman, and William H. Creighton, Secretary. The Chair 
man, in a brief but appropriate address, explained the object of the meet 
ing, which was to dissolve the connection which had heretofore existed with 
Clark County in an agricultural society, and to organize such society for 
Madison County alone. The necessity of such a course was obvious. The 
fairs were held in Clark County (except occasionally, by special favors, and 
by private individuals at London defraying certain expenses). The conse 
quetice was that a very large portion of the county was excluded from its 
benefits by being so remote from the point where the fairs were held. He 
urged that Madison County contained the elements within herself to pro- 
duce the very best agricultural exhibitions of any county in the State. On 
motion of David Haskell, it was resolved to proceed to organize a Madison 
County Agricultural Society, and elect such officers as were necessary to 
conduct the affairs of such society. On motion of John Melvin, it was re- 
solved that the officers of this society shall be a President, Vice President, 
Treasurer, Secretary and five Directors. The officers were then elected as 
follows: President, Richard Cowling; Vice President. Dr. J. Stutson; 
Treasurer, John Rouse; Secretary, \V. H. Creighton; Directors, John H. 
Findlay, John T. Maxey, John G. Dun, Jesse Watson, Jonathan 
Farrar. 

On motion, Messrs. Toland, Findlay and Stutson were appointed a 
committee to draft a constitution for this society, which was reported and 
unanimously adopted. On motion, it was resolved that a committee of one 
for each township in the county be appointed to solicit names for members 
of this society, whereon John Melvin was appointed the committee for Jef- 
ferson Township; John Williams, Stokes; Charles Phellis, Pike; Henry 
Alder, Canaan; John Smith, Darby; David .Morris. Monroe: \V. B.Davis, 



478 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Fairfield; John H. Kennedy, Somerford; James Q. Minshall, Range; James 
Robinson, Pleasant; R. B. Winchester, Union; John Gr. Dun, Deer Greek. 
On motion, it was resolved that 150 copies of the constitution of this so- 
ciety be printed for distribution through the county. On motion, it was re- 
solved that John T. Maxey, Richard Cowling and Jonathan Farrar be a 
committee to wait on the Directors of the late Clark and Madison Agricult- 
ural Society, and obtain from them the portion of the money in the hands of 
the Treasurer of the said society that was contributed by and properly be- 
longs to Madison County. 

The first fair of the Madison County Agricultural Society was held in 
London, on the ground where Jeriah Swetland's residence now stands, Sep- 
tember 28 and 29, 1853. The officers of the society, under whose auspices 
this fair was held, were elected June 4, 1853, and were as follows: John 
H. Findlay, President; James Foster, Vice President; John Rouse, Treas- 
urer; J. F. Freeman, Secretary; Richard Cowling, Charles Phellis, James 
Burnham, William Harrold and John F. Chenoweth, Directors. The day 
prior to the opening of the fair, the sale of the imported thoroughbred 
stock, brought from Europe a short time before, took place, and gave the 
new enterprise of the agricultural society an impetus it could have received 
in no other way. Hundreds of leading stock men attended this sale, and 
remained for the fair, which proved a grand success. In September, 1854, 
the society purchased eight acres and eighty perches of land, in Survey 5,- 
670, from John T. Maxey, paying for the same $425. It is located in the 
northeast part of London, and the fairs were held there for fourteen years, 
with varying success. The last exhibition was held September 18, 19 and 
20, 1867, and the following were the officers at that time: J. Swetland, 
President; Robert Reed, Vice President ; S. W. Durfiinger, Secretary; 
Preston Adair, Treasurer; Directors, David Haskell, William Curtain, Rob- 
ert G. Dun, Joseph Rea, William H. Summers, Joseph Williams, John 
Pancake, Henry Tyler, James Converse, Charles Phellis, John Mitchel, L. 
Mount, Daniel Boyd, Robert Deyo, Adam Young; Committee of Arrange- 
ments, J. Swetland, L. Mount, Preston Adair, Henry Tyler; Marshals, 
William Summers, J. C. Bridgeman. 

Many causes led to the abandonment of these fairs. In the fall of 
1868, a Union Agricultural Society was organized at Mechanicsburg. which 
had for its promoters some of the leading citizens of the northwestern por- 
tion of Madison County. These men had previously belonged to the Mad- 
ison County Society, and their withdrawal from it, together with the. start- 
ing of a new association so close to the north part of this county, naturally 
had a dampening effect upon the old organization. A second cause was the 
absence of a track where horsemen could exhibit their animals. The grounds 
were small, and races were uot a part of the programme at these fairs; 
hence one of the principal attractions was missing. Efforts were made at 
different times to purchase additional ground, with the object of construct- 
ing a good track thereon, but nothing was ever accomplished in that direc- 
tion. The principal cause, however, why the holding of fairs in London 
was abandoned, was on account of the rapid growth of the Madison County 
stock sales, the glory and pride of this portion of Ohio. This county needs 
no annual fair, for it holds one every month. The Madison County Agri- 
cultural Society, however, still lives, its organization is intact and its finan- 
cial condition healthy. Its present officers are: Stephen Watson. Presi- 
dent; Jeriah Swetland, Vice President; J. C. Bri'l^eman, Treasurer; and 
Erwin Phifer, Secretary; Preston Adair, Joseph \Yillianis, Stephen Wat 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNT V. 479 

son, James Millikin, John Pancake, Charles Phellis, Jr., R. C Dun, Phil- 
ip Durflinger, J. G. Bridgeman, W. H. Summers, Daniel Boyd, Jeriah 
Swetland, Adam Young, Kobert Boyd and Erwin Phifer, Directors. 

THE MADISON COUNTY STOCK IMPORTING COMPANY. 

The Scioto Valley being settled by many Kentucky and Virginia fam- 
ilies, cattle-growing became the leading form of agriculture; hence we 
find, as early as L832, that there was formed the Scioto Stock Importing 
Company, and which imported some of the best strains of Short Horn cattle 
to be found in the valley at the present day. In the fall of 1852, a meet- 
ing was hold in London by some leading stock men, to consider the project 
of importing thoroughbred stock from Europe. An organization was effect- 
ed January 1, 1853, and the association was named the Madison County 
Stock Importing Company. A constitution for the government of the com- 
pany was adopted, and the following officers elected: Jesse Watson, Presi- 
dent; Maj. Richard Cowling, Vice President; Jacob Chrisman, Treasurer; 
J. T. Lacy, Secretary; James Fullington, Joseph Chrisman, William H. 
Creighton and Robert Reed, Directors. 

The company was organized in shares of $100; about $10,000 was the 
capital stock. Messrs. Jonathan Farrar and Charles Phellis, of Madison 
County, and Benjamin Browning, of Clark, were appointed as the Purchase 
Committee, and sailed for England in the spring of 1853. The stock came 
in a sailing vessel, and arrived in very fine condition. The whole lot was 
kept for some time at the Brown farm, east of London, and sold September 
27, 1^53, which was the day preceding the opening of the first fair held by 
the Madison County Agricultural Society. The fol lowing is an exact copy 
of the report of that sale : 

BULLS. 

Thornberry— F. W. & II. Renick, Pickaway County $ 875 

Sheffelder— J. W. Robinson, Madison County 1,800 

Mario — Robert Reed, Madison County 1,550 

Marquis— James Fullington, Union County 3,000 

Starlight— Charles Phellis, Madison County 3,000 

Beau Clerc — D. M. Creighton, Madison County 750 

Symmetry — W. A. Dun, .Madison County 1,150 

Fanner's Boy — Joseph Rayburn, Madison County 925 

Prince Albert — J. F. Chenoweth, Madison County 300 

Colonel— "W. A. Dun, Madison County... 1,350 

Sportsman — James Foster, Madison County 700 

Prince Edward— M. B. Wright, Payette County 475 

Rocket — David Watson, Union County 425 

Splendor — F. A. Focum, Madison County 500 

Duke- of Liverpool— George G-. McDonald, Madison County... . 555 



$17,355 



cow.-. 



Victoria— J. Q. Minshall, Madison County 600 

Picotee —Jesse Wat -on, Mad i -on County 1,275 

St apl «-ton Lass -Jessie Watson, Madison County 1,350 

Princess and Calf — William Watson, Clark County 690 

Miss Hilton— David Wat -on. Union County 875 

Alexandrina— David Watson, Union County 560 

Blossom— David Watson, Union County 650 

Yorkshire Dairy Cow — Joseph Negley, Clark County 425 

Monson —Joseph Rayburn, Madison County 295 

$ 6,720 



480 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

BOGS. 

No. 1.— Levi Oldham, Fayette County $ 200 

No. 2.— Michael Sullivant, Franklin County 80 

No. 3.— J. T. McKey, Franklin County 75 

No. 4.— J. T. McKey, Franklin County 35 

No. 5. — J. G. Gest, Greene County 41 

No. 6.— John Hadley, Clinton County 42 

No. 7.— John Hadley, Clinton County 26 

No. 8. — Henry Rule", Clinton County 16 

No. 9.— W. A. Dun, Madison County 20 

No. 10. — Jesse Hegler, Fayette County 61 

No. 11.— John Hadley, Clinton County 200 

No. 12.— J. Q. Minshall, Madison County 120 

$ 916 

SHEEP. 

No. 1. — Richard Cowling, Madison County $ 110 

No. 2. — W. H. Creighton, Madison County 45 

No. 3.— Chandler Mitchell, Madison County 45 

No. 4. — Jesse Watson, Madison County 60 

No. 5. — Cyrus Larkin, Fayette County 56 

No. 6. — Robert Reed, Madison County 45 

NO. 7.— T. Mathews, Licking County 100 

No. 8.— T. Mathews, Licking County 50 

No. 9. — C. Fullington, Union County 75 

No. 10. — John Hadley, Clinton County 85 

No. 11. — G. Howard, Champaign County 40 

No. 12. — D. M. Creighton, Madison County 75 

No. 13.— E. P. O'Neil 60 

No. 14. — Richard Cowling, Madison County 100 

No. 15. — John Hadley, Clinton County 55 

No. 16.— C. Fullington, Union County 55 

No. 17. — Levi Lapham, Union County 35 

No. 18. — D. M. Creighton, Madison County 115 

No. 19. — C. Fullington, Union County 55 

No. 20.— C. Fullington, Union County 105 

Sheep $ 1,266 

Hogs 916 

Cows 6,720 

Bulls 17,355 

Total $26,257 

Jacob Chrisman was the Cashier of the company, and, after paying all 
expenses of importing, keeping, sale, etc., disbursed to the shareholders 
something over $240 for each $100 originally put in. The selling was 
done by Benjamin Porter, the first auctioneer of the monthly stock sales, 
for which he received the insignificant sum of $50. Other companies and 
individuals of the Scioto Valley besides those mentioned have made impor- 
tations from Europe of the choicest strains of thoroughbred stock, the de- 
scendants of which are to be found not only in this valley, but distributed 
throughout the entire West, as well as other portions of the United States. 

Among the breeders and dealers in thoroughbred stock, David Selsor 
and the Dun brothers deserve special mention. The former possessed the 
finest herd of Short- Horns in Ohio, and one of the finest on the continent. 
His animals always won the blue ribbon at the leading fairs of the coun- 
try, and the fame of David Selsor, the cattle king, has spread wherever the 
breeding of fine stock was made a specialty. The biggest prices wore paid 
for his animals, and the stjck man \vh > wis fortunate enough to obtain a 
descendant of this choice herd was indeed lucky. Mr. Selsor spared no 
pains nor expense to keep his herd in the front rank with the finest in the 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 481 

world. Truly, Madison County should honor the memory of this man, 
who, during a long life of business activity, did so much toward establish- 
ing and maintaining her reputation as the great stock mart of Ohio. Mr. 
Selsor died January 12, 1882, and his valuable herd was subsequently sold 
and scattered all over this land. 

Eobert G. and John G. Dun held their first annual sale of Short-Horns 
May 6, 1868, and sold thirty-two animals, nearly all one and two years old. 
We find that nine bulls and five heifers were bought by Madison County 
men. The purchasers were Eobert Boyd, W. A. Dun, F. M. Chenoweth, 
Benjamin Linson, Harford Toland, J. A. Pringle, James Rankin, William 
A. Neil, Jr., Addison Watson, William Cryder, Benjamin Custer, Robert 
G. Dun, R. B. Cowling and Bell Bros. Of the remaining eighteen, seven 
went to Clark County, four to Union, two to Champaign, two to Pickaway, 
one to Delaware and one to Fairfield County. The average price all round was 
$178.44; the lowest price, §75: and the highest, $365. On the 4th of May, 
1869, Robert G. Dun held his second sale, his brother, JohnG., having previ- 
ously disposed of his surplus at private sale. Twenty-three animals, mostly 
one-year-olds, were sold at public auction, nine of which were retained in Mad- 
ison County. The purchasers were William B. Franklin. William Hall, 
Jerry Rea, Alfred Pringle, William A. Neil, Jr., George Linson and A. W. 
Thurman. The remaining fourteen head were distributed as follows: Four 
to Greene County, one to Licking, one to Hardin, one to Columbiana and 
one to Franklin County, Ohio; three to Parke County, Ind., and two to Syr- 
acuse, N. Y. The lowest price paid was $185, and the highest >M05. mak- 
ing an average all round of nearly §221. These sales were followed by 
others, which attracted a large number of stock men from every portion of 
Ohio, and quite a respectable attendance from other Staffs. Becoming fa- 
miliar with the fine stock breeders of this county, they soon began to draw 
regular installments from the splendid herds of " Old Madison," with which 
to improve and cross upon other herds, and as a nucleus of future herds in 
other sections. Thus does Madison occupy a proud position in the galaxy 
of counties, the first in quality and second to few in numbers. 

MADISON COUNTY STOCK SALES. 

The production of corn, wheat, cotton and other staple crops may add 
most to the wealth of a nation in the aggregate, but, as a rule, the stock in- 
terests of every country, in all times, have brought most wealth to the indi- 
vidual farmer. Men who devote part of the resources of their farms to the 
raising of stock are invariably found to he among the wealthiest in every 
agricultural community, possessing the most comfortable homes, and able 
to give their families a better education and more of the comforts of life 
than any other class of agriculturists. This is particularly true of Mad- 
ison County, and the only drawback to the increase of her population and 
rapid development of her resources is that many of her citizens^own large 
tracts of land upon which the tenant system prevails, and it is therefore 
difficult for a man of limited means to acquire landed property. The prev- 
alence of log cabins in this age of frame and brick structures, and the 
large number of poor people occupying these cabins, is an invincible argu- 
ment against the policy of large farms. Freedom and enlightenment go 
hand in hand with the ownership of land, and wherever its acquirement is 
made difficult or impossible, it indicates the absence of a sound political 
economy in that country. 

The historical facts connected with the founding: of the .Madison Coun- 



482 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ty stock sales may be briefly told. The sale of imported stock, September 
27, 1853, gave the main impetus to the already growing interest in tine 
stock, which has contributed so largely to the business success of the coun- 
ty. Other sales followed in due time, and the project for regular sales in 
London began to be mooted. In 1855, William G. Jones, proprietor of the 
Phifer House, called a meeting at his hotel to consider the feasibility of 
inaugurating monthly stock sales. Besides Mr. Jones, there were present 
at this meeting William H. Creighton, David Selsor, Jesse Rea, Mathew 
Rea, John G. Dun, James J. Jones, Peter Slaughter, and other wealthy 
farmers and stock men. There was no regular association organized, but 
the originators, having confidence that the project would succeed, got out 
hand-bills advertising a sale to be held in London March 5, 1856. On that 
day was inaugurated the institution that has made Madison County famous. 
These sales are held the first Tuesday in each month, and, from the begin- 
ning to the present time, have proven a grand success. 

Benjamin Porter, a native of Virginia, was the pioneer salesman of 
this vicinity. He lived at Catawba, Clark Co., Ohio; was a large, portly 
man, of fine physique and strong common sense. His tact as an auctioneer 
was only equaled by the extraordinary strength of his lungs, but the love 
for strong drink conquered " poor Ben " at last. He possessed splendid 
judgment, and a man whom every one considered an adept in his business. 

In 1856, J. C. Bridgeman began his career as a stock salesman, and, 
in 1860, formed a partnership with Porter, which lasted until the death of 
the latter. From that time up to the present, " Jack " Bridgeman has been 
the leading stock auctioneer of Madison County, and has missed but two 
sales since 1860. He possesses all the shrewdness of the Yankee, combined 
with that freedom from ceremony and whole-souled manner characteristic 
of the Western people. To know " Jack" is to be his friend, for he is al- 
ways ready and willing to do a favor, and few men will go further than he 
to perform a kind action. " Jack's" abilities have made him wealthy — a 
Director of a National Bank, a model of propriety, and a representative 
citizen. For nearly thirty years he has been engaged in his present busi- 
ness, and it will not be an exaggeration to say that there is not a better 
judge of stock in Madison County than this go-ahead, successful auction- 
eer. None have excelled him in his business in the past, few equal him to- 
day, is the verdict of all with whom we have spoken as to "Jack's" abilities. 

Charles Jones, of Jefferson, has been selling at these sales since their 
inception, and is considered a good salesman. Giles James, of London, 
has been engaged in the business for about twelve years, while John Kilgore 
and William Douglass have been auctioneers at these sales for about six 
years. Others from adjoining counties take part whenever railed upon, and 
there can be little doubt that to this class of men is due much of the success 
which has attended the growth and progress of the London sales from the 
beginning. 

It will not be inappropriate to give a list of the men who have fostered 
and encouraged these sales, the reader bearing in mind, however, that oth- 
ers, perhaps, whose names do not appear, have done something toward 
building up this wonderful institution. The present prosperity of the Mad 
ison County stock sales is unquestionably due to a certain class of her citi- 
zens, among whom the following well-known names deserve mention : Will- 
iam G. Jones, William H Creighton, David Selsor, Jesse Rea, Robert 
Boyd, Mathew Rea, John G. Dun. James J. Jones, Peter Slaughter. Peter 
Buffenburgh, William D. Wilson, J. Q. Minthall. James Wilson, Thomas 



HISTORY OF MADlSoN COUNTY. 483 

Wilson, Alexander Wilson, Valentine Wilson, Jerry Rea, Robert Rea, John 
Pancake, Charles Phellis, Charles Phellis, Jr., Tip Guy, James Carter, the 
Weaver brothers. Chandler Mitchell, Newman Mitchell, Charles Mitchell, 
Thomas Bales, James A. Dun, Augustus Bonner, Walter Dun, Jr.. Wash- 
ington Withrow, Robert Reed, Eli Gwynne, Baldwin Gwynne, William 
Franklin, John Thompson, W. Morrow Beach, John McCoy. John Heath, 
Thomas Farrar, Marion Chenoweth, John F. Cbenoweth, Frank and Joel 
Hicks, James Abernathy, Elijah Bragg, Otho Luffboro, William Johnson. 
Elijah O'Day, Manly Bozarth, William A. Neil, John Lucas, the Bidwells, 
J. B. Morgridge, John Price, William D. Wilson, Jr., James Rankin, Ab- 
ner Bateman, Adolphus Dunkin, William H. Summers, J. C. Smith, H. W. 
Smith, John Wilson, John McDonald, Henry, John and Darius Burnham, 
James Guy, Joseph Williams, Luther Johnson, William Minter, Hiram and 
Charles Richman, Charles H. Beale, William and John O'Day, George 
Kious, W T illiam and David Heath, William Junk, Linson Bros., Jesse and 
David Watson, Thomas J. Stutson, Clement Shockley, Smith Bros. , P. R. 
Asbury, Benjamin and Batteal Harrison, John T. Maxey, Daniel Boyd, 
Marcus Yates, Levi Counts, Fulton Armstrong, Edward Fitzgerald, Ed- 
ward Roberts, Richard Johnson, James Converse, James Davis, Robert 
Deyo, John Stroup, James Robinson, Joseph Rea, W. H. Morgan, J. W. 
Byers, and doubtless a few others whose names have not been given us. 

From all of the adjoining counties, as well as many of these at a dis- 
tance, come leading stock men to buy and sell. Dealers residing in Cin- 
cinnati and Chicago ship stock from these cities to the little town of Lon- 
don, where they know the highest prices in the Union are always paid for 
good cattle. Not only does Ohio pay tribute to the Madison County stock 
sales, but also the great States of New Yoi'k. Indiana. Kentucky, Tennessee, 
Michigan. Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas. On the 2d of March, i860. 
the Ohio Legislature, with Gov. Hayes and other State officers, including 
many representatives of the press of Ohio, paid London a visit for the pur 
pose of seeing how cattle sales were managed, and to examine this county 
as a location for the State Agricultural and Mechanical College. At the 
same time, the Agricultural Convention of the Scioto and Miami Valleys 
met here in annual council. It was one of the most noted days in the his- 
tory of the county. Some three hundred legislative, agricultural and other 
invited guests were entertained with a banquet at Toland Hall, and all hon- 
or was given to " Old Madison," the only county in Ohio or the West sus- 
taining a stock sale. On this day, Daniel Boyd sold to David Selsora mam- 
moth steer, weighing 8,030 pounds, for which the "cattle king" paid $540. 

During the first thirteen years and a half that these sales existed, but 
four were missed, viz. : The fall of Vicksburg, in July, 18(38; the Slate 
election, in October, 1863; the Fourth of July, 1805; and the cattle plague. 
in September. 1868. being the causes why no sales were held in those 
months. The average sales per year for that period amounted to $122,- 
550, or more than §10,000 each month, but for the last five years of that 
time the average was often double that figure. The sales continued to in- 
crease in size and importance, so that for the last thirteen years and a half 
of the twenty-seven which they have been running, the yearly average has 
been about $300,000, or $25,000 per month. Not one sale has been missed 
during this second period of their history, but every month, " rain or shine," 
they have taken place, " as regular as the clock." The lowest estimate we 
can make will thus place the aggregate value of the Madison County stock 
sales, siuce their inception to the close of 1882. at the enormous figure of 



484 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 



$5,500,000. Surely this showing entitles Madison County to that proud 
position which she has so long maintained as the " Queen of Cattledom." 

The custom, for such it is, has become rooted and grounded in its es- 
tablishment. Without organization or officers; in the interests of no ring or 
clique; with but one other worthy of the name, viz. : the sale held at Paris, 
Ky., it stands to-day unrivaled in the history of the nation. Good stock 
cattle have brought better prices at the Madison County stock sales than at 
any other market on this continent. We challenge comparison. Madison 
County pays a higher valuation on her homed stock than any other county 
in Ohio, and, doubtless, in the United States. During the latter years of 
David Selsor's life, he annually shipped to New York the premium beef of 
the metropolis; and it is a well-known fact that this beef, fed upon the 
blue grass and corn of Madison County, brought the highest prices in that 
market of epicures. It is said that this republic is the greatest nation in 
the world, and that Ohio is the greatest State in the Union. The citizens 
of Madison County claim to possess the leading stock county in the State, 
so that her position is one of proud superiority. 





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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 487 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MILITARY HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY— WAR OK 1812— MEXICAN WAR — CIVIL 
WAR— ROLL OK HONOR— SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER IN- 
FANTRY—TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY- 
FORTIETH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY — NINETY- 
FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY — ONE 
HUNDRED AM) THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL- 
UNTEER INFANTRY— SQUIRREL HUNTERS AND 
MILITIA — ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY- 
FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO NATIONAL 
GUARDS— RETURN OF PEACE. 

JF a battle has ever been fonght within the present limits of Madison 
County, the fact is unknown to modern chroniclers; hence, its military 
history will not embrace a picture of armed hosts in deadly conflict upon 
its soil, but must tell of her sons who went forth at the call of their country 
when imperiled, first, by an Indian foe; second, by the arrogance of En 
gland; third, by the aggressions of the Spanish race in the land of the Az- 
tecs; and lastly, by the attempt of a slave oligarchy to sever the union of 
the States. The events of these wars have passed into history. The youth- 
ful student in our schools is bewildered with the recital of their gigantic 
proportions, and the son listens with wonderment at the tale of bloody 
strife from the lips of the surviving father who served in the later strug- 
gles. The mother relates the anguish and long years of anxiety suffered in 
those dark days. All are familiar through written records and word of mouth 
with the causes which led to these wars, their fierce continuance, their 
glorious termination, and the fruits left for the enjoyment of coming gener- 
ations. 

In 1811, the inhabitants of Madison County began to fear an Indian 
outbreak. There were no Indians thou living in the county, but the events 
leading to the ''battle of Tippecanoe and the killing of an Indian named 
Nicholas Monhem, by Tobias Bright, in 1810, incensed the roving bands of 
savages, and kept the settlements in a feverish state of anxiety. There was 
a constant dread that the Indians would begin hostilities, massacre the 
whites and burn their homes. Several families in the eastern portion of the 
county left their cabins and erected a stockade or fort on the land of Philip 
Sidener, on the east bank of the Little Darby, opposite the site of Jeffer- 
son. After the crushing defeat of the Indians at the battle of Tippecanoe, 
on the 7th of November, 1811, the fears of the people subsided to some ex- 
tent, and those in the fort returned to their own cabins. The pioneers in 
other portions of the county followed the same plan, making some strongly 
built cabin a general rendezvous whenever an out break was expected. Tims, 
while peace nominally existed, these hardy pioneers were prepared for war 
whenever it should come with all its horrors. 

WAR OF L812. 

The arrogance of England had compelled the United States I (declare 
war, and. in June. L812, the edict was sent forth. Gov. Meigs called for 
troops, and Franklinton, Urbana and Dayton were designated as general 



4.88 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

places of rendezvous for this portion of Ohio. Capts. John Moore and Elias 
Langham were recruiting officers at London. The militia of Madison 
County were divided into classes, so as to be in readiness when called upon. 
AH able-bodied men. between the ages of eighteen and forty -five years, were 
required to respond to such a call. A company of seventy men was raised 
soon after the war broke out. and sent to Mill Creek, in what is now the 
southern part of Union County. A block-house was built on the north bank 
of the stream, and general preparations made to defend the county against 
the Indians. Jonathan Alder was in this company, and, after remaining 
there about four weeks, he and John Johnson concocted a scheme to break 
up the camp and return to their homes. They were sent out scouting, and 
after making many moccasin tracks in the vicinity of a mud hole, returned 
to the camp and reported that Indian signs were numerous, at the same 
time offering to conduct a squad to the place, for the purpose of investigat- 
ing the matter. This news created consternation among the men, and Alder, 
Johnson and Andrew Clerno were detailed on picket duty that night. ' Cler- 
no was informed of the plot, and, about 11 o'clock, while the camp was in 
repose, all three fired off their guns at an imaginary foe, and rushed back 
to the fort. A general stampede ensued, the men running like a frightened 
herd of cattle, pell-mell, in every direction through the forest. The shouts 
of the officers calling upon them to halt were of no avail. Many ludicrous 
scenes took place, as well as a few accidents through comiDg in contact 
with the trees; while two brave (?) boys plunged across Mill Creek irre- 
spective of danger by drowning. The ruse succeeded, for, by 10 o'clock 
the following morning, all of the men were discharged and on their way to 
their homes. Much sport has been made of this event, and many of the 
worthy pioneer fathers were the butt of the jokers throughout their lives on 
account of their participation in this first campaign of the war. 

As late as 1813, the Indian boundary was only about sixty miles from 
London. There was a great feeling of relief, therefore, when, on June 21, 
of that year, the Indians, at a council held in Franklinton, solemnly agreed 
to remain at peace, thus satisfying the spirit of all former treaties. An 
eloquent description of this council has been prepared, and as the event 
formed a pleasant scene, which practically concludes the Indian history of 
this part of the State, we cannot do better than to present it to the reader. 
The council was held on the grounds of Lucas Sullivant. The memorial 
says: 

" The Delaware, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca tribes were represented 
by about fifty warriors. Gen. Harrison represented the Government, and 
with him were his staff and a brilliant array of officers in full uniform. 
Behind them was a detachment of soldiers. In his front were thy Indians. 
Around all were the inhabitants o* this region, far and near. The object 
was to induce these tribes, who had heretofore remained neutral in the war, 
to take an active part in the ensuing campaign for the United States, or at 
least give a guarantee of their peaceful intention by remaining with their 
families within the settlements. 

" The General began to speak in calm and measured tones, befitting 
the grave occasion, but an undefined oppression seemed to hold all in sus- 
pense, as with silent and almost breathless attention, they awaited the result 
of the General's words. These seemed to fall on dull ears, as the Indians 
sal with unmoved countenances and smoked on in stolid silence. At length 
the persuasive voice of the great commander struck a responsive chord, and 
Tarhe. or the Crane, the great Wyandot chief, slowly rose to his feet. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 489 

Standing for a moment in a graceful and commanding attitude, he made a 
brief reply. When he, with others, passed forward to grasp the hand of 
Harrison, in token not only of amity, but in agreement to stand as a barrier 
on our exposed frontier, a terrible doubt and apprehension were lifted from 
the hearts of all. Jubilant shouts rent the air, women wept for joy, and 
stalwart men thrilled with pleasure as they thought of the assured safety of 
their wives and children from a cruel and stealthy foe. They prepared at 
once, with alacrity, to go forth to the impending battles." 

The Indians were faithful to this agreement, and the country was 
spared a re-enactment of the bloody scenes of her earlier history. 

During the siege of Fort Meigs, in May, 1813, runners were sent 
throughout the State, urging the male inhabitants to assemble immediately 
at certain points and take measures to relieve the besieged fort. The mili- 
tia from this county hurried to Urbana, where a large force was organized 
under the command of Col. Duncan Mc Arthur. It started for Fort Meigs, 
but after a four days' forced march through the wilderness, was met by 
William Oliver, John McAdams and Capt. John, the Shawnee chief, who 
brought the intelligence that the siege had been abandoaed. The troops 
returned to Urbana and were discharged. Maj. David Gwynne, one of the 
Gwynne brothers, who settled in Deer Creek Township, was then a Paymas- 
ter in the regular army, with headquarters at Urbana. 

Soon afterward, they were again called out and marched to Sandusky, 
where they remained for a short time. A portion of the men were dis- 
charged, the balance subsequently returned to Franklinton and were sent to 
their homes. At a special term of the Court of Common Pleas, held Octo- 
ber 4, 1813, a number of military fines were remitted. They had been as- 
sessed by the County Board of Military Officers, for neglect of duty in the 
prosecution of the war, then being waged against England. It is not our 
intention in this article to attempt to give the names of the volunteers from 
Madison County who fought in many of the battles of that war. At this 
late day, success, in such an undertaking would be impossible; but many of 
their names will be found recorded in the biographical sketches given by 
their descendants, and the memory of their deeds will be cherished as long 
as the nation lives. 

After the return of peace, in 1815, Congress passed a law, re-organiz- 
ing the militia and making it obligatory for all males, between the ages of 
eighteen and forty-five, to perform military duty. This county was divided 
into military divisions, and certain points designated in each for the militia 
to meet and receive instruction in the art of war. This was called " Com- 
pany Muster. " Once a year the different companies throughout the county 
were required to meet at London, or some other point, to attend to what was 
called the " General Muster." The militia could not draw military equip- 
ments from the Government, but at these musters armed themselves with 
rifles, shot guns, broom- handles, sticks, or any implement by which they 
could be put through the manual exercise. The law also provided that if 
any company would furnish their own uniforms, and otherwise comply with 
the law, the State should supply them with arms and munitions. Several 
companies of this class were organized in the county. They were required 
to perform military duty for seven years in time of peace, which, complied 
with, exempted them from poll tax. Training days, among all classes. 
were looked upon with much favor; they were days of recreation, social 
joys and friendly greetings. 



490 HISTOKY OF MADISON COUNTS 

MEXICAN WAli. 

The disputed territory between the Rivers Neuces and Rio Grande was 
the direct cause of the war between the United States and Mexico. Texas, 
which had first won its independence, and subsequently been admitted into 
the "Union, claimed the Rio Grande as the boundary line, while Mexico said 
it was the Neuces River. The American Government proposed to settle the 
controversy by negotiation, but the authorities of Mexico scornfully refused. 
Gen. Taylor was then ordered to advance his army, and, in November. 1845, 
had established a camp of about 5,000 men at Corpus Christi, near the 
mouth of the Neuces River. In March, 1846. he advanced to the Rio 
Grande and erected Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras. On the 26th of 
April, Gen. Arista, the Mexican commander, notified Gen. Taylor that hos- 
tilities had begun, and on the same day a company of American dragoons, 
commanded by Capt. Thornton, was attacked by a body of Mexicans, east of 
the Rio Grande, and here occurred the first bloodshed of the war. 

It made no great stir among the people of Madison County, though the 
progress of the victorious troops from the Rio Grande to the halls of the 
Montezumas was hailed with an enthusiasm similar to that over the country 
generally. The Whi^ leaders claimed to see in the war a scheme for the 
extension of slavery, and on this ground made many bitter speeches against 
it; but the patriotism of the nation was aroused, and all opposition was 
-wept away before the grand outburst of indignation which it caused. We 
have been unable t,> fiud any record of the soldiers who enlisted from Madi- 
son County, and there are no newspaper files of the London press reaching 
that far back: but we have picked up the following names of Madison 
County men who went into the Mexican war. viz.: Joel H. Worthington. 
Edward Hill. Samuel Creamer. Oscar McCorniick. George W. Athey. Lewis 
Dun. William Justice, William Frost, Adam Bidwell, Este Bidwell, Samuel 
Armstrong, Edward Sager, and Mortimer A. Garlick. Let their names be 
honored for assisting to uphold the nation's flag in her hour of need. 

CIVIL WAK. 

Two days after the fall of Fort Sumter, and immediately after the re- 
ceipt of the proclamation of President Lincolu for 75,000 volunteers, a 
meeting of the citizens of London was held in the town hall, which was or- 
ganized by calling E£ \V. Smith to the chair and appointing A. Downing 
Secretary. On taking the chair, Mr. Smith i Idressed. the meeting in a few 
appropriate remarks. H" was followed by Dr. A. Toland, Col. P. W. Tay- 
lor, William Jones. George Lincoln. W. H. SLpiires. John McGaffey and 
several other citizens, in patriotic -" i • ■ b - Richard Coaling, Dr. Toland 
and AVilliam Jones were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expres- 
sive of the sense of the meeting. Col. Taylor read his orders from the Ad- 
jutant General to proceed in enrolling a company of volunteers, and also 
the general orders from the same officer. A .ill was made for volunteers, 
but none answered at the time. A. Downing was authorized to enroll all 
volunteer who should subsequently make application. The committee re- 
ported the following resolutions: 

Whereas, The flag of our country having been dishonored by traitors, we deei 

it our duty to defend thai dag at the risk of our lives : therefore, 

Thai tii'' citizens of Mi 1' ity, as much as they deplore the strife 

and disunion in our land, they will still cling to the union of these States, and by ever 
honorable means in their power endeavor to maintain their integrity. 

That they will try to sustain the General Government in maintaining 
it- authority in enforcing the laws and upholding the flag of the Onion. 



HISTORY OF M \l<! <<\ COUNTY. 191 

The resolutions after readingwere unanimously adopted, and the meet- 
ing adjourned after three hearty cheers for the flag of the country. 

The stars and stripes were raised above the court bouse on Monday, 
April 16. On Wednesday, a beautiful flag, made <>\ the Ladies of London, 
was raised above the academy building, on the occasion of which patriotic 
speeches were made by -J. S. Burnham, ■). \). Stine, Emery Smith and 
others. Another flag floated from the Toland warehouse, one from Peter 
Weber's, one from "Van V. ; lithey's grocery, one from the Cowling 

House and many smaller ones from several other business bouses. Up to 
the 18th. about twenty young men had taken the required oath, and several 

other names had been r< Lved. A requisition was made by the Governor 

for seventy-live men from Col. Taylor's volunteer-, to be in readiness to 
march on Wednesday, the 28th inst. 

During the first week or ten days after 1 he fall of Fort Sumter, the 
county was in a continual state of excitement. Almost every branch of 
business was suspended, and the people generally did nothing but stand 
about the street corners of the towns and villages and rush to each train that 
arrived for news and to cheer the passing volunteers. The star.-, and stripes 
floated from the churches, the court house, two beautiful poles that were 
erected in the streets of London, and from almost every business house and 
many private dwellings. Squads of men were drilling on the streets and 
the hotels were thronged with recruits. Party ties were completely obliter- 
ated, and every man, no matter what may have been his political tend' 
affirmed that it was now his dutj to support the Government, and lend a 
helping hand in its defense;. The first company enrolled in accordance 
with Gov. Dennison's call was christened by Col. Taylor, "The Eagle 
Guards." They were commanded by Capt. Thomas Acton, and leff for 
Lancaster, Ohio, April Ti. 1861. 

Before leaving for camp, the Eagle Guards were presented with a beau- 
tiful Hag by the ladies of London, who had also made for them from gx>ds 
purchased by the Council, one hundred flannel shirts. 

The care of those whom the defenders of their country's honor left be- 
hind was gladly assumed by the citizens. A letter on this point from 
Richard Cowling to the County Treasurer, dated London, April '!'■'>. 1861, 
reads as follows: 

"I have this day left with W. H. Chandler, County Treasurer, $1,000, 
to be applied to the comfort of the two volunteer companies that go from 
this place— one-half ($500) to be equally divided between the two compa- 
nies, subject to the order of their Captains in trust for their respective com- 
panies. The other half ($500) to be applied to the care of the soldiers' 
families, under the direction of the following committee: AV. H. Chandler, 
H. W. Smith, B. F. Clark. A. A. Hume, O. P. Crabb and W. If. Squires. 
The Government shall be sustained as long as I have a dollar." 

A purse of $300was immediately raised among the citizens of London, 
for the use of the volunteers: while all over tin- county money was pledged 
to aid the good cause. Peter Buffenburgh subscribed $1,000 toward the 
volunteer fund, and many other citizens did equally as much according to 
their means. In May, 1863, CoL bete)- W.Taylor deeded L,600 acre 
Mi 30UTi land to 11. W. Smith. I!. I', ('lark. Jacob Peetrey, M. I. -men and 
James Kinney, to be held in trust for the benefit of disabled soldiers from 
Madison County. 

The ladies of the were indefatigable in their ministrations to 

the soldiers. They organized the " Ladies' Eospital Relief Society of 



402 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Madison County," which was unceasing in its efforts. They were constantly 
sending to the hospitals of Ohio regiments boxes of fruit and other delica- 
cies, with large supplies of woolen blankets, socks, underwear, sheets, pillow- 
cases, books, papers, magazines, and, in fact, everything to contribute to the 
comfort and happiness of the soldiers, while also supplying their loved 
ones at home with the necessaries of life. 

On the 19th of July, 1862, Gov. Dennison appoiuted the following 
military committee for Madison County: Dr. Milton Lemen. Robert Arm- 
strong, William Curtain, Gabriel Prugh and Judge B. F. Clark, all of whom 
had taken an active interest in raising money and volunteers to defend the 
flag of their country. Prior to this time, there had been raised in this 
county $11,608, for the purpose of paying bounties to its soldiers. We 
have examined this subscription list and find some very wealthy men with 
an insignificant amount opposite their respective names, while many poor 
men gave liberally of their means. It is a fair indication of the patriot- 
ism possessed by each. On the 24th of June, 1863, the military committee 
was re-organized, and the following gentlemen appointed by Gov. Tod. 
Robert Armstrong, Judge B. F. Clark, Gabriel Prugh, Thomas P. Jones and 
O. P. Crabb, who served until the war ended and the starry banner floated 
in peace from the lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 

The descriptions of the several regiments herein contained have been 
compiled from the valuable work by Whitelaw Reid, entitled " Ohio in the 
War" Slight errors have unavoidably crept into that volume, and wherever 
we discovered an apparent mistake, we made the necessary correction. The 
roster has been prepared mainly in the office of the Adjutant General of 
Ohio, and the names copied verbatim; hence, we cannot be responsible for 
errors in spelling. In addition to the rolls, we have availed ourselves of 
every aid within our reach, to make the roster complete. We have consult- 
ed members of every company, yet doubtless the names of some brave boys 
will be missing. It is hoped that none are omitted, though, from the im- 
perfect condition of the rolls, and the carelessness in recording credits, it 
is highly probable that omissions occur. 

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

The nucleus of this regiment was two companies raised in Fairfield 
County on the first call for troops, in April, 1861. At Lancaster they were 
subsequently joined by several companies from other counties, among which 
were those of Capt. Thomas Acton, of London, and Capt. Thomas J. Haynes, 
of Plain City, Madison County. The regiment was immediately organized 
by electing field officers. On the 20th of Juuo. the Seventeenth left Zanes- 
ville, whither it had proceeded, for Bellaire. Oq arriving at Benwood, on 
the Ohio River, a floot of boats was found waiting to receive the troops. 
On the 23d, all were embarked, arriving at Marietta on Sunday afternoon. 
The following morning the fleet started for Parkersburg, and in a few hours 
the Seventeenth was cm Virginia soil. It was at once brigaded with the 
Ninth and Tenth Ohio, Gen. William S. Rosecrans commanding the brigade. 

Its first duty was to guard trains to Clarksburg, Va. , and return. 
Company F was first detailed on this sorvice. Companies A and B were 
detailed as guard to Gen. McClellan. Companies I, F, G and K were sent 
down the river on an expedition, with sealed orders, not to be opened until 
Blennerhassett Island was passed. One company was put off at Larue. W. 



HISTORV OF MADISON COUNTY. 



493 



Va., and the other two proceeded on down to Ripley Landing and crossed 
over by land to Ripley, the county seat of Jackson County. Both detach- 
ments were to operate against the guerrillas of the different localities. The 
two Wises, father and son, were in command of the rebels in that vicinity, 
and made their boasts that they would " annihilate the Yankees on sight^" 
but took good care to keep at a respectful distance from said Yankees. 
Two companies remained at Ravenswood until July 10, when they were or- 
dered to report to the regiment at Buckhannon, Va., on July 14. The other 
five companies of the regiment left the railroad at Petroleum and marched 
across to Buckhannon, at which place, on the 4th of July, they were sur- 
rounded by about 1,500 rebels, but held the position uatil re-enforced bv the 
Tenth Ohio. 

It was intended to have had the Seventeenth Ohio concentrated in 
time to participate in the battle of Rich Mountain, but, as it was thought 
a much better work was being performed in Jackson County by breaking up 
recruiting camps and preventing many from joining the rebel ranks, it was 
not done. Shortly after the regiment was consolidated at Buckhannon, it 
was ordered on an expedition, in company with several other regiments, 
Col. Tyler commanding, to Sutton, Va. After a long and very hard march, 
Sutton was occupied and fortified. On the 3d of August, 1861, the Seven- 
teenth Ohio, having over-served the time some days, started for home, ar- 
riving at Zanesville, Ohio, on the 13th of August, and two days later was 
mustered out of the service. The two companies from Madison County re- 
turned to their homes, and many, if not all of the men composing them, 
subsequently joined other regiments, principally enlisting in the different 
companies from Madison County that went into the Twenty-sixth. Fortieth, 
Ninetv-nfth and One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiments. 



COMPANY C. 

This company, originally called the '-Eagle 
Guards." whs organized ai London, and mus- 
tered into the service under the first c til for 
troops in April, 1861. It subsequently was 
ordered t > Lancaster, and there joined the 
Seventeenth liegiraent. with t lie following 
roster : 



Captain, Thomas Acton. 
First Lieutenant, D. L. DeLami. 
Second Lieutenant, Orrin E. Davis. 
Sergeant. William Flannagan. 
Sergeant, Aquilla Toland. 
Sergeant, C. C. McCormack. 
Sergeant, Robert M. Hanson. 



Anderson, William. 
Anderson. Sr., William. 
Arthur, Charles. 
Arthur, John W. 
Allen, Homer. 
Byerly, William. 
B rkimer, Joseph. 
Bussard, William T 
Uvcrs. Isaac W. 
Bickle, John M. 
Boling, Martin. 
Bradley, Henry. 
Brittingham, Ethan A 
Burroughs, J. W. 
Burroughs, Wilson. 
Claridge, Edward. 
< 'ott v. Dennis. 
Curtis, James. 
Chamberlin, Timothy. 
Clark. John C. 



I Jarey, Mortimer. 
Crabb, F. M. 
Chamberlain, George. 
Cusick, Patrick. 
' lonverse, Charles. 
Davidson, I. N. 
Emmerson, George. 
Fleming. John. 
Fitzgerald, Thomas 
Fields Jerome. 
Furrow, Jacob. 
Fody, Thomas 
Goodwin, John. 
Godfrey, Thomas. 
Godfrey, Dennis. 
Gray, John. 
Haley, Timothy. 
Hamilton. William II. 
Howell. David. 
Hutchinson, William J 



Houston, Jacob. 
Haun, Arthur. 
Hancock, Seneca N. 
Hull, David M. 
Hale, Benjamin F. 
Hilderhrand, Eli M. 
Hann, Levi. 
Ilann, Joseph. 
Harper, Adin. 
Hilderbrand, John. 
Ingalls, Francis M. 
Kendall, William C. 
Lynch, William. 
Lyons, George. 
Long, Jacob. 
Lyons, James C. 
Lewis, Andrew. 
Lewis, Reason L. 
Masterson, Michael. 
Marklev, William. 
McCaulla. 0. A. 
Moore, Nathan. 
McDiniel, William. 
McDaniel, Henry. 
McMara, Thomas. 
McLean, John. 



McPike, J. dm. 
Mattrie, Benjamin. 
Olney, Justice. 
Peck, James C. 
Paine, Miner. 
Rutter, William. 
Rider, John. 
R-al, James M. 
Reece, Samuel R. 
Stephens, Thomas J. 
Saunders. William. 
Surer, Samuel W. 
Sellenberger, Henry. 
Sullivan, Timothy 0. 
Scott, Otho H. 
Scott John M. 
Smith, Emery. 
Thompson, Thomas. 
Trost, Jacob. 
Tulley, Stephen 
Tracy, W. H. 
Ward, D. W. 
Ware, James 
Welch, John. 
Worley, John. 
Worthington. Melanchton, 



COMPANY G. 

()n the first call for troops in April, 1861, 
this company was immediately raised at l'Uin 
City, and forwarded lo Lancaster, where it 
was mustered into the Seventeenth liegiment 
on the 5th of June, as follows: 



Captain, Thomas J. Haynes. 

First Lieutenant Daniel 'fay or. 
Second Lieutenant, George W. Darety. 
Sergeant, Titus G Case. 

mt. Rodney 0. Met 'loud. 



494 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



Sergeant, Robeit F. Fleming. 

, Albert v> . Allen. 
Coi poral, Daniel B. Eager. 
Corporal, William F. Bancroft. 
Corporal, Daniel H. Thomas. 
i lorporal, David Beece. 



Andrews, Charles C. 
Anderson, .lames. 

Allen. ii- 

Beales, George W. 
Beach, Joseph. 
Bradley. Patterson. 
Black e, John T. 
Be«cb, Benjamin. 
BerkBtre&ser, Levi. 
Black, JameE 
i lhapman, Silas W. 
Converse, Hiram K. 
Honklin, Jamea K. 
Durboraugh, Wash. Me 
Douglass, Hiram. 



Frisbey, George P. 
Flaherty, George F. 

Guy, Wilkinson. 
Hobert, Leander. . 
Huff, LjsanderG. 
Haynes, Richard. 
Hobert Lorenzo. 
Hill, Andrew. 
Tines, Andrew .1. 

Cent, David. 

Kile, William N. 
Kilburry, James M. 
Kennedy. George. 
Lucas, Benj. F. 
Langs! aff, .lames G. 



Langstaff, Justin 0. 

i, i k. . Abl( . 

Mercor, Leander. 

More, Albert. 

More, A. If. 

McDowell, Uriah H. 

Mi Dowell, John 1>. 

Mills. James L. 

Murphy, Mathew. 

Miller, George. 

Marshall, John. 

McCane, David. 

McClung, John. 

Morris, George. 

Patch, E. 

Patterson, John E. 

Perry, John F. 

Perry, Luther. 

Parrish, John. 

Ruehlin, William. 

Knehlin, Samuel. 

Drummer, Silas G. Chapman 
Fifer, Clark L. Barlow. 



Russrl, i .> 
..'' eci . Samuel.K. 
Stanton, James. 
Shirk, John W. 
Sealer, Alan-on. 
Stephens, Marion. 
Shnmway, James. 
Searfns, Ruben W. 
Stomp, Saml. W. 
Shumway, Lewellyn. 
Tracy, Daniel. 
Tarpening, Eiiiihus. 
Taylor, William. 
Walker, George. 
Winget, Wan 
Wadsworth, V. J. 
Williams, John. 
Worthington, Joel H 
Wells, Lewis, W. 
Yennick, Joseph. 



TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July, 1801, and 
as soon as completed it was ordered to the Upper Kanawha Valley, where it 
performed its first service. It remained in that valley until the following 
January, and in the movement by Gen. Rosecrans on Sewell Mountain the 
Twenty-sixth claims to have led the advance and to have brought up the 
rear on the retreat from that point. Early in 1862, the regiment was trans- 
ferred from the Department of West Virginia to the Department of the 
Ohio, soon after named the Department of the Cumberland. The brigade 
of which it formed a part was placed in Gen. Wood's Division, where it re- 
mained until October, 1863. On the organization of the Army of the Cum- 
berland into corps, at Louisville, in September, 1862, the division was as- 
signed to the Twenty-first Corps, but in October, 1863. the Twentieth and 
Twenty-first Corps were consolidated with the Fourth Corps, and the Twen- 
ty-sixth Regiment became a part of the Second Brigade, Second Division, of 
the Fourth Corps. 

The regiment formed a part of the advance column on Nashville, after 
the capture of Fort Donelson, and shared the forced marches, hardships and 
privations of Gen. Buell's army in its advance to Pittsburg Landing to re- 
lieve Gen. Grant. In the advance from Shiloh through the swamps of 
Northern Mississippi, upon Corinth, the Twenty-sixth occupied the front 
line, and was among the first to enter the place. During the summer of 
18G2, the regiment bore its full share of bhe hardships of Gen. Buell's cam- 
paign. In August of that year, the Twenty-sixth led the attack on Forrest's 
Cavalry, near McMinnville, Tenn., defeating the rebels and capturing, 
among other prisoners, Gen. Forrest's body-servant, battle-horse and private 
carriage. In the memorable forced marches of Buell and Bragg, from the 
Tennessee to the Ohio, and thence toward Cumberland Gap. in the fall of 
1862, this regiment performed its whole duty. 

On the 26th of December. 1862, Gen. Rosecrans commenced his advance 
from Nashville against Murfreesboro. During this engagement the Twenty 
sixth, under the command of Maj William Squires, of Madison County, 
supported in part b\ the Fifty eighth Indiana, made a gallant and success- 
ful charge, storming and driving from a strong position in the village of 
La \ ergne a far larger force of the enemy, that for many hours had held the 
left wing of the army at bay. and seriously impeded the execution of the 
movements in progress. Later in the day, two companies of this command 
charged the enemy's retreating rear-guard, drove them from and extiu- 



P^ *B& 




HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 407 

guished the fire of a burning bridge, to the great advantage of the advanc- 
ing columns. This gallant deed was thought of sufficient importance to en- 
title the regiment to especial mention in reports. At the battle of ' Stone 
River the Twenty-sixth, under Maj. Squires, was one of several regiments 
which stood firm against the rebel charge un the 26th inst. , when three- 
fourths of the National forces on the right had given way and were in 
full flight, and though for many hours the heavily-massed columns of the 
enemy were hurled against it, they still stood their ground, and the Twenty- 
sixth Ohio formed the apex of that little convex line of battle that all Bragg's 
victorious army could not break or bend. At this time, the command lost 
one -third of its strength in killed and wounded. Maj. Squires was pre- 
sented with an elegant sword by the command, in appreciation of his serv- 
ices in this battle. 

In the advance on Bragg's lines at Tullahoma and Shelby vi lie, the 
regiment bore a conspicuous and honorable part. In the advance on Chat- 
tanooga, in December, 1863, the Twenty-sixth led the advance of Critten- 
den's corps which first entered the place, Col. Young, who had again taken 
command of the regiment, leading it in skirmish line over the northern 
bluff of Lookout Mountain. At Chickamauga, the regiment was in the 
thickest and bloodiest of the fight, where it acquitted itself with honor. Its 
loss in killed and wounded was very severe, being nearly three-fifths of the 
number engaged. At the storming of Mission Ridge by the Army of the 
Cumberland, the Twenty-sixth Ohio maintained its good reputation. It oc- 
cupied nearly the center of the front line of assault (Wagner's brigade, 
Sheridan's division), and was there called upon to sustain the concentrated 
fire of the rebel circular line of forty cannon and thousands of muskets. 
The assault was made in the face of this terrible fire, the column fin-latino- 
its way, step by step, up the long and rugged slope, every minute be- 
coming weaker and thinner by the murderous fire of the foe from above, un- 
til, with less than half the command, with the entire color-guard disabled. 
Col. Young, bearing his own colors, spurred his horse over the enemy's 
works, who threw down their arms, abandoned their guns and gave them- 
selves to precipitate flight. In this action the Twenty-sixth captured about 
fifty prisoners and two cannon. Later in the day, this regiment, together 
with the Fifteenth Indiana, captured a six-gun battery the enemy were en- 
deavoring to carry off in their retreat, and flanked and dislodged a strong 
body of rebels, who, with two heavy guns, were attempting to hold in check 
the Urfion forces until their train could be withdrawn. These guns, also, 
were captured. In token of their appreciation of Col. Young's gallantry on 
Lookout Mountain, his command subsequently presented him with a mag- 
nificent sword and belt. The regiment suffered at this time the loss of 
about one- fourth of its strength in killed and wounded. 

Ere its dead were buried on the mountain side of Mission Ridge, the 
Twenty-sixth, now reduced by two years and a half of arduous service. 
from 1,000 to less than 200 rifles, was on its way, with the Fourth Corps. 
to raise the siege of Knoxville. This campaign proved to be the most, severe 
of any yet experienced. Thsy marched barefooted over frozen ground, and 
bivouacked without shelter, in midwinter, clad in summer dress, with half 
rations, on the desolate and dreary hillsides of East Tennessee. Yet even 
then, with elbows out, pants worn half-way to the knees, socks and shirts 
gone to threads, hungry and shivering in the bitter cold of January 1, 1864, 
the Twenty sixth, almost to a man, re enlisted for three years more. It was 
the first regiment in the Fourth Corps to re-enlist, and the first to arrive 



498 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



home on veteran furlough. Returning to the field at the expiration of its 
furlough, the regiment rejoined the Fourth Corps at Bridgeport. Tenn. 

When Gen. Sherman moved upon Atlanta, the Twenty-sixth marched 
with its corps and participated in that arduous campaign. It was at Res- 
aca, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and in all the minor engage- 
ments of that march, and in each maintained its splendid lighting reputa- 
tion. After a rest of three weeks at Atlanta, the regiment was again called 
upon to seek the enemy. Gren. Hood, thinking to defeat the plans of Gen. 
Sherman, made his dash at the rear of Atlanta and marched on to Nashville. 
In the race that ensued, the Twenty-sixth Ohio bore a part, and again had 
the honor of contending, under the gallant Thomas, with the rebel foe. 
The battle of Franklin was fought, the enemy checked in his swift march, 
and the Union forces won the race into Nashville. At this point the two 
armies again met in battle, resulting in a victory for the National arms, the 
rebels being completely demoralized and put to flight. The latter were pur- 
sued across the Tennessee River, and then the Union forces fell back on 
Huntsville an I Nashville. 

The Texas campaign was now resolved upon, and the Twenty-sixth 
formed part of that force, participating in the trip down the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans; thence in the severe march across the country 
from Port Lavaca to San Antonio, which will long be remembered by those 
gallant veterans, on account of its disagreeable associations of intense heat, 
burning thirst and the almost unbearable annoyances of the insects inhabit- 
ing that region. On the 21st of October, 1865, the regiment was mustered 
out of the service at Victoria. Immediately thereafter, it was sent home 
to Camp Chase, paid off and discharged. 



COMPANY K. 

This company was recruited at London, 
and bore the title of " Cowling Videttes," in 
honor of Richard Cowling, a leading citizen 
of the county. It arrived at Camp Chase 
July 'Z'2, 1.^61, and on the following day was 
mustered into the Twenty-sixth Regiment. 
The company organization, with all subse- 
quent enlistments, is as follows: 

0FFI0ER8. 

Captain, William H. Squires. 
First Lieutenant, James It. Hume. 
Second Lieutenant, James R. Warner. 
Sergeant Moses II. Wood 
Sergeant, John F. Martin. 
Sergeant, Thomas S. Pennington. 
Sergeant, Alexander Dean. 
Sergeant, William L. Fickey. 
Corporal, Kra-tus Guy. 
Corporal, H. W. Rowland. 
Corporal, Lucian Dnngan. 
Corporal, C. It. Warner. 
Corporal, 1!. C Putnam. 
Corporal, George O'Brien. 
Corporal, Benjamin F. Tyler. 
Corporal, .lames Withrow. 
PBI1 I 

Busa, Conrad, 

Burt, John F. 



Anderson, Marion. 
Anchaur, Charles. 
Bradley, John, 
Bj en, John W. 
Boan, Brooks 
Bnpp, < I 

Benjamin, derrick 
Bidwell, Albert. 
Bidwell, Klisha. 
Bendervolt , Jacob 
Brooks, David D. 
Bnssard, Peter. 



( lorcoran, Patrick. 
Carey, Mortimer. 
Campbell, Curtis. 
( liana, Samuel. 
Campbell, John. 
Clingan, Alonzo P. 
Gordray, Noble A 
i llingan, Andrew J 
Campbell, James. 

uan. David R. 



Dehaven, Joseph 0. 
Daret, Sylvan us. 

Dennison. James. 
Devalt, John 
Dennison, Philip. 
Deihl, William. 
Durflinger, Virgil M. 
Ellison, f'ladius C. 
Eberly, John. 
Edwards, Jacob J. 
Flack, William II. 
Flack, Peter. 
Graham, Patrick. 
Guy, Charles. 
Goodwin, John. 
Howsman, Charles. 
Holswager, Lewis. 
Ilolilen. John. 
Helms. John. 
Hunter, James. 
Hutchison, Amos J. 
Howsman, James. 
Hand. Philip. 
Holeycross, Andrew M. 
Jones, Albert S. 
Johnson, Thomas. 
Kern. Joseph. 

Landis, Emanuel. 
Lynch, Travis. 
Lyd i. William 

Ladley, James. 

Lockwood, T. K. 
Mains, Is iaC 

McLaln, John. 
Moore, John F. 
Moi I., Able. 
Holer. Jo oi 
More, James 
More, William D. 
Morris, Joseph P. 
Moi re, Albert E. 
David 

Teamst< 



B. 



McDonald, lame-. 
Naglev, William A 
Powell, Robert E. 
Peters, John. 

Phillips, Charles 
Porter, William. 
Powell, Samuel 
Peppers, George W 
Phillips. John. 
Rafferty, Joseph. 
It av. Isaac W. 

Robbins, Z. S. 
Rowland, Samuel. 
Ray. Allied. 
Roper. Junes H. 
Sanford, Daniel B 
Swingle, S 1 1 
Saunders, G. W. 
Stiver. William. 
Swigerr, William. S. 
Sanford, Benjamin. 
Simpkins, Wayne. 
Smith. George. 
SeUor, Robert. 
Sellenbnrger, Henry. 
Steele, William. 
Showalter, David. 
Sanford, James T. 

Treanor, James 
Treahein, Jam - \ 
Timmons, William. 
Wemes, George. 
Woif, James. 
Wolford, Nathaniel, 

Wright, Jauie- M 

Williams, George W 

Williams. .1 si'ph 
Warren, Jonathan. 
Weaver, Ira. 

Warner, Willis C. 
Williams, Francis M 

r. Jeny Flynn. 



HISTOKY OF MADISON COUNTY. 499 

FORTIETH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

The organization of this regiment was completed at Camp Chase, Ohio, 
December 7, 1861, and, on the 11th of the same month, it left camp for 
Eastern Kentucky, going by railroad to Paris, Ky., and marching thence to 
Paintville, where it formed a junction with Col. Garfield, who was then 
moving up Sandy River. On the 10th of January, 18(32, the regiment par- 
ticipated in the battle of Middle Creek, defeating Humphrey Marshall, and 
after that remained in camp at Paintville, suffering very much from sickness. 
In February, it moved to Piketon, where, in connection with a Kentucky 
regiment, it remained as an outpost until June 13, when the troops moved 
to Prestonburg. A month later, Prestonburg was abandoned, the Fortieth 
going to Louisa, where it remained until September 13, when it left Louisa 
and moved to the mouth of the Sandy, and a few days after was ordered to 
Gallipolis, Ohio. On the 4th of October, it moved to Guyandotte, W. Va., 
and, November 14, was again ordered into Eastern Kentucky. 

The regiment started for Nashville, Tenn., February 20, 1863, and, on 
its arrival was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Reserve Corps, 
then at Franklin, which point the regiment reached in March in time to 
take part in a forced march after Van Dorn. On the 10th of April, when 
the Fortieth was on picket south of Franklin, Van Dorn attacked the line 
with a large mounted force, but was repulsed by the regiment alone. The 
Fortieth moved to Triune, on the 2d of June, and, on the 23d, the reserve 
corps moved forward, forming the right of Rosecrans' army in its advance 
on Shelbyville, Wartrace and Tullahoma. The regiment was stationed at 
the two latter points until September 7, when the reserve corps pushed 
forward rapidly to assist in the movement on Chattanooga. The regiment 
participated in the battle of Chickamauga, losing quite heavily, and, after 
falling back to Chattanooga, encamped at Moccasin Point, opposite Look- 
out Mountain, and finally went into winter quarters at Shell Mound, Tenn. , 
where four companies re-enlisted. 

On the 24th of November, the regiment shared in the battle of Lookout 
Mountain, and behaved with great gallantry. It was in the second line of 
battle, and, upon reaching the rebel breastworks, was ordered to halt, by 
Gen. Whittaker, who was in command; but not hearing the order on account 
of the din of battle, kept right on alone, capturing two pieces of artillery at 
the " White House," several hundred yards in advance of the other troops. 
The right of the regiment advanced to near the Summertown road, but, re- 
ceiving no support, were obliged to fall back. The gallant Fortieth felt 
much chagrined at the result, and claimed, that if properly supported, they 
would have captured the rebel guns and stores on the summit of the mount- 
ain. At the close of the campaign, the regiment returned to Shell Mound. 
On the 20th of January, 1864, the regiment moved, and, February 6, went 
into camp near Cleveland, Tenn. On the 22d of February, it started <»n a 
reconnoissance to Dalton, returning to camp on the 28th. On the 2d of 
May, the Fortieth marched on the Atlanta campaign, participating in many 
of the battles before that place, and being under fire almost constantly after 
reaching Dalton. Companies A, B, C and D were mustered out of service 
at Pilot Knob, Ga., October 7, 1864. The remainder of t\v> regiment shared 
the fortunes of the Fourth Corps in its pursuit of Hood, and in its retreat 
before him from Pulaski. In December, those who were not veterans were 
mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., and the veterans were consolidated with 
the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

After the consolidation of the Fortieth with the Fifty-rirst, the com- 



500 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



bined regiment was transported, with the Fourth Army Corps, to New Or- 
leans, thence to Texas, where, at the town of Victoria, it performed guard 
duty for some months. It was mustered out of the service December 3, 
1865, brought home to Camp Chase, where it was finally paid and dis- 
charged. 

COMPANY C. 

This company was organized at London, in 
the autumn of 1861. and mustered into the 
Fortieth regiment at Camp Chase, September 
21st of that year, as follows: 



COMPANY v. 

This company was organized al Jefferson, 
and inn tered into t lie Fortieth Regiment 
September 19, 1861, at ('amp Chase, where 
it arrived on the 10th of that month. The 
muster-out rolls of the Fortieth Regiment 
are not in the Adjutant General's office at 
Columbus, and we, therefore, had to depend 
on the muster-in rolls, and the assistance of 
Col. William .lones. Lieut. James C. Peck, 
and other officers of the regiment, to com- 
plete the lists. The roster is as follows : 

OFFICERS. 

Captain, William Jones. 
First Lieutenant, Orlando 0. Bowles. 
Second Lieutenant, Thomas Lilly. 
Sergeant, William I 
Sergeant. Jacob Houston, 
Sergeant, .Marion Simpkins. 
Sergeant, Thomas Price, 
ant, Wilson Burris. 
Corpora 1, Ralph Robinson. 
Corporal, Lawrence Englesberger. 
Corporal, John II. Plimmell. 
Corporal, Elisha Bidwell. 

Corporal. Janns Blair. 
Corporal, William M. French. 
Corporal, Charles Schwartz. 

PRIVATES. 



And. reon, William. 
Adams, Hamilton. 
Augsburger, John. 
Arhood, John. 

Altman, Charles. 

Bradley, Calvin. 
Bidwell, Benjamin. 
Burklieart, William. 
Bradley, 11. K. 
Bradley, F. S. 
Bidwell, Maton. 
Byerly, David. 

Brown. John. 
i lhambers, James, 
Chambers, Samuel. 
Chenoweth, Thomas, 
Oartwright, James. 
Clifton , Jackson. 
Clover, fames. 
Cochran, John. 

■:. Marios W. 
DuBois, Joseph. 
Dnnson, Howard. 
Doren Henry. 
Doren, J 
Dew il 

Duff, Jonah. 
Dyer, Lemuel, 
Engles 

I'.iioi . Edward, 
F< rd, Jackson, 
griffin, Patrick II. 
Qarabrant, Andrew J- 
Groff, Benjamin. 
i.i.iy . U iliiam. 

Nelson. 

James W. 

Harrington, George. 

Harrington, Aloii/o. 
llanii. Maurice. 
Hamman, John. 

Haim. Arthur. 

Hann, Levi. 

Hubbard, Thomas. 

Drummer Frederick Olney 
Fifei . Jonathan Hammel, 
Teamster, James Roberts. 



Hubbard, S muiel. 
Hubbard, William. 

• m, i harles C. 
Irwin, Joseph. 

. Rufus W. 
tng i Is, Francis. 
Johnson, Firman. 
Kingman, George. 
Kris... John. 
Long, Jacob. 
Long, John. 
LiUj , Henry C. 
Lilly. Daniel. 
Leite . 1 1 
Mali. u, M.ithew. 
Martin, John H. 
Hezekiah, 
Miller, Francis R. 
Murphy. Hugh. 

Olney, George. 

Olney, Wilson. 

Olney, J, - 
Plummer, James. 
Plimmell, Qeoi - w 
Pi arce, lb m i- 
Paugh, Solomon. 
Ken, i. William. 
Roberts, C. C 
Studebaker, Augustus. 
Scott, it. 0. 
Stokes, Edward w. 
Suver, Jeremiah 
Tillman, Eli 
Thomas, Mackej . 
Taner, Stephen. 

Wheatby. David M. 

Wood, Jonah. 
Williams, Thomas B. 

Whitney. J. K. 
White, Calvin. 
Williams, Albert. 

Vonng. I- i , • 



Captain, Thomas Acton. 

Fiist Lieutenant, Detainer L. Deland. 

Second Lieutenant, James C. Peck. 

Sergeant. Ezra Tullis. 

Sergeant. C, 0. McOormack. 

Sergeant, David M. Clark. 

nit, J. W. Ware. 
Sergeant, A. W. Kirkley. 

Corporal. Henry Kelly. 
Corpora], Alonzo Fleming. 

i al, l'a\ id Tullis. 
Corporal, Henry Lyman. 
Corporal, William Ellars. 
Corporal, H. McDaniel. 
Corporal, S. L. B. McMIllin. 
Corporal, 0. A. McCaulla. 



PRIVATES 

Anderson. William. 
Allen, Jeremiah. 
\lthen, John. 
Allen, Homer. 
Bennett, Wallace. 
Butterwick, Henry. 
Betts, Charles. 
Berry, John. 
Brady, John. 
Brown, Peter. 
Baker. George. 
Bates, Edward. 
Blaine, William A. 
Coin, Patrick. 
I Sox, John. 
Curtis, James. 
Curran, Patrick. 
Chamberlain, Geo. 
Olarridge, Pleasant. 

Cook, John W. 
Cook. Josiah T. 

Candler, Francis M. 

Emmerson, George. 
Ehni, John. 
Eastman, Dyer B. 
Evans, Richard. 
Fleming, Daniel. 
llo.lt, Jacob. 

Fullington, John. 
Garrard i 
Graham, William. 
Gayheart, Christ. 
Gambl 

Guiton, William. 
Qrej . John. 
Gear, Ge Tge W. 
Hoi ubeck, l'i- 
Hutchinson, W. J. 

Huntington, Thomas. 
1 Ian n gton, Peter, 
Howi , John R. 
Hat • ington, Ervin. 
Hull. Elijah. 
Inc. James. 
Kenzla, George. 

Long, William. 

Drummer, <.''<'. >rge II. Phifer. 

FilVr, .bun. - i 

.-tor. Newman Whittaker. 



Link, Washington D 
Link, Harvey. 
Lusoh, George. 
Lyons, Ge irge. 
Moreland, John. 
McMillen, James. 
Michael, John. 
Myers, Granville. 
McCaulla, M. J. 
Medulla. George. 
Murray, Robert B. 

in, Michael. 
Moreland. Thomas 
Morain, John. 
Melvin, Madison M. 
Melvin. Samuel. 
Nattrie, Benjamin. 
Postle, Jefferson. 
Palmer. James H. 
Beck, John. 
Prugh, A. A. 
Paine, Miner, 
orge. 
Rider, John. 
Rineh.art, Peter. 
R I, Benjamin. 

-. Phillip L. 
Roby, Mo ha, 1 S. 
Roby, David H. 
Roberts, George. 
Shipps, Laban. 

Smith. Oil 
Suv«r, Adam. 
Spencer, Oliver. 
Spring, Klijah. 
Soward, William. 
Taylor. Oliver T. 

Wetherill, James G 

Wilson, James. 

ither, Martin 

.orge. 
Williams, Clem. 
Watrous, George. 
Yeans. William. 
Yeardley, Joseph i 



COMPANY D. 

This company, called the " Buffenlm rgh 
in honor of Peter Buffenburgh, was 



HISTORY Of MADISON COUNTY. 



501 



also organized at London, and mustered into 
the Fortieth at Camp Chase on the 30th of 
September, 1861. 

OFFICERS. 

Captain, James Watson. 
First Lieutenant, Charles Converse. 
Second Lieutenant, James M. Dungan. 
Sergeant, CharleB R. Cover. 
Sergeant, Daniel H. Thomas. 
Serjeant, James P. Thacker. 
Sergeant, Joseph Woods. 
Corporal, William A. Rouse. 
Corporal, John Goslee. 
Corporal, Joel II. Worthington. 
Corporal, Melancthon Worthington. 
Corporal, Benjamin Emery. 
Corporal, Richard Cowling. 
Corporal, James Real. 
Corporal, George P. Robinson. 

PRIVATES. 



Allen, Madison C. 
Allen, Creighton. 
Auklin, Martin. 
Babh, Eugene, 
Britton, Harrison. 
Byers, Isaac. 
Beadle, Richard. 
Byers, Marion. 
Carr, Samuel. 



Clark, John. 
Conklin, .bums E. 
Conklin, Edward B. 
Conklin, David. 
Creager, Isaac. 
Couples, Joseph B. 
Cornwall, T. W. 

Dasher, Frederick. 
Delaney, Thomas J. 



Douglas, Hiram. 

Eastman, John. 

Forshee, Charles. 

Frazell. August. 

Flood, James W. 

Forshei . Joseph. 

Grace, F. L. 

Gray, William. 

Hogendoffer, J. F. 

Hiser, Benjamin. 

Hughes, Albert B. 

Hand. Philip. 

Hickman, John. 

Irwin, Leander. 

Jones, Berthier. 

Kaupp, .John. 

Lee, William A. 

Lewis, Andrew. 

Lewis, Reason. 

Lilly, William. 

Maxwell. Patrick. 

McPike, John. 

V I onnell, Samuel. 

Miller, Simon. 

McDowell, J. B. 

Mercer. A. F. 

Newman, Joseph. 

Patterson, John. 

Musician, 
Musician, 
Teamster, 



Paine, .banes. 
I'. tors, i ieorge M. 
Piper, William. 
Porter, Cyrus. 

Powers, Joseph. 

Bid bie, David. 
Robinson, Samuel 1!. 
B bison, Samuel W. 
Sidener, Willis S. 
Sidener, John w. 
Seldomridge, David, 
Snodgrass, Delmon. 
Shumway, Lewellyn. 
Sager, George M. 
Sager, Franci i M. 

StrOUp, James li. 

Taynor, Isaac. 
Thompson, George M. 
Thacker, Elias C. 
Vogt, William. 
Vogt, John. 
Ward, George. 
Woodman, James M. 
Woodford, II. S. 
Whiteside, David. 
White-, Joshua. 
w \ ncoop, Samuel. 
Walker, James. 
McDona Frazell. 

James Finch. 

Ethan A. Brittingham. 



NINETY-FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

On the 19th of August, 1862, this regiment was mustered into the 
service of the United States at Camp Chase. The following day, it pro- 
ceeded to Lexington, Ky. , where it was brigaded, and soon transferred to 
Richmond, Ky. The brigade made a forced march to this place and drove 
off the rebels, after they had sent in a flag of truce, asking the surrender 
of the town. 

August 29, the regiment, with its brigade, had an encounter 
with Kirby Smith's advance, capturing one gun. They remained all night 
on the held, confident of their ability to defend the approaches to Rich- 
mond, and underestimating, in their ignorance, the enemy's strength. The 
almost impassable barrier afforded by the precipitous approaches to the 
Kentucky River had been left fifteen miles in the rear, while they advanced 
to encounter an army of veterans double their numerical strength. Kirby 
Smith was then on his march to the Ohio River, making his famous North- 
ern raid, that will long live in story, and in the memory of the squirrel- 
hunters who were summoned to the defense of Cincinnati. Across his way, 
and barring it, lay an army of ten thousand raw recruits, with only nine 
pieces of artillery. Veterans would have fallen back to the river, where it 
was possible to delay the advance of the enemy until the arrival of re-en- 
forcements; but it was not so ordered in the book of fate. Blind to the 
danger, and bold to rashness, our troops not only stood their ground, but 
advanced to meet certain defeat and almost annihilation. As no other Ohio 
regiment participated in the battles around Richmond, a brief description 
will be interesting. 

The rebel army made an attack the next morning, and at 9 o'clock made 
a determined charge, which drove our men from the field. One hundred 
and twenty men of the Ninety-fifth, and a majority of the line officers, com- 
manded by the Lieutenant Colonel, deeming themselves the only represent- 
atives of the State on the field, scorned to fly, and fought desperately until 
completely surrounded and forced to surrender. The scattered and demor- 
alized forces made another stand, a mile or two in the rear, but were scat- 
tered like chaff, and still farther on a third stand, which resulted, after a 



502 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

stubborn though brief resistance, in a tumultuous retreat for the river. The 
loss to the Ninety-fifth was eight men killed, forty-seven wounded and 600 
captured. The loss of the other regiments engaged was about two hundred 
and fifty killed, eight hundred wounded and nearly two thousand captured. 
The rebel loss in killed and wounded was heavier than ours. 

November 20, 1862, the regiment was exchanged, re-organized and sent 
to Memphis, where it arrived May 25, 1863. 600 strong. It was attached 
to a division and moved to Vicksburg. Here it did effective service until a 
few days previous to the capture of the city. It also aided in the capture 
of Jackson, Miss., and in the operations around the Big Black River. The 
regiment participated in Sherman's attempt to storm the works of Vicks- 
burg, on May 22, where, besides sustaining a repulse, many brave men were 
sacrificed. After the fall of Vicksburg, another attack was made on Jack- 
son, where the rebels were whipped, after which our troops went into win- 
ter quarters near Memphis. During the winter, the Ninety-fifth was as- 
signed to the Sixteenth Corps, with which it served until the end of the 
war. 

Early in June, 1864, an attempt was made to strike the Mobile & Ohio 
road, in the vicinity of Tupelo. This ended in defeat. The Ninety-fifth 
went into the affair with nineteen commissioned officers and 300 muskets, 
and got back to Memphis with nine officers and about one hundred and 
fifty men. In July, the regiment marched with Gen. Smith's expedition to 
Memphis, and, after skirmishing along the way, formed near Tupelo. The 
Confederates made a furious attack and were handsomely whipped. On re- 
turning to Memphis, Forrest made a night attack and got badly whipped 
again. Smith's forces were moved to Nashville, arriving the evening after 
the battle of Franklin. On the morning of December 15, Gen. Smith's 
force, now an army corps, stationed on Thomas' right, pushed boldly out 
from their works, and were soon on Hood's left flank. Here an assaulting 
column, including the Ninety-fifth, was formed. In a few minutes, the first 
rebel work, mounting three guns, was captured. From a hill farther on, 
crowned with a redoubt, the rebels poured a galling fire on the victors. 
Without halting, on went our forces, like wild buffaloes, over the intrench - 
ments and into the works, capturing more guns and holding the 
position. 

The next day, Hood's second line was attacked. The Ninety-fifth and 
other regiments piled knapsacks, and with orders neither to fire a shot nor 
to yell, they " went " for the works and carried them by storm, capturing 
battle-flags, guns and prisoners. The cloud that for more than two years 
had rested above the regiment sailed away, and the boys triumphed in the 
sunshine of victory, though the feeling was mixed with sadness when their 
rolls were Called, bearing the names of one-half their comrades, whose 
bones were whitening on many a Southern battle-field. After these suc- 
cesses, the regiment performed its part in the pursuit of Hood, and joined 
Gen. Canby's forces at New Orleans in the reduction of Mobile, where it 
arrived in March, 1865. From this time until the bursting of the Confed- 
erate bubble, the regiment did guard duty. At the close of the war. it was 
ordered to Camp Chase, and mustered out August 19, 1865. The rolls 
showed that of 1,085 officers and men, composing the regiment. 528 officers 
and men were killed in battle, or died of wounds or disease in the 
service. 



HISTORY OF JUADISUN COUNT V. 



503 



COMPANY B. 

In the .snnimer of 1882, this company was 
organized at London, and mustered into the 
Ninety-fifth Regiment, at Camp Chase, on 
the 19th of August. 



Captain, R. M. Hanson. 
First Lieutenant, Isaac N. Davidson. 
Second Lieutenant, P. R. Chrisman. 
Sergeant, Isaac G. Peetrey. 
Sergeant, Erwin Phifer. 
Sergeant, L. G. Florence. 
Sergeant, Samuel Armstrong. 
Sergeant, Nathan Moore. 
Corporal, Edward E. Miller. 
■ brporal, John T. Chenoweth. 
1 'orporal, William Rutter. 
i orporal. Auburn Smith. 
orporal, James S. Crane. 
Corporal, Martin De Camp. 
Corporal, D. J. Cartzdatner. 
Corporal, Edward Whittaker. 



A.they, A. T. 
Ambler. Samuel. 
Bover, Henry. 
Bechtol, Isaiah ,V. 
Bussard, William T. 
Bussard, Jacob. 
Bostwick, H. M. 

Blaine, Marion. 
took, William 0. 
Curtain, Napoleon. 
Couples, Samuel. 
Davidson, Silas. 
Deienbaugh, F. M. 
Evans, F. M. 
Kstep, Joseph. 
Evans, John. 
Everett, John. 
Ford, Samuel B. 
Ford, Martin. 
F.rrel. Patrick. 
Graham, W. H. H. 
Geer, Jonathan. 
Galloway, Joseph. 
Hunt, C. B. 
Jones, Jasper. 
James. W. M 
Johnston, William. 
Kilgore, Thomas J. 
Eoontz, Joseph II. 
Linsey, Joseph S. 
Link, William H. 
Lane, Jesse H. 
Markley, J. 
Morris, Lafayette. 
McMillan, D. E. 
Masterson . M. 
Mitchell, James. 
McCormack, W. H. 
Miller, Nelson A. 



Minshall, Enoch E. 
McPike, Caleb. 
Nichols, William. 
Nichols. Edward 1. 
Nichols, John W. 
O'Boyle, Michael. 
Prugh, George W. 
Powell, Naooleon. 
Porter, James A. 
Plummer, Emanuel. 
Ray, Jackson. 
Reese, Abel B. 
Ray, Joseph. 
Richards, Benjamin. 
Rose, William E. 
Robey, George A. 
Strain, Adam. 
Stephenson, T. J. 
Seaman, James. 
Shryack, Isaac J. 
Smith, Theodore. 
Strain, Lewis. 
Sheehan, Lawrence. 
Timmons, Catman. 
Tuttle, Samuel. 
Tuttle, Thomas. 
Tracy, William H. 
Timmons, Daniel. 
Thornburg William B. 
Tingley, Simon. 
Timmons Harrison. 
Vent, Erasmus S. 
Vaughn, Michael. 
Waters, Samuel. 
Whitley Larkin. 
Withrow, John S. 
Watson, .*. w. 
Werden, Stephen. 
Young, Lewis. 



COMPANY K. 

This company was organized in Madison 

County, and mustered into the Ninety-fifth 

Ohio August 19, 1862, at Camp Chase. Its 

roil is us follows : 

OFFICERS. 

Captain, George W, Darety. 

First Lieutenant, Thomas S. Pennington. 

Second Lieutenant, Vincent Allen. 

Sergeant, Thomas F. Timmons. 

Sergeant, P. H. Lewis. 

Sergeant, S. B. Beard 

Sergeant, S. N. Hancock. 

Sergeant, Lawson Bidwell. 

Sergeant, A. A. Hanson. 

Corporal, Stephen Wadsworth. 

Corporal, L. J. Thacker. 

Corporal, S. P. Furlong. 

Corporal, A. H. Workman. 

Corporal, Eugene Sheldon. 

Corporal, Aaron Vanaustand. 

Corporal, Thomas Wheelock. 

Corporal, Benjamin Hale. 



Drummer, M. A. Bates. 
Fifer, Isaiah Edwards. 
Teamster, G. W. Coberly. 



Allen. Benjamin. 
Allen, Calvin. 
Blair, George P.. 
Byrd, John A. 
Bethards, William H 
Bethards. James F. 
Bolio, J.N. 
Blair, John 
Baker, Jacob. 
Byerly, A 
Bristol, Dorman. 
Brown, Thomas D. 
Bigelow, Joua. 
Coi. verse, Albert. 
Cramer, Samuel. 
Cat penter, James. 
Cohorn, John. 
Clark, Hatfield. 
Crosley, Edmund. 
Core, James H. 
Crego, John. 
Dunn. James 
Davis, Clinton W. 
Darby, Archibald. 
1 lai by, Adam. 
Darby, John M. 
Douglass, John R. 
Evans, John F. 
Fin lev, John. 
Fox, Ira J. 
Griffith, Daniel. 

Garrabrant, James. 

Graham, G. T. 
Gossard, G. W. 

Hagar, S. G. 
Haines, Jacob. 
Hale, Benjamin. 
Hubbard Peter. 

Halm, John. 

.Musician, 
Musician, 
Musician, 
Teamster, 
Teamster, 



FRIVATES. 

Hammel, Samuel. 

Ilolycross, E. 

Johnson, Benjamin. 

Johnson, David. 

Knight, S. B. 

Lewis, Wallace W. 

Leach, Sinard. 

Lucas, Warner. 

Lyon, William. 

Martin, Joseph S. 

Mead, I. C. 

Myers, Jacob. 

Miller, Monterville. 

Minshall, Wyatt. 

Miller, Theodore W. 

McClung, John. 

O'Connor, John. 

Pyers, James N. 

Peterman, Jacob. 

Powers, Joseph. 

Roberts. Thomas B. 

Solomon, Joseph. 

Solomon, John M. 

Smith. S. S. 

Stutson, James. 

Stoner, Labrinetous. 

Stutson, Oliver. 

Smith, v. C. 

Twiggs, Robert. 

Tarpeniug, Eliphus. 

Tai pening, James. 

Taylor, George. 

Tracy, Isaiah. 

Vanhouton, A. D. 

Williams, John. 

Warrell, Samuel. 

Wheeldon, Arthur. 

Whittecar, F. M. 

Young. Robert. 
C S. Barlow 
William B. Smith. 
B. C. Irwin. 
James Alder 
Hugh McClarn. 



ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

The organization of this regiment was commenced at Camp Chase in 
August. 1862. Seven companies were recruited there. The regiment was 
ordered to Zanesville, and afterward to Camp Dennison, a company being 
added at each place. December 27, it was ordered io Louisville, Ky., where 
danger was expected from the Morgan raid. The order was altogether un- 
expected, as the organization was incomplete, but in two hours after its re- 
ception, the regiment was on its way, finely equipped. For some time after 
its arrival at Louisville, it encamped within the limits of the city, and re- 
ceived warm praise for it: orderly conduct and soldierly bearing. In Jan- 



504 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTfr. 

nary, 1863, it moved to Mauldraugh's Hill, about thirty miles from Louis- 
ville, on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The following month, it re- 
turned to Louisville and embarked for Nashville. The trip occupied an 
unusual length of time, and by the overcrowding of transports the regiment 
sustained serious injury through the dissemination of disease. On arriving 
at Nashville, many of the officers and men were sent to the hospital, where 
they suffered greatly from malignant fevers. 

The regiment moved to Franklin, having been assigned to Gen. C. C. 
Gilbert's division; participated in several expeditions against the enemy, 
and worked almost incessantly upon an extensive line of fortifications. The 
command formed the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland, and, join- 
ing other divisions at Triune, entered upon the Tullahoma campaign, but 
was not in an engagement. Remaining at Shelbyville until the partial re- 
organization of the army, it participated in the Chattanooga campaign as a 
part of the reserve corps. After a wearisome and trying march over the 
mountains, the One Hundred and Thirteenth bore a distinguished part in 
the sanguinary battle of Chickamauga, being brought into action on the af- 
ternoon of the second day, at the most critical point and moment. It was a 
bloody baptism for the regiment, as its loss was 138 officers and men out of 
382. It fell back to Chattanooga with the army, and endured all the trials 
and privations of the siege. The division, which had been designated as 
the Second, of the Fourteenth Corps, was detached from its corps at the 
battle of Mission Ridge, and formed a part of Gen. Sherman's force. It 
formed the reserve line, and was not actively engaged; but in the subse- 
quent pursuit of the enemy, it fought with some loss at Stuart's Creek. 

The regiment moved to the relief of Knosville, and endured all the 
sufferings and trials of the campaign. The men marched without sufficient 
clothing, without blankets or overcoats, and many of them without shoes, 
and, after Longstreet was forced to retire — weaiy, ragged and footsore — 
they returned to Chattanooga, arriving December 21, 1863. After a short 
rest, the regiment was ordered to McAfee's Church, eight miles south, to 
erect winter quarters. While thus engaged, it was sent on advance outpost 
duty, on New Year's Eve, 1803, and, being without shelter, suffered severely 
during that intensely cold night. During the winter, several of the officers 
were absent on recruiting sei'vice, and as a result of their labors, Company 
K was formed, and the regimental organization was completed. The mo- 
notony of the winter's campaign was broken by an occasional reconnois- 
sance, and at last the regiraeut moved on the Atlanta campaign. May 7, 
1864. 

The One Hundred and Thirteenth was at Buzzard's Gap, Resaca, and 
moved down the valley of the Coosa upon Rome; thence to Dallas and 
New Hope Church, and on to Kenesaw Mountain. In the battle of Kene- 
saw, the regiment formed the first line of assault, anl consequently lost 
heavily, the casualties being ten officers and 153 men. In the numerous 
engagements around Atlanta, the regiment was not actively concerned, ex- 
cept at Peach Tree Creek, though it was always present, ami nearly always 
exposed to the fire of the sharpshooters. According to the diary of an offi- 
cer, during 107 days of the campaign, the regiment was under fire eighty - 
nine days. After the fall of Atlanta, the regiment was sent to Chattanoo- 
ga, thence to Huntsville and Tuscumbia, Ala., and then back to Chattanoo 
ga. It again marched southward, with greatly reduced ranks, over the bat- 
tle-fields of the Atlanta campaign, and joined Sherman in his march to the 
si 'a. With the exception of an engagement between four companies of the 







David Sels or. 

fD EC EASED] 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



507 



regiment and a detachment of the enemy, in which the rebels were severely 
handled, th9 march of the One Hundred and Thirteenth was unbroken until 
it reached the defenses of Savannah. During the siege, rations were very 
scarce, and the canebrakes were the only forage for the stock. After the 
evacuation of the city, the regiment camped at Sister's Ferry, on the Savan- 
nah River, and there remained for several days in mud and water. A 
crossing was at length effected, and the One Hundred and Thirteenth was 
on South Carolina soil. The regiment shared in all the labors of the cam- 
paign in the Carolinas, and was severely engaged at Bentonville, fighting 
hand-to-hand, and, during the heaviest of the battle, leaping the breast- 
works to repel the assaults from either direction. This was the last battle 
of the One Hundred and Thirteenth. After the surrender of Johnston, it 
moved, via Richmond, Va. , to Washington, D. C, and participated in the 
grand review. It then proceeded to Louisville, Ky. , where it was mustered 
out July 6, 1865, and was soon after discharged at Columbns, Ohio. 



COMPANY A. 



In the autumn of 1862, this company was 
organized at London, and, on the 10th of 
October, mustered into the One Hundred and 
Thirteenth Regiment at Camp Phase. The 
muster roll is as follows : 



Captain, Toland Jones. 
First Lieutenant, Nathan Vickers. 
Second Lieutenant, Otway Watson. 
Sergeant, Aquilla Toland. 
Sergeant, James Coultas. 
Sergeant, John J. Cloud. 
Sergeant, William 0. Ward. 
Sergeant, Jessie W. Dungan. 
Corporal, Timothy Haley. 
Corporal, Joel L. Bead. 
Corporal, John C. Coblentz. 
Corporal, William Armstrong. 
Corporal, John Simpson. 
Corporal, George H. Rowland. 
Corporal, Levi March. 
Corporal, George Ellare. 



Adams, John W. 
Anderson, John II. 
Allison, Benjamin F. 
Bates, Charles. 
Ballinger, Robert R. 
Boesiger, John. 
Bussard, Joseph E. 
Bell, Thomas H. 
Bradley, Alexander. 
Bradley, Harvey. 
Bell, John. 
Blesch, Philip E. 
Bemis, James. 
Bentzel, John C. 
Beckman, H. J. 
Beer, William. 
Brown, Peter. 
Cannon, Jesse N. 
Carson, Richard B. 
Carter, Riley. 
Chapman. John. 
Carter, Chesterfield. 
Carter. Aimer D. 
Cochran, William T. 
Carter, Lyman. 
Carr, James W. 
Crabb, Francis M. 
Cowling, Thomas. 
Dallas, John L. 
Dwyer, Thomas. 
Echard, William H. 
Fix, Philip. 
Ford. William. 
Gould, Charles J. 



Garrett, Alfred E. 
Hilderbrand, Daniel. 
Howsman, John N. 
Howlett, Robert. 
Harvey, J. S. 
Hughes, William E. 
Harvey, James. 
Jackson, Smithfield. 
Jones. John N. 
Jackson, Everett W. 
Knight, Robert. 
Kelley, Michael Q. 
Kennedy, Lewis H. 
Lowe, John P. 
March, Jacob. 
Morse, Archibald. 
Marks, William. 
Mehegan, William. 
Miller, John. 
Miles, George. 
Moore, Robert. 
McSavana, John. 
McCombs, Alexander. 
McDermott, James. 
McCann, Henry. 
Norris, Benjamin. 
Norris, Ii-sac J. 
Neff, Isaac. 
Nussbaum, Henry. 
Orput, William. 
O'Neil, Thomas. 
Pfleiger, George C. 
Peters, John H. 
Pemberton, John H. 



Phifer, Albert. 
Powers, Michael. 
Poling, John G. 
Palmer, George W. 
Powell, Samuel. 
Paugh, Ezra. 
Rayburn, James. 
Richardson, Joseph. 
Rodgers, Simon W. 
Riordan, Daniel. 
Rightsell, John. 
Reese, John. 
Rea, Benoni. 
Reno, George T. 
Slagle, Edwin. 
Sidener, Joseph E. 
Sanders, Joseph. 
Slagle, Austin. 
Speasmaker, Bal/.er. 

Drummer, 



Schafer, Alexander. 
Scliimmel, Nicholas. 
Selsor, John B. 
Simpson, Aurelius. 
Smith, Eugene. 
Tallman, John H. 
Valentine, George W. 
Wait, William. 
Ward, W. R. 
Wallace, Mark. 
Watson, Walter M. 
Wagennan, Joseph P. 
Woodman, William. 
Weber, Frederick. 
Weber, John. 
Watson, George W 
Willet, Alfred. 
Young, Daniel. 
Yeatts, (Jharles. 
Herbert Fay. 



COMPANY G. 

During the autumn of 1862, this company 
was organized at Mount Sterling, and recruit- 
ed from Madison, Fayette and Pickaway 
Counties. We cannot undertake to designate 
the men from each county, but give the full 
list, copied from the muster-in and muster- 
out rolls. It was mustered into the One 
Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, at Camp 
Chase, on the 18th of October, 1862, and con- 
tains the following roster : 

OFFICERS. 

Captain, Harrison Z. Adams. 

First Lieutenant, Alvan L. Messmore. 

Second Lieutenant, Julius C. Bostwick. 

Sergeant, Hiram C. Tipton. 

Sergeant, Joseph Parker. 

Sergeant, A b ram Dennison. 

Sergeant, John W. Ingram. 

Sergeant, Edward Crouse. 

Corporal, David Mitchell. 

Corporal, Clark S. White. 

Corporal, Atlas W. Davis. 

Corporal, John W. Riggin. 

Corporal, John W. Beale. 

Corporal, John A. Smith. 

Corporal, Otho W. Loofbourrow. 

Corporal, Josiah Timmons. 



Alkire, John W. 
Anderson, Dpniel W. 
Abernathy, James S. 
Biggin, Jeremiah J. 
Briley, Henri'-k B. 
Rurcus Uufns. 



Bosler, Augustus. 
Bostwick, Benjamin. 
Bostwick, William. 
Burget, Andrew. 
Busick, Samuel. 
Blaine, Edward. 
P 



508 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



Bragg. Alexander E. 
Braskett, William H. 
Bishop, John J. 
Baker, James A. 
Chaffin, Jeremiah C. 
Cook, John I. . 
Crabb, John M. 
Cookrey, James. 
Oreath, Wylie. 
Creath, John M. 
Dennison, John W. 
Davis, Wilson S. 
Delenger, W. S. 
Defebaiigh, William. 
Dennison, Griffin. 
Deyo, Edson. 
Deyo, Jonas. 
England, Titus. 
Ford, Joseph. 
Foster, Kobert. 
Foster, Jacob. 
Ford, Robert. 
Gardner, James. 



Griffin, Levi. 
Gillenwaters, Henry. 
Gerard, Perry. 
Gray, James. 
Hagans, Harry. 
Hartinger, George. 
Hissong, David. 
Hoover, Samuel. 
Hanewalt, William B. 
Hollowav, James W. 
Hunt, William H. 
Harness, John W. 
Hays, Thomas 
Ivy, Alfred. 
Keller, Benjamin 0. 
Lake, John A. 
Leonard, Martin. 
Lowe, Jesse. 
Maddux, David. 
Mitchell, Andrew. 
McCarty, Joseph. 
Mclntire, Zero. 
Morgan, Anthony S. 



McLean, Robert H. 
Miller, John W. 
Miller, Andrew. 
Miller, Daniel D. 
Matlock, Nehemiah. 
Morgan, William M. 
Neff, George M. 
Nigh, Otho W. 
O'Day, John. 
Peterson, Thomas. 
Parker, Ephraim. 
Riggin, Harrison. 
Roby, Jerome L. 
Rogers, John W. 
Riggin, James L. 
Rosendale, Charles. 
Roby, Elijah. 
Seigle, Jacob 
Sheeders, James J. 
Smith, Thornton. 
Smith, Thomas. 
Smith, William. 



Southard. John. 
Streets, Elias. 
Smith, Merril. 
Stone, Samson M. 
Strawbridge, Henry. 
Strain, Harvey, 
^humlefle, Henry. 
Talmad^e, William 8 
Talmadge, James A. 
Tayner, Alexander. 
Timmons, William H. 
Trimble, Abram. 
Thomas, Levi. 
Talbert, Andrew A. 
Timmons, 1-aac 
Thornton, Samuel. 
Thomas, Creighton. 
Wickell, Francis A. 
Walker, Samuel. 
Williamson, Chariot. 
Wright, Abram. 
Young, Frederick. 



It will not be inappropriate to here give the names of the coininis- 
sioned officers in the different companies who were promoted, as well as 
those of the non commissioned officers and privates who became officers of 
the same: Capt. William H. Squires, of the Twenty-sixth, was promoted 
to Major December 7, 1862, and to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel April 
2, 1864. First Lieut. James R. Hume, promoted on Gen. Hascall's staff. 
Second Lieut. James R. Warner, promoted to First Lieutenant April 26, 

1862. and to Captain December 2, 1862. Sergt. Francis M. Williams, pro- 
moted to Second Lieutenant April 26, 1862, and to First Lieutenant De- 
cember 2, 1862. Sergt. David D. Brooks, promoted first to Second Lieu- 
tenant, and then to First Lieutenant, February 10, 1865; Sergt. Erastus 
Guy, promoted to Second Lieutenant February 19, 1863; to First Lieuten- 
ant April 2, 1864, and to Captain April 9, 1864. 

Peter W. Taylor was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Fortieth 
upon its organization, but, after about one year's service, a difficulty arose 
between him and Col. Cranor, and he returned to London. Capt. William 
Jones, promoted to Major February 5, 1863, and to Lieutenant Colonel 
February 25, 1863. Capt. Thomas Acton, promoted to Major February 5. 

1863. Capt. James Watson, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel March 19, 

1864. First Lieut, Orlando C. Bowles, promoted to Captain February 5. 
1863. First Lieut. D. L. De Land, promoted to Captain Febi'uary 5, 1863. 
Second Lieut. James C. Peck, promoted to First Lieutenant February 5, 
1863. First Lieut. Charles Converse, promoted to Captain March 9, 1864. 
Sergt. Ezra Tullis, promoted to Second Lieutenaut February 5, 1863, and 
declined First Lieutenant's commission March 19, 1864. Sergt. Charles R. 
Cover, promoted to Second Lieutenant August 30, 1862, and to First Lieu- 
tenant March 19, 1864. Sergt. Richard Cowling, promoted to Second Lieu- 
tenant August 1, 1863, and to First Lieutenant May 9, 1864. 

First Lieut. Isaac N. Davidson, of the Ninety-fifth, promoted to Captain 
December 9, 1864. Sergt. Isaac G. Peetrey, promoted to Second Lieuten- 
ant January 15, 1863, and to First Lieutenant December 9, 1864. First 
Lieut. Thomas S. Pennington, promoted to Captain January 15, 1863. 
Sergt. Thomas F. Timmons, promoted to Second Lieutenant January 15, 
1863. 

Maj. Darius B. Warner, of the One Hundred and Thirteenth, promot- 
ed to Lieutenant Colonel April 29, 1863, and to Colonel February 23, 1865. 
Capt. Toland Jones, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel February 23, 1865, and 
to Colonel June 8, 1865. Second Lieut. Otway Watson, promoted to First 
Lieutenant January 13, 1863; to Captain, May 16, 1863; to Major, June 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 509 

8, 1865, and to Lieutenant Colonel on the same date. Sergt. Aquilla To- 
land, promoted to Second Lieutenant January 14, 1863, and to First Lieu- 
tenant April 29, 1863. Sergt. James Coultas, pomoted to Second Lieuten- 
ant June 14, 1863, and to First Lieutenant August 19, 1864. Sergt. Tim- 
othy Haley, promoted to Second Lieutenant October 12, 1864, and to First 
Lieutenant February 10, 1865. Sergt. Jesse W. Dungan, promoted to 
Second Lieutenant November 5, 1863, and to First Lieutenant June 14, 
1864. First Lieut Alvin L. Messmore, promoted to Captain January 28, 
1863. Second Lieut. Julius C. Bostwick, promoted to First Lieutenant 
January 28, 1863. Sergt. Hiram C. Tipton, promoted to Second Lieuten- 
ant January 28, 1863. Sergt. Joseph Parker, promoted to Second Lieuten- 
ant June 14, 1863. Sergt. Edward Grouse, promoted to Second Lieutenant 
November 5, 1863, and to First Lieutenant July 25, 1864. Sergt. William 
R. Hanewalt, promoted to Second Lieutenant March 25, 1863. 

The rallying of the " Squirrel Hunters " in the autumn of 1862 was a 
striking instance illustrating the readiness with which the citizens of Ohio 
sprang to the defense of the flag. We are unable to give the names of 
those from Madison County who participated, but we are assured her sons 
were not behind those of any other portion of the State in responding to the 
call made at that time. 

During the memorable raid of the rebel Gen. John Morgan through 
Ohio in the summer of 1863, which eventually resulted in his capture in 
Columbiana County, the citizens of Madison turned out en masse to repel 
the invasion. The business houses were closed, hay left uncured in the 
fields, ripe wheat unharvested, and all went to Camp Chase in the quickest 
time possible. There was a general outpouring of the militia, which was 
organized into a regiment, with Col. P. W. Taylor in command, A. E. Wil- 
son as Adjutant, and Jacob Peetrey, as Quartermaster. Though this proved 
a bloodless campaign, yet those who went out in defense of their homes are 
entitled to credit for their ready response to the call. They exhibited the 
same spirit of patriotism as their brothers, who were battling against the 
armed hosts of treason far away upon Southern soil, and doubtless, had the 
opportunity offered, would have been found equally as brave and self-sac- 
riticing in behalf of the nation they all loved and had sworn to uphold. 
After their return to the county, the militia was organized into two regi- 
ments, and the following officers elected: First Regiment — Colonel, P. W. 
Taylor: Lieutenant Colonel, Jesse M. Linson; Major, John Holton. Sec- 
ond Regiment — Colonel, W. R. Fickey; Lieutenant Colonel, G. W. Darety; 
Major, John W. Morris. This permanent organization was effected in Au- 
gust, 1863, and placed the county on a defensive footing. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY- FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS. 

On the 4th of May, 1864, three companies from Madison County, un- 
der the command of Capts. William A. Neil, David Watson and Alexander 
Swanston, reported at Camp Dennison and were mustered into this regi- 
ment on the 9th of the same month. An election for field officers was held, 
and Capt. Neil was elected Major of the regiment. These companies were 
then consolidated into two, viz., C and I. by which they are designated on 
the muster rolls. 



510 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 



COMPANY C. 



Captain, Alexander Swanston. 
First Lieutenant, J. M. Jones. 
Second Lieutenant, Isaac Hamilton. 
Sergeant, James T. Arnett. 
Sergeant, Charles H. Putnam. 
Sergeant, Edwin K.Hill. 
Sergeant, John A. Watson. 
Sergeant, John M. Lewis. 
Corporal, George Hann. 
Corporal, David R. Lucas. 
Corporal, Samuel Sidener. 
Corporal, James Farrington. 
Corporal, Augustus Schrowger. 
Corporal, William H. Brown. 
Corporal, John Crego. 
Corporal, George Price. 



PRIVATES. 



Ayle, John. 
Bricker, Richmon. 
Burnham, George. 
Bell, Elijah. 
Bradfleld, George M. 
Boyd, William. 
Boswell, George. 
Boswell, John. 
Blair, Oscar. 
Ballinger, Joshua. 
Cromwell, George. 
Clark, B. E. 
Carter, Jasper N. 
Carter, Joseph H. 
Clifton, Peter. 
Chapman, James. 
Corder, Noble A. 
Downing, Albert. 
Furry, James. 
Goodwin, John. 
Graybill, Isaac. 
Green, David. 
Hume, Roswell. 
Haines, Martin. 
Haines, Emery. 
Hunter, S. S. 
Hale, Andrew. 
Hann, William. 
Hanson, Elias. 
Irwin, Goodwin. 
Johnson, Lewis. 
Jones, Samuel R. 
Jones, Wilson. 
Kepler, Andrew J. 
Loder, James. 



Lucas, Alexander. 
Lambert, William H. 
Mattes, Alfred. 
Miller, Andrew. 
McCoy, William. 
Mason, James. 
Mowell, Emanuel. 
McCluskey, Patrick. 
Oakley, David. 
Plinell, Christopher. 
Potee, Claudius. 
Powell, Richard. 
Randall. Jerry. 
Riley, John. 
Robertson, Hiram. 
Snider, Charles. 
Sphon, William. 
Stutson, Charles. 
Stickley, Samuel M. 
Stickley, John. 
Stoner, L. 
Sidener, Philip. 
Sidener, David M. 
Swager, Sylvester. 
Silver, John. 
Swager, Oscar. 
Sevens, Jacob. 
Tyler, William H. 
Tillman, John H. 
Timmons, Isaac. 
Timmons, Thomas F. 
Weber, Christian. 
Whorton, John. 
Whorton, Fletcher. 
Walker, A. B. 



COMPANY I. 



Captain, David Watson. 

First Lieutenant, Harford Toland. 



Second Lieutenant, Levin Willouguby. 

Sergeant, T. H. Kennelly. 

Sergeant, G. W. Bodkin. 

Sergeant, Auburn Smith. 

Sergeant, Samuel W. Suver. 

Sergeant, James Dungan. 

Corporal, J. W. Curd. 

Corporal, J. C. Hull. 

Corporal, James McCann. 

Corporal, W. Withrow. 

Corporal, Mathew Hickson. 

Corporal, Samuel Coberly. 

Corporal, A. Stutson. 

Corporal, B. Blake. 



Armstrong, John F. 
Armstrong, William H. 
Atcheson, Charles. 
Baskerville, Madison. 
Bales, Thomas M. 
Berry, John W. 
Betts, Thomas B. 
Bird, Dennis S. 
Brown, John F. 
Burnham, James S. 
Bogenrife, John H. 
Blake, William. 
Carter, Joseph J. 
Chrisman, Addison. 
Coberly, William H. 
Coberly, Andrew J. 
Coberly, Thomas. 
Cox, William. 
Corey, Marshall. 
Chenoweth, John F. 
Carnes, M. 
Crawford, James. 
Oreath, George. 
Devolt, Henry. 
Douglass, Charles A. 
Epley, William H. 
Ellars, William. 
Evans, James F. 
Evans, Charles. 
Forbus, Angus. 
Guiton, John. 
Hardin, W. S. 
Horn, Elijah. 
Helphenstine, J. 0. K. 
Helphenstine, Jasper P. 
Helphenstine, Hannibal. 
Hussey, Frank. 
Hussey, Uriah H. 
Jones, Benjamin. 
Jones, Lucien. 
Jones, William. 
Johnson, William. 
Kilgore, Henry. 
King, Isaac. 
Minshall, Isaac. 



Minter, Reuben. 
Newbolt, Thomas. 
O'Brien, William. 
O'Brien, Richard. 
Pemberton, William M. 
Paine, Bushrod. 
Paine, George. 
Phifer, George. 
Preston, Thomas. 
Rafferty, Ferguson. 
Rayburn, C. M. 
Rouse, William A. 
Rush, John A. 
Smith, Joseph C. 
Strange, John C. 
Stephenson, R. B. 
Slogle, Oliver. 
Stine, John D. 
Suver, James. 
Seinon, William. 
Stone, John. 
Stewart, Joseph. 
Sprung, Rankin. 
Soles, David. 
Truitt, S. D. 
Tracy, P. M. 
Tracy, William H. 
Tyler, William H. 
Tickner, Lyman. 
Trumper, William. 
Thornburg, Uriah. 
Vent, John. 
Van Harlinger, E. M. 
Webb, G. H. 
Wright, Thomas B. 
Whitten, James A. 
Watson, Alfred. 
Willoughby, Janies. 
Watson, William C. 
Welsh, James. 
Wilson, Thomas B. 
Walker, A. B. 
Whitaker, Newman. 
Tocum, L. 



On the announcement of the surrender of Gen. ttobert E. Lee at Ap- 
pomattox, the people of Madison County became almost frantic with joy. 
All the bells in London, as well as the other towns in the county, were 
brought into requisition, flags displayed, and the streets thronged with peo. 
pie, congratulating each other at the prospect, of the return of peace once 
more. About 9 o'clock in the morning, on the 10th of April, 1805, the day 
the news was received, the business men closed up their establishments for 
the day. The evening of April 12 was set apart by the citizens as a season 
of rejoicing over the recent Onion successes. Shortly after dark, nearly all 
of the houses on Main street in London were brilliantly illuminated, and a 
six-pound caDnon belched forth its thunder tones from a vacant lot on Main 
street. Then followed a long procession of torch-lights, parading the prin 
cipal streets, after which a grand display of fire- works from the public 
square, which lasted for more than an hour. The town was full of people 
from the adjacent country, and every one seemed jubilant and good-hu- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 511 

mored. The demonstration was kept up until a late hour, and nothing oc- 
curred to mar the proceedings of the evening. 

Friday, April 14, the day set apart by Gov. Brough as a day of thanks- 
giving and rejoicing in honor of the victories above mentioned, was appro- 
priately observed in London. Business houses were closed, and divine 
services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church in the morning. The 
exercises consisted of the singing of patriotic songs, and addresses by Revs. 
Levi Cunningham and C. W. Finley. The happiness and rejoicing, how- 
ever, were short-lived, for that very night the news flashed over the wires 
that President Lincoln had been assassinated at Ford's Theater, Washing- 
ton, D. C. The joy was turned into grief, for he was the beloved of the 
nation, and deep was the sorrow at his martyrdom in the great cause of hu- 
man liberty. April 19, 1865, was observed by the citizens of Madison Coun- 
ty as a day of mourning. The business houses were closed, flags displayed 
at half-mast, dwellings and other houses were draped in the insignia of 
grief, while appropriate services were held in the churches and a universal 
feeling of gloom pervaded the people of all classes. Thus ended the greatest 
war in modern history. Mighty hosts had met in the fierce struggle for 
supremacy, thousands of lives were sacrificed, millions of treasure freely 
spent in the contest; but the God of battles was on the side of the great 
nation whose Government stands upon the basis that all men are created 
free and equal, and endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and 
the pursuit of happiness. 




512 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 



CHAPTER XV. 



RESIDENT LAND OWNERS OF MADISON COUNTY IN MARCH, 1819— THE SICKLY 

SEASONS OF 1822-23 — CAUSES — SYMPTOMS — TREATMENT 

— THE BLALOCK TRAGEDY. 

THE people of to-day hardly realize or appreciate what they owe to the 
large-hearted pioneer fathers and mothers, who, with their children, 
braved the perils of the wilderness; who reared their families in the fear of 
God, and implanted within them all the virtues necessary to the welfare of 
humanity, and passed away, leaving to them an inheritance that is invalu- 
able and that should ever be cherished and kept in sacred remembrance. 
The record of Madison County would be incomplete without some notice of 
these pioneers, who, by reason of their limited sphere of action, could not 
become conspicuous in the great drama of pioneer life, but whose busy 
hands and conscientious regard of duty made them great factors in the es- 
tablishment of the solid foundation upon which the society of to-day rests. 
It is a little thing to preserve their names in the pages of history; yet it is 
about all that is left to do. Their lives were much alike; they met the stern 
necessities of the hour, and were content in the consciousness of duty nobly 
done. 

In March, 1819, the Commissioners of Madison County prepared a du- 
plicate of all the resident land-owners of said county at that time, and while 
hunting through the musty pages stored away in the court house vaults, we 
fortunately discovered this record. It consists of a few sheets of paper 
sewed together, but without back or cover; yet for more than sixty years it 
has preserved in its pages the names of those men who settled and built up 
the rich and prosperous county of Madison. It reads as follows: 

" London, Commissioners' Office, March, .1819. — Duplicate of resident 
land proprietors for the tax of 1819. with all new entries and transfers 
made in this office. Madison County, Ohio." John Adair, Jr., John Ar 
buckle, Charles Atchison, Jonathan Alder, Paul Alder, John Adair, William 
Alkire, Leonard Alkire, Samuel Alkire, Jacob Alkire, Abrain Alkire, Robert 
Alkire, Samuel Adair, Samuel Adams, Charles Andrews, William Akins, 
Francis Ayres, Annanias Allen, Jacob B tougher, Samuel Baskerville, John 
Beetley, Hezekiah Bayliss, William Blaine, Norton Bailey, Vestal Blair, 
Daniel Brown, Jonas Bradley, Jonathan Burgess, Peter Buffenburgh, Fran- 
cis Brock, John Baird, James Bowls, Peter Baker, Thomas Baldwin, Will- 
iam Buftenburgh, Elisha Bidwell, Isaac Bidwell, Joseph Bidwell, Stephen 
Buckman, Uri Beach, Ambrose Beach, Thompson Cooper, William Cum- 
mings, John Clements, Peter Outright, Andrew Cypherd, Philip Cryder, 
Abijah Gary, Lutbor Cary, Calvin Cary, William Chard, James Criswell, James 
Cowen, Elizabeth Cary, James Curry, Samuel Colver, Levi Cantrel, Thomas 
Clark, Henry Coon, Louis Coon, John Caruthers, James Collins, Jeremiah 
Converse, Joshua Cope, Abnor Chapman, John Carponter, William Creath, 
Ashel Cleveland, Samuel Carroll, David Colver, Levi Churchill, Otho W. 
Delashmutt, Joseph Downing, John Downing, James Dines, James Doug- 
lass. E. L. Delashmutt, George Deeds, Francis Downing, Judah Dodge, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 513 

Thomas Davidson, John Davidson, William Dakin, David Dennison, Wal- 
ter Dun, Jesse Dungan, James Dungan, John Erwin, Joshua Ewing, James 
Ewing, Edward Evans, William Erwin, Reason Francis, Daniel Francis, 
John Fifer, William Frankabarger, Lewis Foster, David Foster, Joshua Fos- 
ter. William Fleming, Isaac Freeman, Abram Fresher, Jacob Fairfield, 
Benjamin Garrett, Daniel Gamble, Nehemiah Gates. Thomas Gwynne, 
D. Gwynne, Fergus Grimes, John Grimes, James Grimes, David Groves, 
William Rennick, Henry Goodall, George Hoover, David Harris, Michael 
Harpole, Peter P. Helphenstine, Skinner Hudson, Amos Howard, Moses 
Huffman, Martin Humble, Levi Humble, Cornelius Humble, Samuel Herrod, 
Israel Heath, John Heaton, William Howsman, Mary Holbert, Philip Hol- 
baugh, Elisha Hard, John Irwin, Jacob Johnston, Mary Johnston, William 
Jameson, John Johnston, Andrew Jameson, Stephen Johnston, John 
Kelso, William Kirkly, Benjamin Kirkpatrick, James Kent, John Kent, 
Baltzer King, Thomas Kilgore. Nahum King, William King, John 
Lane, John Littler, William Linton, Dennis Lane, William Lapin, Elias 
Langham, William Lewis, Joshua Littler. George Linson, Nathan Low, 
Joseph Melvin, John Marquis, Jonathan Minshall, John Mozer, Hugh 
Montgomery, John Melvin, James McDonald, William Mann, Samuel 
Mitchell, David Mitchell, Samuel Mitchell, Jr., Moses Mitchell, David 

Mitchell. Jr., John McDonald, Mathews, William McCoy, James 

Moore, James Marquis, Gabriel Markle, William Marquis, Roger ( Moody, 
John McNeal, Jacob Mozer, Rowan McCaully, Sally Moore, Jesse McKay, 
John Mills, S. McDonald, Reuben Mann, Samuel Mann, Robert Nelson, An- 
drew Noteman, Ann Noteman, Robert Nicholson, Usual Osborn, George 
Prugh, William Patterson, Robert Powers, John Pepper, John Phoebus, 
Peter Paugh, Thomas Patterson, Samuel Powell, Samuel Pearce, David 
Park's heirs, James Pringle, George Phifer, Robert F. Pringle, Andrew 
Rea, Daniel Ross, Henry Roby, Thomas Robinson, James Robinson, Sam- 
uel Robinson, John Robinson, Thomas Reed, E. Reynolds, John Rathburn, 
John Simpkins, William Starnes, John Stroup, John Smith, Tobias Shields, 
Robert Soward, George Sutherland, John Sutherland, Abram Shepherd, 
Frederick Sager, Christian Sager, Samuel Sager, Philip Sidener, Jacob 
Sidener, John Selsor, Henry Smith, William Sharp, Benjamin Springer, 
Silas Springer, John Scott, Jacob Steele, George Sager, Henry Shover. 
Charles Sterret, Abram Sager, Henry Sager, Thomas Stoddard, John 
Stafford, David Sidener, Isaac Smith, Gibson Savage, John Taylor, 
William Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Richard Taylor, John Troxel, Alex- 
ander Thompson, Enoch Thomas, Jacob Trumbo, Isaac Troxel, 
Joshua Thompson, Jonah Toppin, William Thomas, Robert Thomas, Phineas 
Trussel, Peter Vandevender, George Vanness, Joseph C. Vance, Jacob Van- 
devender, John Warner. Walter Watson, David Watson. James Withrow, 
John Williams, James Whitesides, William Woods, Jane Wingate, Isaac 
Williams, Delashmutt Walling, Valentine Wilson, James Wright, Daniel 
Wright, George Weaver, Joseph Wiley, William Wilson, Joseph Ward, 
Samuel Watson, Joseph Warner, William Warner and David Witter. 

In giving this list, we cannot vouch for its accuracy, or that it contains 
the name of every land-owner residing in Madison County in March, 1819. 
We have copied the list verbatim, and presume that such a record would be 
correct. Our only object in printing it is to try and preserve the names of 
many who have long since been forgotten. If this has been accomplished, 
our purpose is attained, and we feel that the reader may derive some infor- 



514 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

mation from a careful perusal of a list of pioneers who assisted materially 
in building up the leading stock county in Ohio. 

THE SICKLY SEASONS OF 1822-23. 

In 1873-74, a series of articles were contributed to the Plain City Press, 
by Dr. Jeremiah Converse, of Darby Township, in one of which he gives 
the following graphic description of the malarial epidemic that spread 
desolation over the eastern part of Madison County sixty years ago. He 
says: " In 1822-23, this country was visited with a terrible epidemic, 
which struck down many of the hardy pioneers and laid them low in the 
dust. There are those yet in our midst whose minds will instinctively go 
back, upon the mention of these years, to the sorrows'and sufferings expe- 
rienced by themselves, and the inroads and devastating raids of death 
over a large scope of territory, upon neighborhoods and families. There 
was scarcely a family in all this great scope of country (Darby Plains) in 
which death had not marked one or more of its members as its victim. 
Children were made orphans, the wife a widow, the husband deprived of 
his companion, parents rendered childless, and in some instances every 
member of the family was stricken down by the fell monster. 

" No tongue can describe, no pen portray, to the mind or imagination 
of the reader, the scenes of suffering witnessed and experienced by these 
early settlers. All business transactions ceased, gloom brooded ever the 
minds of the people, and many stout hearts were made to tremble in awe of 
the impending doom that seemed to await them. Death reigned supreme. 
Men and women who were not prostrated with disease were busy day and 
night ministering to the wants of the needy, mitigating the sufferings of the 
sick, and consoling the grief- stricken widow and orphan children, whose de- 
pendence had been ruthlessly torn from their embrace. The condition of 
many of these sufferers was heart-rending. Away from the homes of their 
childhood, separated from kindred and friends by a vast intervening dis- 
tance of forest, mountain and river, with no kind parental voice whispering 
consolation to the broken-hearted, no loving mother to imprint the kiss of 
affection or check the fast-flowing tear-drops on the fevered cheek, wipe the 
cold perspiration from the brow of her dying child, or bid a last farewell to 
the remains of her loved one. Truly here was ' pestilence that walketh in 
darkness,' and a 'destruction that wasteth at noonday.' Many were the 
bitter tears of anguish wrung in those two years; many a household was 
hushed in the stillness of death; and still many were the families where 
one or more of the little group were laid low by the king of terrors. 

" Some of my readers, perhaps, may think that I have overdrawn the 
picture, but this description is but an imperfect outline of the realities that 
were experienced in those days. Many, no doubt, would have been saved 
could they have had proper care and attention; but where should they look 
for help? Scarcely a family but what had their sick or dying; the few that 
were not prostrated with disease were worn down with constant watching; 
yet these messengers of mercy visited each day all the sick that were as- 
signed them in their division, to administer to the wants of the living and 
prepare the dead for burial. 

" One instance among the many inigtrt be given of loneliness, mental 
and physical suffering; where the wife, prostrated on a bed of sickness, un 
able even to help herself to a cup of water, had three small children crying 
to their mother to attend to their wants for food and drink. In another 
part of the room, the husband and father lay in the cold embrace of death. 





'r /, a , -/. , ) 



■ <>.' 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 517 

For twenty-four hours this helpless group of sufferers was shut out, as it 
were, from the world, with no visible hand to minister to their wants or 
whisper consolation to their bleeding hearts, surrounded by the stillness of 
death, occasionally broken by the children's cries of 'Mother, mother,' and 
the deep, heavy sighs of that mother as she looked upon the helpless forms 
of her babes. This is but one among the many cases of privation and suf- 
fering that was experienced by the early settlers of this country. So threat- 
ening were the consequences from this terrible malady that many of those 
who had the means at their command left this part of the State to escape the 
desolation that seemed as if it would spare none; but a large majority of 
the inhabitants were compelled to remain. Some were so poor that to pro- 
cure means would be impossible, while others again had invested all their 
money in land, which, at that time, under the threatened depopulation, 
could not be sold at any price. Thus they were compelled to stay and un- 
dergo whatever might await them. Sickness reisrned so universal that but 
few were in attendance to pay the last tribute of respect to the dead, or fol- 
low them to their last resting-places. There were a few instances where 
the father was compelled to make the rude coffin, dig the grave and deposit 
beneath the clods of the valley the loved form of his child. 

" We talk about suffering, hard times, privations! Just let the reader 
take a stroll to the cemetery south of Plain City, and, with pencil in hand, 
mark the number whose tombstones make these years the eventful period in 
its history; and in addition to this, the scores where no slab marks the rest- 
ing-place of the silent sleeper beneath. Again there were other cemeteries 
and cities of the dead that were largely peopled during these sickly years, 
besides the many that were buried on the farms, which could not be removed 
to far-off burial-grounds. Then again, the abandoned cemeteries, one of 
which is barely discernible, on the farm now owned by Joseph Atkinson. 
The most of the sleepers there fell in 1822-23. Sum this all up, and you 
have a faint conception of the reign of terror and death. It has been care- 
fully computed that, in what was then called the ' South settlement,' one 
half of the inhabitants died during these two years. 

" Between Chuckery and Homer, on a farm subsequently owned by 
John Smith, but then held in smaller farms, there were seventeen deaths. 
In what was known as the ' Converse settlement,' not more than one- fourth 
of the people died. The territory invaded by this epidemic extended for a 
short distance east of Big Darby, and perhaps about the same distance west 
of Little Darby. All of the territory lying between these points seemed to 
generate the poison that produced the disease, whatever that may have been. 
There was an unusual amount of sickness all over Madison County, as well 
as in a large portion of Clark, but the deaths were comparatively few, ex- 
cept in the district mentioned. 

CAUSES. 

" The exciting causes which led to the development and breaking-out of 
the disease in question may be, and perhaps are, shrouded in mystery. 
The condition of this county previous to and at the breaking-out of the epi- 
demic, to a careless observer, would present no material changes to that of 
former years. In many portions of the prairie country, it was no unusual 
thing for large bodies of stagnant water to remain upon the surface until 
late in autumn, exposed to the scorching rays of a summer sun. Up to this 
time, but little attention had been paid to the drainage of the country. The 
rich soil produced annually enormous coats of vegetation, which, prior to 



518 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the settlement of this county, and for many years afterward, were destroyed 
by the tires that swept over the prairies every autumn. Neither of the 
years above mentioned were unusually rainy or wet seasons, but they were 
characterized by dense fogs, extending all over this country, commencing 
very early in the season and continuing until the beginning of winter. 
There can be no question in the minds of scientific men that the primary or 
exciting cause of the disease was the result of malarious influences: but 
why it should be generated so copiously, and attended with such poisonous 
effects that scarcely a human being was proof against its powers, is a diffi- 
cult question to settle satisfactorily. Scientific researches and experiments 
have established the fact that, when our large cities have been visited by 
malarial epidemics, the free use of lime or alkaloids in the filthy alleys and 
gutters acted as an antidote toward the freeing of these places from malaria. 
Taking this view of the subject, we may be able to approximate to a certain- 
ty the exciting causes which led to the development of the disease in ques- 
tion. 

" If we were to call to our aid the fact that, prior to and during the 
early settlement of this part of Ohio, the prairie fires annually destroyed 
the greater part of the luxurious growth of vegetation that grew on the 
prairies, leaving the residue of ashes strongly alkaline in principle, which, 
according to more recent researches, would act as an antidote to malarious 
development, we shall understand one of the exciting causes of the epidemic 
of 1822-23. The great amount of sickness during these yeai-s was not alone 
confined to the Darby country, but other portions of Madison, Franklin and 
Clark Counties were visited by this disease in a milder form. In a recent 
conversation with an aged gentleman, who, at that time, lived in Clark 
County, information was elicited that even there an unusual amount of 
sickness pervaded a large portion of the county. 

" For a few years prior to the years in question, this part of Ohio was 
rapidly settled by emigrants from the Eastern States. As a consequence, 
houses and barns were built, fields were fenced, orchards were planted, and 
all the necessary means made use of to make home comfortable. By rea- 
son of these improvements, it became necessary to arrest the prairie fires, 
which, prior to this period, annually swept over the country. The conse- 
quences resulting from arresting these fires was that a large portion of the 
luxuriant growth of vegetation was subject to decomposition, which, in con 
nection with the heat of the sun, increased the development and poison of 
malaria. The arrest of those annual fires took away the purifying agent, 
or alkaloid, which, hitherto, had rendered malaria comparatively inert. 
This course of reasoning would lead to the detection of the causes which 
produced the sickly seasons of 1822-23. 

SYMPTOMS. 

" The precursory or incipient stage of the disease was announced by 
a feeling of lassitude, indisposition to exercise, loss of appetite, nausea, 
thirst, a dry skin, constipated bowels and chilly sensations experienced by 
the patient. Sometimes these symptoms would continue for several days; 
in others, there were no precursory indications; but eventually the disease 
was announced by a severe rigor or chill, the patient suffering from the in- 
tense sensation of cold. The whole body was brought under its influence, 
in which the muscular and nervous system participated. There was a 
marked livid and purple appearance of the skin, with accelerated respiration, 
and a quick, feeble pulse, evidently indicating severe congestion of the in- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 519 

ternal organs. This condition of the patient would frequently continue 
for several hours; but these symptoms subsequently gave way by the usher- 
ing in of a sensation of severe heat, a frequent and full pulse, great thirst, 
severe headache, nausea and vomiting, while sometimes delirium would su- 
pervene. In children, during this stage of the disease, it was no unfrequent 
occurrence fortbe patient to be attacked with convulsions. Tbis latter con- 
dition would continue for several hours, when they would gradually stib- 
side, and the patient experience a degree of comfort and freeness from suf- 
fering that would induce him to a delusive opinion that the disease had 
given way and convalescence began; but his hopes would be sadly disap- 
pointed in finding the succeeding day ushering upon him all the symptoms, 
in an aggravated form, that were experienced on the preceding one. In the 
second attack, there were unmistakable evidences of the existence of severe 
internal congestion. There seemed to be less power in the system to bring 
about re-action, and regain the equilibrium in the action of the heart and 
arteries. Many instances occurred where the patient sank into an inflam- 
matory type of fever, which ran its course from seven to fifteen days, but 
more frequently ended in death on the eighth or ninth day of the inflam- 
matory stage. Taking all the symptoms of this disease into consideration, 
and the great amount of malarial poison existing in the system, may we not 
safely conclude this to have been a pernicious fever or sinking chill epi- 
demic? 

TBEATMENT. 

" The attending physicians during the epidemic in the region of the 
Darby country were Dr. Lorenzo Beach and Dr. James Comstock. So nu- 
merous were the patients, and protracted the epidemic, that these men be- 
came worn down from labor, exposure and anxiety; but the great responsi- 
bility resting upon them, and the urgent appeals from suffering humanity, 
so stimulated their nerve power as to render them impervious to the malari- 
ous poison that was prostrating those around them. At least, they were 
preserved by an overruling Providence from the ravages of the disease. 

" The general outline of treatment made use of by the profession to 
arrest the disease and produce convalescence was that recommended by 
Eberly and other writers of his day. If the patient was seen in the first 
stages of the disease, an emetic was administered, and perhaps bleeding was 
resorted to. After the patient had recovered from the effects of the emetic, 
an active cathartic was given, composed of calomel and jalap. This active 
process so reduced the patient that he became an easy prey to the next par- 
oxysm. These cathartics were administered almost daily, with the view of 
freeing the system from pent-up bilious matter. The anti-periodics made 
use of by the profession were then in a crude state. Quinine or any of the 
extracts were unknown; consequently, the only available anti -periodic med- 
icine to be relied upon was the Peruvian or "Jesuit's" bark. In conse 
quence of the enormous doses required to check the paroxysms and nauseous 
taste, but few stomachs could retain the medicines in sufficient quantities 
to arrest the progress of the disease. But then, what could be done? The 
physicians evidently saw that their medicines were powerless, and that death 
was not stayed by their efforts. This was truly a pitiable condition, to see 
our fellow-creatures prostrated by disease, suffering from the dire effects of 
an epidemic, and yet powerless in rendering material aid to their plead- 
ings for help. But such were the facts, and such were the sufferings expe- 
rienced by the early settlers who located on the rich prairies of Madison 
County. " 



520 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

THE BLALOCK TRAGEDY. 

There are few pioneers of Madison County now living, who have any 
vivid recollection of the intense excitement caused by a deed of blood which 
occurred in what is now Canaan Township, on the 29th of September, 1822. 
There lived in the township at that time a school-teacher named Levi Phelps, 
a man of so much influence that, upon its erection in 1819, it was, in honor 
of him, called Phelps Township. Near where Mathias Slyh's farm is lo 
cated resided George Blalock and family, and with him lived a Miss Sallie 
Whitney and Levi Francis. It became the current report that Blalock and 
this woman were living together as man and wife, although not married. 
At that time, the settlements were quite scattered, and the settlers became 
quickly excited at any offense against the morals of the community, deem- 
ing immediate justice the best and cheapest punishment under the circum- 
stances. So it appears that this case so shocked the early residents of that 
portion of the county that many thought it expedient to put a stop to such 
licentious conduct. A meeting was held, and it was determined to notify 
Blalock that if he continued any longer such an immoral example to the 
settlement, he would be treated to a coat of tar and feathers and driveti 
from the community. Blalock was either innocent or defiant, as he paid 
no attention to the threat. 

Early one morning, John Kilgore went to Jonathan Alder and invited 
him to join a crowd then assembled near where the Baptist Church now 
stands, whose object was the expulsion of those sinners against the fair 
name of the neighborhood. Mr. Alder declined taking any part in the affair, 
and warned Mr. Kilgore that such a proceeding was illegal and dangerous; 
that, although Blalock was considered a coward, Mr. Francis was not, but 
on the contrary, was a man who would most surely resist any demonstration 
of the kind. So strongly did Mr. Alder represent the danger and illegality 
of the movement that Mr. Kilgore concluded to have nothing to do with it, 
and urged Mr. Alder to go with him to the meeting and persuade the others 
to abandon the project. To this Mr. Alder consented, and on the way there an 
owl flew down from a tree and lit upon the road in front of them. Mr. Al- 
der, true to his Indian education, immediately exclaimed. " That is a bad 
omen, and means trouble! " He, however, went to the meeting, and prob- 
ably would have succeeded in breaking up the raid had it not been for the 
influence of Levi Phelps, who was determined that Mi*. Alder's advice should 
not be followed. Denouncing the latter bitterly, he wound up his harangue 
by intimating his willingness to assist in putting Mr. Alder's head under 
the fence and leave him there twenty- four hours, as a punishment for what 
he considered his officiousness in trying to prevent the execution of the pro- 
posed scheme. 

The men of peace failed in their object, and Phelps was victorious. 
The men blackened their faces, and, thus disguised, Levi Phelps, Robert 
Patterson, William Patterson, Isaac Johnson, Stephen Cary, Caleb Straw- 
bridge, Arnold Fuller, David Garton and others, whose names are not now 
remembered, marched to the house where Blalock lived. As the fates would 
have it, neither of the men were at home, and the party retired. A week 
later, another visit was made, which resulted in a bloody tragedy, that tilled 
the community with horror. Attempting to force the door, they were 
warned by the inmates that any farther trespass would be dangerous; but, 
persisting in their efforts to gain an entrance, a gun was thrust through the 
half-open door and discharged, instantly killing Isaac Johnson. A few 
moments later, another shot was tired from the house, mortally wounding 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



521 



Stephen Cary, when the attacking party fled. Mr. Cary was attended by 
Dr. Wetmore, of Worthington, but died on the following day. 

Blalock and Francis were arrested and lodged in the Madison County 
Jail, at London. On the 25ta of November, 1822, they were indicted by 
the Grand Jury for willful and malicious murder, and arraigned before Hon. 
John A. McDowell, who was then the Presiding Judge, while Hon. Caleb 
Atwater was Prosecuting Attorney. They pleaded not gui lty, and elected to 
be tried by the Supreme Court. At the July session of the latter tribunal, 
in 1823, they were tried and acquitted. Thus ended one of the saddest 
scenes in the history of Madison County, casting its gloom over a whole 
community, that, prior to its enactment, was peaceful and happy. All of 
the actors in this tragic affair have doubtless gone to their final account, and 
the story, which, for twenty years was familiar to every one then residing 
in the county, is to-day remembered only as a fading dream; but the name 
of Phelps became so odious to the residents of the township that its title 
was changed to Canaan, a word suggestive of joy, happiness and plenty. 




522 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 



CHAPTER XVI. 



PUBLIC HIGHWAYS— THE OLD STATE ROAD— FIRST ROADS OPENED BY MADISON 

COUNTY — THE NATIONAL ROAD— CORPORATION PIKES— THE 

ROADS OF 1883— RAILROADS— STATISTICS. 

WITH the beginning of the present century, the topography of Madison 
County was unbroken by a single road, and for years after its or- 
ganization what were called roads were little better than wagon-tracks 
through the forest and prairie, following the Indian trails. At a session of 
the Associate Judges of Franklin County, September 8, 1803, the follow- 
ing item appears as a part of the record of that session: " On the prayer 
of a petition signed by a number of citizens, house and free holders of 
Franklin County, praying for the view of a road to lead from the public 
square in Franklinton to Springfield, Greene County, to be on the straight- 
est and nearest direction toward Springfield as the nature of the ground 
and circumstances will admit of a good road: Ordered, that Thomas More- 
head, Alexander Blair and George Skidmore be appointed Viewers of said 
road, who, or any two of them, shall view the same as far as the line be- 
tween Franklin and Greene Counties, and make report to our January term 
next. It is further ordered that Capt. John Blair be appointed Surveyor to 
attend said Viewers on the above premises, and survey said road, and return 
a fair plat or survey • thereof , as required by law, to our January session 
next." At the March term of 1804, these Viewers reported to the court 
that they had marked out said road as far as Big Darby. The court re- 
ceived the report and ordered the Supervisor " to open said road thirty-three 
feet wide, and make it passable for loaded wagons." At the same session 
it was " ordered that Lucas Sullivant be appointed Surveyor, to attend the 
Viewers of the road from Franklinton to Springfield, and to survey and return 
a plat thereof of that part which has not been viewed." 

This road crossed Big Darby about one mile south of the present site 
of the Little Miami railroad bridge; thence west to the town of Hampton 
(Jefferson) ; thence, taking the same direction, passing through Lawrenoe- 
ville and about a mile north of the site of Somerford, striking the line be- 
tween Madison and Clark Counties after passing through what used to be 
known as " Bailey's Woods. " It was one of those primitive " corduroy, " 
mud roads, well remembered by the old settlers yet living, and it was a 
common occurrence, during the wet seasons, for the stages and wagons to 
break down or stick so fast in the mud that the passengers would be com- 
pelled to get out and walk. Each man would get a rail and carry it along 
to pry the vehicle out of the deeper mud-holes, thus assisting the jaded 
horses in their laborious work. In dry weather, this class of roads 'were 
very fine to travel on, being preferable, in fact, to the pikes of a later day. 
On the 19th of March, 1811, Michael Dickey was appointed Road Commis- 
sioner by the Board of Commissioners of Madison County, to expend $175 
on the State road inside the limits of this county. The money had been 
appropriated two years previously, by the Ohio Legislature, toward the im- 
provement of said road. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 523 

Upon the erection of Madison County, the inhabitants dwelling with- 
in its boundaries soon realized the necessity of public roads, and we find 
that the people of Union and Stokes Townships petitioned the Commission- 
ers, September 3, 1810, for a road to run from Miner's Ford, on Deer 
Creek, to the Greene County line. Jeremiah Miner, Andrew Cypherd and 
John Mozer, Viewers; Patrick McLene, Surveyor. This road was surveyed 
and viewed in October, 1810, at the expense of Robert Hume, and is called 
Hume's road on the records. In December, the Commissioners ordered this 
road to be opened fifty feet wide for a public highway. On the 3d of Sep- 
tember, 1810, the inhabitants of Union and Pleasant Townships petitioned 
for a road to begin on the Fayette County line, at the end of the road estab- 
lished by the Commissioners of Ross County, ere the erection of Fayette 
and Madison, running thence in a northwesterly direction through Pleasant 
and Union Townships, on the best route to Urbana, Champaign County. 
The Viewers were Peter P. Helphenstine, Hugh Montgomery and Willi am 
Lewis; Patrick McLene, Surveyor. The road was laid out in February, 
1811, and in March the Commissioners ordered the same to bo opened as a 
public highway, its width not to exceed sixty-six feet. It ran some distance 
west of London, to a certain point on the line between Madison and Cham 
paign Counties. Among the old settlers it bore the name of " Langham's 
trace. " 

In December, 1810, James Ewing petitioned for a road to run from the 
east line of Madison County, starting about three miles south of the north- 
east corner of the same, and run westwardly on the best and most direct 
line to Urbana. James Ewing, William Chard and George D. Roberts. 
Viewers; Joshua Ewing, Surveyor. The petition was granted and the road 
ordered to be opened. At the same session, John Blair presented a petition 
for a road beginning on the east line of Madison County, about three or four 
miles south of the northeast corner of said county, and run in the nighest 
and best course to Blairsville. William Chard, John Blair and Abijak 
Cary were the Viewers, and Joshua Ewing surveyed the road. Both of 
these roads were opened in the spring of 1811, and their respective width 
was not to exceed sixty-six feet. In 1812, a road was opened from London 
to Dyer's Mill, on Big Darby. It was viewed by John Murfin, Hugh Mont- 
gomery and John Wilson, and surveyed by Patrick McLene. 

Throughout these earlier years, roads were opened in every portion of 
the county, and running in every direction. These highways were wide 
enough, but, as a rule, were execrable in wet weather. The undrained 
country partly explains the cause. At certain times, when the ground was 
frozen and worn smooth, or dry and solid, no roads were better; but for 
many years the proceeds of the road laws, in money or labor, were totally 
inadequate to keep them even in tolerable condition at the time most want- 
ed, and only within recent years has it dawned into the minds of our road 
makers that a good drainage is essential to a good road-bed. Fifty years 
ago, in every section of the county, the " corduroy " was found on every 
road, which was the name given to the roads made of rails or poles placed 
crosswise, through the soft and miry places. Occasionally, heavy loads at 
this day will cut through the gravel crust and tear up fragments of the hid- 
den " corduroy. " 

THE NATIONAL ROAU. 

The history of this important public work begins with the admission of 
Ohio into the Union. Congress enacted "that one-twentieth part of the nel 
proceeds of the lands lying within said State, sold by Congress from and after 



524 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the 30th day of June next, after deducting all expenses incident to the same, 
shall be applied to the laying-out and making public roads, leading from 
the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic, to the Ohio, to the said 
State, and through the same. Such roads to be laid out under the author- 
ity of Congress, with the consent of the States through which the road 
shall pass: Provided, that the said State shall provide by an ordinance, 
irrevocable without the consent of the United States, that oach and every 
tract of land sold by Congress, after the 30th day of June next, shall be and 
remain free from any tax laid by said State for the term of live years from 
the day of sale. Approved April 30, 1802." 

In 1806, Congress passed a law entitled, " An act to regulate the lay- 
ing-out and making a road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to 
the State of Ohio." President Jefferson appointed Thomas Moore and Eli 
Williams, of Maryland, and Joseph Kerr, of Ohio, as Commissioners to lay 
out said road, and to perform the other duties assigned to them by the act. 
The building of this great highway went slowly forward for many years, 
but at times the labor on it ceased altogether for want of funds, different 
Presidents vetoing bills appropriating money toward its construction. In 
1831, a bill was passed and approved, appropriating money for the exten- 
sion of the Cumberland road through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In 1836- 
37, this great road was built through Madison County. It crosses Big Dar- 
by near the northeast corner of Survey 2,677; thence takes a southwest di- 
rection, passing through Jefferson, Deer Creek and Somerford Townships, 
and leaves the county at the southwest corner of Survey 4,200, on the Clark 
County line. Along its course sprang up three thriving villages, viz., Jeffer- 
son, La Fayette and Somerford, the two first mentioned supporting three 
taverns each, and the latter two, all of which did a big business. Between 
Jefferson and La Fayette, on the glade, was a tavern called the " Golden 
Lamb," and it, too, had its share of the prosperity which the immense trav- 
el on this great thoroughfare inaugurated. 

We cannot give a better description of this great work than to quote, 
verbatim, a portion of an article written some years ago, by one who had 
often traveled over it during its palmiest days: " The National Turnpike 
that led over the Alleghanies from the East to the West is a glory departed, 
and the traffic that once belonged to it now courses through other channels; 
but it is simply because it is the past that the few old men living who have 
reminiscences of it glow with excitement and exalt it in recalling them. 
Aroused out of the dreamy silence of their ebbing days by a suggestion of 
it, the octogenarians who participated in the traffic will tell an inquirer 
that never before were such landlords, such taverns, such dinners, such 
whisky, such bustle or such endless cavalcades of coaches and wagons as 
could be seen or had in the palmy days of the old National pike, and it is 
certain that when the coaching days were palmy, no other post road in tbe 
country did the same business as this fine old highway, which opened the 
West and Southwest to the East. The wagons were so numerous that the 
leaders of one team had their noses in the trough at the end of the next 
wagon ahead; and the coaches, drawn by four or six horses, dashed along at 
a speed of which a modern limited expre-^ might not feel ashamed. 

" Once in awhile, Henry Clay or Gen. Jackson made an appearance, 
and answered with stately cordiality the familiar greetings of the other 
passers-by. Homespun Davy Crockett sometimes stood in relief against the 
busy scene, and all the statesmen of the West and South — Harrison, Hous- 
ton, Taylor, Polk and Allen, among others — came along the road to Wash- 




^dA^C^Z^y IL*. 



<^t/2- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY". 527 

ington. The traffic seems like a frieze, with an endless procession of fig- 
ures. There were sometimes sixteen gayly painted coaches each way a day ; 
the cattle and sheep were never out of sight; the canvas -covered wagons 
were drawn by six or twelve horses, with bows or bells over their collars; 
the families of statesmen and merchants went by in private vehicles; and, 
while most of the travelers were unostentatious, a few had splendid equi- 
pages. Its projector and chief supporter was Henry Clay, whose services 
in behalf are commemorated by a monument near Wheeling. The coaches 
ceased running in 1853; the 'June Bug,' the 'Good Intent,' and the 'Land- 
lords,' as the various lines were called, sold their stock, and a brilliant era 
of travel was ended." 

The building of railroads deprived the road of its prestige; for many 
years Congress neglected to make appropriations for the necessary repairs, 
until finally it was transferred to the States through which it passed. The 
portion running through Ohio became a part of the public works of the 
State, but in 1876 the Legislature reduced it to the level of other pikes, 
since which time the County Commissioners of each county through which the 
road passes have had charge of it the same as all other roads. 

CORPORATION PIKES. 

Soon after the opening of the National road, a company was organized 
for the purpose of building a pike from Xenia, Greene County, to Jefferson, 
Madison Co , Ohio. It was called the Jefferson, South Charleston & Xenia 
Turnpike Company. In the course of time, the road was completed and 
opened for traffic. It runs almost parallel with the Little Miami Railroad, 
and, entering the county from Clark, a short distance north of where the 
railroad strikes the county line, it runs in a northeast direction, passing 
through London on its route to Jefferson, and there intersects the National 
road. 

The Madison & Fayette Turnpike was also built by a private corpora- 
tion. It starts at London and runs in a southern direction through New- 
port and Midway to the Fayette County line. 

The Urbana pike was the third and only other road in Madison County 
built by a private company. It begins at the National road, about a mile 
and a half west of Jefferson, and runs in a northwest course to Mechanics - 
burg, Champaign County, leaving Madison County near the northwest cor- 
ner of Somerford Township. These three pikes, with the National road, 
• were the only ones in Madison County on which tolls were charged the trav- 
eling public. All other pikes were as free as they are to-day, and were 
built by the county, under an act of the General Assembly of Ohio, passed 
April 5, 1866. The first petition was presented to the Commissioners of 
Madison County June 5, 1806, by F. O. P. Graham, et al., for the improve 
mentof the London & Mt. Sterling road. Viewers, Benjamin Harrison, E. 
Bidwell and Robert Read. The road was granted September 6, 1866 The 
length of this road is seventeen miles. The following statement shows the 
number of roads, etc., in the county, made under this act up to January 1, 
1883: Number of roads, 47; length, 255 miles: total cost, $569,098.73. 
A few years ago, the tolls were taken off these four roads, since which time 
eveiy road in Madison County is as free as the air we breathe. 

At the present time, few counties in the State can boast better roads. 
A network of gravel pikes intersects every part of the county. Thes*\ in 
the aggregate, amount to 324 miles in length, and at a total cost, not in 
eluding the National road, of $635,350. They were constructed on petition 



528 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of parties interested in the proposed improvement, and paid for in install- 
ments, running through a certain number of years, by assessments on the 
real estate supposed to be benefited. The work of building pikes still goes 
on, under the supervision of competent men, employed by the County Com- 
missioners, and if good roads is one of the signs of an advanced civilization, 
as all political economists say they are, Madison County need not be 
ashamed of her record. 

RAILROADS. 

The Columbus & Xenia Railroad was the first leading into or out of 
London. The company was chartered by a special act, passed March 12, 
1844, but the road was not constructed until 1848 and 1849. The first pas- 
senger train passed over it February 20, 1850. Soon after this date, the 
members of the Legislature took an excursion over this road and the Little 
Miami from Columbus to Cincinnati and back. The Little Miami Company 
obtained a charter March 11, 1836. The two companies, November 30, 
1853, entered into a contract of union, or partnership, by which the roads 
of both were operated as one line. The two companies leased, January 1, 
1865, the Dayton & "Western road, and purchased, the same year, the Day- 
ton, Xenia & Belpre road from Xenia to Dayton. The partnership, or union, 
was dissolved November 30, 1868, and a contract of lease entered into by 
which the Little Miami Company leased, for ninoty-nine years, the Colum- 
bus & Xenia road, and the rights and interests of that company in the other 
roads, that had been leased or purchased by the two companies. The con- 
dition was the promise of the Little Miami Company to pay 7 per cent per 
annum on a capital of $1,786,200, and the interest on the funded debt. 

The Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company, on Decem- 
ber 1, 1869, leased of the Little Miami Company, its railroad, and its right 
to the Columbus & Xenia and other roads. At the time this railroad was 
built, the citizens of Madison County voted $20,000 toward its construction. 
The railroad company subsequently proposed to take from the county $14,- 
000 of said stock, leaving the county with but $6,000. which was agreed to. 
The road passes through Madison County from Columbus, in a southwest 
direction, and runs through Jefferson, Deer Creek, Union, and the north- 
west corner of Paint Township. It has but two stations in this county, viz., 
London and Jefferson. Under its present management, it has been very 
prosperous, ranking as one of the leading railroads of Ohio. 

The Columbus & Springfield Railroad Company was chartered Febru- 
ary 16, 1840, but for some years nothing was done toward building a road. 
In June, 1851, a company was organized under this chai'ter, at Springfield, 
and the road was completed from Springfield to London September 18, 1853. 
The road was known as the Springfield & London Railroad, and its length 
of track was nineteen miles. Madison County transferred the $6,000 that 
she had in the Columbus & Xenia road to the Springfield & London, with 
the object of assisting the latter. In 1854, the road was leased to the Mad 
River & Lake Erie, since called the Cincinnati, Cleveland & Lake Erie 
Railroad Company. The road was sold May 8, 1868, under a decree of the 
United States District Court, and bought by Jacob W. Pierce, of Boston, 
for $100,000. The Columbus, Springfield & Cincinnati Railroad was in- 
corporated May 1, 1869, with a capital stock of $1,500,000, and Mr. Pierce 
transferred his purchase soon after to the new company. By an arrange- 
ment with the purchaser, the road was continued under the management of 
the Cincinnati. Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad Company, to which it was 
permanently leased July 1, 1870. It was subsequently completed to Co- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 529 

lumbus, and many citizens of Madison County subscribed certain amounts, 
to be paid on condition that the road would be finished by September 1, 
1871; but it was not finished until December 19, 1871, and the money was 
never paid. On the 8th of March, 1881, the road was leased, for ninety- 
nine years, to the Indiana, Blooming-tori <fc Western Ohio Division Railway, 
the lease to begin May 1, 1881. It passes from east to west through Union 
and Fairfield Townships, having two stations in this county — London and 
Lilly Chapel. The business of this road, under the new management, has 
been constantly growing, while the track and rolling stock have been brought 
up to a first-class standard. 

The Columbus, Piqua & Indiana Railruad was chartered February 23, 
1849, and the first train passed over the road from Columbus to Urbana 
July 4, 1853 In a few months, the road was completed to Piqua. The 
Columbus, Piqua <& Indiana Company becoming embarrassed, it was re-or- 
ganized under the name of the Columbus & Indianapolis Railroad Com- 
pany. The road was sold August 6, 1865. under an order of court, and 
subsequently transferred by deed to the re-organized company. This was 
one of the several roads which, consolidated, made the line generally known 
8s the Columbus. Chicago & Indiana Central Railroad In 1869, the road 
was leased to the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company, 
under whose management it has since been operated. It runs across the 
northeastern corner of this county, passing through Plain City on its route, 
thus affording a good shipping-point for that portion of Madison County. 
The $6,000 which the county had in the Springfield & London Railroad 
was transferred to the Columbus, Piqua & Indiana, where it still remains. 
This was all the assistance that Madison County ever gave to the construc- 
tion of railroads through her territory. 

The Springfield, Mt. Vernon & Pittsburgh Railroad had its inception 
in 1851, to run from Springfield to Delaware, crossing the northwest corner 
of Madison County, and striking the Columbus, Piqua & Indiana Railroad 
at Milford, Union County. It was completed in September, 1853, and af- 
terward managed and controlled by the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & 
Indianapolis Railroad. It affords the inhabitants of the northwestern por- 
tion of Madison County good shipping facilities, both at Milford and Me 
chanicsburg, and is therefore regarded as one of the roads ot this county. 

In 1841, the whole State contained but thirty-six miles of railroad; in 
1881, there were more than 5,835 miles; while Madison County alone can 
boast of having forty-six miles, or ten miles more than Ohio in 1841. The 
total valuation of the railroads within this county in 1881 was $543,347, 
upon which the taxes were !?<*>. 159.95. 

STATISTICS. 

In 1810, the population of Madison County was 1,603; 1820, 4,799; 
1830,6,190; 1840,9,025; 1850,10,015; 1860,13,015; 1870,15,633; 1880. 
20, 129. The growth has been steady, and at no period since 1820 has the 
population doubled in ten years. 

The following table gives the census of the county by townships and 
villages, for the years 1850, 1860 and 1870, as officially reported for those 
years: 



130 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 





1870. 


I860. 


1850. 


TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES. 


3 

o 
H 


55 


c 
60 

1 
o 

ft 


<6 


■6 
t- 
o 
o 
O 




■6 

u 
O 


A 

2 


•a 

u 

o 

6 




729 
106 

988 
467 
823 
143 

1210 
112 

INNS 

577 


695 
105 
900 
415 
727 
132 

1151 
110 

1717 
497 


34 

1 
88 
52 
96 
11 
59 

2 

171 

80 


724 
106 
965 
465 
764 
142 

1199 
112 

1726 
549 


5 


713 


8 


683 


2 






Darby 


23 

2 
59 

1 
11 


823 
344 
690 
112 
1190 


20 
11 
10 

2 


551 
168 
582 
146 
618 
43 
1068 




Pleasant Valley 

Deer Creek 


i 


La Fayette 


1 


Fairfield 


5 






Jefferson . . 


162 

28 


1412 


20 


2 








456 
355 
311 
768 
340 


4 
13 
36 

2 


434 
403 

423 


2 




463 
456 
955 
394 
67 

1330 
389 

1367 
935 


413 
422 
855 
373 
66 

1302 
377 

1263 
872 


50 
34 

100 

21 

1 

28 

12 

104 
63 


441 
394 
937 
380 
67 

1291 
382 

1325 
935 


22 
62 

18 
14 












Pike 










39 

7 
42 


1043 


6 


1183 
118 
973 
755 
139 


1 


Mount Sterling 




1234 
835 


41 
13 


15 












25 

986 

3109 

2066 


25 

892 
2707 
1737 


94 
402 
329 


25 
973 

2874 
1910 










Stokes 


13 
235 
156 


887 
2138 
1044 


11 
94 

68 


589 

2109 

501 


2 


Union 


50 


London 


12 







In the last census, the reports do not designate the number of white, 
colored or foreign inhabitants, respectively, residing in the county, but in- 
clude thern all in the general population in each township, town or village. 
The census of 1880 gives Madison County the following population: Can- 
aan Township, 896; Darby Township, including Plain City Village, 1,126; 
Plain City Village, 665; Deer Creek Township, 910; Fairfield Town- 
ship, 1,653; Jefferson Township, including Jefferson Village, 2,301; Jef- 
ferson Village, 720; Monroe Township, 650; Oak Run Township, 613; 
Paint Township, 1,429; Pike Township, 548; Pleasant Township, includ- 
ing Mt. Sterling Village, 1,433; Mt. Sterling Village, 482; Range Town- 
ship, including Midway Village, 1,884; Midway Village, 284; Sonierford 
Township, including Somerford Village, 958; Somerford Village, 323; 
Stokes Township, including South Solon Village, 1,285; South Solon Vil- 
lage, 262; Union Township, including London Village, 4,443; London Vil- 
lage, 3,067. 

The following is the number and value of domestic animals that were 
killed or died from disease during the past year: 



Sheep killed by dogs 

Sheep injured by dogs 

Sheep died from disease 

Hogs died from disease 

Cattle died from disease 

Horses died from disease 

The following crop statistics of Madison County for 1881 were fur- 
nished by the County Auditor, and are therefore official: 




2609 
647 

5466 
23355 

6434 
18481 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



531 



PRODUCTIONS. 



Wheat 

Rye 

Buckwheat 

Oats 

Corn 

Barley 

Flax 

Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes 

Tobacco 

Orchards 

Apples 

Peaches 

Pears 

Cherries 

Plums 



29035 

202 

10 

439 

53855 

47 

6 

369 

3 

5 

1792 



Acre8 
Sown in 

1882. 



480465 

3825 

130 

8103 

1870888 

1020 

75 

1 1479 

108 

1362 



37414 
145 



339 

49478 

20 

268 



28406 
759 

301 

74 
35 



Note. — Meadow (acres), 14,474; tons of hay, 14,406; clover (acres), 2,522; tons, 1,(594; bushels of seed, 150; 
grapes (acres), 5)4; pounds, 3,860; wine, gallons pressed, 56; sorghum (acres), 4; gallons manufactured, 291 ; bees, 
(hives), 561 ; pounds of honey, 2,584 ; eggs (dozens), 268,851; butter (pounds), 269,407 ; cheese (pounds), 150; wool 
(pounds', 370,259. 

ACRES. 

Cultivated lands 76,462 

Pasture lands 108,244 

Timbered lands 24,659 

Lands lying waste 487 



Total amount reported 209,852 

The following is the number and value of stock, as well as other per- 
sonal property, assessed in Madison County in 1882: 



Number. Value. 



Horses 7873 

Cattle 21557 

Mules 265 

79200 
32704 



Sheep. 
Hogs. 



Carriages 2723 

Dogs 248 

Other personal property not in this list 

Watches 1076 

Pianos and organs 480 

Merchants' stock 

Broker stock 

Manufacturers' stock 

Moneys in possession or on deposit 

Value of all credits after deducting debts 

Moneys invested in bonds, stocks, etc 

Average value of property converted into non-taxable securities 

Bank and other corporation property 

Total value of taxable personal property, except per capita tax on dogs, 
Number of dogs at $ 1 each 



$ 504683 

642126 

18265 

250688 

175649 

114413 

1666 

389218 

22711 

35395 

303872 

82 

53972 

590045 

1096988 

32688 

3730 

713525 

4949716 

2055 



From the report of the Secretary of State for 1881, we gather the fol- 
lowing information relative to Madison County: 





1846. 


1853. 


1859. 


1870. 1880. 


Total value of lands and buildings. . . . 
Total value in cities, villages and towns 


$2392900 
144068 


4899518 
286390 


5795915 
353695 


883059s 8825725 
903775 1317830 


Total value of all real property 


$2536968 


5185911 


6149610 


9734373 10143555 



532 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



Number of acres reported in Madison County 291,942 

Aggregate value of lands $8,353,769 

Aggregate value of buildings 507,401 

Aggregate value of lands and buildings $8,861,170 

Aggregate value of lands per acre as equalized $28 50 

Aggregate value of lands and buildings per acre as equalized ... 30 23 

Value of lots and lands in towns $ 488,593 

Value of buildings in towns 834,529 

Aggregate value in towns $1,323, 122 

The property exempt from taxation in Madison County, according to 
the report of 1881, is as follows: 



Public Schools 

Churches 

Public charitable institutions 

Cemeteries, parks, etc 

All other property 



Value of 
Lands. 



5 6282 
6575 
3497 

11625 
5290 



Total aggregate valuation of exempted property. 



Value of 
Buildings. 



$ 122800 
77465 
3800 



36040 
273374 



Statement showing the condition of funds at commencement of fiscal 
year September 1, 1881; also receipts and disbursements for the year end- 
ing September 1, 1882, and the condition of the funds at the close of the 
year September 1, 1882, as furnished by S. M. Prugh, Auditor of Madison 
County, Ohio : 



NAME OF FUND. 


Balance Sept. 
1, 1882. 


Overpaid 
Sept. 1, 1882. 


Receipts to 
Sept. 1, 1882. 


Payments to 
Sept. 1, 1882. 


Balance 
Sept. 1, 1882. 


Overpaid 
Sept. 1,1882. 


State Fund 






$ 42238 68 

26889 69 

9930 39 

9397 89 

7276 39 

1923 40 

10472 46 

10321 03 

61297 92 

3147 49 

I'M 15 97 

436 97 

185550 43 

275 67 


$ 42238 68 

36847 05 

29298 39 

13449 46 

3966 07 

1926 90 

10472 46 

10321 03 

61297 92 

3147 49 

19415 97 

237 95 

185550 43 

291 04 






County Fund 


$ 860 49 
9434 72 
6794 23 
1664 85 
1491 38 






$ 9096 87 






9933 28 


Infirmary Fund 

Road Repair Fund. . 




2742 66 
4975 17 

1487 88 












TownshipRoad Fund 














































127 09 


6 69 


259 42 










8 74 
3 00 






6 63 






3 00 






35 25 

3 40 

115 00 


35 25 

3 40 

230 50 

27 90 

2308 18 

183 25 

5692 66 
















150 00 

27 90 




34 50 














2308 18 

181 50 

20702 38 








2 13 
1047 21 




38 
16075 23 




Road Improv't Fund 


190 28 


208 28 


Balance in Treasury 
September 1, 1881 

Balance in Treasury 
September 1, 1882 




$21414 77 
















$ 6333 18 














Totals 


$21011 74 


$21611 74 


$411859 09 


$426932 84 


$25578 24 


$25578 24 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 533 



CHAPTER XVII. 



LONDON. 
SEAT OF JUSTICE— LONDON IN 1812— ORIGINAL LOTS AND LOT-OWNERS— EARLY 
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS— LONDON IN 1835— POSTMASTERS— ELECTRIC TELE- 
GRAPH AND TELEPHONE — THE CONFLAGRATION OF 1854— DR. KANE 
—FIRST STREET SPRINKLING IN LONDON— DISTINGUISHED MEN 
VISIT LONDON— FIRE DEPARTMENT- SCHOOLS OF LON- 
DON — THE NEWSPAPER PRESS— BANKS. 

DURING- the session of the Legislature of 1810-11, three Commissioners 
were appointed by that body to select a seat of justice for Madison 
County, and, on the 19th of August, 1811, the report of these Commission- 
ers was presented to the Court of Common Pleas then in session, which was 
as follows: 

To the Honorable Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, next to be Holden 

for the County of Madison : 

We, Peter Light, Allen Trimble and Lewis Newsom, having been appointed by the 
last Legislature of Ohio Commissioners for fixing the seat of justice in said county of 
Madison, having notified the inhabitants and attended agreeably thereto, we took the 
oath prescribed by law, and proceeded to view and examine said county, and have 
mutually selected and agreed on a tract or piece of land of 200 acres owned by John 
Murfin, including the cabin where he now lives, on the northeast side of Oak Run, on 
the road which passes E. Langham's, and is on the plat of the county two miles and 
eighty-six poles from the upper center A, and one mile two hundred and ninety-three 
poles from the lower B, which piece of land, or such part thereof as the court may 
think proper, is, in our judgment (from the law under which we act), the most eligible 
place for the seat of Madison County. The proposition of a donation of Murfin is 
inclosed to be used as the court may think proper. 

Given under our hand this 9th day of April, 1811. Peter Light, 

Allen Trimble. 
Lewis Newsom. 
The donation spoken of, dated April 6, 1811, reads as follows: 

I, John Murfin, do offer my tract of land on Oak Run, adjoining Elias Langham's 
land, containing 200 acres, which I will cause to be laid out into a town at my own 
expense under the direction of the County's Director, the streets and alleys to be made 
commodious for the public good, a convenient public square shall be laid out, which, 
together with one-half the in and out lots shall be for the use of the county, and to all 
of which there shall be made a general warrantee deed. The above is humbly sub- 
mitted for the consideration of the gentlemen Commissioners. John Murfin. 

The court at the same session appointed Patrick McLene, Director, 
and ordered him to prepare evidence of title of Mr. Murfin and make 
his report. This was subsequently accomplished, and the title proving sat- 
isfactory it was ordered by the court " that the director proceed to purchase 
one hundred or one hundred and twenty-live acres, as nigh a scpaare as pos- 
sible of Mr. Murfin's land, on Oak Run, at a sum not exceeding $1 per acre, 
and the donation of the lot on which his cabin maybe situated, and pay for 
the same out of the proceeds of sale, and on delivery of deed for purchased 
land, he proceed to lay out or off a town into lots, streets and alleys, the 
main streets to cross each other at right angles one hundred feet wide, and 
the other streets not exceeding seventy-five feet wide, and the alleys sixteen 
or eighteen feet wide; the lots to be in front not more than sixty-five feet 
and not more than one hundred and thirty-two feet back to an alley, and 



584 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

that he lay out not more than one hundred and twenty even lots, the residue 
of the ground to be laid off in outlots of two acres each, and that he reserve 
one lot for court house or public square at the intersection of main streets, 
two lots for churches and academy, one for jail and one for outlot for a 
burial-place; that he call streets and alleys by appropriate names, and that 
he get the plat so laid off recorded; after acknowledgment, that he sell the 
lots at public sale, atter the purchase and laying-off as aforesaid, on the 
third Monday and Tuesday of September next, or at a convenient time after 
in same month; that he give certificate of sale to purchaser and receive 
contracts for payment — one-third in three months, one-third in nine and 
residue in eighteen months: and the conditions of sale be that, if purchaser 
fail to pay first installment, to sell the lot so sold to another person at the 
direction of director, and that he lay off a town in neat form as convenient 
to the water as possible, adjourn the sale at discretion and sell after public 
sale, taking into consideration the average price, and that the lots on inter- 
section of main streets be sold for not less than $50 each; and further or- 
dered that said town or city, when so laid off, be called and known by the 
name of London, and that the director keep a book in which he will regu- 
larly record the conditions of sale, the lots sold and to whom. the moneys 
received, and make a separate and a distinct entry for every purchase and 
pxhibit the same to the court at the next term and make report of lots sold 
by number, etc." 

Prior to the above action relative to the county seat, as has appeared 
in the general history of the county, the Court of Common Pleas of Frank- 
lin County, in 1810, appointed Philip Lewis, Director, to lay out a seat of 
justice for Madison County. A town was laid out and platted which was 
designated by the name of Madison, the plat was acknowledged before 
Thomas Gwynne, a Justice of the Peace of Deer Creek Township, Novem- 
ber 18, 1810, and placed on record in the County Recorder's office. We 
have been unable to find anything of record designating the site of the town 
of Madison, further than that in the index book referring to the plats of 
towns appears "Madison (Deer Creek T. S."). It is a tradition that London 
was built upon the site of Madison. We give below all matters pertaining 
to the town of Madison that we have been able to find on record in the court 
house. December 4. 1810, John Pollock and George Jackson were allowed 
the sum of $14 each for their services for fixing on the place for the county 
seat of Madison County, by order of the Board of County Commissioners. 

December 14, 1810, Robert Shannon, William Reed and Alexander 
Morrison, Associate Judges of Franklin County, were allowed $6, $6 and $2 
respectively, for attending at the town of Franklinton, by the request of 
Philip Lewis, Esq., director of the town of Madison, for giving him direc- 
tions and fixing on the day of sale of the lots in said town, by order of the 
Board of County Commissioners. Also under the same date, " ordered that 
there be allowed to Elias N. Delashmutt, Sheriff of Franklin County, $2.50 
for summoning court at the request of P. Lewis, Esq., director of the town 
of Madison." 

"January 3, 1811, ordered that there be allowed to Philip Lewis the 
sum of $20 for part of his services in laying off the town of Madison, in the 
county of Madison." 

January 8, 1811. the Board of Commissioners ordered $150 to be ap- 
propriated for the purpose of erecting a jail in the town of Madison, and 
that the same be advertised, the sale to be on the 14th of January next. On 
the latter date the Commissioners met, and after being informed that there 




life 





'jufA 



<W 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 537 

was a new committee appointed by the Legislature to explore the county and 
affix the seat of justice, permanently, agreed to postpone the sale of the jail. 

" June 10, 1811, ordered that there be allowed to John Arbuckle, Esq., 
the sum of $4 for acting as a crier for two days in the sale of lots in the 
town of Madison, by the orders of the director. " 

Returning to London, we will state that 103f acres of the Murfin tract 
was, on the 14th of September, 1811, in consideration of $415, deeded to 
the director of the town. However, the town had previously been laid out 
and platted on this ground, as the plat was acknowledged by Patrick Mc- 
Lene and certified to before Samuel Baskerville, one of the Associate Judges 
of Madison County, September 13, 1811. The plat comprised 128 inlots 
and twenty outlots, the former being four by eight poles in size. The lots 
were bounded on the north by Fifth street, on the south by Front street, on 
the west by Water street and on the east by Back street. The original 
number of streets was ten; Main and Main Cross (now High) streets were 
made six poles wide, and all others four and one-half poles. Two lots were 
reserved for county buildings, two for churches and academies, one outlot 
for a burvingf-ffrcmnd a, n d one for John Murfin. 

The cabin of Mr. Murfin as early as 1809 stood on the south side of 
West High street, on the site of the present lumber yard of J. F. Morgan. 
He was a Virginian. His wife's name, as written in the deed for the land. 
was Janey, but very likely, if properly written, would be Jane. He removed 
from London at an early day to the State of Indiana, thence to Illinois, 
where he died. In the autobiography of David Watson, it is stated that 
three houses were built in London in the spring of 1811. He says: " One 
I helped to build, and Rev. Father Sutton, living here at the time, built 
one of them." It is not stated who built the third. 

LONDON in 1812. 

The following article on the early history of London was written by 
Daniel Thompson, now deceased, in 1869: 

" On the 18th of November, 1812, I saw a family of six members 
crowding their household goods into a cabin sixteen by eighteen, a little 
northeast of where the Presbyterian Church now stands. As soon as things 
were a little quiet. I started out in the grove in search of London. I soon 
found a kind friend who showed me the stakes setting out the lots, and in- 
troduced me to Mr. Patrick McLene, the director of the town of London. 
Its inhabitants at that time all dwelt in ten or eleven cabins, with clapboard 
roof, knees and weight poles, and the floors made of split timber, all, I say. 
except Russell's tavern, which had a shingle roof, but otherwise rather 
barny, being neither chinked nor daubed. Robert Hume. Clerk of the Court, 
had two rooms in his cabin, one for his family and the other for his office. 
The office had a hole cut in the wall and greased paper pasted over it to 
admit the light, like a Virginia schoolhouse. I made him a nine-light sash 
out of a piece of box I brought from Virginia. This was the first and the 
only glass window in London at that time. 

"Col. Philip Lewis and Joseph Russell kept hotels. Each had, per- 
haps, a dozen bottles, great and small, and, perhaps, as many tumblers, with 
plenty of sots and rowdies always on hand. The heads of families were 
Philip Lewis. James Russell, Robert Hume, Joseph Warner, John Murfin, 
Cary. the tanner, William Wingate. John Thompson, David Dungan and 
Rev. William Sutton. The boarders at Col. Lewis' were Capt. John Moore, 
who was recruiting for the army, Col. Langham, Robert Smith, James Bal- 



538 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

lard and Patrick McLene, Esqs. The County Commissioners were Jona- 
than Minshall, Burton Blizzard and William Gibson. A temporary court 
house and jail were the public buildings. I cut hay in sight of town to 
winter seven horses and cows. The timber that was then standing on the 
town plat was beautiful, tall and straight. I cut a red oak on Lot No. 6, 
where John Dungan's store now stands, of which I made 2.000 lap shingles. 
There was a fall of snow about the 12th of December, which lasted six 
weeks: there has been no such sleighing any winter since. As an evidence 
of this fact, thei*e was a dispatch came from Fort Meigs, the carrier of which 
wished a sleigh. I had just made one, which he took to Chillicothe and 
back to Fort Meigs three times during the winter. Chillicothe was the 
residence of the Governor and the base of army supplies, hence there were 
teams passing at all hours. The first stock of goods that was brought to Lon- 
don was in March, 1818. The Gwynne brothers arrived there with five hve- 
horse teams direct from Baltimore. The first day, thinly as the country was 
settled, they sold goods to the amount of $500. Shortly after this, we built 
the earthenware factory, where the Presbyterian Church now stands. This 
ware was the substitute of delf and china for three or four years — about the 
close of the war. There are, I think, of those who resided within the town 
in the winter of 1812, now living, but myself and Mrs. S. M. Bond. I 
should, perhaps, have excepted A. A. Hume, who was then an extra chubby 
urchin of about four years of age." 

Mr. Thompson, we believe, is mistaken in the County Commissioners 
of that year, as the records show that Mr. Blizzard was not elected until 
1815. The Commissioners at the time spoken of were Joshua Ewing, Jona- 
than Minshall and William Gibson. The name should read Joseph instead 
of James Russell; this was most likely a misprint. Mrs. Betsey Toland, 
widow of the late Dr. A. Toland, should have been included among the liv- 
ing ones who were residents of the town in November, 1811. She was the 
daughter of Col. Lewis, was born before London was laid out, and is yet 
numbered among its venerable citizens. 

Of the residents of the town in 1812, Philip Lewis was a native of 
Pennsylvania and settled in what later became this county in 1809. His 
tavern is believed to have been built in the fall of 1812. It was a two-story 
hewed- log house, and stood on the east side of Main street, not far from 
High, on the present site of C. Gulcher's restaurant. Mr. Lewis was a 
tavern-keeper in London for nearly forty years. His death occurred June 
28, 1851. The tavern was destroyed by the fire of 1854. 

Joseph Russell came from the State of New Jersey. His tavern stood 
on High street, just in the rear of the site of the Exchange Bank. It was 
also a two-story hewed-log building, and is believed to have been built in 
1811. Many years afterward an addition was built to this house, and it was 
known as the National Hotel, and as such was destroyed by lire on the night 
of August 4, 1874. Mr. Russell, after remaining in London a number of 
years, removed to the West ami there died. 

Robert Hume's cabin, too, is believed to have been built in the spring 
or summer of 1811. It stood on the present site of the residence of John 
Dungan, on Main street; this, in a year or two, was replaced by a more 
commodious structure, two stories high, built of hewed logs. The building 
was about 24x50 feet, built of white oak timber, which was very heavy, and, 
owing to the few inhabitants of the town, when they came to raise it, out- 
side help was sought from the settlements of Darby and Paint. In this 
house Mr. Hume kept a tavern until 1815, when he removed to Chillicothe, 



HISTORY Of MADISON COUNTY. 



539 



but after a few years again returned to London. He was a native of Vir- 
ginia, and, in 1804, settled in what is now Madison County. He died 
May 9, 1854. 

Joseph Warner was from Virginia, and was a carpenter by trade. His 
cabin was built in 1811, and stood on the corner of Third and Main streets, 
now the site of H. W. Smith's residence. He came to the vicinity of Lon- 
don about the year 1810, being then a single man. He followed his trade 
many years, then removed to a farm in Union Township, and died in 1868. 
His wife was Sarah Atchison. 

"William Wingate most likely only resided in London temporarily, as 
his life is known to have been passed in the country. For further particu- 
lars concerning him the reader is referred to the sketch of Union Township. 

John Thompson, the father of the writer of the above article, was from 
the State of Virginia. He built a cabin on Main street, where the Central 
Bank now stands. 

Rev. William Sutton was a local preacher, and by trade a carpenter, 
which occupation he followed in and about London for some years. In 
after years, however, he entered the itinerant service of the M. E. Church. 

It is not known that David Dungan resided in the town at all; he, 
too, must have been only a temporary resident. Carey, the tanner, is re- 
membered by some of the old citizens, but that is all, as he left the place 
at an early day. 

Capt. John Moore was a Virginian by birth; he settled in this vicinity 
before the county was formed, and remained here until his death, in 1839. 

Col. Langham came to the Northwest Territory toward the close of the 
eighteenth century, and was a resident of Ross County for some years. He 
lived in the vicinity of London as early as 1807, and died in the county 
about the year 1830. 

Robert Smith was a Virginian, and was only a resident of this iocality 
a few years. 

James Ballard became one of the early Sheriffs of the county and one 
of its early tax collectors. 

Patrick McLene was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio at an 
early day, and for a time prior to the laying-out of London, resided in this 
vicinitv. His death occurred in London in 1863. 



ORIGINAL LOTS AND LOT-OWNERS. 



The following table exhibits the names of persons purchasing lots on 
the original plat of London from 1812 to 1820, with the number of lot, 
year purchased and the amount paid: 



NAME. 


Number. 


Year. 


Amount. 


Ruth Phillips 


4, outlot. 

18 

1 

39 

29 

4 

57 

104 

2 

54 

23 

20 

12, outlot. 


1812 
1812 
1812 
1813 
1813 
1813 
1813 
1813 
1813 
1813 
1813 
1814 
1814 


$30 00 
47 00 


Lewis Carey 


Robert Soward 


11 00 


Joseph Russell 


25 00 


Richard Fisher 


22 00 


William Vinson 


32 00 


James M. Thompson 


20 00 


Amos G. Thompson 


30 00 


John Thompson 


20 00 


Augustus Hume 


50 00 


A. A. Hume 


50 00 




32 00 




10 00 



540 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 



NAME. 



Robert McLaughlin 

Thomas Torrence 

Joseph Warner 

William G. Cantwell 

Amos G. Thompson 

John Owen 

Nicholas McColley 

John Thompson 

James Ballard 

John E. Gwynne 

Amos G. Thompson 

John Green 

Robert Soward 

Joseph Warner 

William Jones 

William Neilson 

William Ncilson 

John Hamilton 

Simon Steer 

William Wingate 

John Murfln 

Elias N. DeLashmutt & Co. 

Amos G. Thompson 

John Thompson 

Amos G. Thompson 

Peter Buffenburgh 

Robert Hume 

Robert Hume 

Robert Hume 

John N. McLaughlin 

Joseph Russell 

Jacob Funk 

Charles Atchison 

Joseph Warner 

William Warner et ul 

Hugh Campbell 

William Erwiu 

Amos G. Thompson 

James M. Thompson 

John Millburn 

John Thompson 

Samuel Jones , 

William Warner, Jr 

George M. Thompson 

Philip Lewis 

Samuel Baldridge 

John Marquait '. 

John Householder 

John Householder 

John M. Thompson 

Walter Watson 

William Warner 

John Moore 

Richard Bryan 

William Irwin 



Number. 

12 

101, 102 

9, outlot. 

19 

31 

30 

5 

127 

69 

13 

90 

89 

63 

15 

56 

•44 

28 

41 

42, 43 

109, 110 

1, 20 

11 

32 

7 

93, 118 

8 

10. outlot. 

55 
17, outlot. 

25 

36, 37, 38 

61 

18 

50, 51 

112 

111 

116, 121, 124, 126 

6 and 62 inlots, 16 outlot. 

76, 88, 117, 119 and 120 

83, 84 
6, 33, 60, 85, 86 and 94 
48, 49 
70, 128 
3, outlot. 
7, 8, outlots. 
34, 35 
14, 17 
107, 108 
Half of 44 and 45 
IT. and outlot 15 
16, 47, and outlot 14 
115 
24 
82 



Year. 



Amount. 



1814 


40 00 


1814 


62 00 


1814 


25 00 


1814 


27 00 


1814 


15 00 


1814 


20 00 


1814 


33 00 


1814 


10 00 


1815 


12 00 


1815 


40 00 


1815 


12 00 


1815 


12 00 


1815 


10 00 


1815 


18 00 


1815 


20 00 


1815 


5 00 


1815 


40 00 


1815 


30 00 


1815 


25 00 


1815 


26 00 


1815 


25 00 


1815 


30 00 


1815 


10 00 


1815 


20 00 


1815 


20 00 


1816 


80 00 


1816 


20 00 


1816 


20 00 


1816 


50 00 


1816 


80 00 


1817 


55 00 


1817 


175 00 


1817 


18 00 


1817 


25 00 


1817 


11 00 


1817 ! 


10 00 


1817 


36 00 


1817 


63 00 


1817 


58 00 


1817 


28 00 


1817 


115 00 


1817 


25 00 


1818 


31 00 


1818 


40 00 


1818 


78 00 


1818 


20 00 


1818 


40 <M> 


|S]S 


36 00 


1818 


15 00 


1819 


62 oo 


1819 


65 00 


1819 


42 00 


1819 | 


ll)l) <H) 


1819 


12 00 


1819 ! 


15 00 



EARLY INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS. 

The early industries of London were not numerous or important. 
Daniel Thompson is authority for the statement that the first stock of goods 
brought to the town was in March, 1813, by the Gwynne brothers. There 
were six of the Gwynne brothers, who settled in what is now Madison 
County prior to the county's formation, namely, Thomas, John E., Will- 
iam, Eli W., David and Horatio. These brothers on coming to the county 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 541 

settled in Deer Creek Township. The records show that Thomas Gwynno, 
in 1810, was licensed to keep a tavern at his residence in Deer Creek Town- 
ship, and also that in March, 1811, he was granted license to vend merchan- 
dise at the same place. They also show that at the February term of the 
court in 1815, William and Eli Gwyrine were granted license to vend mer- 
chandise in London. In 1815, their goods were sold from the Joseph Rus- 
sell tavern. In 1819, license was granted to Thomas and E. W. Gwynne, 
under the firm name of Thomas Gwynne & Co. The business was still car- 
ried on in the Russell tavern. Soon after this they engaged in business in 
Urbana, where Thomas died a wealthy man. Eli died at Columbus Decem- 
ber 7, 1866. The Madison County press, at his death, said " that he was 
born near Cumberland, Md., December 18, 1794, * * *; he, in connec- 
tion with his older brothers, opened the first dry goods store in London 

* * * * ; after retiring from merchantile pursuits, he gave his attention 
to grazing and shipping and driving cattle to the New York market, * * 

* * ; at the time of his death, he was probably worth over $1,000,000; his 
income, in 1865, was $57,000. He never held any office within the gift of the 
people, for the reason that he always refused them. He was quiet and re- 
served, but courteous and agreeable to all who had intercourse with him. " 

In October 1813, the court granted license to William Wilson and 
Joseph McKelfish to vend merchandise in London. Mr. Wilson was a 
silent partner, and is believed not to have lived in London. The store was 
a general one, and was opened in a large two-story house erected by Col. 
Elias Langham, and stood immediately below the present residence of 
Stephen Watson. Mr. McKelfish was from near Cumberland, Md. He re- 
moved from London to Iow T a, and there died. 

In 1816, Thomas Needham and Robert Hume were granted license, to 
vend merchandise, under the firm name of Needham & Hume. The business 
was carried on in the Hume tavern building, under the name of the above 
firm, by James Erwin. The firm being then in business together in Chilli- 
ccthe, and subsequently at Augusta, Ky., where they dissolved, Mr. Hume 
returning to London, and Mr. Needham going to Evansville, Ind., where he 
died. 

William Nelson is said to have opened a store in the town as early as 
1814. He was from Maryland, and returned to that State a year or two 
later. 

In 1816, John Broadrick & Co. were granted license to engage in the 
mercantile business in the town, and in the following year license was 
granted to John Moore and Elias De Lashmutt for the same purpose. The 
latter firm carried on a store, in a frame house built by Mr. De Lashmutt, 
on the present site of James Phifer's residence. In several years the firm 
was dissolved, Mr. Moore remaining in business, and Mr. De Lashmutt 
moving away from London. 

Among the early merchants were Robert Russell, about 1822; Isaac N. 
Chrisman and Reese Darlington, about 1824. the latter being succeeded by 
Joseph Chrisman about 1826. After a number of years, Isaac died and an- 
other brother, Jacob, succeeded him. The Chrismans were prominent busi- 
ness men of London. 

In July, 1812, Joseph Russell and Philip Lewis were granted licenses 
to keep taverns for one year. In March, 1813, Robert Hume was granted 
license for the same purpose, and in June of the same year, Johu Gwynne 
was granted a similar license. William McCormack whs granted a license 
to keep a tavern in London June 20, 1815. Most of these licenses were 



542 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

renewed year after year. Mr. McCormack was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and settled in the vicinity of London before the formation of the county. 

William Jones and wife, with one son, JobK., came to the village from 
Tennessee, in 1814, and became the first blacksmith of London; this pur- 
suit he followed a number of years, after which he was variously employed 
and became quite wealthy, but lost heavily by the crash of 1837. 

William Pinkhard carried on a tannery near the present site of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, prior to 1820. Another of the early tanners 
was Ephraim Dawson, who operated on the site of the Placier Mill. Next 
in order came William Bowers, and after him David Groves. 

The old pottery referred to by Mr. Thompson, which stood on the site 
of the Presbyterian Church, was built by his father, John Thompson, and 
was carried on in the Thompson name a number of years. Another pot- 
tery was built about 1830, in the rear of the residence of Judge Clark on 
South Main street, by Amos G. Thompson. 

A man by the name of Leonard early carried on a brick-yard on the 
corner of High and Oak streets. His cabin was on the corner of High and 
Water streets. 

Thomas Rea and Henry Athey were early chair manufactiirers. Among 
the early carpenters, other than those given, were the Bond brothers — 
Thomas, Nathan and Benjamin- — natives of Fairfield County, this State. 
They located in London about the year 1816, and were employed in the 
building of the court house the same year. Subsequently, Thomas en- 
gaged in farming in this county, but the other brothers remained residents 
of London until their death. William Warner, Henry Warner and Robert 
McLaughlin were also early carpenters. Joseph Warner and Richard 
Bryan were early shoe-makers. About the year 1816, John Householder and 
James Cessna, saddlers by trade, located in London, coming from Chilli- 
cothe, and here carried on that business for a few years. One of the early 
tailors of London was Alva Winchester, a native of New York State, who 
settled in the village about 1820. He later began the retailing of clothing, 
and about the year 1853 associated with him a son, J. M. Winchester, who 
is yet in the business. 

LONDON in 1835. 

The following sketch of London, is prepared from data kindly 
furnished us by John Dungan, Esq., who came to this village in June, 1835. 

The business portion of the village was then on Main, between Second 
and Third streets, and the men engaged in business were Col. John Moore, 
dealer in dry goods, located on North Main street; Stanley Watson, dealer in 
dry goods, located on South Main street; and Col. John Rouse, dealer in 
dry goods, located on South Main street. 

The grocerymen were Gabriel Prugh, located on the southeast corner 
of Main and High streets: and Edward Turner, located on the northeast 
corner of the same street. 

Those engaged in the manufacture of saddles and harness were 
Samuel T. Pearce, located on South Main street; and the firm of James Q. 
Lotspeich and William H. Squires, located on South High street. 

The carpenters and furniture manufacturers were Nathan Bond, Benja- 
min Bond and WilsoD Dungan; chair manufactiirer, William McCormack, 
located on North Main street. , 

Clothiers, William Jones Jr., and Mr. Helphenstine. 

The blacksmiths were William Jones, Sr., and R. B. Jones. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 543 

Hat manufacturer, Henry Stickles, located on the west side of Main 
street, on the present site of the establishment of Winchester, the clothier. 

Those engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes were Joseph S. 
Warner. Benjamin Tinder and A. W. Tinder. 

The plasterers and brick-masons were William Turner and son Edward. 

The wagon-makers were William Cryder and John Parmer, both 
located on East High street. 

There were two tanneries, one located on West High street, carried on 
by George Phifer, and the other located on East Fourth street, operated by 
William Bowers. 

Weaver of loom fabrics, Peter Peetrey, located on North AYalnut street. 

A carding machine stood on North High street, operated by Henry 
Zinn. 

There were two potteries in the village, one located on South Main 
street, in the rear of the present residence of Judge Clark, carried on by 
James M. Thompson, and the other located on the site of the Presbyterian 
Church, carried on by W. W. Burchnell. 

The tinsmith was John Dungan. The taverns of Cols. John Rouse 
and Philip Lewis were located on the south side of West High street, and 
on the east side of Main street, where Speasmaker's hardware store now is, 
respectively. These two were the only taverns then in the village. 

The professional men of the village were Dr. A. Toland, physician; 
Samuel N. Kerr, lawyer; and Peter Smith, the school teacher (the minis- 
ters being given below). 

The church buildings were two in number, and stood, the Methodist on 
the corner of Fifth and Back streets, and the Presbyterian on the corner of 
Fifth and Oak streets. The pastors were Philip Nation and W. Westlake. 
of the Methodist Church (then only a circuit), and D. C. Allen, of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

There was one schoolhouse, located on the southeast corner of Vernon 
and Second streets. 

The business houses above named were all within a radius of about 
400 hundred yards, and at this date there are only eight buildings stand- 
ing in the corporate limits of the town that were here in 1835, namely, 
the Methodist Church building, since converted into a dwelling house, the 
brick residence of Stephen Watson, the residence of G. W. Lohr, the 
residence of Benjamin Farnsworth, which was the old weaving establish- 
ment of Peter Peetrey, the residence of Julia Freeman, residence of John 
Kanneaster, residence of Mrs. Dresbach, residence of Mrs. Dr. Lemen, for- 
merly the old Presbyterian Church building. 

The only survivor of the business men of London of 1835, now 
engaged in business in the town, is John Dungan, who has withotit interrup- 
tion been an active merchant of the place since 1835. Mr. Dungan then 
began in the tin business, and continued in the same until in 1852, at 
which date he combined with the business, general hardware; this he con- 
tinued until 1872, since which time he has been engaged in the furniture 
and book and stationery business respectively. 

The population of the village in 1835 was not more than 300. 

POSTMASTERS. 

London was made a post office in 1813. The following table, prepared 
from the records of the Post Office Department, at Washington, exhibits 
the Postmasters of the town, with the date of their appointment: 



544 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



POSTMASTERS. 


Date of Appointment. 


POSTMASTERS. 


Date of Appointment. 


Robert Hume 


Feb. 12, 1813. 
Sept. 4, 1815. 
Oct. 10, 1834. 
Nov. 15, 1834. 
April 3, 1838. 
July 5, 1839. 
Nov. 9, 1841. 
Jan. 14, 1845. 


Joseph McKelfish 

Benjamin F. Clark 

Jacob Peetrey 


May 29, 1849. 
Feb. 3, 1853. 


John Moore 


Pazzi Lapharn 


June 7. 18fi0. 


John Rouse 


James S. Hume Anril 8 18R1. 


John M. Smith . . 


Wallace Lewis 


May 2, 1866. 
May 25, 1871. 
June 16, 1880. 


David P. Maulsby 

John Dungan 


James S. Craiu 


Kate W. Hanson 


John M. Smith 













ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. 

The Columbus & Xenia Railroad, passing through London, was con- 
structed in 1848-49. The first passenger train passed over the road Feb- 
ruary 20, 1850. With this road the electro-magnetic telegraph was brought 
into use in London. At the depot of the same road, though now known as 
the Little Miami Division of the P., C. & St. L. R. R. , is located the office 
of the Western UnioD line, under the management of John Kennelly. 

In 1872, at the completion of the C, S. & C. R. R., from London to 
Columbus, a line of the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company was con- 
structed through the town, which, in January, 1881, on the consolidation of 
that company with the Western Union, became an office of the latter com- 
pany, and is now a branch of the Western Union office proper, at the depot 
of the Little Miami Division of the P., C. & St. L. R. R. That road, too, 
has undergone a change, and is now the I. , B. & W. R. R. 

In February, 1882, an office of the Mutual Union was opened in Lon- 
don, under the management of J. J. Kennedy. 

During the year 1882, a number of telephones were constructed in the 
town, by the Midland Telephone Company of Chicago, under the manage- 
ment of Job J. Clark. Telephonic connection between London and Spring- 
field, and between London and Columbus, was completed November 18, 
1882. Connection is now made between London and the surrounding 
towns and cities, and between points as far south as Cincinnati, Covington, 
Middletown, Lebanon and other places as far distant. 



THE CONFLAGRATION OF 1854. 

The following account of the great fire occurring at London, on the 
morning of February 2, 1854, by which nearly the entire business portion 
of the village was destroyed, appeared in the Reveille of Saturday, Feb- 
ruary 4, 1854: 

It is with deep regrel that we announce to our readers that our little town of 
London was visited with a destructive conflagration on Thursday last, at about 1 
o'clock in the morning. Tbe lire was first discovered breaking through the roof of V. 
S. Chamberlain's clothing store. From thence it spread and took within its march of 
destruction tbe following buildings: 

James Smith, grocer, loss $N(J0. 

V. S. Chamberlain, clothing store, loss .$600. 

J. C. Kemp, grocer, loss $400. 

A Shanklin, dry goods, loss $2,000, fully insured. 

W. Dungan, cabinet wardrooms, loss $1,300, no insurance. 

J. Kanncaster, shoe stoic, loss $1,500, partially insured. ■ 

J. B. Evans, dry goods, loss $1,000, insured. 

I. Warner, dry goods, loss $4,500, insured $3,500. 

II. Warner, storehouse, loss $1,800, no insurance. 
T. Jones, druggist, loss $2,000, insured $ 1,000. 

A. Winchester, dwelling and store, loss $1,000, no insurance. 
A. E. Turnbull, loss $300, no insurance. 



.^2S5r 






f^fystCsto v<J?^ 



HISTORY OF MADISON" COUNTY. 547 

H. Fellows, storehouses, loss $3,000, no insurance. 

Dunkin & Bonis, buildings, loss $500. 

George Phifer AmericarrHotel, loss $3,000, no insurance. 

William Jones, keeper of American Hotel, loss $1,500, insured $600 

J. J. Jones, dwelling, loss $1,000, no insurance. 

R. Acton, saddler, loss $400, no insurance. 

G. W. Sprung, Madison Reveille, loss about $700, no insurance. 

Fellows & Chandler, dry goods, loss not known. 

Masonic Lodge, everything lost. 

Odd Fellows Lodge, 'saved their books. 

J. Lewis, dwelling, loss $800. 

Telegraph office, with contents. 

R. Hall, merchant, loss not known. 

The above estimate of losses and insurances was furnished us by a friend and we 
suppose they are literally correct In addition to the above buildings, several stables 
at a considerable distance from the main tire, caught and burned down. So violent was 
the wind, during the above conflagration, that parts of the roofs of the burning houses 
were carried a distance of one-fourth of a mile from town, and communicated fire to 
buildings wherever it fell. Had it not been for the great exertions made by our citi- 
zens in tearing down several buildings adjoining those burnt down on Main street the 
whole town would have been one pile of ashes. Let us be thankful it is no worse ' No 
lives were lost, nor any person injured during the fire. 

The clothing store of Mr. Chamberlain, where the fire originated, was 
located on West High street one door east of the alley; and the course of 
the fire was east on High to Main street, and down the west side of Main to 
Second street, sweeping away the entire block, and the flames, on reaching 
Main street from High, extended across to the east side of Main, and down 
the same to a point where extinguished. 

The following lines, on the above fire appeared in the Reveille over 
the initials J. O. B. : 

"The hub bub is past, and expired the flame, 
Yet the ravages meet the sad eye; 
But LONDON will yet cut a figure in fame, 
And raise her droop'd head to the sky! 

"Like the Phoenix she'll rise with her plumage more gay, 
Than it was ere she sunk in her pyre, 
Thus, 'onward and upward,' her sons will display 
New life from the purgative fire! 

"Combustible 'Shantees' no more shall they rear 
The disgrace and annoyance of all; 
Henceforth the hard granite and brick will appear, 
Top'd off with the fire-proof wall. 

"Already the press (stilled down by the heat) 
Resumes its vocation, I see. 
And the force that had sadly to beat the 'Retreat' 

Now joyfully heats 'REVEILLE!' 

"Success to the press, and the friends of the press, 
Whose energies keep her alive. 
May they never know sorrow or pain and distress, 

But ever be happy, and thrive." 

DR. KANE. 

The remains of the distinguished traveler and explorer, Dr. Kane, 
passed through London on Saturday night, March 7, 1857, en route for 
Philadelphia, where it was to be consigned to its last resting place. The 
passage of the corpse through the United States was a complete ovation. 
From all quarters, both in city and country, all acknowledged the public 
loss, and mingled with the relatives of the deceased the tears of sympathy. 

At this place, the arrival of the cars was received bv a salute from the 
Madison Guards, under command of Capt. Phillips, after which, on invita- 



548 HIST0R1 OF MADISON COUNTY. 

tion of the committee in whose charge the corpse had been assigned, they 
filed through the car in which it lay, and after gazing on the coffin retired, 
and the cars sped on their way. 

FIRST STREET SPRINKLING IN LONDON. 

At a meeting of the citizens, held in the Town Hall May 25, 1863, 
arrangements were made to sprinkle Main Cross street, from the court 
house to the Columbus & Xenia Railroad, and Main street, from the 
Phifer House to the National House. The time for sprinkling was fixed 
for four months, from Juno 1. Mr. Hilt was engaged to perform the work. 

DISTINGUISHED MEN VISIT LONDON. 

A special train, conveying President Andrew Johnson and party, arrived 
at the depot on the afternoon of September 19, 1866. Several hundred 
people had collected at the depot to see the President and the notables. 
The President was first introduced, and was received with immense applause. 
Afterward Gen. Grant, Admiral Farragut and Secretary Wells were intro- 
duced. The parties were introduced by Gen. McCollum, of the President's 
Staff. At the conclusion, three rousing cheers were given by the crowd for 
the Constitution and the Union. 

The event of Horace Greeley's visit to the town excited considerable 
interest. A large number of citizens collected at the depot, on the morning 
of September 20, 1872, and no sooner had the cars halted than a rush was 
made to the rear car, and cries of " Greeley ! " soon brought the Sage of 
Chappaqua to the platform, when he was greeted with three rousing cheers. 
As soon as silence prevailed, he addressed the crowd. As he concluded his 
remarks a repitition of the cheers followed, and as the old philosopher's eye 
fell upon the mammoth white hat, which some jovial fellow had conspicu- 
ously placed on a pile of ties, he could not refrain from smiling. All who 
had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Mr. Greeley were very favorably 
impressed with the man. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

In the absence of records, we are unable to give the early ordinances passed 
by the Council on the question of fires. Prior to 1864, there was no organized 
company for the protection of property from fire, however, the "Bucket Bri- 
gade, " known to most villagers in an earl}' day, was not unknown to London. 

In November, I860, the Council purchased from the authorities of Spring- 
field a hand fire engine named the " Silver Grey " paying $400 for it. The Silver 
Grey arrived in Loudon November 8, and on the 15th of the same mouth a 
volunteer fire company was organized with about seventy members, embracing 
all classes of citizens. The officers were : George W. Athey, President ; Owen 
Thomas, Vice President; F. J. Betts, Secretary; Thomas McCormack, Treasurer; 
C. C. McCormack, Foreman of Engine, Ferd Rickardt, Assistant Foreman of 
Engine; Jack Lewis. Foreman of Eose; Minor Paine, Assistant Foreman of 
Hose. This company continued an organized body and performed service 
until the purchase of a steam fire engine in the summer of 1871, when it dis- 
banded. 

At a meeting of the Council June 23, 1871. a contract was made with 
Col. I. II. Morrow, of Columbus, Ohio, for a Silsby's third-class steam fire 
engine, to be manufactured at Seneca Falls, N. Y., the engine to be accom- 
panied with two hose-reels and 1,200 feet of best rubber hose, the total cost of 
engine and apparatus, $7,200. The name of the new engine to be the " Belle 
of London." On the 3d of July. 1871. at a meeting held at Fireman's Hall, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 540 

temporaiy officers were selected, and sixty-live names were enrolled for a Dew 
fire company. On the following Tuesday evening, a constitution and by-laws 
were adopted, and on July 28 the following first officers of the Belle of London 
Fire Company wen; elected : President, Isaac (i. Peetrey ; Vice President, 
B. F. Clark ; Secretary, James S. Crain ; Foreman of Hose No. 1, D. T. Fox ; 
Assistant Foreman, J. S. Davidson ; Foreman Hose No. 2, John Conway ; 
Assistant Foreman, Austin Slagle ; Nozzlemen, No. 1, Orotleib Hammar and 
Albert Marshall ; No. 2, James M. Jones and E. J. Myers ; No. 3, W. II. Chan- 
dler, Jr., and A. L. Messrnore. The Belle of London was taken out on trial 
July, 1871, under charge of the agent, Col. Morrow, before the Mayor and Town 
Council, and a large number of the citizens of London, and the following 
account of the trial appeared in the; Democrat of July 20, 1871 : 

" The engine is of third size, very beautiful in finish and design ; there are 
also with her two improved hose carts and 1,200 feet of the best end-capped 
rubber hose, with the celebrated Tegh's coupling, all furnished by the Silsby 
Company. The weather was not very favorable, a wind prevailing at the time 
of the exercises, yet the trial was satisfactory in the highest degree to all of 
the citizens who witnessed the display. The engine was taken to the creek in 
the rear of the woolen factor}', where the water had been dammed and a box 
sunk for the suction hose. A committee of citizens was appointed to aid the 
Council in keeping a record of the several tests made at the trial. In two min- 
utes from the time the match was applied, the ' Belle ' had three pounds of 
steam ; in five minutes she had ten pounds, and hall a minute later water was 
thrown. After filling the 500-barrel cistern in front of Gr. W. Lohr's. the bal- 
ance of the 1,200 feet of hose was attached, reaching to opposite the court 
house, and an inch and a half nozzle put on. After deluging the streets and 
the Buff Block, the stream was turned on the court house, and washed the dust 
of many years from some of its nooks and crevices. The nozzle was then 
elevated, and the stream thrown some fifteen or twenty feet over the cupola. 
and this, too, with the engine pumping away twelve hundred feet distant. The 
' Belle ' was then brought to the cistern just filled, and two leads of hose, 400 
feet each, laid, through which two streams mounted away above the highest 
point of the court house cupola. When all were satisfied, another stream was 
added, and three beautiful jets of water ascended high into the air at one time. 
All this with the tireless 'Belle' humming away livel}' — no quickened heart- 
beats from unusual exertion, no lame backs or wicked cuss words ; everybody 
appeared fully satisfied with the test, and had a good word to say of the 
beautiful 'Belle.' In the evening, there was a meeting of the Council, and the 
steamer was accepted without a dissenting vote." 

Since the organization of the Belle of London Fire Company, several 
ordinances regulating the fire department have been enacted by the Council, 
by which changes have been made. In the spring of 1876, the office of Chief 
of Fire Department was created, and the first to fill that position was B. F. 
Clark. This same year, there was added to the department a new truck, with 
hooks, ladders, etc., complete, at a cost of $365. In 1878, a horse hose-reel was 
added. The engine was drawn by hand until the spring of 1878, when, horses 
were purchased for it only. In December, 1879, a horse was purchased for the 
hose-reel. The truck is still drawn by hand. The department is well equipped 
and consists of about forty active members, five of whom, the chief, vice chief, 
engineer and drivers are the only paid men. The engineer and drivers are at 
the engine-house night and da}\ The engine-house is a two-story brick, built 
in 1869, and is located on Second street, near Main. The supply of water is 
derived from thirteen cisterns, var}-ing in capacity from 500 to 1,700 barrels, 
with total capacity of 10.000 barrels, located in different parts of the town. 



550 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

SCHOOLS OF LONDON. 

The first school in town, of which we have any account, was taught hy 
Joseph Grillingham. This was about 1815, and the building occupied as the 
schoolroom was located in the northwestern part of the town, now the site of 
the residence of Chris Straus. A. A. Hume attended this school, and from him 
we learn that one means of punishment resorted to by the master, Mr. Gilling- 
ham, was the dunce block, which he required the disobedient to mount and hold 
in his or her mouth a raccoon's tail. Another of the very early teachers was a 
Mr. Young, a New Englauder. A school was taught in the old log court house 
by Samuel Huston, Samuel Harvey and Chester Alden. Mr. Huston was 
teaching school in the village as late as 1824, at which period school was held 
in a log schoolhouse that stood on the corner of Second and Union streets, now 
the site of A. Dunkin's residence. The building was subsequently replaced 
by a schoolhouse constructed of brick. A Mr. Williams taught in the log school- 
liouse about the year 1825. This was the only schoolhouse in the village at 
the time, and it is said that the attendance was large. Mr. Williams was suc- 
ceeded by John Warner and he by a Mr. Chestnut. Mr. Chestnut was followed 
by Abraham Simpson. In 1835, Peter Smith was teaching in this house. He 
is said to have been an earnest teacher and to have devoted much time to the 
cause of education. Lafer teachers were William Webb and Elias Lewis, the 
former having taught a number of years. Subsequently, a frame schoolhouse 
was built on the corner of Oak and Fourth streets. In 1848, James Jones 
taught in this house, and in 1849 and 1850 Peter Peetrey. The schools at 
this period were partly kept up by public money and partly by subscription. 
High street was the dividing line between the two schools, those residing south 
of this street generally attended the Union Street School and those living north 
of the street attended the Oak Street School. After the adoption of the Union 
school S3'stem by the citizens of London in 1852, the academy building, 
erected a few years previous to this date, was used in connection with the Union 
street building for the Union schools. We should have stated above that one 
of the earl}- schools was held in the old Methodist Episcopal Church building. 

London was organized as a single school district April 3, 1852, under what 
was known as the Akron school law. At a meeting of the qualified electors of 
t he district, a vote was taken upon the adoption or rejection of the law in the 
district, which resulted in the vote standing fifty-nine for, to fifty-five against 
such law. On the l!)th of the same month, the first election for Directors was 
held and resulted as follows: Dr. D. E. McMillen and A. F. Reed for one year 
each; John Jones and A. F. Freeman, two years each, and J. H. Merrill and 
A. A. Hume, for three }-ears. A. A. Hume was elected President, and T. F. 
Kreeman, Secretary. The first Board of School Examiners was appointed by the 
Board of Education May 3, 1852. and was as follows: R. A. Harrison, H. W. 
Smith and A. T. Heed. The records of that year show that William D. Hinkle, 
of Lebanon, Ohio, afterward one of the most noted educators of Ohio, agreed to 
act as Principal for $500 per year, but on the 21st of August, W. E. Pearce, of 
Oberlin. was employed for $450. The first annual session of the union schools 
commenced .Monday. September 20, 1852, in the East Ward Schoolhouse and the 
academy. The following rate of tuition for non-resident pupils was decided 
upon for the year; in primary department, #2 for twelve weeks; in secondary 
department, $2.50 lor twelve weeks; in high school, for English branches, $4 
for twelve weeks, and $5 for the Latin and Greek languages. The school year 
was divided into three terms, the first beginning September 20 and ending 
December 21; the second term beginning January 3, 1853, to continue twelve 
weeks, and the third term commencing April 4 and closing June 24. 
September 21), the Board adopted Ray's arithmetic and algebra. James 
Sampson was the assistant male teacher for the first two terras of the year, 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 551 

when he resigned; salary, $30 per month. Miss J. E. Turner, of Urbana, was 
the assistant female teacher, at a salary of $165 per year. Among the teach- 
ers for the lirst few years of the London Public Schools, were Mrs. E. W. Coz- 
zins, $200 per year;' Miss E. C. Pease, $25 per month; Miss C. Chandler. 825 
per month. 

Mr. Pearce remained Principal of the schools until January, 1854, when 
he was succeeded by David Donaldson, whose salary was li . d at $35 per month. 
He only taught during the one term, when he was succeeded by William P. 
Gibson, whom the board employed, together with his wife, for one yearof forty- 
four weeks for $900. In September, 1856, J. II. Drew and wife were likewise 
employed at the same rate for the ensuing year. They were again employed for 
the school year of 1857-58, at a salary of $900, but Mrs. Drew being unable 
to fill the engagement, the board employed Miss ('. Clark, who assisted Mr. 
Drew, receiving $275 for the year, and Mr. Drew $025. In April, 1858, Mr. 
Drew resigned the position of Principal, and the unexpired term of the year 
was taught by C. W. Finley, at the same salary. Mr. Finley's successor, com- 
mencing in September, 1858, was John McGaffey, at $60 per month. His suc- 
cessor was John B. Lotspeich, who resigned the position in the spring of 1859. 
J. D. Stine was then elected Principal to serve for two months, a1 $65 per 
month, and $70 per month for the remainder of the year. Mr. Stine resigned 
November 4, 1863, and was succeeded by J. M. Thomas, at $600 per year. 
The Principal for the year 1864 05 was H. T. Wheeler, assisted by his wife, the 
salary paid the two being $1,200. They taught the following year, and were 
paid $1,500. The following items concerning the schools up to this time we 
give from the records of the Board of Education, thinking they may be of in- 
terest to some: In 1852, the schools were supplied with Holbrook's apparatus; 
the tax levied that year on the taxable property for the district for the carry- 
ing on of the schools, was three and three-quarter mills on the dollar. In Sep- 
tember, 1853, the board decided to adopt Pineos grammar. In 1858. Cornell's 
geography was introduced to take the place of Colton and Fitch's, then in use; 
also McGuffey's reader, in place of the Normal reader. The tax levied for 
school purposes in 1853, was two and three-quarter mills on the dollar; in 1854, 
two and one-half mills; in 1855, two and three-quarter mills; in 1856, two and 
three-quarter mills; in 1857, two and one-half mills: in 1858, two and 
one-half mills ; in 1859, two and one-half mills ; in 1860. two and one-half 
mills ; in 1801, two and one-quarter mills; in 1862, two and one-quarter mills ; 
in 1864. fourteen mills. 

During the year 1852, under the new system, numerous changes took place 
in the Board of Directors. Other than those named above, as elected August 
19, 1852, the following-named gentlemen were on the board during that year : 
R. A. Harrison. James Smith. William Gould, J. Q. Lotspeich and John Rouse. 
In 1863, Dr. Coblentz and W. S. Shepherd, as members of the board, first 
agitated the subject of a new schoolhouse, and on the 4th of January. 
1864, at a called public meeting, committees to procure a site and plan for 
building were appointed. Alter considerable marching and counter-marching 
on the part of the board, a contract for a building from a plan made by An- 
derson & Hanaford, of Cincinnati, was let to Edwin Bird on the last day of 
March. 1806, at $36,500. Of the members of the School Board who stuck by 
the people in their demand for the new schoolhouse. Dr. Coblentz and Jacob 
Peetrey are entitled to special mention for their services. As Secretary of the 
board, Mr. Peetrey was of invaluable service, and as Treasurer, Dr. Coblentz 
performed his duties faithfully and honestly. Their labors were free of charge. 
The site selected for the new school building was on Hack street, where four 
acres of ground was purchased of Toland .Jones for $1,500 in the spring of 



552 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

1865, and during the following spring the present substantial and elegant 
sehoolhouse was in process of construction. 

The building is of the Norman style of architecture, built of brick with 
stone basement, of four rooms, two of which are supplied with slow combustion 
monitor furnaces, the heat from which warms up the entire building ; the other 
two rooms are for the children to play in during stormy weather. In the first 
and second stories are eight school-rooms capable of accommodating seventy- 
five scholars each. Every one of these rooms is 25x37 feet, with sixteen feet 
ceiling, and each is supplied with a cloak room with seventy-five hooks, speak- 
ing-trumpet, cold and hot-air registers, and upward and downward ventilators 
to purify rooms ; while for light, each has four large windows, 12x4 feet. The 
Superintendent's room is in the second story, and here speaking-tubes from the 
different rooms concentrate, with an indicator on each. The third-story is de- 
voted exclusively to the large hall for exhibitions, etc. This hall is 54x77 feet, 
with twenty-two foot ceiling ; four hot and four cold registers, with proper 
facilities for carrying off foul air. The ceiling is beautifully frescoed, while 
plenty of light is furnished by the cluster of five windows on the east and west 
sides, and double windows at short intervals. The stage is 20x54 feet, and the 
hall will comfortably seat 800 people. There are two towers to the building, 
nineteen feet square and one hundred feet in height to the top of railing. 
These towers furnish the only entrance to the different stories, and from them 
a grand view of the surrounding country is obtained. The entire cost of the 
building was $50,000. The taxable property in the district was $100,000, and 
the population 2,000 persons. The dedication of the building took place on 
the evening of June 21, 1867, with an exhibition given by the school consist- 
ing of the opening by prayer, followed b}' singing, declamations, essays, etc., 
winding up with the fairy play of " Cinderella." 

On the completion of the new building, the people decided to have a 
graded school. Although the schools had gradually assumed that form before, 
there was a lack of system and proper classification. At this time, a high 
school was established, and a course of study adopted, requiring three years 
for its completion, which, but with little change, was as follows : 

Freshman Year — First Term — Latin, Grammar and Reader; Algebra; 
Arithmetic ; Physical Geography ; General History, elective. 

Second Term — Latin, Grammar and C;esar ; Algebra ; Botany, twice- 
each week ; Physical Geography, three times each week ; General History, 
elective. 

Third Term — Latin, Grammar and Cresar ; Algebra; Botany (pupils are 
expected to analyze one hundred plants) ; Natural Philosophy ; General His- 
tor\ T , elective ; Exercises in Composition and Declamation, weekly throughout 
the year : Biography ; Course of Reading selected by the Superintendent. 

Junior Year — First Term — Latin, Csesar and Grammar ; Algebra ; Nat- 
ural Philosophy ; General History, elective. 

Second Term — Latin, Cicero's Orations and Gi-ammar ; Geometry , 
English Literature; General History, elective ; Book-keeping, elective. 

Third Term— Latin, Virgil's iEneid ; Geometry ; Chemistry ; Natural 
History, elective : Literary Exercises, semi-monthly; Spelling and Reading 
once a week throughout Hie year ; Course of Reading, selected by the Super- 
intendent. 

Senior Year — First Term — Latin, Virgil's JEneid ; Geometry; Chemistry; 
Moral Science, elective. 

Second Term — Astronomy; Trigonometry and Mensuration ; Arithmetic; 
Reading ; Spelling. 

Third Term — Astronomy: (ieologv ; Grammar, English; Geography; 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 553 

Writing ; Literary Exercises, serai-monthly ; Course of Reading, selected by 
the Superintendent. 

The above course, with some modifications, is pursued by the High School 
of 1882. 

The Grammar Schools are divided into four grades, designated respect- 
ively. A, B, C and D Grammar Schools. 

The Primary Department is divided into four grades, designated respect- 
ively, A, B, C and D Primary Schools, and each grade is subdivided into two 
divisions. 

Pupils entering the public schools at six years of age can, therefore, with 
proper diligence, graduate from the High School at seventeen years of age. 

The following named text-books are used in the schools : Appleton's 
Readers, McGuffey's Spellers, Harvey's Grammar, Harkness' Latin Grammar, 
Harkness' Introductory Latin Book, Harkness' Latin Beader, Harkness' 
Cassar and Cicero, Eclectic Geographies, Cornell's Physical Geography, Alden's 
Citizen's Manual, Quackenboss' History, Lockyer's Astronomy, Steele's Physi- 
ology, Cooley's Chemistry, Wood's Botany and Plant Becord, Steele's Geology, 
Hill's Rhetoric, Ray's Algebras, White's Arithmetics, Carter's Histoiy, Rolfe 
and Gillett's Philosophy, Davie's Legendre, Wayland's Moral Science, English 
Literature, Hooker's Natural History, Mayhew's Book Keeping, Payson Dun- 
ton & Scribner's Copy-books. 

The first-class graduated at the London High School was in 1873. It was 
composed of Annie Burnley, Sallie Biddle, Alice Bichmond, Jonas Bagnall and 
Peyton H. Acton. The last named gentleman completed the course of study 
in 1871, but was given a diploma with the class of 1873. Since that year, the 
number of graduates each year have been as follows: 1874, 6 ; 1875, 11 ; 
1876,10; 1877,7; 1878,9*; 1879,11; 1880,12; 1881.20; 1882,19. 

At a meeting of the graduates, held May 14, 1875, the Alumni Association 
of the London Public Schools was organized with a membership of eleven, the 
first officers being Peyton Acton, President; Miss Sallie Riddle, Vice President; 
Miss Jennie Burnley, Secretary, and George Lilly, Treasurer. 

A school for the colored children was organized in 1865, and has been 
maintained since that time. The school was opened in the building still stand- 
ing near the Colored Baptist Church, on Fourth street, then occupied by that 
denomination as a place of worship. The school was conducted for three years 
by lady teachers. During the school years of 1869-70 and 1870-71, Squire J. 
A. Hume taught this school, at $60 per month. Mr. Hume was succeeded by 
the present incumbent, S. B. Norris. who took charge in the fall of 1871, and 
has since successfully conducted the school. His salary has ranged from $45 
to $60 iter month. In 1872, two lots were purchased by the Board of Educa- 
tion, located on Center street, of John Dungan, James Watson and others, for 
$530, and thereon was built a neat one-story brick schoolhouse for the use of 
the colored school, which has been carried on in the same since the completion 
of the building, in 1873. 

The commodious High School building, heretofore described, in the course 
of a few years was not of sufficient size to accommodate the rapidly increasing 
numbers that daily flocked to its doors, and in 1874 a second building was 
erected on the same grounds for the use of the schools. The new building 
contains four rooms, each 28x30 feet, and is occupied by the primary depart- 
ment. The grounds around these buildings were set out with the beautiful shade 
t i ccs now decorating them in the spring of 1868, by S. P. Davidson. The varieties 
were larch, Lombardy poplar, charter oak, savin, Norway spruce, Scotch pine, 
cedar, linden, sycamore, cypress, linn, mulberry, ash, wahoo, white walnut, 
dogwood, hackberry, red-bud, elm, sugar-tree, maple, willow, water beech, iron- 
wood — whole number of trees. 2K>. 



554 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



It was our purpose to show in a tabular statement the development and 
progress made in the schools of London from the year of its organization into 
a separate school district to the present time, but not being able to go back of 
18(34, we give from that date only the following table: 



Number of pupils enumerated 
Number of pupils enrolled. . . . 

Average daily attendance 

Number of teachers 

Number of school-rooms 

Number of grades 

Number of weeks in session . . 
Amount paid teachers 



1864. 


1870. 




742 
510 


436 


327 


333 


t 





5 


8 


7 


8 


40 


38 


$2700 


$4653 A 



1198 

680 

493 

13 

13 

11 

38 

$7400 



We append a list of the Superintendents since 1867. Mr. McClintock re- 
signed February 1, 1872, on account of poor health, and Mr. Harford resigned 
November 1. 1875, for the same reason: 



SUPERINTENDENTS. 



Warren McCliutock. . 
Warren McClintock. . 
Warren McClintock . 
Warren McClintock.. 
Warren McClintock, ( 
D. T. Clover j 

D. T. Clover 

W. M. Harford 

W. M. Harford 

W. M. Harford, ) 

E. J. Godfrey., f '■■ 

E. J. Godfrey 

John W. MacKinnon 
John W. MacKinnon 
John W. MacKinnon 
John W. MacKinnon. 
John W. MacKinnon. 
John W. MacKinnon 



TKBMb. 


(SALARY. 


1867-68 


$1500 


1868-69 


1700 


1869-70 


1700 


1870-71 


i rou 


1871-72 


17(H> 


1872-73 


1200 


1873-74 


1200 


1874-75 


1400 


1875-76 


i mo 


1876-77 


1200 


1877-78 


1100 


1878-79 


1200 


1879-80 


1200 


1880-81 


1200 


1881-82 


1200 


1882-83 


1350 



The present Board of Education is H. Toland, President; E. R. Watts. 
Secretary; Philip Speasmaker, Treasurer; S. W. Durflinger, R. B. Cowling and 
R. H. McCloud. The Board of Examiners is. Jonathan Arnett. S. W. Dur- 
flinger and George E. Ross. 

The London Academy was established by a stock company, incorporated 
by an act of the Legislature passed March 12,1845. The academy building 
was erected the same year upon grounds deeded to the Trustees of the institu- 
tion by Richard Cowling. The first Principal of the school was a Mr. Ross, 
assisted by Miss Sarah A. Norton. Among others who taught in this school, 
when it was known as an academy, as Principals or Assistants, were a Mr. 
Cooper, Dr. J. M. Christian and A. H. Guy. The tuition per quarter was, for 
the primary branches, two dollars and a half; common branches, three dollars ; 
higher branches, four dollars, mathematics and languages, five dollars. The insti- 
tution did not pay, and when the union school system was adopted the board 
took possession of it. The building was transferred to Richard Cowling, who 
in 1868 sold it to Chris Soulke for $400. Mr. Soulke tore it down and erected 
with the timbers and frames several small dwellings. 




Thomas Timmons 



DECEASED 



HISTORY OF MADISON' COUNTY. DO! 

st. Joseph's convent and schools. 

Application having been made by the congregation of St. Patrick's Cath- 
olic Church of London for its establishment of Parochial Schools to the author- 
ities of Ursuline Convent in Brown County, Ohio, on the fourth of September, 
1874, an association of teachers, through Father Conway, then in charge of St. 
Patrick's Church, purchased the Bigh street residence of J. K. Smith. Esq., 
the property comprising live full lots, two fronting on Walnut and two on High 
Street, for which they paid $7,000. A substantial two-story brick schoolhouse 
containing four rooms was at once erected under the supervision of the church 
here, and on the 14th of November following, the building was completed and 
dedicated with the usual rights of the church on such occasions. The cere- 
monies were more than usually impressive, and the attendance from London 
and abroad unusually large. The Catholic Benevolent and Total Abstinence 
Societies participated in the procession. Then- were present three hands 
of music and six societies, witli the following clergymen : Rev. Father 
Conway. Rev. Father Ousac, of Cincinnati, Father .Miller, of Jefferson, and 
Father Grennon, of South Charleston — Father Cusac, officiating. The school 
was at once opened under the direct control and management of the Cloister 
Sisters from St. Martin's Ursuline Convent. The names of the four Sisters 
who opened the schools wen; Sister Pauline, director, assisted by Sisters Ga- 
briel and Alphonse, the household department being in charge of Sister An- 
thony. The parochial schools, as they are termed, have continued under the 
management of Sisters from the Ursuline Convent since their organization. 
The usual common branches, including history, are taught. All who apply for 
tuition are admitted, hoys being restricted to the age of twelve years. The 
enrollment on the opening of the school was about one hundred and thirty, and 
at present there are in attendance nearly two hundred scholars. Four teachers 
are employed. 

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS. 

Prior to 1835, at least two newspapers were started in London, yet both 
were so short lived that even their names cannot be recalled by the life-long 
citizens of the town, and no traces of a file of either can be found. P. Lapham 
published the first paper, and Joseph Anthony, a brother to the late Gen 
Charles Anthony, of Springfield, the next. 

The fust permanent newspaper established in London bore the name of 
London Sentinel, it was a double pagesix column paper, eighteen by twenty- 
four inches; Whig in politics, and flying the motto. ■■ Whatever measures have n 
tenderta/ in dissolve the I hion, <>r contribute to violate orlessen tin sovereign authority, 
ought to In considered us hostileto the liberty and independence of America. The 
Sentinel under the proprietorship and publication of George W. Sprung made 
its appearance in September. 1843. (t was so continued until March 1. 1851, 
when the name was changed to the Madison Reveille, the following prospectus 
of which appeared in the Sentinel of February L'-. 1851: 

"Events are daily transpiring around us which will leave an indelible 
mark upon the history of the coming future. Old things arc passing away, 
and all things arc; becoming new. A sanguinary struggle between .Might and 
Right — between Truth and Error — is heaving the Old World with the convul- 
sive throes of Domestic Revolution, and time-honored abuses are trembling al 
the gradual approaches of modern progress. In our own country, the voice of 
faction and discord is calling out for the overthrow of our institutions, and tin- 
Hydra of Disunion ha-, reared its gorgon head to clamor for the disruption 
of our confederacy. Of this excited and exciting a'_ r e. the year that is before 
us forms a most important part. It will behold the final decision of questions 
intimately blended with the interests of ovi-ry man. and every man is called 



558 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

upon to watcli with prudent care the doubtful current of public events. But 
above all, this is an important year for the State of Ohio. Here we have the 
last General Assembly which will convene under the present Constitution of 
the State, together with our Constitutional Convention and their respective 
action. While a long and important session of Congress engrosses our atten- 
tion, we must engage in a controversy which is to decide the great and funda- 
mental features of our organic law. Following that comes the first election 
under it. when all our public functionaries will receive their honors, and their 
emoluments, directly from the dictum of the people. 

•' While these things are enacting, who should be without their county 
newspaper? Not one. On the 1st day of March next, the Sentinel will be 
brought to a close. The undersigned has made arrangements to issue, on that 
day, the first number of a new paper under the above title. These arrange- 
ments have been made not without great labor and expense, and we now look 
for remuneration to the generous support of the people of Madison County. 
The Reveille will contain a full detail of the proceedings of Congress, the 
Constitutional Convention, and the Legislature — with the latest telegraphic 
dispatches and advices from Europe and California. Its department of gen- 
eral news shall not be exceeded by any county newspaper in the State. Its 
editorial management will be assigned entirely to Mr. E. E. Hutcheson, while 
its mechanical execution will devolve upon the present publisher and proprie- 
tor. Pains and expense will not be spared to make the Reveille a first-class 
family journal, and in all respects worthy of the liberal patronage, which an 
intelligent community will ever bestow upon their home paper. In politics, 
it is unnecessary to say the Reveille, will be Whig, and devoted to all the re- 
formatory measures which distinguish that party. Conservative, while we are 
progressive, we will contribute our mite in advocating the perpetuity of the 
Union, the supremacy of the law, and the compromises of the constitution. 

" The Reveille will be published at the following low rates: Weekly per 
year, in advance. $1.50; weekW per year, not in advance. $2.00.'' 

The above prospectus bore the signature of Mr. O. W. Sprung. The 
first issue of the Reveilh came forth March 8, 1851, bearing the motto, 
" The memory of Washington and the union of the States. — Siinto Perpetua; 
while over the editorial column was the following motto: u The perpetuity of the 
Union, tin supremacy of tht Lawand the compromises of the Constitution." This 
paper, like its predecessor, was issued every Saturday, and was of the same 
size. January 29, 1853, the motto was dropped from the head of the editorial 
column, and the Latin phrase sunto jterpetua was discontinued the same 
month. On the 2d of February, L854, the office was desti-oyed by the great 
fire which occurred on thai date, and the numbers eleven, eighteen and twenty- 
live were single sheet extras published in Columbus, the latter issue closing the 
third volume, and ending the career of the Madison R< \uilli . 

On the 4th of .March. 1S."> I. the first number of the Madison Chronicle was 
issued under the same prorpietorship, the name having been changed at the 
suggestion of some of the patrons of the paper. It is but proper to here add 
that the citizens of London greatly sympathized with Mr. Sprung in the loss 
he had sustained by the fire, and assisted him in beginning anew. The Chronicle 
came before the public an 18x24 inch paper, with seven columns, without a head 
motto, but at the beginning of the third volume it adopted the following head- 
ing: •' Devoted to Politics, Agriculture, Literature, Foreign <»/"/ Domestic Newt," 
and over the editorial column was 

"Our flag is there, 
And long may it wave 
O'er the land of the free 
And the home of the brave." 



HISTORY OF MADISON" COUNTY. 559 

At the beginning of Volume TV, this was dropped, and the time of publi- 
cation changed from Saturday to Thursday. The center head of the paper was 
also graced at this time by a cut of the'new court house, the type made larger and 
the paper otherwise much improved. The Chronicle was conducted by Mr. 
Sprung until in May, 1863, when it passed into the hands of J. D. Stine and 
John Wallace, who changed the name of the paper to the Madison County 
Union. This firm conducted the paper until the following January, when Mr. 
Stine withdrew, and the paper was published by Mr. Wallace until the fall of 
1864. when Mr. Stine became the sole proprietor. The Union bore successively 
the mottoes: " The Union of the iStates — One Country — One Destiny." and " De- 
ratal to Polities. General News, Home News." 

On the 11th of April, 1867, Col. C. W. Griffith, of Bellefontaine, formerly 
connected with the Bellefontaine Republican, became a partner of Mr. Stine, and 
on the 2d of May enlarged the paper one column, and dropped the motto. In 
May, 1869, Col. Griffith sold his interest to Col. George E. Ross, and the pro- 
prietors of the Union from this date until August, 1870, were Stine & Ross. 
The paper was then issued under the name of J. D. Stine, until October 20, 
following, when he retired with that issue, selling to Mr. Ross, the latter then 
associating with him D. L. Harbaugh. These gentlemen purchased a new printing 
press with all new material, type and fixtures. The next issue bore the name of 
the London Times, and was enlarged to a nine-column paper, and appeared on the 
same day of the week— Thursday. The firm of Ross & Harbaugh was dissolved 
Februaiy 4, 1874, Mr. Ross purchasing. The issue of November 3, 1875, ap- 
peared under the name of Ross & Acton, who conducted the paper until Sep- 
tember 6, 1876, at which date it was leased to Peyton H. Acton and J. M. Kling- 
elsmith, and the issue of that number was under the name of the London 
Weekly Times, with the following motto: U A Madison (Jaunty Institution." In 
January, 1877, Klingelsmith disposed of his interest to Mr. Acton, who took 
in with him his brother, E. I. Acton, and the Times appeared October 3, 1877, 
under the name of the Acton Brothers, publishers. The next October, Mr. E. 
I. Acton went out, and the paper was continued under the name of Peyton 
H. Acton, until January 10, 1879, from which date until April 25 of the same 
year it was published by the London Publishing Compan}-. The issue of that date 
began under the proprietorship of I). Mann & Son, with John D. Maddux, editor. 
The number of September 3, 1880, appeared without motto, and under the 
former title of London Times, with George E. Ross again the proprietor. Mr. 
James F. Kelley about this time became associated with Mi*. Ross, and remained 
one year, when in August, 1881, W. S. Shepherd purchased a half-interest in 
the office, and until October, 1882, the Times was issued under the proprietor- 
ship of Ross & Shepherd. In October last, J. M. Craig purchased the interest 
of Mr. Ross and the paper has since been conducted by Messrs. Shepherd & 
Craig. 

The Times is, as we have seen, the lineal successor of the London Sentinel, 
running back through various changes of name and proprietorship to the year 
1843. In size, it is a 27x43-inch eight-column folio paper, issued every 
Friday morning from the "Times Block" on Main street, which building was 
purchased in 1874 by Mr. Ross. It is a news}' sheet, and devoted to the 
interests of the Republican party. It has a circulation of 1,700 copies. 

The first cylinder press of the office was set up in 1875; it i> a Campbell 
City Steam Press, and the first steam press brought to London. Steam power, 
however, has not yet been employed in the press work. 

The Madison County Democrat, as its name implies, is a Democratic news- 
paper. It is the lineal descenclent of the Buckeye Union, a weekly newspaper 
established in London in 1857. by E. Douglass King, who had previously pub- 
lished the Recorder at South Charleston. The first number was issued on 



560 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Saturday, February 21, 1857, was a respectable looking journal, "Inde- 
pendent in all Things." November 5, 1857, the name was changed to the 
National Democrat, flying the motto, " The World is Governed too Much" and 
Democratic in politics. November 12, 1857, the first issue of the new paper 
came out, a double sheet, seven columns, 18x24 inch paper, published on 
Thursday. On the 7th of January, 1858, the paper was sold to John M. 
Smith of Madison County, who associated with him, as editor, D. M. Creighton. 
On the 28th of the same month, Mr. Creighton retired from the editorial chair, 
which was then filled by M. L. Bryan and J. A. Kissinger, who published the 
paper under the proprietorship of Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith died May 8, 1859, 
but the paper continued to be conducted as before, until the beginning of 
Volume II., when Mr. Bryan became sole editor and publisher of the National 
Democrat. Upon taking charge of the paper, in January, 1858, Messrs. Bryan 
& Kissinger published the following prospectus. 

''In assuming the control of the National Democrat, we take upon ourselves 
a responsibility which we feel will task our utmost endeavors to accomplish, 
viz., sustaining a Democratic journal in Madison Count}'. It remains yet to be 
proven that the undertaking is practicable; but from evidences already received, 
we are led to believe that success will ultimately crown our efforts ; that a 
Democratic organ is much desired in this county, every member of the party 
will emphatically declare ; and it needs but little effort on the part of each to 
insure the publication of such a one. We need not comment on the benefits 
arising from the permanent establishment of local newspapers, for the}' are 
acknowledged by all to be a necessary auxiliary to fireside enjoyment and 
intellectual advancement. We are flattered by promises of aid from some of 
the first political and literary talent of this community (chief among whom may 
be mentioned our gentlemanly predecessor), and a number of our friends abroad 
have given us assurance of their favor by promising an occasional correspond- 
ence. Our efforts to furnish an instructive and amusing miscellany and to 
give a weekly synopsis of the most important news, will be untiring. We shall 
pay particular attention to matters relating to live stock and commercial 
affairs, and endeavor to keep our readers posted to the latest hour of going to 
press. We desire to invest the " Dem." with a local interest by publishing 
such items of note as may transpire from time to time thi'oughout the county. 
It is our determination that a high moral tone shall pervade our columns, and 
we sincerely trust that we may not, for a moment, forget the courtesy due gen- 
tlemen of the opposition. Our paper, so far as our efforts can make it, will be 
what its title imports — a National Democrat. We shall advocate the principles 
of right and truth as inculcated by the acknowledged teachei ) of Democracy — 
always bearing in mind, that as we interpret it, Democracy mc s to vest in the 
people the right to regulate their domestic institutions in their o.vu way. Take 
from a people the smallest iota of self-government, and thus much you approxi- 
mate the antipodes of Democracy. Let the people rule untrammeled by any 
sectional interest, and all will be well. To them belong the God-given privilege 
of governing themselves, and let that right be religiously respected." 

November 21, 18(11. the Democrat was reduced to a six-column paper, and 
so remained until the 20th of .March. 18G2, when it was enlarged to its former 
size. During the period of its publication as a six-column paper, it was with- 
out a motto. The name of the paper was also changed March 20, 1862, to the 
Madison County Democrat, bearing the motto : "J- Weekly Journal Devoted to 
the Interests of the People of Madison County." It was enlarged to an eight- 
column paper with the issue of March 31, 1870, and the motto changed to the 
one it now bears : " Devoted to the Interest "/' its Patrons." On the 22d of 
March, centennial year, it was made a nine-column paper. 

At the time Mr. Bryan became connected with the Democrat, the press- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 561 

work was done on a Washington hand press. This was destroyed by the fire 
of September 30, 1867, when it was replaced by a similar one of the same 
make. In December, 1880, the office was supplied with a Campbell country 
cylinder press. 

September 30, 1867, the Democrat office burned with all of its contents, 
and there being no insurance on the property, it was a total loss. Mr. Bryan, 
however, made the best of the situation, and by the aid of the citizens of Lon- 
don, was soon equipped for furthering the mission of the Democrat. It is but 
justice to the enterprise of the publisher to here state that the readers of the 
Democrat were only without their companion for two weeks. The paper is still 
published by the veteran editor of London, M. L. Bryan, who has conducted it 
for a quarter of a century. It is issued every Wednesday morning from Riley's 
building on the corner of First and Main streets. Circulation, 1,250. Mr. 
Bryan has loug been identified with the press of this and neighboring counties, 
having, previous to coming to London, been engaged in the printing business 
in the city of Columbus and villages of Circleville and Batavia. In 1842, he 
was engaged as a type-setter on the Ohio Statesman, and had prior to this, 
learned his trade in the office of the Clermont Courier. lie remained in Co- 
lumbus one year, then went to Circleville, where he operated the Circleville 
Herald for one year ; then returned to Columbus, and after a year's stay there, 
he removed to London. During his life at the capital, he, in connection with 
others, established the Daily Reveille of that city. 

The London Enterprise, a Republican weekly journal, published under the 
proprietorship and editorship of John Wallace, was established by this gentle- 
man, January 1, 1872. The first issue made its appearance Thursday, January 
18, and bore the motto : li Devoted to the Interests of the People and its 
Publisher." In size, the Enterprise was 25x38 inches, double sheet, with seven 
columns to the page. Under the head of Salutatory, in the first issue, appeared 
the following : " In accordance with a time-honored custom, we ' rise to ex- 
plain." The Enterprise will not be a political paper, but will make a specialty 
of local news — improving the bare one advantage we possess over the city 
press. We have no promises to make, but will let each issue of our paper 
speak for itself. Our terms will be two dollars per year as near in advance as 
we can get it. Persons who feel that they cannot pay for the paper had better 
not take it from the post office." 

At the urgent solicitation of many prominent Republicans of the count}', 
the Enterprise was made with the issue of April 10, 1879, a Republican paper, 
the principles of which part}' it still advocates. The paper is now just closing 
its eleventh year, during which period it has undergone no change in name, 
size or proprietorship, its motto only being changed, or rather shortened, so as 
to read : " Devoted t<> tin- Interests of its rations.." Mr. Wallace, the pub- 
lisher, is a practical printer, having served an apprenticeship in the office of 
the London Sentinel under Gr. W. Sprung. He was also connected with the 
Union as one of its publishers for a period during the late war. and is a man 
of considerable experience in journalism. The Enterprise is still located in 
Toland Block, where it began its career. Its circulation numbers about 1,000 
copies. The office is well supplied with presses, and all kinds of job-work is 
executed. 

BANKS. 

The Madison National /lank. — The citizens of London were without a 
banking-house until the summer of 1861, by which time capitalists felt that 
the business interests of the village would justify the opening of a bank, and 
consequently there was organized (mainly through the efforts of Dr. A. Tol- 
and, E. W. Gwynne and Richard Cowling), under the Free Banking Laws of 
Ohio, the Madison County Bank. The stockholders of the institution were E. 



562 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

W. Gwynne, Richard Cowling, A. Toland and B. Gwynne ; of whom Richard 
Cowling was President, A. Toland Vice President and B. Gwynne, Cashier. The 
bank was opened for business July 9. 1861, and its location was in Toland 
Block, on Main street. The business was begun with a capital stock of 
$20,000, and a general banking business carried on until May 15, 1865, when 
it ceased operations as the Madison County Bank, having been re-organized 
and merged into the Madison National Bank the preceding January ; on the 
19th of which month its certificate of incorporation was dated, authorizing the 
commencement of a general banking business, as a National Bank, May 15, 
1865. The capital stock of the bank was $120,000, and it was officered as fol- 
lows : President, H. W. Smith ; Vice President, Richard Cowling ; Cashier, 
B. Gwynne. Mr. Gwynne resigned on the 11th of April, 1866, and the vacancy 
was filled by A. Toland. Another change in the officers occurred November 
22, 1867, when H. W. Smith resigned the presidency and Mr. Cowling became 
his successor, and James Q. Minshall was elected Vice President. On the 28th 
of January, 1871, Jesse Watson succeeded Mr. Cowling as President, which 
position he filled until his death, which occurred September 5, 1871. On the 
15th of the following January, James Q. Minshall was elected President and 
Samuel Sidner Vice President. Mr. Minshall was succeeded in the presidency 
of the bank by Stephen Watson, January 22, 1880, and on the same day B. P. 
Clark became cashier. In addition to the above officers, the teller of the bank 
is now G. Van Wagener, and the Board of Directors is as follows : Stephen 
Watson, Samuel Sidner, B. F. Clark, Robert Boyd, Wyatt Minshall, J. C Bridge- 
man and David Watson. In April, 1872, extensive improvements were made 
in the banking-house, in the line of a new front, extension in length of room, 
and counter with white and black walnut finish, new doors and windows with 
full size plate glass, etc., making it an elegant room for the transaction of bus- 
iness. 

Tlie London Exchange Bank. — This bank had its origin in Madison County 
Bank No. 2, which was opened in the Phifer House building, on Main street, 
June 1, 1866, with a capital stock of $50,000. The proprietors were Robert 
Boyd and Addison Shanklin. A stock company was formed in May, 1870. 
and purchased the Madison County Bank, and July 1 took possession thereof. 
The bank was removed to the new banking-house of Robert Boyd, located in 
what is now known as Union Block, on Main street, opposite the court house, 
where the business of the bank has since been carried on. The name was 
changed to the London Exchange Bank, July 1, 1870. The institution began 
with a capital stock of $20,000. The officers were : Robert Boyd, President ; 
Stephen Watson, Vice President ; Otway Watson, Cashier ; Wyatt Minshall, 
Teller. From October, 1872, until December, 1878, Mr. Minshall was the 
cashier of the bank, and A. C. Watson served as teller during that period, and 
since December, 1878, the last-named gentleman has filled the position of 
cashier. Stephen Watson, the Vice President of the bank, has acted as President 
since its organization. There have been no other changes. The directors and 
stockholders are the same as those of the Madison National Bank. The build- 
ing in which the bank is located is one of the finest blocks in London. It is 
three stories, with a basement ; the second and third floors arranged for offices, 
and cost about $20,000. The main business room is 20x22 feet ; the private 
room at rear is a cozy place indeed, 12x20 feet, both well lighted and heated. 
The counter and other furniture are constructed of white ash, and are fine spe- 
cimens of mechanism. The vault is a substantial fire and water proof one, 
and the safe acknowledged to be the best in the county. It was built by Die- 
bold & Hanhan, of Cincinnati, and cost $2,500. 

The Central Bank. — This individual or partnership bank was organized 
with a partnership of twenty-five stockholders, December 1-4, 1875. The first 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



i63 



Board of Directors was composed of the following-named gentlemen : John 
Jones, John Farrar, Robert Rea, T. J. Sutton, and W. A. Koontz; and the 
officers were, Robert Rea, President; William Farrar, Cashier; C. W. Pringle, 
Teller. What was known as the Harrison property, on the west side of Main 
street, was purchased in 1875, and fitted up for a banking house, by Messrs. 
John & William Farrar, where the Central Bank commenced business, January 
1, 1876, with a capital stock of $60,000, and where its business has since been 
continued. A prosperous business in general banking has been conducted by 
this bank since its organization, and it continues to be in a prosperous condi 
tion under the present management. The officers for 1882 are: Thomas J. 
Stutson, President; William Farrar, Cashier; John D. Maddux, Teller; Jesse 
C. Pancake, Clerk; Board of Directors, T. J. Stutson, John Jones, J. T. Hous- 
ton, Jeremiah Rea and William Farrar. The banking room is neatly and con 
veniently arranged. 




564 HISTOKY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



TOLAND HALL— "AST AND PRESENT MANUFACTURING INTERESTS— GRAIN ELE- 
VATORS— BURYING-GROUNDS — THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH — THE LONDON 
GAS COMPANY— CHURCHES— THE LONDON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION- 
SOCIETIES— THE WOMAN'S ANTI-LIQUOR CRUSADE— SALES 
DAY — INCORPORATION AND GROWTH OF LONDON. 

THE only public hall in London is the monument of the late Dr. Aquilla 
Toland. It is located on the east side of the main street, near the I. B. 
& W. R. R., and forms part of what is known as Toland Block. In the sum- 
mer of 1866, Dr. Toland contracted with Edwin Bird for an addition to his 
premises there situated, of one storeroom, and to erect a hall over that and an 
adjoining room, to be 75x38 feet in the clear, with an eighteen-foot ceiling. The 
hall was completed and opened December 4, 1866, by a grand concert given by 
the De Beriot Club of Columbus. The hall, on that evening, was crowded to 
its utmost capacity; not only all of the seats were occupied, but a large number 
were compelled to avail themselves of standing positions. There were present 
over five hundred people. The hall was damaged by the fire in that vicinity 
September 30, 1867, but was immediately repaired and refitted, and re-opened 
December 12, 1867, by a musical entertainment given by members of the Maen- 
nerchor Association of Columbus. The hall is comfortably seated and tastily 
frescoed. It has a medium-sized stage, which is supplied with the usual scen- 
ery required for ordinary plays and show performances. 

PAST AND PRESENT MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

The Old Long Tannery. — In 1856, B. C. Long erected in the northern 
suburb of the town a large building fronting on Main street, for tanning pur- 
poses. It was two and a half stories high, with a front of forty feet, and one 
hundred feet deep. In the basement was a large number of vats, all of which 
were so arranged that even the coldest weather in winter was no obstacle to the 
work hands to pursue that kind of labor which was customary to be done in 
the summer season in tan-yards out of doors. The first room on the second 
floor was a large dry room, being large enough to diy several thousand dollars' 
worth of stock at one time. The room adjoining this was for grinding pur- 
poses, and was also very large and convenient, and back of which was a space 
under cover, to contain over one hundred and fifty cords of bark. Tbe third 
floor was devoted to drying hair and material for making glue. The proprietor 
remarked, in 1856, that he was able to turn out $1,000 worth of finished leather 
per month. The building was erected by William Link, and was then consid- 
ered the largest business building in the county. 

This property finally fell into the possession of and was operated by a Ger- 
man named Zohlche, and was entirely destroyed by fire December 20, 1865. 

The Weber Brewery. — The brick building located on Centre street, east of 
Main, was erected in the summer of 1862, by Peter Weber, for a brewery. It 
is a large two-story building, with a basement. Operations as a brewery were 
began in it February 2, 18(!3, and continued until in 1877. The brewery was 
destro} r ed by fire March 2, 1871. but was again rebuilt shortly afterward, and 
continued in operation until in 1877, since which period it has been idle. 




: % 







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7 



ds^ 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 567 

Tin London Won/en Manufacturing Company. — Foremost among the manu- 
facturing interests of London was the woolen mill of the above named com- 
pany, the history of which is as follows : On the 1st of January, 1800, a 
number of gentlemen of energy and capital met at the office of the Probate 
Judge for the purpose of forming a joint-stock company. A charter was im- 
mediately gotten up and filed at Columbus, and within sixty days from that time 
the erection of a building was under headway. The officers elected January 
1, of that year, were C. K. Slagie, President; Stephen Watson, Treasurer; Oli- 
ver Single, Secretary; Directors — Stephen Watson, Jesse Watson, George W. 
Lohr, Richard Baskerville and C. K. Slagie. The site of the present grist-mill 
on South High street was purchased, and thereon was erected, by E. J. Gould 
and James Self, a brick structure four stories in height, covered with slate. 
The main building was 40x60 feet; on the first floor was the office, salesroom 
and finishing rooms ; the second floor was devoted to weaving and making 
stocking yarn ; the third floor to carding, and the fourth to spinning. In a 
side building was the dye-house and engine room. The mill had two sets of 
forty inch cards, capable of consuming one hundred and twenty-five pounds of 
wool per da}', each, in the rough; two spinning jacks with two hundred and 
forty spindles each, and capable of spinning wool as fast as it passed through 
the cards; eleven looms, capable of turning out thirty yards of jeans per day 
each. The establishment gave employment to about forty hands, and in 1867 
consumed over $17,000 worth of wool. The engine was fort}' horse-power ca- 
pacity, and was furnished by I. & E. Greenwald, of Cincinnati, and the 
woolen machinery was purchased of E. C. Cleveland & Co., of Worcester, 
Mass., at a cost of over $ I 5,000. The total expenditure in the construction 
and outfit for the establishment was about $50,000. The mill was superintended 
by Dennis Clark. On the night of December 5. 1871, the building, machinery, 
goods, books, and, in fact, everything, was destroyed by fire, making a total loss 
t j the company of $50,000, on which there was an insurance of $10,000. On 
the night of this fire the weather was very cold, the mercury standing below 
zero. Thus ended an extensive enterprise, which was a source of profit to 
London and a convenience to farmers and the public generally. 

London Agricultural Works. — In 1869-70, Messrs. Barnard, Dougherty & 
Stone, assisted by subscriptions from some of the enterprising men of London, 
erected the large two-story brick building located on West High street, just 
beyond the the I. B. & W. R. R. crossing, with a view of establishing machine 
shops. Mr. Barnard, who was at the head of the establishment, was believed 
by interested parties to be engaged in a swindling scheme by which they were 
to suffer, owing to which the enterprise was abandoned. The same year of the 
completion of the building, it was purchased by James Coultas and A. L. Mes- 
more, who fitted it up for a planing mill, sash and blind factory, and for the 
manufacture of the Bowman planter, which found ready sale, and under their 
management this projected home enterprise began to assume shape and pro- 
portions. They displayed tact and energy, and paved the way for a larger 
establishment, and in 1873 a company, composed of the following named gen- 
tlemen, was formed: Harford Toland, Haworth & Sons, J. R. Atchison & 
James Coultas; Mr. Toland was President of the Company; .Mr. Atchison, 
Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager. The various agricultural imple- 
ments manufactured by the company were the Haworth Check Rower, Bow- 
man Planter. Dickey Drill and Haworth Planter. The various departments of 
the establishment were the machine shop, blacksmith shop, paint and wood- 
working departments, tarring and knotting department, storage rooms, and the 
department for setting up work. In December, 1875, there were in process of 
manufacture 1.500 drills, and 1,000 check rowers. Capacity of workmanship 



568 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

was then sufficient to turn out between one hundred and one hundred and fifty 
drills per week, and other implements in proportion. 

The company was incorporated December 10, 1873, and commenced oper- 
ations in January, 1874. The business was continued until in February, 1879, 
when the establishment was closed, and the result was anything but profitable 
to those concerned. 

The London Flouring Mill. — After repeated efforts on the part of" the citi- 
zens to supply a long needed want to the town, and the failure of parties from 
abroad who came with propositions to the citizens on the subject soliciting as- 
sistance for such an enterprise, the first grist-mill of the town was erected at 
the hands of Frederick Placier and Alvin Blue, of Pickaway County, this 
State. These gentlemen, in the spring of 1874, purchased the ground and 
ruins of the old woolen mill on South High street, for $3,000, and at once 
erected thereon a brick building two stories and a half high. The building 
was supplied by machinery brought from another mill in the vicinity of Canal 
Winchester; John Smith was the millwright, and James Self the builder of the 
brick work. The mill was completed and opened for grinding October 12, 
1874, under the following circumstances, an account of which appeared in t lie 
Democrat of October 14, 1874: " One of the oldest pioneers of Madison 
County, being a resident of sixty-five years, says: ' I have watehed with 
much pleasure the progress of Placier & Blue's new mill to the present time. 
I was in the mill at my post of observation on Monday, the 12th of October, 
when it was announced: " The mill is ready to grind." Then one of the own- 
ers of the mill called on the old pioneer to put the first half bushel of grain in 
the hopper, as he was the oldest man present. I complied with pleasure, and 
then stepped back to look at the monster start. The steftm being put on. the 
machinery took motion, and the buhrs commenced revolving, and down went 
the golden meal; T stepped to the stairway, and who should I see there at the 

spout, but auother old pioneer, Col. J. H. , on duty, waiting for the 

sack to fill, so that he could have the honor of taking away the first sack from 
the spout; all of which he did with great pride.' " 

The cost of the mill was $12,000; it is now owned and operated by Frede- 
rick Placier, it has a capacity of making from twenty-five to thirty-five barrels 
of flour per day of twelve hours, and from 300 to 500 bushels of meal per 
week. 

The London Woolen Mills. — This important industry is the property of 
Dennis Clark, located on Water street, between Fourth and Fifth. In the 
spring of 1872, Mr. Clark erected the buildings, consisting of a main building, 
two stories in height and 60x30 feet in size, with a one-story dry- house and 
engine-room attached. 30x40 leet — all of frame. The mill is well equipped 
with excellent machinery, consisting of one set of spinning-jacks, with 230 
spindles, three power looms and finishing machinery. Eight hands are 
employed, and the annual trade of the mills amounts to about $10.1)00 on an 
average. There are manufactured here all kinds of woolen goods, which are 
both retailed and wholesaled, the latter trade being confined chiefly to the 
cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Steubenville. Mr. Clark is a 
man of large experience in this line of business, having been engaged in the 
differenl mills in and about London since 1850, and at one time owned and 
operated the old mill that stood about one mile north of London, and later 
superintended the mills of the London Woolen Manufacturing Company of this 
place. 

The Planing-Mill and Lumber Yard of E. J. Gould & To.— This mill, yard 
and wood-working establishment the largest in Madison County — is located 
on Main street, between the P.. C. & St. L. and I. B. & W. Railroads. The 
planing-mill was erected in 1867 by Messrs. E. J. Gould and A. L. Brown, and 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 569 

the manufacture of doors, sashes and blinds commenced. A number of years 
prior to this, the lumber yard had been established by William Gould, a brother 
to Mr. Gould of the firm. Later, the Gould brothers became associated 
together in the lumber yard, in connection with which they carried on a car- 
penter and builders shop. The main building is two stories and a half hio-h, 
and in size is about 100x40 feet; and the dry-house is about 20x60 feet, a one- 
story building. Mr. Brown, in the course of several years, sold his interest to 
Mr. Gould, who, in the spring of 1875, associated with him Gerald Fitzgibbons. 
The firm does an extensive business, and gives constant employment to nine or 
ten men. 

The Lumber Yard and Wood- Working Establishment of J. F, Morgan. — 
The location is on High street, opposite the grist-mill. The business was begun 
by the Morgan Brothers. W. H. H. and J. P., in 1873. Since 1878, the business 
has been carried on by the present proprietor, J. F. Morgan. The mill is a 
two-story frame, supplied with suitable machinery for general wood-working. 
There are six or more hands employed and all kinds of lumber, doors, blinds 
and sash dealt in. 

The Lenhart Carriage Manufactory, located on Oak, between Fourth and 
High streets, was established by Bush Paine in the fall of 1866, when the 
present building, a two-story brick and frame, about 140x28 feet, was erected. 
The factory became the propert}' of the present proprietor, Samuel Lenhart, in 
the fall of 1868, and the business has since been conducted by him. He has 
on hand, at all times, a full stock of custom made buggies, carriages and spring- 
wagons, and manufactures and sells the Lockwood wagon-bed. He has 
employed ten hands. 

Mr. Paine first engaged in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, etc., in 
connection with Samuel Roadhamer, about the beginning of the late war, having 
succeeded P. S. Fay, who was located on South Main street. This firm remained 
in that locality but one or two years, when they dissolved, and Mr. Paine 
removed to the north side of Second street, between Main and Union, and 
purchased a shop of that kind there carried on b} 7 P. C. Palmer, where he 
established himself, and remained until October 3, 1866, when his entire manu- 
factory was destroyed by fire, and he sustained a loss of $4,000. He then 
built on Oak street, and was killed by lightning in 1867. 

The Carriage Manufactory of B. Judy. — In September, 1871, Richard 
Acton, Tim Riordon and William Staley erected, on the corner of High and 
Union streets, a large brick building two stories high, and 133 feet deep, and 
in November following opened and established the above-named manufactory. 
Mr. John Duddy was taken in as an associate in the business. In August, 
1873, Messrs. Riordon and Staley withdrew from the firm, and several years 
later the business ceased. In 1S77, the building was rented and the business 
of manufacturing carriages, buggies and wagons, and doing general repairing, 
continued by the pi'esent proprietor. There are employed at these shops on an 
average, the year through, nine men. and the sales amount to about $6,000. 

Tlte Loudon Marble and Granite Works were established in London in 
the neighborhood of 1853. by Samuel Minter. Mr. Minter died in 1861, and 
the business was carried on for about one year by the present proprietor, Jacob 
March. The works were then purchased by Messrs. Hutchinson & Reitzell. 
who conducted the business together for a period when Mr. Hutchinson became 
sole proprietor. In June, 1866, Jacob March purchased a half-interest of Mr. 
Hutchinson, and the two gentlemen operated together for about six months, 
when Levi March bought out Mr. Hutchinson's interest, and the firm name be- 
came the March Brothers. Six months later, Mr. Jacob March became sole propri- 
etor and carried on the business until 1872. when he sold to James Self. About 
this time, another marble shop was started in town by Aaron Bentezell. Mr. 



670 HISTORY OF M EDISON CCM 

March became associated in the business as a partner with Mr. Bentezell. 
These gentlemen after about one year together dissolved, Mr. March purchasing 
About the year 1875 Mr. March purchased the shoo of Mr. Self and consoli- 
dated the two. The works were destroyed by the fire of 1ST J. but immedi- 
ately thereafter rebuilt where now located on West High street, where can be 
found anything in the marble and granite line, for monuments or tombstones, 
and a full supply of limestone and freestone for door or window sills, door- 
steps, etc. 

Ghrain Elevators. — Madison County has always produced more grain thau 
wus necessary for homo consumption, and in the last decade three Large grain 
elevators ha\ e been erected along the lines of the two railroads, and are now num- 
bered among the important industries of its "seal of justice." The advan- 
tages over the old mode of shipping the surplus ol' grain are so many and 
great that the elevator has been brought into popular favor and encouraged 
shipment. The amount o( grain received and shipped necessarily fluctuates, 
vet it is estimated that several hundred thousand bushels are handled annually. 
The largest ol' the three elevators referred to is the one located at the inter- 
section of the I. B. A: W\. and P., C. <<: St. L. R. R., built by -lames Hamilton, 
the present proprietor, in the spring ol' 1876. This was destroyed by fire 
June 16, 1879, and with it burned two thousand bushels of wheat and four 
hundred bushels ofcorn, the total lossover insurance being$4,000. Mr. Ham- 
ilton rebuilt at once. 

The second in size is the elevator located along the P., C. & St. L. R. R., near 
Water street, built in l^TS by Messrs. William Farrar and Thomas Wood, who 
were proprietors until in October. 1882, when it was purchased by William 
M. Jones and K. II. Edwards, who are now carrying on the business. The 
capacity ol' this elevator is eight thousand bushels per day. 

The last is the Cowling elevator, located at the flouring mill, built by R. B. 
Cowling, in 1876 ; capacity, from three thousand to four thousand bushels 
per day. 

Burying Chounds. — Outlot No. 11, situated in the extreme northeastern 
part ol' the original plat of the town, was reserved for burial purposes, and 
was extensively used tor such until the organization ol' Oak Hill and Kirk- 
wood Cemetery Associations. Many of the pioneers o( London were interred 
here. In ISTii, resolutions were passed by the Council advising the State Sen- 
ator of this district, and the Representative of the county, that a special act 
was needed authorizing the sale of this place ol' burial, and the purchase of a 
new lot outside of the corporate limits ol' the town. The bill became a law. 
and on the L9th of December, 1ST.'!, the Council passed an ordinance prohibit- 
ing the burial ol' the dead within the corporate limits. Ten lots were purchased 
by the Council, in Kirkwood Cemetery, for the interment ol' bodies removed, 
and early in January, 1874, the removal of the bodies was begun. This bury- 
ing ground, from its close proximity to the old Methodist Church, probably, 
has been known as the Methodist Burying-Ground. 

About the year 1830, ;l piece of ground located in the western part of town, 
along the P., C. & St. L. R. R., was set apart in James Mitchell, for a Presbyte- 
rian graveyard. The organization of the Cemetery Associations above named. 
and the subsequent action of the Council did away with both of these places 
ol' burial. 

niF. cfn ri:\M \i ■ FOURTH." 

There was no special observance ol' the one hundredth anniversary of 
American Independence at London ; nevertheless, a great many people were 
in town, and the average -mall boy jubilated in spite of adverse circumstances, 
and the noise of the festive lire-cracker made musie for shattered nerves. The 
nearest a celebration was a picnic, given at die fair grounds by the congrega- 



HISTORY OF MADISON I 01 ;~>7 1 

tion of St. Patrick's Church. The societies under the auspices of the church 

marched out in pi in the morning. The attendance al the grounds 

notwithstanding the rainy weather, and th< enjoymenl of the 

ion was very generally participated in. Smith's Band, ol Springfield, was 

in attendance. 

TUB LONDON G \ LIGHT COMPANY. 

The London Gas Light Company was organized in 1875, with a capital 
stock of $38,000. The original officers were : Harford Toland, Presidenl ; 
It. G. Jordan, Superintendent. Treasurer and Secretary ; Board of Directors 
Toland Jones, B. I'. Chirk, M. Riley, J. M. Dungan, II. B. Cowling and I:. 0. 
Jordan. A.ugus1 6, 1875, the Town Council passed an ordinance b) which I' 
G. Jordan, of Wheeling, W. Va.. was granted the righl of way and authority 
to erect, gas works. In consideration of the franchise Mr. Jordan agreed to 
furnisl r the period of ten years, to the town al a Bum nol exceeding 

$'^.7. r » per I 000 cubic feet, and to the citizens, for private use al a sum not 
ding $3.25. per 1 ,000 cubic feel ; also, to furnish and keep in repair for 
ten years 100 casl iron lamp posts, the Council reserving the right to purchase 
(tie works. In August. 1875, R. G. Jordan purchased ground adjoining the 
Weber Brewery, of Peter Welter, for $500. On the twenty third of that month, 
t tie first shovelful of earth was thrown out b\ the Mayor, .John K. Locke, and 
the building was immediately erected and (lie, works completed. London 
for the firsl time, lighted with gas on the night of December 7. lH7f>. The 
Madison House, and several other buildings, were illuminated from cellar to 
garret. There has been some change in the Board of Directors since tin; 
organization, but otherwise the company remain as organized The capacity 
of the works is 40,000 cubic feet, per day. There are 132 public gas lamp 
post,-, and gas mains laid to the extent of lour and one half miles. 

CHURCH] 

The Methodist Episcopal Church <>f London. In our endeavor to present, 
to the reader a sketch of the Methodist Episcopal Church of London, we have 
met, with obstacles on every hand; yet. upon careful and protracted research, 
without the aid of local records, we have been able to obtain a fragmentary 
sketch. 

We only refer to whal is historical, in saying that Methodist itinerants 

imong the firsl in bearing theGospel to those finding homes in the West. 

Tin earliesl residenl minister of Madison County was Rev, L< er, :i 

Methodisl preacher, who settled in what is now Jefferson Township in the fall 

Ofi, but having been to thai vicinity as early a L805. Several y ears later, 
lie organized a small society in the same vicinity. In 1807, a small Methodist 
class wa irganized at the house of Jonathan Minshall, on Walnut Run, .about, 
four miles south of the site upon which London w;is afterward built,. A 
or two later, another cla irganized. on Glade linn, and designated as Hip 

Lower Glade Church. Shortly after London was hud out about, the year 
1813 or ]H\l a Method or small society, was organized in the vi]i:i<_<e. 

composed in part, al leasl of Roberl Warner, Roberl Warner, Jr., and wife. 
William Warner and wife and two daughters, John Winner and wife and Will 
iam Wingate and wife. It is nol known, definitely, to what circuil any of 
these classes or societies were attached prior to 1819, yet circumstances 
strongly point toward their connection with Paint Creek Circuit. The Walnut 
Run class, however, was firsl visited by Rev. Benjamin Lakin, in 1807, upon 
the solicitation of the few members. Mr. Lakin was, al this time, traveling the 
Chillicothe Circuit, which was son prior to the formation of Paint Creek 

Circuit. 



572 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

From 1812 until 1819, the presiding elders and preachers in charge of this 
circuit were as follows : 1812— Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Revs. 
Isaac Pavey and T. Corkhill, preachers; 1813 — Rev. James Quinn, Presiding 
Elder. Rev. Moses Trader, preacher ; 1814 — Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, 
Rev. William P. Finley, preacher; 1815 — Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, 
Rev. Robert W. Finley, preacher; 1816 — Rev. David Young, Presiding Elder, 
Revs. Jacob Hooper and William Westlake, preachers ; 1817 — Rev. John Col- 
lins, Presiding Elder, Revs. John Soloman and D. Carr, preachers ; 1818 — Rev. 
Moses Crume, Presiding Elder, Rev. William P. Finley, preacher. 

On the 25th day of August, 1817, a deed was made for the lot designated 
on the town plat of London as No. 112, cornering on Back street and Fifth, con- 
taining thirty-two square poles, between Patrick McLene, Director for the town, 
ami William Erwin, Jonathan Minshall, John McDonald, William Warner, Sr., 
William GL Pinkard, Robert Warner, David Watson, James G-reenby and Amos 
Gr. Thompson, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their successors 
in office. The consideration therein specified was $11. Upon this lot, but just 
at what time we are unable to state, this denomination erected the hewed log 
meeting house, still standing, though it has since been weather-boarded and con- 
verted into a dwelling. It is believed that the house was built prior to 1820. 
This was the first church building erected in London, and the only one until 
1834-85. 

In 1819, London circuit was formed and Rev. Andrew S. McLean appointed 
preacher in charge. Rev. James B. Finley was this year and the year following 
Presiding Elder of the district, and Revs. Zachariah Connell and James Smith, 
preachers, on the circuit in 1820. The Presiding Elders and preachers in charge 
from 1821 to 1836, were as follows : 1821 — Rev. John Strange, Presiding Elder, 
Revs. D. D. Davisson and William Simmons, preachers ; 1822 — Rev. J. B. 
Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. George Maley and Aaron Woods, preachers ; 
1823 — Rev. John Collins, Presiding Elder. Revs. James Collard and" Richard 
Brandriff, preachers ; 1824 — Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Rev. Robert 
W. Finley, preacher ; 1825 — Rev. Russel Bigelow, Presiding Elder, Revs. J. L. 
Donahoo and J. C. Havens, preachers ; 1826 — Rev. Russel Bigelow, Presiding 
Elder, Revs S. P. Shaw and J. W. Clarke, preachers; 1827— Rev. J. B. Finley, 
Presiding Elderj Revs. S. P. Shaw and F. Buller, preachers ; 1828— Rev. J. B. 
Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. Thomas Simms and B. Austin, preachers ; 1829 
Rev. J. F. Wright, Presiding Elder, Rev. Benjamin Lawrence, preacher ; 1830 
—Rev. J. F. Wright, Presiding Elder, Revs. Benjamin Lawrence and William 
Sutton, preachers; 1831- Rev. J. F. Wright, Presiding Elder, Revs. William 
Sutton and J. C. Hardy, preachers ; 1832— Rev. W. H. Raper, Presiding Elder, 
Revs. .1. Smith and J. Hill, preachers ; 1833— Rev. Augustus Eddy. Presiding 
Elder, Revs. William Morrow and Henry Whit -man. preachers ; 1834 — Rev. W. 
II. Raper, Presiding Elder, Revs. Joshua Boncher and Q-. Moody, preachers ; 
1835 -Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. Philip Nation and W. Westlake, 
preachers; 1836— Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Morrow 
and Jacob Martin, preachers. 

The Rev. Jacob Young, in his autobiography, in speaking of his appoint- 
ment as Presiding Elder of the Columbus District in 1835, thus alludes to the 
London Circuit : "We had a prosperous year on London Circuit, under the 
labors of Philip Nation and William Westlake. Brother Nation was not what 
was called agreal preacher, bu1 a very useful one. and as good a natural singer 
as I ever knew, he lias been successful on all the circuits he ever traveled. His 
slender constitution soon completed his labors, and he passed to his rest." In 
1836, the London Circuit embraced the following preaching points : London. 
Somerford, Joseph Warner's. William dear's. Reader's, Brighton, D. Watson's, 
Phit'er's Schoolhouse, Troxel's, La Fayette. Lower Chide, J. Chenoweth's, Judge 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 573 

Fitzgerald's, Harrisburg, Leasenbes, Morain's, Y"ankeetown, .Mount Sterling, Don 
Roe's, or Heath's Mill, Bethel, Wilmouth's Sehoolhouse, D. Dye's, or Linson's, 
and Maxey's. This took in an extensive tract or scope of country, as the 
reader acquainted with its localities must see, but each preacher in charge was 
expected to preach at each point once in every four weeks. 

In the autobiography of Rev. Jacob Young, we find another allusion to the 
London Circuit, which we deem not out of place here to record. In speaking 
of the Conference of 1842, Mr. Young says: -'Bishop Morris appointed me to 
the London Circuit. Zachariah Connell was m} 7 Presiding Elder, and William 
Sutton was m} T colleague. The work of the Lord soon began to revive in the 
town of London and other places. At the first quarterly meeting, Z. Connell 
received a heavenly baptism, and was like a flaming herald the balance of the 
year. Brother Sutton was a vety reliable man. We had several excellent 
preachers living on the circuit — Brother Steele. Brother China, Brother Eb- 
enezer Webster and Brother Jacob Martin, though much afflicted and unable 
to do effective work, his example and counsel was very useful. My coming on- 
to the circuit was of great advantage to me, and I hope I was no disadvantage 
to it. I formed friendships which will be as lasting as eternity. James Foster, 
Stephen Moore. Isaac Moore and Joseph Warner and Sally Warner will never 
be forgotten by me. She was a mother in Israel, and one of the best friends I 
have met with in the house of my pilgrimage. I delivered my valedictory all 
round the circuit, and many tears were shed, both by the preacher and the 
people." 

About this time (1842), the members of the London charge erected a one- 
story frame church building on the present site of the brick edifice now stand- 
ing, and abandoned the old log meeting-house. This building served them as 
a house of worship until the erection of the present brick in 1859-60. The 
latter edifice was dedicated Sabbath. February 26. 1860, the dedicator}- sermon 
was preached by Rev. Dr. Clark, editor of the Ladies' Repository, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. After the services a collection of between $1,500 and $1,600 was taken 
up. which sum nearly completed the payment of the cost of the building. 

The Presiding Elders and preachers in charge of the circuit from 1837 to 
1860 were the following named: Rev. Jacob Young. Presiding Elder, llevs. Will- 
iam Morrow and George Fate, preachers; 1838 — Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding El- 
der. Revs. Benjamin Ellis and E. T. Webster, preachers: 1839 — Rev. Z. Connell, 
Presiding Elder. Revs. E. T. Webster and Noah Haugh, preachers; 1840 — Rev. Z. 
Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. J. W. Steele and Noah Haugh. preachers; 1841 
— Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. W. Steele and A. M. Lorraine, 
preachers: 1842 — Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, llevs. .Jacob Young and 
William Sutton, preachers: 1843— Rev. William Simmons, Presiding Elder, 
Revs. William Sutton and E. B. Warrington, preachers; 1844 — Rev. William 
Simmons. Presiding Elder, llevs. Martin Wolf and Thomas Heard, preachers; 
isi."> — Rev. William Simmons. Presiding Elder, Revs. Martin Wolf and J. W. 
Smith, preachers: 1846 — Rev. William Simmons. Presiding Elder, Revs. James 
Armstrong and S. Haines, preachers: 1S47 —Rev. D. Kemper. Presiding Elder, 
Ibvs. James Armstrong and •). W. Steele, preachers; 1848 — Rev. D. Kemper, 
Presiding Elder. Revs. Samuel Maddox and T. M. Gossard, preachers; 1849 — 
Rev. .1. A. Jameson, Presiding Elder. Revs. Joseph Morris and William Sutton, 
preachers: 1850 Rev. J. M. Jameson. Presiding Elder, llevs. David Smith 
and James Laws, preachers; 1851 — Rev. Cyrus Brooks, Presiding Elder, llevs. 
David Smith and James Laws, preachers; 1852 Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding 
Elder. Revs. John Stewart, J. S. Brown and J. D. Cram, preachers; 1853 
Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder, llevs. John Stewart, T. S. Loyd and J. D. 
Crum, preachers; 1854 — Rev. Uriah Heath. Presiding Elder, llevs. A. B. Lee 
and J. F. Longman, preachers; L855 Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding Elder. Revs. 



574: HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

J. F. Longman and -J. T. Miller, preachers; 185G — Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding 
Elder, Revs. A. Flemmonsand Richard Pitzer, preachers; 1857 — Rev. Z. Connell, 
Presiding Elder, Revs. A. Flemmons and S. Tippitt, preachers; 1858 — Rev. Z. 
Connell. Presiding Elder, Revs. S. Tippitt and A. M. Alexander, preachers; 
1859 — Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Revs. Levi Hall and A. M. Alex- 
ander, preachers. 

In 1860, the London charge was made a station with Rev. H.E. Pilcher ap- 
pointed pastor; Rev. J. M. Jameson was this year the Presiding Elder of the 
district. In 1866, Centenary Chapel was built in the rear of and adjoining 
the brick edifice, mainly for a lecture room and Sabbath school purposes. It 
is of brick, thirty-five by sixty feet in size, and is of the Roman style of archi- 
tecture; it is connected with the main building by a corridor. The brick and 
stone work was done by James Self, and the carpenter work by E. J. Gould. 
The Chapel cosl about $7,000 and was built and furnished through the liber- 
ality of Mrs. Eliza Chrisman. It was dedicated on Christmas morning 1 -">•;. 
by Bishop Clark. <>!' Cincinnati, who delivered one of his ablest sermons to a 
large audience. The venerable David Watson who assisted in the erection of 
the old log meeting-house in London, attended the dedicatory service. In 1871. 
the church was incorporated. 

Since 1861, the Presiding Elders and pastors of the church have been as fol- 
lows: 1861— Rev. Gr. W. Brush, Presiding Elder. Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor. 
1862— Lev. (I. W. Brush. Presiding Elder, Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor. 1863 
— Rev. (!. W. Brush, Presiding Elder. Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1864 — 
Rev. 6. W. Brush. Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1865 — 
Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1866 — 
Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1867 — Rev. 
C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K.Foster, pastor. 1868— Rev. C. A. 
Vananda, Presiding Elder, Lev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1869— Rev. C. A. Van- 
anda. Presiding Elder; Rev. C I). Battell. pastor. 1870 — Rev. C. A. Vananda, 
Presiding Elder, Lev. C. P. Battell. pastor. 1871— Rev. J. W. White, Presiding 
Elder. Lev. J. F. King, pastor. 1S72— Rev. J. \Y. White, Presiding Elder, Lev. 
T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1873— Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder. Rev. T. H. 
Monroe, pastor. 1874 -Rev. A. B. Lee, Presiding Elder. Lev. T. II. .Monroe, 
pastor. 1875 Lev. B. X. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Lev. J. T. Miller pastor. 
1876 -Lev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder. Lev. J. T. Miller, pastor. 1877— Rev. 
B. X. Spahr. Presiding Elder. Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1878— Rev. B. X. 
Spahr. Presiding Elder, Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1879 — Rev. .1. F. King. 
Presiding Elder, Lev. J. C. Jackson, pastor. 1880, 1881 and 1882— Rev. J. F. 
King. Presiding Elder, Lev. J. W. Peters, pastor. The present membership of 
the church is 520. The spread of Methodism in Madison County has been 
rapid. In 1820, the old log meeting-house was the only church building on 
London Circuit, which then embraced all of the country north as far as Marys 
ville; and south. Williamsport, Pickaway County, there are now within that 
scope of country at least fifty church edifices. The London Church and Sab- 
bath school are in a prosperous condition. 

First Presbyterian Church of London * — On the 2(ith day of September, 1829, 
a sermon was preached in London bj' the Lev. 1>. C. Allen, missionary, with 
reference to the formation of a Presbyterian Church. After service, a meeting 
for this purpose was held at the house of Mr. Charles Berry. A church ses- 
sion was present, consisting of Samuel Reed, an Elder from Upper Liberty 
Church. David Mitchell and David Chapman, Elders from Lower Liberty 
Church, in Union Count}', and Rev. 1>. ('. Allcn.au ordained minister of the 
Presbyterian Church. The session being constituted with prayer, twenty per- 

i'hi- historical sketch in main, wag embodied in a paper prepared aad read before the congregation of the 

church iy l: F, Chirk, in Octol er, 1^7' 




c7d<^i(?fAM^ ^&A^/ 



HISTORY OF MADISON' COUNTY. 577 

sons were received on examination, as members of the Visible Church of Christ 

on Earth. Two persons were then nominated for election as Ruling El 
and articles of faith and eovenanl were read for the consideration of all con- 
cerned. An appointment was made for the ensuing Sabbath, and the meeting 
adjourned. On Sabbath, September 27. the session met in the morning and re- 
ceived one other candidate. The names of all the candidates having been 
called, they presented themselves, gave their assent to the articles of faith and. 
covenant and by prayers were set apart, and constituted a church of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. John Ray burn and William McCoy, the persons nominated for 
Ruling Elders, were dul\ elected and ordained as officers in this church, and 
the sacrament ol* the Lord's Supper was administered to about thirty persons 
This was the first Presbyterian communion service held in London for several 
years. Formerly an organization of twenty-live or thirty members had been 
formed, but having been long destitute of Presbyterian preaching it had be- 
come almost extinct. When Rev. I). C. Allen came on the tield. in 1829, there 
were no Elders living in the congregation, and no church records could be found. 
The names of the persons composing the church as re-organized by him, twen- 
ty-one in number, are as follows: William McCoy, Ann P. McCoy, John Da- 
vidson. Mrs. Sallie Davidson, John Rayburn, Mrs. Rebecca Rayburn, James 
Rankin, Mrs. Margaret Rankin, Charles Berry. Mrs. Elizabeth Berry, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Stockton, Mrs. Mary Withrow and .Mrs. Mary Temans received by 
certificate and examination. John Byers, Mrs. Matilda Byers, William T. Da- 
vidson, Mrs. Rachel B. Davidson. John II. Kennedy. Mrs. Hannah Mill, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Houston, Miss Maria P. Rankin and Mrs. Hume received by profes- 
sion oi' faith and examination. 

"May this lit lie vine ''I- owned and blessed as one of the Lord .- own plan 

Si ned) D.C.Allen, Missionary. 

The minutes of the organization of the church were approved at a meet- 
ing of the Presbytery of Columbus, in Circlevillc, Ohio. April 7, 1830. May I'M. 
ls:;i, after public worship, a meeting of the congregation was held according 
to previous appointment, at which time Charles Berry and William T. David 
son were elected Ruling Elders, and were ordained on the 5th day of June, 
1831; June 30,1832, Samuel Bailer and William Creath were ordained as 
Ruling Elders of the church. March 13. 1 Soli, the congregation of the Pres- 
byterian Church was regularly convened in the court house, in London, for the 
purpose of electing a pastor. The Rev. Benjamin Dolbear was present, by in- 
vitation of the session, preached, and presided, as Moderator of the meeting. 
The Rev. D. C. Allen, who had been serving the church as missionary supply 
from the time of its organization, was unanimously chosen as their pastor. At 
the same time and place. William T. Davidson, James Rankin and James Kay- 
burn were elected Trustees, and William McCormack Treasurer of the congre- 
gation. Rev. D. C. Allen was installed pastor of the church April 13, L833. 
The church was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of the State 
of Ohio on the 28th day of February, 1834. 

The first church building, a frame structure, on the corner of Fifth and 
Oak streets, was erected in the years 1834—35. The first bell was purchased 
for the church in the year 1849; J. I. Robinson, Samuel P. Davidson and J. M. 
Rayburn were appointed the committee to solicit subscriptions for the purchase 
of the same. April 1. 1837, eighty members wen; reported to the Presbytery 
on the roll of the church. April 16, 1837, the Lev. D. ('. Allen resigned his 
charge as pastor of the church. February 1. 1838, James Rayburn, William 
McCormack and J. E. Kennedy were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of 
the church. May 13, 1838, nine members were dismissed for the purpose of 
forming a church in Jefferson, Ohio. This organization, after maintaining 
an existence for several year-, with John Byers and Dr. David Wilson as 



578 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Ruling Elders, at length become so much reduced by death and removals, that 
the few remaining members returned again to the church in London. John 
Byers and Mrs. Sarah Byers being received by letter October 16, 1858. April 
2, 1839, Rev. J. Hoge, D.D.. by invitation, preached a sermon and moderated a 
meeting regularly convened for electing a pastor. The Rev. B. Van Derman 
was called as pastor, and installed on the 3d day of April. 1839. His pastor- 
ate was very brief. The Master called him to a higher service and an eternal 
reward in November, 1839. After the death of Rev. E. Van Derman, the church 
was without a pastor for about one year. November 20. 1840, at a meeting of 
the congregation, presided over by Dr. J. Hoge, the Rev. R. C. McComb was 
called as pastor of the church, and was ordained and installed as pastor No- 
vember 21, 1840. This pastorate continued until April, 1854. September 25, 
1851, H. C. A mos and Joseph Rayburn were elected and ordained as Ruling 
Elders of the church. 

In July, 1855, Rev. C. W. Finley. a licentiate of the Presbytery of Red- 
stone, having been employed by the Presbytery of Columbus as a missionary, 
within its bounds, began his labors at London, Midway. Mt. Sterling, Genoa 
and Grove City, preaching also at several private houses in the community, 
making London his headquarters. During the year 1857, he was assisted in 
his labors by Rev. Mr. Irwin, for the period of six months. October 16, 1858, 
at a congregational meeting, regularly convened, and moderated by Rev. .lames 
Dunlap. the Presbyterian Church of London called Rev. C. W. Finley as their 
pastor for the whole o\' his time. He was installed pastor of the church Janu- 
ary 7, 185!). Rev. James Hoge, D. D., Rev. E. Woods and Elder R. Paul being 
present at the service by appointment of the Presbytery. March 9, 1858, P. 
W. Taylor and Maxwell Murray were elected and ordained Ruling Elders of the 
church. 

The old church building on the corner of Fifth ami Oak streets, having 
become too small to accommodate the congregation, and having fallen out of 
repair by use and lapse of time, it was decided by the congregation that they 
would erect a new building rather than repair the old one. During the j'ear 
1859, the present building, a one-story brick with large tower in center front, 
was erected. The pastor, Rev. C. YV. Finley, donated the lot on which it stands, 
Maj. Richard Cowling, besides contributing liberally toward the construction, 
had the clock placed in the tower at his own expense, and by his last will and 
testament left a legacy of <.").(HH> for the benefit of the church. In September. 
1859, the congregation authorized the sale of the old church building, the pro- 
ceeds to be applied to the erection of the new church. April 14, 1860 l'>. F. 
Clark was elected and ordained a Ruling Elder of the church. November 9, 
1861, John Lohr and William M. Kinney were elected, and December 1, 1861, 
were ordained Ruling Elders in the church, dune 20, 1862, thirteen members 
were dismissed for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church in Mid- 
way, Ohio. Tin' devoted and abundant labors of Rev. <\ W. Finley were ended 
April 12. 1 S 7 7 . when after a lingering illness, the Master came to him with the 
gracious summons: " Enter thou into the joy of the Lord." 

During the pastorate of nineteen years, the ehurch experienced a health- 
ful and steady growth in numbers ami usefulness. In January and February, 
1866 il was visited by a season of special religious interest, and forty-four 
were added to the roll ti[' membership on profession of their faith in Christ. 
Again, in 1875. forty-five were added on profession of faith. The number of 
members received on examination from April. IS.")."), to -Inly. 1S77. was 271 
The number of members received on certificate from April, 1855, to July, H77. 
was 131. making a total of 402. The number on the roll duly 21. 1^77. was 
211. The loss by deaths and removals during the twenty-two yeai'-. was 191. 
The number now on the roll, December, 1882, is about 205. Rev. J. G. Pat- 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 579 

tcrson succeeded the Rev. C. W. Finley to the pastorate of the church, being 
called June 14, 1877, and installed October 17 of that year. Rev. J. A 
Ewalt, the present pastor, was installed April 11. 1882. Present members of 
the session are B. F. Clark, John Lohr. William T. Davidson. William M. Kin- 
ney. The Board of Trustees is G. W. Wilson. W. I). Williams and James 
Hamilton. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church of London. — In the absence of records, we 
are unable to give the date that the first Catholic services were held in London, 
and the names of the first members participating. The building of the Colum- 
bus & Xenia II. R. through London took place during the years 1848-49, 
and about this time several Catholic families located in this vicinity. Early in 
the year 1852, among the families residing in the town and neighborhood 
were .John Dwyer and family, Philip Lackey and family, Thomas Singleton 
and family, Michael McCarty and family, Edward Donahue and family, Daniel 
Graham and family. John Fogerty and family, Thomas Kennally and family. 
Patrick Mastoson and family and James McCarty and family. At this time, 
mass was celebrated once a month, at private houses, principal among which 
was the house of Michael McCarty. The priest administering to this people 
was the Rev. father Thomas Blake, of Xenia. After the building of the Phifer 
House, on the corner of Main and High streets, mass was celebrated in the 
Phifer House Hall until 1856, when a lot was purchased on Center street, near 
Main, and a one-story frame church erected thereon, which was dedicated in 
the fall of that year. This was used as a house of worship by St. Patrick's 
congregation until the completion of their new edifice. 

From the celebration of the first mass in London by Father Blake, until 
the church here was supplied with a resident priest, in 1864, the following- 
named priests, and in the order given, administered to the spiritual wants of 
St. Patrick's congregation : Revs. Father Thomas Blake, Father Maurice; How- 
ard, of Springfield, Father D. J. Cogan and Father .J. N. Thisse. both of Spring- 
field. On Christinas Day, 1864, Rev. Father John Conway became the first 
resident priest of the London parish, and to this gentleman's untiring energy 
and perseverance is the church indebted for their beautiful and commodious 
edifice. The ground upon which the building siands. situated on the corner of 
Second and Union streets, was purchased of dames Dwyer. The building was 
commenced in the summer of ISO"). It is of gothic style of architecture, one 
hundred feet in length by fifty feet in width, with a thirty-eight foot ceiling ; 
at the west end is a gallery, lor the choir and organ, extending the whole width 
of the building; the tower is one hundred and ten feel in height, slated at the 
top; the windows are twelve feet in height, filled with a beautiful and costly 
article of stained glass. The cost of the building, with organ and bell, was 
$22,000. The plan for the building was drawn by Picketl & Son, of Cincinnati. 
The brick and stone work was done by Winn & Robinson, slating by Gephart, 
of Dayton, plastering by William Gulick, of Columbus, and the painting by 
Joseph Corns. The church is the largest in the county, and wild seat about 
1,000 persons. 

The corner stone of the edifice was laid September 17, 1865. Bishop Syl- 
vester II. Rosecrans delivered a discourse explanatory of the Catholic faith and 
replete with good advice, immediately after which he administered confirmation 
to about fifty persons. A small tin-box containing the date of the ceremonies, 
the names of the Bishop, the pastor, and other lads relating to the church was 
deposited in the corner-stone. 

The edifice was dedicated by Archbishop John B. Pureed on Sunday. 
November 18, 1866. Many visitors came from neighboring cities, and at 11 
o'clock a grand procession was formed at the old church, headed by a Colum- 
bus band, and proceeded to the new church. It was impossible for one-half 



580 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the crowd to get within the walls of the building. The Archbishop delivered 
a short discourse out doors, after which the crowd was admitted inside as fast 
as the money could be taken at the door, as this was the means in which the 
donations were received. The building had not yet been seated, but it was 
supposed that fifteen hundred persons were admitted. The music on the occa- 
sion was furnished by the choir of St. Patrick's Church of Columbus. The fol- 
lowing church dignitaries were in attendance from abroad: Archbishop John 

B. Pureed, of Cincinnati; Rev. Father Edward Fitzgerald, of Columbus; Rev. 
Father Joseph Retcker, D. 1)., Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati; Rev. 
Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, and Rev. Father J. N. Thisse, of Springfield. 
The interior of the edifice is neatly finished. There are three altars, the main 
one being dedicated by Archbishop L'urcell, October 27, 1872. The Scriptural 
paintings are fine works of art. the fourteen representing the way of the cross 
were purchased by Father Conway in Paris. 

The resident pastors of the church, with their assistants in the order 
named, have been as follows : Rev. Father John Conway, from Christmas, 
1864, until June. 1S77; Assistants — Rev. Fathers J. Maroney and Rowekamp. 
During Father Conway's absence from the church while in Europe, the priests 
of St. Patrick's Church were Rev. Fathers P. H. Cusack, J. J. Kennedy andB. 
M. Mueller. Rev. Father Michael Hayes, from June. 1877, until August, 1878. 
Rev. Father James Burns, from August, 1878, until January, 1881 ; Assistants 
— Fathers .Michael Hayes and Charles McCallion respectively. Rev. Father 

C. M. Berding, the present incumbent, became pastor in October, 1881. His 
assistant is Rev. Father James O'Kiefle, who entered upon his duties in 
October, 1882. The congregation numbers about two hundred and fifty 
families. 

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church of London. — At a meeting held at the 
residence of Jonathan Farrar on the 28th of June, 1858, opened b}- prayer by 
the Rev. Chandler Rob bins, of Springfield, the above-named society was organ- 
ized and styled "Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church of London,"' and subse- 
quently was incorporated under that name. The officers elected at that meeting 
were: Richard Cowling, Jonathan Farrar, Edwin Cowling. Jesse W. Dungan, 
Dr. N. S. Darling, B. T. Custer. Edwin Bird, James Raker and D. M. Creighton, 
comprising the Vestry; Jonathan Farrar, Senior Warden: Edwin Cowling, Junior 
Warden ; and D. M. Creighton, Treasurer of the church. On motion, a commit- 
tee of two was appointed to extend an invitation to the Rev. Chandler Bobbins 
to become the first rector of the church, which invitation was accepted. The first 
communicant members of the church were .Mrs. M. Dooris and two daughters, 
Maggie and Sarah, Dr. II. J. Sharp and wife, Mrs. A. C. Watson. Mrs. E. J. 
Gould, Mrs. S. J. Hubbard and daughter Maggie, Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. 
Noah Thomas, Mrs. John Chambers, Mrs. W. H. Carter, Mary Green and Mr. 
and Mrs. T. J. Holds. For the first two years of Christ's Church, services were 
held once a, month in the old Presbyterian Church building, under the rector- 
ship of Mr. Bobbins. From that period until the year L866 67, the pulpit was 
unoccupied. For a portion of this year, occasional services were conducted in 
the court house by Rev. W. T. Helm, of Xenia. Before the close of the year. 
Mr. Helm was succeeded by Rev. II. C. II. Dudley, of the same city. Mr. 
Dudley remained rector of the church for about two years, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Dr. Kellogg, who served the people about six months only, being 
compelled by failing health to sever his connection with the church. His suc- 
cessor was Rev. J. II. Ely. The next rector of the church was Rev. William 
Bower, under whose rectorship the church prepared to build in the spring of 
1878. A lot was purchased of Eugene Freeman for $500, located near the 
corner of Fourth and Union streets, upon which was erected, at a cost of $2,500, 
a beautiful frame edifice, which was consecrated to the service of God by Bishop 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 581 

Jaggar, of thje diocese of Southern Ohio, on the afternoon of Saturday, Novem- 
ber 16, 1878. In the spring of 1878, Rev. .John Rose, of Boston, became rector 
of the church. Other rectors have been Revs. Mr. Morrell and J. W. Gillman. 
The church is now (1882) without a rector. Membership, seventeen. 

In connection with the church there has been carried on a successful Sun- 
day school for several years, which is now in a prosperous condition, under the 
superintendency of Dr. H. J.Sharp. The number of scholars in attendance is 
twenty-five. 

The Firs' Universalist Church of London. — On the 12th of July, 1858, the 
following-named persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves 
into a (Jniversalisi Church society: William .Jones. J. F. Willis. Lathrop 
Willis. B. F. Montgomery, .J. W. Curd. W. S. Shepherd, J. W. bow. J. Peetrey, 
Jedyer Willis, .Josephine Jones. Louis Shepherd, M. J. Curd, Mary bow, C. 
Chandler, Frances Curtis. Minerva Acton, Josephine McCormack, Lorain 
Byers, Minerva Sothoron, Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell. Adelaide 
McCormack. Margaret McClintock and Edward McClimans. On the 12th of 
the following month, another meeting was held and presided over by Jedyer 
Willis, at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, 
J. F. Willis. J. W. Curd, William Jones and Jacob Peetrey were appointed 
Trustees of the church: Jedyer Willis, Treasurer, and Jacob Peetrey, Clerk. 
It should have been stated, however, that prior to the regular organization of 
the church as given above, occasional preaching was had by this chiss at Lon- 

by minis!"]-- supplying neighboring pulpits, one of whom was Rev. H. R. 
Nye, pastor of the Universalis) society at Columbus. Mr. Nye was active in 
the interests of the church, and the organization here was in a measure due to 
his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the 
spring of 1859, and served the London congregation regularly during that time. 
Mr. Nye's successor to the Columbus charge was Rev. Thomas Gormon, who 
remained the pastor of the church until 1861, and likewise preached regularly 
at London. 

Unfortunately the early records of the society were destroyed by tire some 
years ago, and a complete succession of the different ministers who have served 
the charge cannot be given. I!evs. G. L.. Demorist of Cincinnati, A. W. 
Bruce, pastor of the society nt Columbus, from !8t>."> until 1868, and E. L. R. 
Reexford. subsequently pastor of the same society, have preached for this so- 
ciety. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. T. Polk, whose 
ministry began in the spring of 1867. His resignation was tendered in June, 
1869. The next regular pastm - was Rev. T. P. Abell, who assumed such rela- 
tion in the spring of 1875; since the fall of 1880, the pastor and pastoress of 
the church have been Rev. J. W. Crosley and wife, who preach on alternate 
Sundays; until 1864, the services of this denomination were held in the court 
house, and bn- a period in the Presbyterian Church. In 1864, a brick house 
for worship was erected by the society on Second street, between Main and 
Union, which was completed and dedicated September 27. 1866; sermon by- 
Rev. George Messenger. In 1875, the church building was enlarged and im- 
proved, and was re-opened and dedicated on Sabbath, June 20, of that year, 
the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. McCalister, President of 
Buchtel College. There were present on the occasion, the following clergymen: 
Rev. Dr. Manly of Auburn, N. V.; Rev. M. Tomlinson and Rev. T. P. Abell, 
the regular pastor. The present membership of the church is about eighteen. 
St. ■/"'ni's Evangelical Lutheran Churchof London. — In the summer of 1877, 
after repeated efforts to organize a Lutheran Church in London, under the au- 
spices of the first joint Synod of Ohio, the members of the Lutheran Church 
who had been engaged in the previous efforts resolved to turn their attention 
to the General Council, and to beseech assistance from this quarter. Accord- 



582 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ingly, word was sent to Rev. G. W. Mechling, then President of; the district 
synod of Ohio, stating the condition of things, and asking whether it could 
be done. The matter was referred to the Rev. H. Peters of the missionary 
synod of Columbus. The result was this field was soon visited by Mr. Peters, 
who found favorable prospects for organizing a charge; regular services were 
held from this time on until the meeting of the District Synod of Ohio in the 
fall. A statement of affairs at the synod attracted the attention of Rev. A. 
Poorman, of Farmersville; arrangements were made for him to visit the field, 
which he did, and soon thereafter a joint meeting of the people of London and 
Lilly Chapel was held in London on the 7th of November, 1877, at which the 
following action was taken. It was resolved, that a call be extended to Rev. Mr. 
Poorman, and $500 be promised him for his support; at the same meeting the 
following resolution was adopted: 

" Resolved, That we now resolve ourselves into an Evangelical Lutheran 
Congregation, to be known as ." 

A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws for the 
government of the congregation. 

The Rev. Mr. Peters took charge of the congregation (Poorman having de- 
clined), and in the spring moved to London with his family. He remained 
pastor of the church three years, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Rrown, 
the present incumbent, whose labors commenced with this people April 1, 
1882. Services were first held in Buff Block, then in the hall in a building on 
Main street, known as Byers' Building. While in this hall the entire furniture of 
the society was destroyed by fire. From this location they removed to the Cartz- 
dafner Building, where they worshiped until the building of their present neat 
one-story brick edifice, situated on the corner of Walnut and Second streets. 
The corner-stone of this edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies in the 
summer of 1881. The building was put under roof that fall, and completed 
the following fall at a cost of about $2,300. The church was dedicated June 
11, 1882, by an address from Rev. G. W. Mechlin, of Lancaster, President of 
the Lutheran Synod. 

The African Methodist Episcopal Church of London. — The organization of 
the African Methodist Episcopal Church of London dates from 1860. About 
this year Rev. Edward Davis came to the village and organized a class at the 
residence of Edward Mumford, which consisted of a membership of three, 
namely: Martha Betts, Wealthy Roberts and Mary J. Nickens. These names 
were presented to the Ohio Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and from this time regular services of this body have been held in 
London. The Rev. Mr. Davis served the people as pastor for about three 
years, during which time the class progressed and many additions were made 
to it. From the organization of the society until 1872, preaching was con- 
ducted in private residences and in Smith's Hall. The ministers officiating as 
pastors of the church during this period and in the order named, are as follows 
Revs. Edward Davis, Mr. White, Edward Wright, Mr. Holcomb, Mr. Walker, 
Jesse Divine, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Whitfield. In 1S72, under the pastorate 
of Mr. Whitfield, the society purchased the church property formerly occupied 
by the Catholic congregation, for 81,800. Services have since been conducted in 
this building until in August, 1882, when on the 10th of that month the roof, 
having become old and decayed, fell in, which rendered the building unfit for 
occupancy- This building has since been torn down, and there is now in proc- 
ess of construction, on the same site, a neat, one-story brick structure, 32x50 
feel, with an 18 foot ceiling. The building is to have a large tower in the cen- 
ter front which is to be sixty feet in height, and is to be supplied with a bell 
weighing 675 pounds. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 583 

The Rev. William Whitfield was succeeded by Rev. Burton Lewis ; and he 
by Rev. Edward Taylor. Mr. Taylor's successor was Rev. Moses Wilson, who 
was followed by Rev. Watson Artis. the present pastor of the church. The 
membership is now one hundred. The local preachers of the church are Ed- 
ward Mumford and Hilman Hurd, the former being a class-lender. Thomas 
Pleasant. Robert Verine, William Lowry and Edward Mumford are Stewards. 
The Board of Trustees is Edward Mumford, 8. B. Norris, Thomas Pleasant. 
Robert Verine. Addison Tarry, Noah Hodge and Elias Lowry. 

A Sabbath school is conducted by the church, which was organized a few 
years subsequent to the formation of the society. Connected with the church 
are the Missionary Society and a Church Aid Society, the object of the former 
being to provide means for the support of superannuated ministers and bishops 
of the conference, and both home and foreign missions ; and the object of the 
latter being to provide means for church educational purposes and for the gen- 
eral support and advancement of the people in morals and religion. 

The First Baptist Church of London {colored). — This church was 
organized on "the fourth Lord's Day of February, 1866, by Elder George 
Dardis with the following-named members : John Cain, Samuel John- 
ston, Harry Townsend, Levi Taylor, Samuel and William Lewis, Alfred 
Henrys, Henry White. Lemuel Lewis, David Cain, Isaac Jenkins, George 
H. Hill, Precilla Carter, Julia Rammah. Laura Cain, Eliza Taylor. Nancy Win 
tersmith, Alice Mack, Josephine Roberts. Mary Butler, Francis Whales, Lucy 
Lewis, Julia Andrews, Jennie Robinson, R, Meredith, A. D. Meredith. Elizabeth 
Wright, and Henry A. Johnson. A frame house was purchased b} T these mem- 
bers, together with lot, of Michael Carroll, situated on Fourth street, for $1,000 ; 
and the same was occupied by the society as a place of worship until the build- 
ing of their present brick structure. In the spring of 1S70, preparations for 
the new building were begun, and July 16 the corner-stone was laid with 
imposing ceremonies, conducted by Silver Urn Lodge, No. 20. of Free and 
Accepted Masons. Visiting lodges of the same order from neighboring places 
were in attendance, and music for the occasion was furnished by the Columbus 
Barrack's Band. In the morning, services were held in the court house, Rev. 
James Poindexter, of Columbus, preaching ; and in the afternoon the same 
minister delivered an address in the Presbyterian Church, after which the pro- 
cession formed, and marched to the church, where the ceremonies were per- 
formed in an impressive manner. The building, a one-story brick, located on 
Fourth street near Water, was completed in 1881, costing about $2,500. The 
present pastor of the church is Elder William Balay. Membership, fifty two. 

A prosperous Sabbath school has been conducted by the members of the 
society ever since its organization. This numbers at present about ninety 
scholars, officered as follows : Superintendent, .Airs. C. D. Ray burn ; Assistant 
Superintendent, Miss Lizzie Fisher ; Secretary. James IJ. Cain ; Treasurer, 
Mrs. D. J. Milton ; Librarian, Charles Hunt. 

THE LONDON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

In January. 1880, the above-named association was organized by about a 
dozen of the young ladies of London, who proposed to raise the necessary 
amount of money to provide books for the library and to meet other expenses 
necessary to the opening of and carrying on of the institution, by subscription. 
Membership tickets were sold at $1 each, entitling the holder to the use of 
books for one year. Several years prior to this, a similar association, known as 
the Underwood Library Association, was organized, but existed, we believe, 
only in name, and for the support of which $300 had been raised but not used. 
A meeting of the old association was held and the §300 was appropriated to the 
new association (some arrangement of consolidation of the two associations 



584 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

having been made). The first officers were: Mis-- Lizzie Maxey, President; 
Miss Jennie Burnley, Vice President; Miss Mattie L. BLenry, Corresponding 
Secretary; Miss Helen Crabb, Recording Secretary; .Miss Emma Richmon, 
Assistant Secretary; .Miss Minnie Wilson. Treasurer; Miss Mary Warner, Li- 
brarian; Miss Sarah Wood, Assistant Librarian. The librai*y was opened in 
Buff Block. February 22, L880, and lias since been maintained. It comprises 
nearly 500 volumes, consisting of biography, fiction history, juveniles, poetry 
and miscellany. 

During the past twenty-five years, several library associations and read 
ing rooms and lyceums have been organized in London, but none became per- 
manent institutions. Among them may be mentioned the Xoung Men's Li- 
brary Association, organized September 25, 1856, under the following officers: 
President, ii. A. Harrison; Vice President, Dr. Toland Jones; Secretary, D. 
Warner; Treasurer, James McLain. In the fall of 1857, this became a lyceum, 
and the meetings from November :iti were held with open doors and free for all. 

Another London library association and reading room was organized at 
the Presbyterian Church on the 7th of January. 1868, with R M. Hanson in 
the Chair, ami Otway Watson Secretary. The permanent officers were: R. A. 
Harrison, President; J. 11. Curd. Vice President; Otway Watson. Treasurer; M. 
M. Thomas. Secretary: R M. Hanson. Corresponding Secretary. A room over 
Davidson & Smith's drug store, on Main street, was secured as the quarters of 
the association. The room was opened to the public about the middle of March 
of that year, and the first lecture of a course inaugurated was delivered at To- 
land Hall. February 24, 1868. The library then contained nearly three hundred 
volumes, one hundred and three of which were donated by Rev. C. W.Kinley. 
and eighty-four by Hon. R. A. Earrison. 

On tite 7th of February, 1874, a London lyceum club was organized, with 
a membership often young men. with the following officers: W. H. McKinnon, 
President: B. J. Myers, Vice President: A. P. Watson. Corresponding Secre- 
tary; H. Hubbard, Treasurer: A. P. Watson. L. S. Dungan and M. M. Thomas, 
Executive Committee. The fust lecture of the course was delivered by John 
B. G-ough, in the Methodist Episcopal Church. March 13, 1874. 

SOCIETIES. 

Chandler Lodge. No. ISti, F. & A. .)/.. was chartered May S, 1846. 
At the great lire which occurred m London February 2, 1854, the charter 
of the lodge, its records, and all effects were destroyed, hence we are 
unable to give the names of the charter members and the first officers. It was 
at the time of the lire in a prosperous condition. A reissue o[' the charter 
was granted October IS. 1854, and the firsl officers installed thereafter were: 
John Dungan. W. M.: F. L. Downing. S. \\\: A. R. Phifcr. J. W.; J. F. Free 
man. Secretary; A. Toland. Treasurer; D. Haskell, S. D.; L. M. Dunn. J. D ; J. 
Q. Lotspeich, Tiler. At the time the fire occurred, the lodge met in a hall in a 
building which stood on the present site of the one in which is the Chandler 
book store on Main street. Meetings later were held in the building on the 
northeast corner of High and Main streets, from here they removed bo To- 
land Block about the year 1856. In 1867, the hall they were occupying was 
enlarged and beautifully finished and furnished, until now it will compare 
favorably with almost any lodge room in the State. The present membership 
of the lodge, 104. Present officers: 0. P. Crabb, W. M.. P. 11. McCloud, S. W.; 

J. Swetland, J. W.; M W. Dungan. Treasurer; 1. i i Pee! rev. Secretary ; Jacob 
March. S. P.; J. P. Rridgeman. J. P. Samuel Dreamer. Tiler. 

Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter, No. 78, was chartered October 18, 
1856, "ii petition of the following-named companions; John Melvin. 0. P 
Crabb, David Haskell, Thomas J. Stutson, Toland Jones, Israel Fisler, Jeriah 




i 



Russel B. Converse 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 587 

Swetland, Robert Alkire, William McClintick and B. H. Moore. The first of- 
ficers of the chapter were David Easkell, H. P.; John Melvin, K.; 0. P. Crabb, 
S.; William McClintick, C. of If.; B. II. Moore, P. S.; J. Swetland, R. A. C; 
Robert Alkire, G. M. Third V.; Israel Fisler, G. M. Second V.; Toland Jones, 
G. M. First V. The present membership of the chapter is ninety; present of- 
ficers: 0. P. Crabb, H. P.; D. Baskell, K.; J. Swetland, 8.; Daniel T. Fox, C 
of H.; R. H. McCloud, R. A. C; J. B. Sprague, P. S.; I. G. Peetrey, Sec- 
retary; M. W. Dungan, G. M. Third V.; A. P. Hewitt, G. M. Second V.; Job J. 
Clark, G. M. First V.; S. Creamer. Guard. 

London Council, No. J f l, Royal and Select Masters, was organized un- 
der a charter from the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, on peti- 
tion of the following named : Harford Toland, John C. Sothoron, Levi March, 
Oliver P. Crabb, William H. Chandler, Sr., John C. Coblentz, Jacob March, 
George H. Rowland, S. Creamer and M. M. Hutchinson, bearing date October 
13, 1866. The first officers were Harford Toland, T. I. G. M.; John C. Sotho- 
ron, I). [. G. M.; Levi March, P. C. W.; 0. P. Crabb, C. of G.; William H. 
Chandler, Sr., Treasurer; John C Coblentz, Receiver; Jacob March, Sentinel. 
The present membership is thirty-nine, with the following officers : J. Swet- 
land, T. I. G. M.; 0. P. Crabb.' D. 1. G. M.; Jacob March, P. C. W.; J. B. 
Sprague, C. of G.; P. Speasmaker, Treasurer; I. G. Pcctre}', Receiver; S. 
Creamer, Sentinel. 

Silver Urn Lodge, N>. 29, F. A- A. M. {Colored), was chartered June 
23, 1869. The charter members were James Cain, Edward Mumford, George 
White. Robert Cain. John L (Jain, A. Thomas and Thomas Pleasant, and the 
offices following were filled by them in the respective order given: W. M., S. 
W., J. W., Treasurer. Secretary, S. D., ■) . !>., Tiler. The present member- 
ship is nineteen, officered as followers: G M. Phonosdall, W. M.: William Stew 
ard, S. W.; William Lowry, .1. \V\; Green Roberts, Treasurer; 'A. Burns, Secre- 
tary; Blias Lowry, S. I'.; A. Thomas, J. I).: B. Artis, Tiler. The lodge has 
for a number of years held its meetings in Speasmaker's Hall on Main street. 

Madison !,>></,/>, \u. ~o. J. <). 0. F. — This Lodge was instituted September 
18, 1846, by special deputy John Brough, with the following charter members: 
A. A. Hume, -John Jones. r Ph* »ijj;t~, V> Hows, John A. Skinner, II. Carter, W. H. 
Holmes, N. D. Morgan, J. Cheney, David Armstrong and James McLain. On 
the day of institution the following firsl officers wereelected and installed: John 
A. Skinner. N. G.; David Armstrong, \\ '!.; A. \. Hume, Recording Secretary; 
John Jones, Private Secretary, James McLain, Treasurer. The lodge first 
met in a hall in a building thai stood when- Cartzdafner's store now is, on 
Main street, and there continued to meel until burned out by the great fire of 
They then met in a hall over Speasmaker's hardware store, and in 1870 
removed to their present quarters, in tin; hall of Knights of Pythias, in Union 
Block, on Main street. The membership is now 1 11. The present officers are 
A. J. Blue. N. G ; Charles Jones. V. &.; B. T. Bethard, Recording Secretary; 
L. II. Miller, Private Secretary; S. II. Cartzdafuer, Treasurer. The lod 
in a prosperous condition. The stock and funds on hand amount to over 
$3,500. 

Encampment <>/' Patriarchs, No. 126, I. 0. 0. F. — A charter was 
granted May ! . B. I-'. Clark, A. L. Brown, M. L. Bryan, John J 

S. Creamer, S. II. Cartzdafner, G. W. Darety and -.and their successors 

duly and legally elected to be held at London. The institution of the Encamp- 
ment took place June 11. 1870, and was officered as follow- : John Joi 
P.; B. F. (Mark. II. P.: A. L. Brown, S. W.;G. W. Darety. J. W.; M. L. Bryant, 
II. Cartzdafner, Treasurer. It has now a membership of forty-four with 
the following-named officers: E. T. Bethard, C. P.; Charles Jones, II. P.;C. L. 
Turner. S. W.; C. E. Holt. J. W.; William Wandby. S; John Jon - Tiler. 

T 



588 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Mystic Lodge No. 36, Knights of Pythias, was instituted November 2, 
1871, by Grand Chancellor Haines, of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The following 
is a list of the charter members, the officers of the first term being indicated by 
the appropriate initials following their names. It will be observed that this 
organization was under the old ritual and the old official titles are used : J. 
S wetland, V. P.; A. L. Brown, W. C; William H. Carter, W. V. C; L. S. Dungan, 
W. R. and C. S.; Frank Shaw, W. F. S.; Job J. Clark, W. B.; C. 0. Kennedy, 
W. G.; 0. J. Greenleaf, W. I. S.; Alfred Taylor, W. 0. S. Other members were 
Rev. C. W. Finley, William Turner, William F. Davidson and James 
McLaughlin. The order occupied the old Odd Fellows Hall in the third story 
of Mr. Phil Speasmaker's building on Main street until March 14, 1872, when 
quarters were taken in the Guilchel Hall on Main street in connection with the 
Improved Order of Redmen, then just instituted. The meetings were here con- 
tinued until May 8, 1873, when they moved into rooms fitted up by them in 
Boyd's new block, known as " Union Block," on the corner of Main and High 
streets, which hall they continue to occupy at present. The following is a list 
of all the Past Chancellors made by this lodge in the order of their seniority : 
J. Swetland, Frank Shaw, Job J. Clark, L. S. Dungan, A. L. Brown, W. H. 
Carter, 0. J. Greenleaf, J. R. Atchison, D. S. Bird, John D. Maddux, James 
Freeman, Carl Stewart, John B. Garrard, W. F. Davidson. William Bierbough. 
E. S. Vent, P. H. Acton, W. W. Oberdier, James M. McDonald, John C Hagy, 
B. F. Johnson, L. H. Headley. 

During the existence of the lodge, the} - have made 115 Knights, of which 
the following named are now deceased : B. F. Bierbough, W. H. Carter, J. G. 
Dungan, C. W. Finley, R. G. Garrard, A. P. King, A. L. McDonald, D. E". 
McMillen, L. Nufel, T. P. Sanford. 

Officers in December, 1882 — William Bierbough, P. C.; A. Swetland, C. C; 
A. Sager, V. G; James M. McDonald, P.; S. Maddux. K. R. S.; J. B. Garrard. 
M. F.: E. S. Vent, M. and E.; J. C. Hagy. M. at A. ; J. M. Davidson. I. G.; D. 
Bend, 0. G.; D. S. Bird. D. D. G. C. 

( 'entral Lodge, No. /■!.'/..', Knightsof Honor, was granted a charter September 
29, 1879, by the Supreme Lodge of the Knightsof Honor. Those making ap- 
plications for the same were J. C. Bridgeman, D S. Bird. William H. Carter. 
J. J. Clark, F. A. Candler. John Duddy. J. X. Davidson. W. F. Evans, Leon- 
ard Eastman, Walter C. Henry, Charles Jones, W. R. Lotspeich. M. M. Melvin, 
Frank R. Neff. W. R. Park, William Richardson, Dr. A.J. Strain. J. F. Smith 
and Erwin F. Willis. The lodge was instituted January 25, 1S79, by J. B. King, 
D. D. G. ]).; and the first officers were: J. J. Clark. D.'G. D.; Noah Thomas, P. 
I).. William It. Lotspeich, 1> . Charles Jones. V. 1>.; F. M. Candler. Assistant 
V. P.; Erwin F. Willis. !(.; -J. W. .MacKinnon, F. [{.; Nelson Baker. Treasurer; 
J. C. Bridgeman, Chaplain: Frank Neff, Guide; M. M. .Melvin. Guard; Dennis 
Bird, Sentinel; Dr A -J. Strain. Medical Examiner; Trustees, J. C. Bridgeman, 
\«>ah Thomas and Frank I!. Neff. The meetings of the lodge are held at the ball of 
the Knights of Pythias. Present membership, twentv-two. Officers:J.J (Mark. 
D G. D; P. R. Neff, D.; P. Judy. V. D.; W. II. Ellsworth, Assistant V D.. 
W. R. Lotspeich, 1! ; .1. W. MacKinnon, Financial R. ; John Duddy, Treasurer; 
J. C. Bridgeman. Chaplain: M. Candler. Guide; -J. J. Clark. Guard; .1. N. Da- 
vidson, Sentinel; Trustees, C. Jones, N. Baker and l>r. A. J. Strain. 

London Council. No. 70, American Legion of Honor, was chartered .May 19, 
1880, and the council organized January 28, 1880. The charter members 
were Preston Adair. M. A Blaugher, -J. J. Clark. < >. P. Crabb, P. C. Cowling, 
J. S. Crain, M. W. Dungan, <> .1. Greenleaf, J. T. Houston, William Jones. John 
Kinney, J M Bohr. J E. Lotspeich, W. R Lotspeich. J W. MacKinnon. J. D. 
Maddux. Jacob March, I. G Peetrey, James Rayburn, E. J. Robinson, Philip 
Speasmaker, T S. Strickland. Jeriah Swetland. M. M. Thomas, T. D.Turner. F. 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 589 

R. Watts, Erwin F. Willis. The first officers were: J. Swetland, Commander; 
Thomas D. Turner, V. Com.; Erwin F. Willis, P. Com.; J. W MacKin- 
non, Orator; J. E. Lotspeich, Secretary; J. D. Maddux, Collector; I. Gr. Pee 
trey, Treasurer; E. 11. Watts, Chaplain; Jacob March, Guide; James Rayburn, 
W.; M. A. Blaugher, Sentinel; J. T. Houston, Med. Ex.; Trustees, P Adair, 
0. P. Crabb, J. T. Houston. The council meets in the Knights of Pythias Hall. 
The present membership is thirty-five. Officers: I. Gr. Peetrey. Commander; 
Jacob March, V. Com.; J. W. MacKinnon, Orator; J. E. Lotspeich. Secre- 
tary; E. J. Robison, Collector; E. R. Watts, Treasurer; W. R. Lotspeich, Chap- 
lain, E. S. Vent, G.; J. W. Dixon, W.; 1). S. Bird, Sentinel. 

Lyon Post, No. U.', Grand Army <</' tli< Republic, was constituted August 
9, 1881. by the Department of Ohio Grand Army of the Republic at Toledo, 
with the following charter members: Toland Jones, William A. Neil, R. R. Cow- 
ling, T. Haley, James C. Peck, Jacob March, George W. Wilson, I. G. Peetrey, 
M.^W. Dungan, J. M. Taylor, H. H. Johnson, H. H. Harper. Charles E. Skeels, 
George E. Ross, D. A. Moore, L. H. .Miller, T. W. Miller, A. H. Underwood. 
The following officers were duly elected and installed: George W. Wilson, 
Commander; Isaac G. Peetrey, S. V. Com.; M. W. Dungan, J. V. Com.; T. 
Haley, Adjt.; Jacob March, Q. M.; T. W. Miller, Chaplain; membership, thirty. 

Juniatta Tribe, No. 6'J, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted at Lon- 
don February 7, 1872, by Grand Sachem George B. Means, with eighty charter 
members. The first officers were Jcriah Swetland, Sachem; 0. P. Crabb, Senior 
Sagamore; George H. Rowland, Junior Sagamore; Quinn Clark, Chief of Rec- 
ords; Isaac G. Peetrey, Keeper of Wampum; Rev. C. W. Finley, Prophet. This 
order is now defunct. 

THE WOMAN'S ANTI-LIQUOR CRUSADE. 

The initial steps of the movement in London toward organizing a raid 
against the liquor dealers were taken at a meeting held in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church January 18, 1874, which received an impetus at a meeting held 
in the Presbyterian Church on the following evening. The result was the 
preparation of the following petition : 

"We, the undersigned citizens of London, Ohio, and vicinity, desiring the 
good of our community, and interested in the welfare of our friends and chil- 
dren, knowing the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage to be injurious to 
all concerned — the buyer and seller — pledging ourselves to its discontinuance 
hereafter, do kindly but earnestly ask }-ou to unite with us in this purpose. 
Accompanying this petition are pledges which our representatives will present, 
setting forth our desires. We assure you that it is with the kindest feeling we 
petition you." 

This pledge was circulated throughout the town, and in less than one 
week was signed by over one thousand citizens, of every class and condition. 
On the 19th of the month, committees of ladies, selected from among the best 
citizens, waited upon the proprietors of the several drug stores in London, and 
presented, for their signature, a pledge to the effect that they would sell no in- 
toxicating liquors, save for purely medicinal or mechanical purposes. This 
was readily signed by all the druggists. Two days later, committees of ladies. 
two of each, waited upon every person in the town who was engaged in the 
liquor traffic, with a pledge that they would discontinue the business at once 
and forever. But one of the twenty dealers, we believe, signed the pledge, 
though a good feeling prevailed between the committee-women and the saloon- 
ists. On the 28th of the same month, a deputation of ladies, to the number of 
between thirty and forty, ealled at several places where liquor was sold, and 
engaged in singing and praying for a short time. The exercises were uninter 
rupted by any unbecoming conduct on the part of the liquor dealers or other 
dersons. 



590 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Prayer-meetings were held at the Presb3 T terian Church from 9 to 10 o'clock 
each morning, which were attended by all classes of citizens, many of the 
business men closing their business houses for the purpose. Prayer-meetings 
were also held each evening at the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches 
alternating, which were largely attended. Every day ladies assembled at the 
Presbyterian Church and proceeded from thence to the several saloons, where, 
after soliciting the proprietor to sign their pledge, and his refusal to do so, they 
would engage in singing and praying. Sometimes the ladies were refused ad- 
mission to the house, so they gathered on the pavement in fi-ont and conducted 
their services. During the week closing February 7, two saloonists suc- 
cumbed to the pressure and gave up. By the close of the following week, the 
noveltj' was somewhat worn away and the excitement considerably diminished. 
Still, there was manifested on the part of those engaged in the warfare a settled 
determination to continue the contest until the enemy was routed. The ladies 
still continued their daily administrations of song and prayer before the prin- 
cipal saloons, but their numbers were somewhat lessened. During this period, 
another means of bringing about the desired end was inaugurated. A sub- 
scription paper had been circulated asking material aid to be used in prosecut- 
ing persons unlawfully engaged in the traffic, and for defraying expenses in- 
cident to the temperance movement. For this purpose over $20,000 was sub- 
scribed, the sums given by any one person, ranging from $10 to $2,000. Feb- 
ruary 11, the London Temperance Association, composed of all who had 
subscribed to the temperance fund, was formed, and the Executive Committee 
instructed to draw on the fund for expenses in carrying out the laws. Next, 
the ladies divided their forces into small squads and took their stations in 
front of the saloons at 7 o'clock in the morning and continued until about 
10 o'clock in the evening, relief parties being regularly sent out. On the 17th, 
the tabernacle first made its appearance on the streets ; this consisted of a 
large box-shaped contrivance with comfortable seats for half a dozen persons, 
inclosed with oil-cloth curtains and mounted on small wooden wheels for the 
purpose of being easily transferred from one point to another. February 13, 
the Town Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of beer and ale 
within the corporate limits of London. This, of course, was done under the 
pressure of the temperance excitement. On the following Tuesday evening, 
another saloonist rolled his casks out and emptied their contents groundward. 

Friday, February 20, 1874, was prett}" generally observed as a da}' of fast, 
the business houses were about all closed, and many of the citizens attended 
the services at the several churches. During the fourth and fifth weeks, the 
ladies were, for the first time, molested and indecently treated. On one occa- 
sion, eggs and other missiles were hurled at them; on another, beer slops were 
thrown on them, and the third witnessed the removal of one of the tabernacles 
from its position of attack, whereby one man was knocked down and another 
injured. About this time, another saloonist gave way, selling out and sending 
off his liquors, left the town. &.fter the difficulty attending the use of the 
tabernacle, those vehicles were discarded, but the policy of sending out daily 
skirmishers was still kept up. 

The 5th and 7th of March were days of great triumph to the crusaders, for 
on these days surrendered two men engaged in the liquor traffic, one of which 
seeming to be so great a conquest that nearly all of the bells in town were 
rung, causing great excitement and much joy. After the bells had ceased 
ringing. :i number of the more enthusiastic temperance advocates met at the Pres- 
byterian Church and sang songs of thanksgiving and praise. On March 6, the 
Woman's Temperance Alliance of .Madison County was organized at the 
Presbyterian Church for the purpose of furthering the cause of temperance. 
The daily and evening meetings were continued, but by the middle ol March 



HISTORV OF MADISON COUNT V. 591 

the campaign was considered about at an end, though there still remained a 
few obstinate scattered forces to subdue. Thereafter, operations were chiefly 
confined to " Battle Run " and the forts in the neighborhood of the railroad. 

At the spring elections, an entire crusade ticket was elected. The four- 
teenth week of the movement still saw the ladies making one visit :i day to 
each of the obstinate rum-sellers, and both the morning and evening meetings 
were in progress, but several weeks later street singing and praying was 
gradually ended. 

While the movement did not perhaps result as successfully as some of the 
most enthusiastic supporters of the cause had anticipated, it certainly was the 
means of accomplishing great good by materially lessening the evil arising 
from the sale of liquor for a period of time. 

SALES DAY. 

The first Tuesday in each month may appropriately be termed a gala day 
at London, for it is then that the regular monthly public live stock sales, which 
have been held here, almost without exception on that day for about twenty- 
seven years, occur. Countrymen in general having business matters in town 
requiring attention, generally aim to make sales day the time for meeting for 
their adjustment; and so, from all sections maj' be seen Madison's farmers 
crowding into her capital on said day. Business houses of all kinds, and 
restaurants especially included, are thronged from morning until night, the 
streets swarm with people, the pavements are lined with horses and all sorts 
of vehicles wedged in among each other as tightly as sardines in a box; the 
middle portions of the streets are before noon a moving medley of men, horses, 
vehicles and cattle; while the cries of street fakirs and stock autioneers joined 
to the general hubbub and confusion make perfect pandemonium of the day. 
Buyers and noted stock men from all parts of the country here assemble, and 
the mingling together of the people, renewing old acquaintances and forming 
new ones, make the occasion one of festivity. The noise and confusion are at 
their height by 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and it is not until night draws near 
that anything like quiet re-visits the town. Droves of cattle standing in al- 
ternate herds for blocks, awaiting their turn to be driven to the public square 
by the court house, where thousands of dollars change hands almost in a 
twinkle. The public square is the center of the live-stock trade. 

Frequently can be observed several auctioneers, each crying the sale of a 
separate drove of cattle, while otljer droves yet to be offered can be seen square 
after square in each of the four directions. These auctioneers seem to be sui 
generis, tramping around the circle which incloses the cattle which he is selling. 
Now he shouts at the top of his voice, and anon button-holes some substantial 
farmer, whispering confidentially in his ear the extent of the present oppor- 
tunity for a great bargain. 

The sales are not confined alone to cattle, but include stock in general; 
however, the cattle sales are the most numerous and important. The horse 
market, too, forms an important feature of the sales, and likewise extends over 
several squares. 

INCORPORATION AND GROWTH OF LONDON. 

London was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, bearing date Feb- 
ruary 10, 1831, to take effect and be in force from and after April first of that 
year. For many years the officers elected by the people consisted of a Presi- 
dent. Recorder, and five Trustees. 

For quite a period after the town was laid out, its growth was decidedly 
slow, and after it had attained the growth of thirty years orthereabouts.it 
seemed to remain almost entirely /'" statu quo. ft is said that an Irishman who 



592 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNT*'. 

visited London about that time, after sauntering leisurely through its few- 
streets, and hearing not the sound of a hammer, or the buzz of a single notable 
industry, is said, in the very depth of disgust, to have exclaimed : "Be dad, 
this is the first town I ever saw that was entirely finished !" Neither was the 
village at an early period very attractive. A venerable doctor of Southwestern 
Ohio, on his first visit here, gave offense to some of the residents, by recom- 
mending that they get their gardens lathed and plastered, to keep out the frogs. 
This visit of the doctor's, then a traveling circuit preacher in the itinerancy of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, was made in the spring of the year, just after 
a protracted rainy season. 

After remaining for a number of years in a state of torpidity, London 
began to arouse itself, and grow until the spirit of enterprise, eventually, 
made it what it is to-day, one of the most substantial, bustling, wealthy, and 
enterprising rural communities in the country. Its broad streets, substantial 
business buildings and beautiful residences give it an air of solidity possessed 
by few towns of its size in the State. 

The first impetus given the town in way of improvement was the construc- 
tion of the Jefferson, South Charleston & Xenia Turnpike; next came the build- 
ing of the Columbus & Xenia, now the Little Miami Division of the P., C. & 
St. L. Railroad, in 1848-49, and that of the Columbus & Springfield road, 
now the I. B. & W. Railroad, each of which gave an additional impetus. The 
growth of London may be said to have been gradual, but constant and healthy. 
If any one year exceeded another in the line of improvement, that of 1869 
might with safety be singled out as a year in which a greater sum of money 
was expended for private building purposes. That year, about $70,000 was 
expended in building, and, among the buildings erected, the most important 
was Buff Block, on the corner of High and Main streets, b} r Robert Boyd, Lohr 
& Clark, and Mrs. Eliza Chrisman, at a cost of about $40,000. 

Probably in this connection it would not be out of place to mention the 
names of Dr. Aquilla Toland and Maj. Richard Cowling, than whom none 
were more closely identified with the growth, progress and interests of the 
town. All of the public improvements of the day found in these men warm 
friends and advocates. Among the gifts of Maj. Cowling to public enter- 
prises in London were the donation of the original tract of land of Oak Hill 
Cemeter3 T , and by will setting apart a large tract of land adjoining, as an exten- 
sion of the grounds for perpetual use; the building of the soldiers' monument 
on the grounds ; the donation of the old homestead on West Main street, 
together with about four and a half acres of land to the town as a public park. 
The Madison, formerly Cowling House, was also built by him. 

The population of London, as given by the census of the periods below 
named, is as follows: 1840, 297; 1850. 512; 1860, 1,111; 1870, 2,066; 1880, 
3,067. 




PART IV. 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 






M ^°M 



<*» 



1^ 




'• '■' 



&/•& 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



CHAPTER I. 

DARBY TOWNSHIP. 

BY DR. JEREMIAH CONVERSE. 

ON the 30th day of April, 1810, the Commissioners of Madison County 
created this township, and we find on record the following, under the 
head of that date: " Ordered, that all that tract of country comprised in the 
following boundaries be, and the same is hereby created into a separate 
township, to be known by the name of Darby, and is bounded as follows, 
to wit: Beginning at the upper corner of Jefferson Township, thence north 
with said line to Delaware County, thence with said line east, to the north- 
west corner of Franklin County; thence with said line to the place of be- 
ginning." This creation existed for only one year, and was then declared 
void. The reason for this action is not given, but we find the following 
record under date of June 11, 1811: " At a meeting of the Commissioners 
of Madison County, ordered, that all that tract of country comprehended in 
the following boundaries be, and the same is hereby created into a separate 
township, by the name of Darby, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at 
the northeast corner of Madison County, thence south with Franklin County 
line, so that a point turning west will strike Calvin Cary, Sr.'s. lower corner; 
thence westwardly to Abraham Johnson's lower corner, on Little Darby; 
thence to Peter Paugh's southeast corner; thence westwardly so as to strike 
the Champaign County line, two miles north of William Frankabarger, 
Sr.'s; thence with said line to Delaware County line; thence with Delaware 
County line to the place of beginning." The above territory has been 
greatly reduced by subsequent creations. Canaan and Pike Townships were 
taken from Darby, the former of these in the year 1814 and the latter in 
1819. Union County, in the year 1820, was created from the territory of 
Delaware and Madison Counties, and a strip of land two and a half miles 
in width was taken from the northern boundary of Darby Township. Thus 
it has been reduced in territorial advantages until it is among the smallest 
townships in the county. 

STREAMS. 

Bio- Darby rises in the northeast portion of Champaign County, thence 
through the northern portion of Union County, passing through Darby, a 
portion of Canaan Township, and thence forming* the boundary line between 
Madison and Franklin Counties. This stream was named by the In 
from a Wyandot chief by the name of Darby, who for a long time re- 
sided upon it. near the line of this and Union Counties. Sugar Run rises 
in Union County, and flows through the eastern portion of this township, 
empties into Big Darby and forms one of its tributaries. In the early set- 
tlement of this county. Big Darby furnished important and indispensable 



598 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

water-power privileges, which were made to subserve and meet some of the 
pressing wants of the people, such as grist and saw mills. Prior to these im- 
provements, the nearest and only mills were at Chillicothe, Ross County. 
To think of going sixty miles through a dense and unbroken forest, beset 
on every side with wild beasts and the prowling and treacherous Indian, 
ready to take your life and pillage your goods, required much more of the 
spirit of adventure and dare than is found in most of us at the present day. 
To meet the emergencies under such circumstances, all the families of the 
first settlers had their " hominy block, " an indispensable article in frontier 
life, and by them more frequently used than the flouring mills of Chilli 
cothe. 

SOIL. 

The soil of this township is diversified. Near the streams it is a red- 
dish, gravelly loam, very deep, well adapted to mixed agriculture, such as 
wheat, rye, oats and corn, as well as root crops. After leaving the stream on 
the east, the soil, on the more elevated lands, partakes of a light colored 
clay, with a small admixture of gravel, better adapted for grass and grazing 
purposes. But the greater portion is a black loam, and when once thoroughly 
drained, is well calculated to grow any and all of the agricultural products 
adapted to this climate. The western portion of this township, or, more 
properly speaking, the prairie lands, are composed of a deep, black loam, 
presenting the appearance of having been composed of vegetable docompo 
sition, upon which, in its native state, grew a wonderful growth of vegeta- 
tion, that for years had been decomposed, either in its native or alkaline 
state. This latter condition will be referred to in another part of this work. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

All that portion lying east of Big Darby was heavy timber lands, made 
up of walnut, ash, beech, white and black oaks, hickory, basswood and 
white elm on the swampy lands. There were some extensive sugar groves 
along Sugar Run and near Big Darby. The principal underbrush was 
spice bush, that grew extensively, especially on the flat lands. All that por- 
tion lying west of Big and east of Little Darby, except a narrow strip near 
these streams, was known as the Darby Plains; and yet this prairie was dot- 
ted here and there with small oak openings, or a narrow, long line of scrub- 
by burr-oak timber, whose growth had been, and still was, very much impeded 
by the prairie tires that burned over this country every returning autumn. 
The larger portion of all the timber at the present time has come up and 
grown to its mammoth proportions since the arrest of these fires. It was a. 
grand sight to see those prairies on fire, especially at night, when hundreds 
of acres were surrounded by the destroying element, whose forked tongs 
shot upward above the interspersed oak openings, and its light almost equal 
to that of a midday sun, revealing the rapid retreat of the deer and other 
wild animals to some secluded place of safety. The very nature of the vege- 
tation that grew upon these prairies made the fires formidable and to be 
dreaded by the first set Hers, whose homes and property were endangered 
thereby. This whole country was a sea of wild grass and flowering herbs. 
Upon the lower portions of the prairios grew a kind of grass that came up 
in single stalks, very thick at the ground, with a large round straw, very 
tough, long, broad blades, and on top a head, somewhat resembling barley 
This species grew from six to eight feet in height, but was of no value for 
grazing purposes, except when it first came up in the spring. There wore 
two other varieties that grewupon the more elevated portions of the prairie 



DARB1 TOWNSHIP. 599 

— the " limber- will " and " ledge- grass." The former of these came up in 
single stalks, very thick on the ground, with long, drooping blades and 
-lightly sickle-edged. The latter variety grew in bunches, or tufts, very 
compact, with fin** blades and center stalks very tall, smooth and round, 
like rye. These latter varieties were very nutritious, not only in a green 
state, but equally ho when cut and made into hay. There were some other 
varieties, but not of sufficient importance to attract attention. 

It would be almost impossible to give a full and accurate description of 
the flowering portion of its vegetation, but I will allude to a few, among 
which was the " prairie dock," with' large, brittle roots, long, broad leaves, 
and, every alternate year, large center stalks. It grew to a height of .six. or 
eight feet and very branching near the top, upon each of which was a beau- 
tiful yellow blossom. When the stalks were cut near the ground, or the 
leaves punctured, a thick, gummy exudation took- place, which soon became 
semi-solid, and was gathered by the young people tor " chewing gum," it 
being far superior to the manufactured article of the present day. The 
" wild sunflower" was a kind of weed that grew with a large, strong stalk, 
very high, with numerous branches, having a yellow blossom on each, about. 
three inches in diameter and drooping like the cultivated speci 

All of the ponds were surrounded by the wild "blue flag," and on the 
top of each center stalk was a large, blue blossom, vary pretty in appear- 
ance, but its fragrance was of an offensive and sickening character. There 
were many other varieties that grew upon the prairies besides those that 
were found skirting and in the oak openings, such as the daisies, butter- 
cups, wild pink, coxcombs, lilies and many others equally beautiful. It was 
indeed a grand sight to a nature-loving mind to look over these extensive 
prairie fields and behold them maul led with so luxuriant a growth of vege 
tation, and decorated so lavishly with an almost endless variety of flowers, 
variegated with all the colors of the rainbow and so blended in beauty that 
the inmost soul would almost involuntarily praise God for the grandeur of 
His omnipotent wisdom and power; but, to that classof persons who cannot 
appreciate any loveliness or beauty in the works of nature, it might appear 
as a God forsaken wilderness, and not intended as a home lor civilized hu- 
manity. It was true that a large portion of those prairie lands were covered 
with water a greater part of the year, for what little outlet there was for the 
surface water, was filtered, as it wen*, through this wonderful growth of 
vegetation. The height and density of the wild grasses that grew upon 
these prairies was that which was calculated to produce a feeling of de- 
spondency and desolation to the beholder. 

TOPOGEAPHT, WITH PRE-HI8TORIC DEDUCTIONS. 

There is one peculiar feature in the topography of these lands, which 
very much retarded the early development and drainage of the prairies. It 
has only been within the last few years that the fact was demonstrated and 
generally understood. The first opinions were, that, as these prairies were 
situated between the two Darby s, that the drainage would be of about equal 
distance to each. But, upon the contrary, the fact is now clearly demon 
strated that all the prairies lying east of Little Darby, with but one or two 
exceptions, drains to Big Darby. The dip of the country here is east and 
southeast. Here, then, was a stubborn obstacle in the way of a complete 
and thorough drainage, for no one or two men could afford to cut the nec- 
essary long and deep artificial drains to secure such benefits to the upper 



600 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

lands as were required to make the agricultural pursuits a success. But 
right here the legislative enactments of the State came to their relief — that 
by petition of twelve interested freeholders to the Trustees of the proper 
township, an artificial drain could be located, and the cutting of the same 
awarded to the land-owners along the line thereof, according to the benefits 
derived therefrom. Allow me a little digression from my subject, for I 
shall be doing great injustice to the history of Canaan Township were I to 
omit the record of the fact that Eli Perkins, one of its pioneers, drafted the 
first ditch bill, and through the efforts of her worthy Representative from 
Madison County, H. W. Smith, of London, it became a law. Though rude 
and imperfect at first, the way was opened by which amendments were made 
that met all the obstacles in the way of a complete and thorough system of 
drainage. This law, with its amendments, has done more for the develop- 
ment of the hidden wealth that was buried in the soil of Darby Township 
than any or all other enactments combined. Under the present, existing 
laws, some of the largest and longest artificial drains of the county have 
been located and completed under the supervision of skillful engineers. In 
the year 1881-82, under one petition, twelve miles of artificial drain were 
made, at a cost of nearly $7,000. There are many others constructed under 
the same law, but this one is specially mentioned to show its practical work 
ings. Were it not for this practical system of drainage, this portion of 
the State, as well as many others, would be almost worthless for agricult- 
ural purposes. When all the necessary main drains have been made, and 
a thorough system of under drainage instituted, then will these Darby plains 
be the Eden of the State. 

But to return to my subject. The supposed worthlessness of these 
prairies by the early land speculators, who bought soldiers' claims and laid 
their warrants in the Virginia Military District, is clearly shown by leaving 
out of their surveys as much as possible all of the above lands. Another 
evidence in support of the same conclusion is evinced by the first settlers 
making their purchases near or adjacent to the streams, supposing these lands 
would ever remain wet, worthless and uninhabitable. But the scientific and 
demonstrated truth in regard to this part of the country is, that her altitude 
is nearly equal to that of any other part of the State; and yet, her reputation 
has been but little above sea level. There were two distinct decades in the 
origin of the burr-oak timber that was growing here when .irst discovered by 
the white man. The first of these are scattering, few in number, and are 
found growing upon the highest points of the prairie lands, the limbs of 
which came out almost at right angles with the trunk, an evidence of hav- 
ing stood alone, and dating back to the forming periods of all the forests 
of this country. The latter are of more recent origin, and date back from 
two to three hundred years There is considerable uniformity in the age 
of each of these decades. Why so many years should elapse between them 
is a question difficult of solution; but by a thorough knowledge of the to- 
pography of these prairie lands, a reasonable hypothesis might be adduced 
that would remove the obscurity in part at least. 

Topographical science has demonstrated beyond all questions of doubt 
that the Darby plains are table-land . Such lands are always surrounded 
with one or more rims of a greater or loss elevation, but of sufficient height 
to hold, as it were, like a basin, the rainfall or waters from any cause that 
may flow into it. and there to remain, unless otherwise (hied up by evapora- 
tion. Many of the first settlers were greatly deceived as to the moist natural 
and available points for the drainage of these lands, and. as a result, some 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 601 

very unpleasant law-suits have been prosecuted, to the detriment of all par- 
ties. The ei'ror consisted in mistaking the rim that formed the basin for the 
natural water-shed between the two Darbys. This latter elevation is quite 
distinctive, and is easily traced by the timbers that grow upon either side. 
Upon the one it is characterized by the kinds of timber that are found near 
all the streams, and upon the other by that which is peculiar to the prairie 
lands. This natural water-shed is generally found from one-half to one 
mile east of Little Darby, thus continuing for several miles, but gradually 
leaving the stream until it abruptly circles away, connecting itself with one 
or more of the rims of this table-land. That these elevations at some pre- 
historic age of the world has been much more elevated than at present, or 
that the prairie depressions have been greater, or both, is very evident from 
this standpoint. That there was a time, or pre -historic period, when these 
lands were covered with water, there can be no doubt. But these elevations 
have been slowly worn down by the overflow of water and tread of the 
buffalo, elk and other wild animals, until some of the more elevated points 
of the prairie (or lake) appeared as dry land. This process of reasoning 
would date the period when those few and scattering burr oaks first sprang 
into existence. Hence, the conclusion that, as this wearing away, and fill- 
ing up continued, much larger portions were brought to the surface upon 
which sprang the second decade, or growth, that was in existence when first 
discovered by the white man. As this wearing away and filling up still 
continued, the whole of these prairies was covered with a heavy coat of 
vegetation. Thus, year after year, or centuries it may be, this growth and 
decay has been going on until the depth of soil is unsurpassed by any other 
portion of the State. There is one more conclusive evidence in support of 
the theory that these prairies were for a long time submerged in water, for, 
when the lowest prairies were first broken by the plow, large quantities of 
snail and clam shells were turned up, which, however, soon crumbled on ex- 
posure to atmosphere. 

Considerable time must have elapsed after the second decade or growth 
of burr-oak timber sprang into existence, before the North American Indians 
had penetrated thus far into the interior of this continent, for their practice 
was to burn all over the prairie lands every returning autumn, for the pur- 
pose of driving the deer and other animals from their hiding-places: and 
it is certain that these fires would have destroyed all this growth, as it was 
afterward demonstrated that nothing more of a forest kind grew until after 
the cessation of these prairie fires. Another thought presents itself, that if 
the first timbers, almost without an exception, were burr oak, would we not 
reasonably expect that when the causes that prevented any young growth, 
were removed, that the same in kind would start into existence? But upon 
the contrary, the greater portion is so entirely diffei-ent, not only in kind, 
but also in point of durability, that we are unable to assign any uncontro- 
vertible or legitimate cause. 

GEOLOGY. 

Geologically considered, this township differs from many other portions 
of the county. There are no ores, and but few limestone ledges, and these 
are only found near the banks of Big Darby and below the water line; 
therefore, they are inexcessible, and of no practical value. Gravel is found 
in abundance near the streams and of the very best quality, from which some 
excellent gravel roads have been made. In nearly all of these gravel beds, 
some relics of a pre historic race, or the North American Indians, have been 
found, such as human skeletons, stone hammers or axes, pestles, arrow- 



602 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

heads, etc., etc., and in one of these banks there were several skeletons 
found, lying in close proximity to each other, and by the side of each was 
found a piece of yellow ochre as large as a cocoa nut, supposed to have been 
placed there under the superstitious idea that it would be required as a war 
paint infighting the battles of the other world. There is one peculiar freak 
that is comprised in the drift formation of the western portion of this town- 
ship, that has quite recently been unearthed. In cutting an artificial drain 
through the only prairie lying west of the natural water-shed, and east of 
Little Darby, which is about two miles in length, quite broad at the upper 
end, but going down the prairie it is gradually contracted by the elevated 
lands and the timber until the latter finally closes in, obliterating the prairie 
and forming a dense body of timber. In cutting this drain at that point 
where the timber came together, and for some distance below, large quanti- 
ties of white limestone were found in blocks, scattered here and there, some- 
times singly, and at others in close proximity, or lying one upon another; 
but, to convey a correct idea, they lay scattered in a promiscuous mass. 
These blocks were irregular in shape, but uniformly flat on either side, 
varying in thickness from three to ten or twelve inches. They were very 
soft and easily cut, when first removed, but soon hardened upon exposure. 
They were found from six inches under the soil, to as deep as the drain was 
made. Therefore, the extent of this deposit is not definitely known. Like 
many other portions of the county, there are those old, time-worn bowlders, 
scattered here and there as monuments or reminders that it was once said. 
" the fountains of the great deep were broken up." They are not, however, 
as numerous here as in many other places, except at a few points on each 
side of Big Darby and near Sugar Run, where they have been deposited in 
considerable numbers. 

The subsoil of the township is generally composed of clay and lime 
stone gravel, sufficiently porous to admit of deep underdraining, and yet at 
the same time holding in solution, ready for plant food, the application of 
home or commercial fertilizers. In conclusion, be it remembered that when 
all the facts that have been elicited in the preceding pages are once thor- 
oughly understood and practically applied by the agriculturist, taking into 
consideration the altitude, climate, soil and subsoil, may we not safely vent- 
ure a prediction that, in the near future, these Darby plains will rank 
first among the wheat-prodticing portions of the State? 

PIONEERS. 

Darby was among the first townships settled in the county, her history 
dating back as early as 1795. But those emigrants were generally poor. 
Therefore, it was a long time before there was any perceptible improvement, 
cither in their condition or facilities for making money; but all alike were 
subjected to the privations incident to pioneer life. Conseq;iently, justice 
and courtesy would require that all emigration prior to and including the 
year 1821 should be chronicled among the list of pioneers. One other im- 
portant reason for making so much time pioneer years, is. that in the two 
succeeding ones, disease and death nearly depopulated this part of the 
county. The terrible Bufferings and privations experienced by them make 
it therefore fitting that the names of those noble men and women should be 
held in high esteem and cherished in the memories of a grateful people. 
The first white men to locate in this township were Jonathan Alder, who 
was discovered by Benjamin Springer, in 1796, living on the banks of Big 
Darby with his Indian wife; James and Joshua Ewing, Samuel and David 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 60S 

Mitchell, with their families, and a few others, whose records will be found 
in the general history, to which we refer the reader for further information 
of those men. 

John, Daniel and Richard Taylor, natives of the State of New York, 
emigrated to Kentucky in the year 1795. and purchased lands near Lexing- 
ton. From an unsettled condition of titles, they became discouraged and 
disgusted by constant litigations and losses. The former of these brothers, 
John Taylor, a young man, became alarmed at the prospective loss of his 
farm, went +o Mr. Sullivant, of whom he made his purchase, and stated to 
him the uncertain condition of his title, whereupon Mr. Sullivant proposed 
to trade him lands in the Territory (now State) of Ohio for his Kentucky 
farm. This Mr. Taylor readily acceded to. By this exchange, he became 
the owner of about 300 acres of land on the banks of Big Darby, now in 
Union County. In the year 1800, this man emigrated to Darby Township, 
sold his former purchase to Frederick Sager, and bought another of John 
Graham. This latter purchase is situated about one mile south of Plain 
City, on both sides of Big Darby. Here he erected a log cabin, stable and 
other necessary outbuildings, and shortly after, about the year 1804, he 
married a widow McCollough, sister of Judge Mitchell, whose early life is 
recorded in the general county history. From this union they had two 
children, a daughter and a son. The former died in infancy, but the latter, 
John Taylor, Jr., is still living on the old homestead. At this time the 
Indians were very numerous, and their camping-grounds were only about 
one mile up Big Darby from Mr. Taylor's residence. On one occasion, by 
some means, they had purchased or stolen a quantity of whisky, and were 
having a " general drunk. " Always, with such events, the squaws, under- 
standing the savage nature of their liege lords, would, if possible, secure 
all their guns, tomahawks and hunting-knives and hide them to prevent 
general disaster and bloodshed. One morning, when Mr. Taylor ascended 
his loft to get feed for his horse, he discovered a great number of toma- 
hawks and hunting-knives sticking in the logs and guns standing in the 
corners. At this he was horrified, but he soon, however, learned the nature 
of this strange stacking of arms. Mr. Taylor was quite wealthy and was 
generous withal. Therefore, it served the double purpose of not only mak- 
ing himself and family comfortable, but also in employing the poor pio- 
neers, and thus assisting them to many of the necessary comforts of life. 

In the year 1803, the other brothers emigrated to Darby. They had 
lost much of their property in the bogus land-titles of Kentucky: therefore, 
they were like most of the pioneers, comparatively poor. Daniel, with his 
family, went directly to this Indian village, or camping-ground, where at 
this time Jonathan Alder was living with his squaw wife, who proposed to 
surrender to Mr. Taylcr the use of his hut as a shelter to his family. This 
highly distinguished favor was gladly accepted, and he immediately took 
possession. He, however, soon after built another by the side of this one, 
the former being used for a kitchen and the latter for bed, parlor and sit- 
ting room. There the children of Mr. Taylor and those of the Indians be- 
came intimately associated in their plays and childish frivolities. Among 
these children there was one little girl by the name of Sarah Taylor, now 
living, who afterward became the wife of John H. Norton, of whom we shall 
have occasion to speak in another place. 

The Taylor brothers all settled near Big Darby, and, by industry and 
economy, they secured a competency that relieved them from pressing cares 
in the evening of their lives. Among their descendants now living here 



604 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

may be mentioned John Taylor, son of John Taylor, Sr., who was born in 
1806, has always been a resident of this township and always lived at the 
old homestead. In his early life, he was particularly fond of good horses, 
and, with a view of improving this kind of stock, he purchased a few very 
tine blooded horses, mostly from Kentucky, and were therefore of that pecu- 
liar blood and style of which a Kentuckian boasts. The most of his life, 
however, has been devoted to the raising of cattle, sheep and hogs. He was 
among the first to introduce the Colmbing wools into this township. He is 
a progressive farmer, keeping pace with the demands and improvements of 
the age. Samuel Taylor, son of Richard. lives about one-half mile east of 
Plain City, the owner of an excellent farm, extensively engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits, his farm being well adapted to the growing of all the 
cereals of this climate. His attention is also directed in the channel of 
stock-raising, and at this time he is the owner of several very fine imported 
Clydes-dale draft horses, which compare favorably with the best importa- 
tion made to this country. 

James Norton, with his family, came to this township in the year 1810 
or 1812, purchased a farm on Sugar Run, east of Big Darby, and lived 
there until his death, in 1836. His two sons, John and Solomon Norton, 
came with him. The former of these, in the year 1820, married Miss Sarah 
Taylor, daughter of Daniel, and one of the little girls mentioned in the pre- 
ceding lines as being a playmate with the Indian children in the Wyandot 
village. Mr. Norton became the owner of the greater portion of his father's 
farm, where he spent his days. He was an exemplary man, morally, a Jus- 
tice of the Pp*ace, Trustee of the township, Assessor, and some other minor 
offices were held by him. He died in 1880. Solomon Norton lived in this 
part of the township for several years, but nothing very definite is known 
of his history. 

Jeremiah Converse was born in New Hampshire in 1760. He emigrated 
with his father to the State of Vermont prior to the Revolutionary^ war. 
Before the close of this conflict, he enlisted as a private in the cause of free- 
dom. On one occasion, he, with his company, was sent out as a scouting 
party to ascertain the strength and position of a marauding band of Indians. 
They had traveled many miles along the banks of the Muskingum River, 
when, toward evening of the second day, they found themselves confronted 
by about four hundred savages, secreted behind fallen timber, trees, under- 
brush, etc. The deadly fire from the first volley laid half, and more, of their 
company in the dust. The surviving ones stood bravely the galling fire 
from their hidden foe, until the Indian war-whoop and rush of savages re- 
minded them that their only safety was in retreat. In this desperate 
struggle for life, Mr. Converse was pursued by a single warrior, with gun 
in hand and uplifted tomahawk, ready to inflict the deadly blow. But being 
outdistanced by his fleeing foe, the savage halted and shot him through the 
shoulder. His gun instantly dropped from his hand thus made powerless, 
reeling and benumbed by the shock; but he soon rallied and made good his 
escape by fording the river and secreting himself in the thick underbrush 
that grew upon the opposite bank. On the third day, he, with three others, 
arrived in camp, being all that was left to tell the sad story. His wound 
disabled him for life, therefore he was soon after discharged from the mili- 
tary service. He subsequently became a traveling minister in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

In the year 1814, this Revolutionary soldier, and Rhoda Converse, his 
wife, with their family, emigrated to Darby Township. He and most of 





'<2 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. b'07 

his sons bought homes adjacent to or in near proximity to each other, about 
three miles west of Big- Darby, upon what was then known as Darby Plains. 
The Rev. Mr. Converse was the first pioneer minister in this portion of the 
county. Therefore, he was generally known and equally esteemed for his 
uprightness and zeal for the cause he espoused. He always lived upon the 
farm of his first purchase, where he also died, in the year 188 <, aged seventy- 
seven. His oldest son, San ford Converse, settled in Licking County, being 
grandfather to the Hon. George L. Converse, of Columbus, Ohio. Those 
sons of the Rev. Mr. Converse that made purchases and lived on the Darby 
Plains were Parley. Squire, Lathrop, Jeremiah, Jr. , Silas and Charles Con- 
verse. 

Parley Converse was a farmer and mechanic. He was elected to the 
office of Justice, which he filled with credit to himself and justice to those 
he officially dealt with. He was an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for forty years or more. After he became unable to labor upon tbe 
farm or at his trade, he moved to Plain City, where he died in 1866. His 
sons now living are Caleb and Parley, Jr. , both residents of Union County. 
Squire Converse was a farmer, settled on the plains, and died in one of the 
sickly seasons. He had three sons. The oldest of these, Jasper R. Con- 
verse, owned a large farm in the prairie lands and was a dealer in stock, 
but made a specialty in growing thoroughbred sheep. He died in 1859. 
His only son living, Augustin Converse, a resident of Columbus, is very 
wealthy, a real estate dealer and owning stock in the Wassal Fire ('lay 
Company. Edwin Converse died many years ago, and his descendants are 
quite numerous in Union County. Asa Converse was a farmer, which busi- 
ness he followed for several years. At present, he is a resident of Plain 
City, and doing an extensive mercantile business. He is also the owner of 
a beautiful farm on the plains, upon which his son is now living. Lathrop 
Converse lived on the plains until his death, in 1822, one of the sickly sea- 
sons. He had three sous. The oldest of these, Darius Converse, was a 
resident of the township for many years. Prior to his death, he removed 
to Union City, Ind. His second son. Joel N. Converse, was a practicing 
physician in this and Union Counties. He located in Union City and there 
became connected with a railroad enterprise and is now a resident of Lin- 
coln, Neb. Orinda, daughter of Rev. Mr. Converse, married Samuel Slier- 
wood, who lived in Canaan Township until his death, which took place 
quite early in the history of that township. He has one son living — A. H. 
Sherwood, a resident of Plain City. Here several of the descendants of 
this family are living, some of whom are prominent business men of the 
place. 

Jeremiah Converse. Jr. , a native of Vermont, and son of the Rev. Mr. 
Converse, was born in 1790; married Malinda Derby, a descendant of the 
titled family of Derbys in England, in 1818. Here was horn to them one 
son. He emigrated with his and his father's family to Dai'by Township in 
1814. This journey, a distance of nearly one thousand miles, required 
eight weeks to accomplish. This was truly a trying and difficult, as well 
as dangerous, undertaking. But then a place, a home to call their own, the 
thoughts of which instilled new life at each returning day. Thus, day 
after day, they toiled on to their journey's end. For several years some of 
these lived to enjoy "home." with all its endearments. Others again, in a 
few brief years, fell victims to disease and death. This man was the father 
of a largo family, and, like others of his day, suffered many privations in- 
cident to pioneer life. He bought a small farm of Walter Dun, for $1.25 

u 



608 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

per acre, and even at this price it took him nine years to complete his pay- 
ments. He was Drnm Major in the militia regiment of this county, under 
the then existing military laws of the State. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty years or more. His motto was hon- 
esty and Christian integrity. He died in 1849. His oldest son, C. D. Cou- 
verse, was born in 1814 Until within a few years, he has always been 
a resident of this township. Through industry and economy a competency 
has been saved to relieve him from the pressing care of his declining years. 
He is now the owner of a beautiful farm in Deer Creek Township, upon 
which he resides. 

Jeremiah Converse, better known as Dr. J. Converse, was born in Darby 
Township in the year 1822 upon the same farm which he now owns in part 
He married Miss Hortense S. Hemenway, a native of Vermont, in 1^4^, 
practiced medicine for twenty-five years, and, with the exception of four or 
five years, has always been a resident of this township. His complete biog- 
raphy will appear in another part of this work. L. D. Converse, the 
voungest son, was born in 1826. He is living about two miles from Plain 
City. His farm is beautifully situated and his surroundings inviting: the 
soil is fertile and productive, well adapted to mixed agriculture. The 
leading business of his life has been the production of wool. His biography 
will appear in another place. 

Silas Converse was a young man when he emigrated with his father, in 
1814. to Darby, with whom he lived for several years thereafter. He mar- 
ried four wives. In his first and second marriage there were no chili 
His third wife was a Grorham, by whom he had a son and daughter 
former is a resident of Hardin County, and the latter of Union. For his 
fourth wife, he married the widow of Daniel Bowers, who was the mother of 
John P. and S. W. Bowers, of this township. From this union there was 
one son, Sanford Converse, a resident of Plain City, and doing business in a 
livery, feed and sale stable. This pioneer father was not a member of any 
church, but for veracity, uprightness and charity, he had no superior. 
The hungry were, fed, the naked clothed, the sick cared for, indeed, the 
" latch-string of his door " always hung out. He died at the ripe a 
eighty -six years. 

Charles Converse, the youngest son of the liev. Mr. Converse, was 
quite young when they came to Darby. When but a child, the effects of 
inflammatory rheumatism made him a cripple for life, requiring the use of 
crutches in walking Soon after his marriage, he purchased a farm on the 
plains, which was successfully managed. Stock-raising was his principal 
business, the profits of which were carefully husbanded, and at death he had 
a competency for his family. He died in 1809. Of his three sons, James 
N. Converse is a resident of Canaan. R. B. Convert is a resident of Dar- 
by, and living at the home of his childhood, having made some important 
additions thereto. He is a practical and successful fanner. His biography 
will appear elsewhere. Charles Converse, Jr., the youngest son, enlisted in 
the war of the rebellion, on the first call for three months' men; served his 
time, came home, raised a company for three years" service, and was elected 
First Lieutenant, and afterward promoted to Captain of Company D, For- 
tieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in several engagements, among 
them the hard-fou<'ht battle of Chickamau<£a. and was killed at the battle of 
Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., which took place June 30. 1864. 

Aimer Newton. Sr. . with his family, emigrated from the State of Ver 
mont to this township in the year 1S14. and purchased a farm in the Con- 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 609 

verse settlement. He was a wheelwright and chair manufacturer. The de- 
mand of the times for that class of articles made him prominent in this part 
of the country. His wheels, both great and small, were unsurpassed. 
They were a necessary article in almost every family. On these wheels the 
women spun their tow and linen, as well as the woolen yarns, from which 
all the clothing was made. He also manufactured hand looms, by which 
these yarns were converted into cloth. The clothing for summer wear, for 
both men and women, consisted of tow and linen, and for winter, linsey and 
woolen. The chairs manufactured by him were, perhaps, in less demand 
and were purchased as the people became able. The more common seat 
used was a long bench, or three-legged stools. Prior to and after the death 
of Mr. Newton, his youngest son, Abner Newton, Jr. , continued to manu- 
facture the above articles so long as they were in demand, or until machin- 
ery supplied their place. After the demand for these articles had ceased, he 
became quite an extensive manufacturer of boots and shoes, and partly in 
connection with it. or soon thereafter, he dealt in dry goods, groceries, etc. 
This traffic was continued for a few years, and finally, he physically broke 
down and retired from all business. He is still living at the old home, his 
farm being managed by his son-in-law. 

Albert Newton, the eldest of these sons, married a sister of Dr. Charles 
McCloucl. He settled in the same neighborhood, and, by industry and fru- 
gality, he became quite wealthy. He was an exemplary man. strictly honest, 
and a zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal .Clmrch, of which he was 
a member for many years. He died as he lived, a firm believer in the truth 
of his convictions. His only child, a daughter, married Thomas Jones, for- 
merly one of the Directors of the Plain City Bank, but now. a resident of 
Delaware County. 

Daniel Bowers came to this township in the year 1814. He first set- 
tled near ( the present village of Amity, being a single man at the time of his 
emigration, but within a few years thereafter he married Diadama Phiney, 
a young lady that came with Abel Beach and family in the same \ear. Mr. 
Bowers was a millwright and was employed by Frederick Sager to put up 
the building and make all the necessary machinery for a water-power grist- 
mill. This w r as the first mill of the kind ever put up in this part of the 
county. It was «ituated about one mile north of Plain City, on Big Darby, 
which at the time was in this township, but now in Union County. The 
grinding-stone made use of in this mill was a bowlder taken from the farm 
of John Taylor, being worked and dressed into proper shape by Mr. Sager 
himself. This part of the machinery was used for many years, being almost 
equal to the French buhr. He was afterward employed by Uri Beach to 
build a saw-mill, and soon after a carding-machiue. This latter was run by 
horse-power. The nature of the tread-power used was truly a novelty. It 
consisted of a large wheel, perhaps twenty feet in diameter, with a strong 
center shaft and iron journals and bearings. Into this shaft strong arms 
were framed, extending about ten feet from the center, and well braced un- 
derneath, and the whole covered with a tight floor. The wheel was then 
set inclined on one side much lower than the other. The horses were har- 
nessed, taken upon the floor and hitched to a stationery post or beam; hence 
the act of pulling revolved the wheel beneath their feet, and thus the ma- 
chinery was set in motion. This was a wonderful achievement over the 
former method of carding all the wool for their clothing bv hand. In the 
settlement by the Government of some of the Indian reservations, Mr. Bow- 
ers was employed by the agency as an interpreter, being the only person 



610 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

here that understood the Wyandot language. He therefore spent consid- 
erable time in the settlement of these claims. His trade being insufficient 
for the support of himself and family, he purchased a farm in the Converse 
settlement, where he lived until his death, in 1834. There were three 
children of this family — two sons and a daughter — the oldest of these, John 
P. Bowers, is residing at the home of his youth. He is a man of prominence, 
and has held many positions of trust in the gift of the people. He has 
been elected to the office of Trustee many times at different intervals; also 
Township Assessor, Real Estate Assessor, and to the office of Justice of the 
Peace for twenty-seven years. His educational advantages were very limit- 
ed, but a retentive memory and good judgment have given him prominence 
among the people. His biography will appear in the proper place. S. W. 
Bowers, the youngest of these sons, owns a farm on the plains, beautifully 
situated, rich and fertile. He is industrious and economical, and carefully 
husbanded his yearly profits. His home is inviting and tasty, and, but for 
the ruthless hand of death, his declining years would have been pillowed 
on the bosom of happiness and ease. 

In the year 1814, Charles Warner moved to the plains anil purchased 
the farm now owned by I. A. Converse. Here Mr. Warner followed the 
agricultural pursuits. In connection with his farming operations he had a 
distillery, where he manufactured whisky and peach brandy for the market. 
The principal trading points were Chillicothe, Sandusky, Zanesville and a 
few others of less importance. He usually kept three or four yoke of cat 
tie, which were used in wagoning the products of his still to these points, 
taking in exchange salt, glass and such other articles as were in demand. 
In the spring of the year, with his ox team, he broke large quantities of 
prairie sod for the farmers, which was very difficult to plow with an ordi- 
nary team. He died quite early in the history of the township. There are 
none of his descendants in this county. Charles Adams, a step-son of Mr. 
Warner, accompanied him to this county and purchased h farm adjoining, 
where he lived until about the year 1836, He then moved to Union County, 
where he died. His descendants are residents of that county. In the 
year 1810, David Clement emigrated to this township and purchased a farm 
on the plains. He made the agricultural pursuits the means of supporting 
himself and family, and was the first to introduce the propriety of sowing 
down the cultivated fields in tame grass. He therefore procured a small 
quantity of red- top seed, which was sown on a piece of corn land. Its 
luxuriant growth and beautiful appearance was the wonder and admiration 
of the fanning community. The oldest son living is a resident of Colum- 
bus, Ohio. 

In the year L814, Charles McCloud, Sr. , emigrated to Darby Township 
and bought a farm on the plains, lying adjacent to the post road. Here he 
supported his family from the products of his farm. His farm products 
were of a mixed character. Like others, however, the grazing of cattle was 
found to be the more remunerative; therefore, in the latter part of his life, 
this was made a specialty. After the death of his wife, he sold his home, 
and lived the balance of his days with his children. He died at his son-in- 
law's in 1844. He was the father of two sons. The oldest of these. Cur- 
tis McCloud, married and lived on a small farm in the Converse settlement 
until his death. His oldest son is the present John C. McCloud, Esq., of 
London. 

Charles McCtoud, the youngest of these sons, lived and worked on the 
farm of his father until of age, at which time his inclination and desire for 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 611 

a profession induced him to select the science of medicine as being the most 
congenial to his nature. To accomplish this object, he went to Granville and 
studied medicine under a physician of that place, Dr. Alpheus Bigelow. 
After completing his studies, he returned and settled in Amity, and for 
many years, by close application and undivided attention, he was not only 
a successful physician, but a shining ornament to the prof ession. His skill 
in the treatment of diseases gave him notoriety and an extended field of 
usefulness. But, like many others in a new country like this, with almost 
impassable roads at times, he became weary of the hardships incident to 
the profession; therefore, he longed for a more retired and less responsible 
life. To accomplish this, he, in company with Wesley Carpenter, purchased 
quite an extensive tract of land below Amity, with a view of making stock- 
raising and farming a specialty; but. by a few years' experience in this new 
enterprise, he was convinced of the fact that bone and muscle, especially in 
those days, were among the essential features of success. He therefore sold 
his interest in the farm to Mr. Carpenter, and immediately purchased a 
large stock of dry goods and groceries, and entered into business at Amity. 
Here he remained until after that place was visited by the Asiatic cholera. 
Some of his cwn family were- among those that were victims of this terrible 
epidemic. He subsequently sold his property and purchased in Plain City, 
where he engaged largely in the mercantile trade. In 1844, he was elected 
member of the Ohio State Legislature, which position he filled creditably 
to himself and satisfactorily to his constituents. He was a prominent pol- 
itician, and more or less engaged in discussing the political issues of the 
day. In the great political contest of 1840, Dr. McCloud was the promi- 
nent politician of the county. His position and activity during this cam- 
paign gave him eminence as a political speaker. The renown won during 
this and subsequent campaigns so favorably impressed the minds of the peo- 
ple in his behalf that, when the call was made for a new constitution, by an 
overwhelming majority Dr. McCloud was the people's choice as a member 
of the Constitutional Convention of Ohio. He never played the part of a 
drone in the high political positions conferred upon him by the people, but 
was ever watchful in guarding the interests and liberties of his constituents. 
But alas! the stern decree, "Dust thou art!" Ah, death! thou didst mark 
him as thy victim, and in the midst of a life of usefulness and honor, he 
was called" to bid adieu to earth. Many were the sorrowing hearts when it 
was announced, " Dr. Charles McCloud is dead." He died at his home in 
Plain City, in the year 1800. His widow is yet living, and a resident of 
that place. There were two sons — the eldest, R. C. McCloud, a resident 
of Plain City, and an active business man of that place. In the year 1874, 
he was elected a member of the State Legislature, and is an active worker in 
the political party to which he belongs. His business occupation is that of 
a druggist, and among the oldest establishments of Plain City. The young- 
est, Newton McCloud, is a resident of Marysville, Union County. He also 
is largely engaged in the drug trade, and these establishments are owned 
in copartnership by the brothers. 

Very early in the settlement of the country, Titus Dort came to Darby 
Township and purcnased a farm about one mile south of Plain City, devot- 
ing a part of his time to the agricultural pursuits. But. as Ik- was a black- 
smith by trade, the most of his time for many years vas spent in the latter 
business, it being a very important trade at this time, as the people were 
dependent upon the common blacksmith for most of their farm implements, 
such as trace-chains, hoes, axes, plows, and many other necessary and indis- 



612 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

pensable articles. Many of these farm implements were truly cumbersome, 
but they supplied a link in the chain of necessity. Late in life, Mr. Dort 
moved to Frankfort, Union County, where he died many years ago. A few 
of his descendants are living in the latter county. 

In the year 1818, Samuel Smith, with a large family, came from the 
State of Vermont to Ohio, and settled in this township. He purchased a 
largo tract of land, containing about six hundred acres. Mr. Smith (but 
more familiarly known by the name of Elder Smith, being a minister in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church), being quite advanced in life, intrusted the 
management of the farm to his sons, devoting his time to the lighter work 
and the ministry of the Gospel, He, with many others, kept quite a num- 
ber of cows, for the purpose of raising cattle, and also for the profits aris- 
ing from butter and cheese. The Elder built the first brick house on the 
plains, which is still occupied, and in good condition. The roof of this 
house was made of pine shingles, purchased in Cincinnati, from the dairy 
products, and wagoned through an almost trackless wilderness, requiring 
two weeks or more to make the round trip. 

James and John Smith, two of his sons, finally became the owners of 
the old homestead, and dealt quite extensively in cattle, giving their time 
and attention to their herds. They were among the first in this part of the 
county to introduce blooded stock, with a view to the improvement of the 
native cattle of the West. To more perfectly facilitate this improvement, 
an importing company was organized in this and Union Counties by taking 
shares therein. The money so raised was expended in the purchase of cattle 
from the best herds in Europe. This enterprise was not only profitable to 
the stockholders, but produced a wonderful revolution in the minds of the 
people as to the comparative value of the different grades of cattle. The 
large numbers of bovines that may be seen grazing on the prairies, with their 
fine proportions, is due to the efforts of this class of men. These men con- 
tinued in the cattle business for many years, but finally John sold his farm 
and removed to Urbana, Champaign Co. , Ohio, where he died a few years 
since. James also went to Urbana at the same time, but, not selling his 
farm on the plains, he soon returned, where, in company with his son, they 
are still engaged in the cattle business, and are now residents of Union 
County. There were three other sons of Elder Smith. Baily and Samuel, 
Jr., lived here for a few years, and then moved to Franklin and Licking 
Counties Richard, the youngest of these brothers, through industry and 
economy in his younger days, became theownerof agood farm on the plains, 
but, by the dire effects of disease, that incapacitated him for the active du- 
ties of life, he gave bis property into the hands of his children, with whom 
he lived until his death. 

Simeon Hager was born in 17G6; emigrated to Ohio and settled in this 
township in 1814. He soon thereafter purchased a farm near Plain City. 
His occupation was that of farming. He was highly respected for his 
Christian integrity and uprightness, a peaceable, quiet and inoffensive 
man. He died at his home in L843. Those of his sons that were residents 
in the State were Simeon Hager, Jr., a surveyor by profession, who lived 
and died in Plain City; Baldwin Eager was a resi lent of Union County at 
his death; Braynard is now a resident of Woods County. Aurelius Hager, 
the youngest son, was the owner of a portion of the old homestead. This 
property quite recently was surveyed into lots, and is embraced in Hager 
& Lombard's Addition io Plain City. He is a carpenter by trade, and highly 
esteemed for his uprightness. He was a soldier in the war of the rebellion. 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 613 

In the year 1817, Isaac Bigelow came to this part of Ohio and pur- 
chased a tract of land, a portion of which embraces the territory in part 
now comprising the town of Plain City. This purchase was made with a 
view of making it a stock farm; but the tide of emigration seemed to be in 
the direction of Central Ohio. The principal trading points then were 
Zanesville, Chillicothe. Cincinnati and Sandusky. There were, however, 
a few other smaller and less important places of trade. From the cities 
above mentioned the early settlers purchased their salt, glass, nails, as well 
as many other necessary articles for the family. For the future convenience 
and development of this part of the county, Mr. Bigelow conceived the idea 
of laying out a town, to meet the demands and wants of the people. Ac- 
cordingly, in the year 1818, the original town was laid out; but a more 
minute description will be given in the proper place. Mr. Bigelow, being 
a physician by profession, made the practice of medicine a specialty for 
many years. He, however retired from the active business affairs of life, 
and lived many years in the enjoyment of home in his newly laid out town. 

Dr. Daniel Bigelow, a brother to Isaac, came here in the year 1831. 
His whole life was spent in the active labors of a practicing physician. He 
was ever ready to attend all calls in his profession, and his greatest delight 
was embodied in his efforts to mitigate the sufferings of his fellow creatures, 
or cheer them as they approached the dark valley to the tomb. He was so- 
ciable, pleasing and winning in his manner; his presence in the sick-room 
dispersed the gloom of his patients; and in a word, cheerfulness was trace- 
able in every lineament of his features. His office and residence were on 
his farm. In his death, not only his family relatives suffered a bereave- 
ment, but the community in which he lived felt deeply their loss. 

Israel Bigelow, the father of Isaac and Daniel, came here in 1828, and 
purchased property in Plain City. He also was a physician, and for several 
years practice I medicine in Plain City ami its surrounding:-. Though ad- 
vanced in life, he was ever willing to visit the sick and render professional 
aid. He died in Plain City in 1S38. I. E. Bigelow, the only one living 
here, was the son of Dr. Daniel Bigelow. He is the owner in part of the 
homestead of his youth. Farming has been his principal occupation. At 
one time, however, in connection with it, ho was engaged in the mercantile 
business in Plain City. His biography will appear in the proper place. 

Eber McDowell came to this township in the year L818, and purchased 
a farm about two miles west of the Converse settlement. Ho was a soldier 
in the war of 1812. The regiment to which he belonged was ordered to re- 
enforce the troops at Plattsburg, hut arrived too late to participate in the 
bloody contest, At the battle of Lake Erie, his regiment, with others, was 
guarding the approach and landing of the Biitish forces on the American 
shore, where he witnessed on the lake the hard fought battle of Commodore 
Perry's victory He was full of the patriotic spirit of "7<i. and when the 
Southern rebellion broke out, as old as he was, he was anxious to shoulder 
the musket and march to the battle-field in defense of the stars and stripes. 
With others, he experienced much of the hard times incident to the early set- 
tlers. Though the price of land was seemingly very low, yet all the farm 
products were correspondingly reduced; and. in order to make the last, pay- 
ment for his home, he sold and delivered 200 bushels of corn to Mr. Wright, 
of Dublin, Franklin County, for 10 cents per bushel. This delivery was 
made by wagoning, with a heavy pair of cattle, a distance of fifteen miles, 
requiring two days to make a round trip. These cattle were also sold to 
the same party for $27. The money thus obtained enabled him to procure 



614 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

a deed for the farm on which ho spent his days. He died at the advanced 
age of ninety-six years. Samuel McDowell, the only child living, became 
the owner of the home of his youth, and was a resident of this township for 
fifty years or more. He made farming a success. In the decline of life. 
he retired from active business, sold his farm, and is now a resident of the 
oily of Columbus, owning stock in the Wassal Fire Clay Company of that 
city. There are a few of the descendants of this family residents of Plain 
City. The most, if not all, are the children and grandchildren of T. L. 
McDowell, the most of whose life was spent in this township. He was a 
mechanic, devoting his time to his trade, and for many years a resident of 
Plain City. 

Amos Beach emigrated from Vermont to this township in IS 14. He 
was the owner of a small farm on the plains, where he lived and successfully 
managed until about the year L830. Selling his property here, he pur- 
chased land in Jerome Township, Union County. He laid out the town of 
Pleasant Hill, but afterward called Fi*ankfort. Here he lived for many 
years, or until after the death of his wife. He then became a resident of 
Plain City, where he died a few years since. 

In the year 1810, Abner and David Chapman, two brothers, came to 
this township. The former of these purchased a farm near Plain City, 
where ho resided for a few years. Being a man of good education, a portion 
of his time for several years was devoted to school-teaching. He, however, 
sold this farm and purchased another on the banks of Big Darby. In the 
creation of Union County in 1820. he was included in the territory of said 
county. David Chapman, a young man of good education, and a surveyor 
by profession, taught school, and did a large amount of surveying for Wal- 
ter Dun, of Virginia. At this time, there were pieces or parcels of land 
that had been unentered by former speculators. Many of these were now 
entered and patented by Mr. Chapman He subsequently married a daugh- 
ter of Joshua Ewing, and for several years thereafter lived at his farm on 
the plains. He, however, moved to Union County, and from thence to the 
State of Iowa. 

William McCune, a step-son of Andrew Noteman. came with the latter 
in 1803, who settled on the east bank of Big Darby, immediately opposite 
to the Indian village or camping-grounds above referred to. Mr. Noteman 
lived here for many years. In the creation of Union County, he was in- 
cluded in its territory. But the step-son above referred to commenced early 
in life to support himself. At the age of twelve years, he went to Frank- 
linton to learn the blacksmith's trade. Hero he remained for some time, 
and assisted in forging the nails that were used in building the old State 
House at Columbus. The clay for the first bricks made here was taken from 
the mound near what is now Mound street, Columbus Mr McCune after- 
ward wont to Buck Creek and learned the tanning business, and, after com- 
pleting his trade, he came back, purchased and moved on a farm near Plain 
City. Mr. McCumV tannery was one among the first in this part of the 
county. Here was a want kindly appreciated by tho people, and his thor 
ough knowledge of the business, in connection with his honesty, won for 
him a large proportion of the custom of the county. A few years prior to 
his death, ho became entirely blind. His home was cut off from Darby in 
L820. 

Richard Morgridge, with his family, emigrated from the State of Con- 
necticut to Licking ( 'ounty, Ohio, in the year L816. Here he was compelled 
to remain, in consequence of Bickness in his family. Ho was a man of some 




-if Vt -»H 







^WX^^// ^S/^ 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. t>17 

property. He emigrated with a good pair of horses and wagon, and with 
him he brought a large box of Yankee clocks, being purchased very cheap 
in his native State, but were here sold at great profit. All this property 
was soon converted into cash; but, being on many different bank issues, he 
went to Marietta, and there exchanged it for the Muskingum Valley Bank 
notes of that place. Within a very short time thereafter, this banking 
house broke and closed business, being entirely insolvent. Consequently, 
his property was gone and he made penniless. Here he remained for three 
years, but the sickness of his family incurred expenses that he was unable 
to meet. In 1SI9, he purchased a yoke of oxen, and with them moved his 
family to this township. He contracted with Walter Dun for a farm of 180 
acres, about one mile west of the Converse settlement. The debts incurred 
in Licking County were stilJ hanging over him, and his creditors came and 
attached all his chattel property; but, this being- insufficient to satisfy the 
claims, his body also was taken by the Sheriff, t;> be lodged in the county 
jail for. debt. But, before leaving home with the officer, his wife placed in 
his hands all the money in their possession, being $1.30. After they had 
proceeded some distance, it occurred to Mr. Morgridge that the law required 
the creditor to support the debtor while in jail, if he had no means of 
supporting himself. Therefore, he made an excuse to stop by the roadside, 
where he secretly placed his money under a rail in the fence, near a large 
tree. After their arrival at London, a search was instituted, and he was found 
without any means of supporting himself. The creditor was then required 
to give bonds for the maintenance of the prisoner while in jail, and this he 
refused to do, whereupon Mr. Morgridge was set free. Richard Morgridge 
never completed the payments for his farm, but, after his death, the family 
met those obligations. In this family there were nine children, all of whom 
are dead but three. The oldest of those living is J. Bailey Morgridge, now 
living at the old homestead. He was born in Connecticut in 1814. His 
educational advantages were very limited, having never studied grammar or 
geography in the schoolroom. His education, which is by no means limit 
ed, was obtained by a diligent application of his time at home. His com- 
prehensive knowledge of the different branches of education secured for 
him the position of teacher in many of the subdistricts in this part of Mad- 
ison County. The winter months were devoted to teaching, and the sum- 
mer to farming. This was, continued for many years, making the whole 
time spent in teaching eqtial to three and a fourth years. 

There were others whose descendants have long since emigrated to re- 
mote or unknown parts, and among those were Marquis, Petty, Nickels. 
Frazoll, and perhaps some others that were among the pioneers of Darby. 
The emigration to this part of the county from 1812 to lS - _!o was truly 
wonderful, as is ovident from the preceding history. The larger portion 
of emigrants were from the New England States, the soil of which was so in- 
ferior to that of this county that the latter became proverbial for its fertil- 
ity and productiveness. Prior to 1822, the prospective outlook for a 
and early development of her resources was truly flattering; hut alas! all 
those bright anticipations in 1822 and L823 were followed by an impene- 
trable cloud of gloom, draped with disease and death thai threatened de- 
population, a description of which will be found in the general history <>i 
the county. The shock thus produced was severely felt all over the county, 
but more especially in Darby and Canaan Townships. There was no more 
emigration until 1830 and L832. The only occupants from L823 to 1830 
were the survivors of those two sickly seasons, and even some of these re- 



618 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

turned to their native States or settled elsewhere. A large per cent of the 
present inhabitants of Darby Township are descendants of these pioneer 
families. 

A few of the leading early settlers will receive a passing notice. E. 
W. Barlow, Sr. . was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Major of a regiment 
of militia volunteers. He was ordered to New Orleans, and was in the bat- 
tle fought there by Gen. Jackson. Maj. Barlow came to this township in 
1830 and purchased a farm on Sugar Run, where he lived for many years. 
He subsequently came to Plain City, and here died. In the year 1828, 
Jesse Lombard, with a large family, came from Kentucky to this township. 
His farm purchase was made on the plains, where he followed dairying and 
stock-raising for many years. In the decline of life, he sold this farm and 
moved to Plain City, where he died in 1875. Farmery Hemenway, a na- 
tive of the Green Mountain State, emigrated with his large family to Darby 
in 1830. His farm was situated about two miles southwest of Plain City. 
He was the most extensive dairyman on the prairies, shipping the products 
to Columbus and other markets. He was for many years a Justice of the 
Peace, a man of untarnished character and sterling worth. He subsequently 
became a resident of Union County, where he died in 1872. The most of 
this large family are dead. The only one living in this township is the wife 
of Dr. J. Converse. 

EARLY STOCK SPECULATORS. 

In the early history of the township, as well as that of the county, 
there were but few of this class of men, and those few supplied a want very 
much needed and appreciated by the first settlers. To raise cattle and hogs 
was not very difficult or expensive; but the difficulty consisted in getting 
them to market. There were but few marketable points within reach of 
the settlements, and the demands at these were in limited numbers only. 
The Government Agencies at Sandusky and Detroit were ready purchasers 
for a small amount of this class of farm products. Subsequently, however, 
in the latter place, Canadian speculators purchased largely of cattle and 
hogs that were packed for the English markets. In addition to these 
places, Cincinnati, Chillicothe and Cleveland did a small amount of this 
kind of business. Here, then, were the points of trade; but to reach them 
was a difficult task. All this stock must necessarily be driven on foot a dis- 
tance of from 100 to 200 miles, with such surroundings as are peculiar to a 
new country like this. 

Butler Comstock, of Worthington, was among the first extensive cattle 
speculators in this township. His purchases were usually made in the 
spring, comprising one hundred or more four-year-old steers, for which he 
paid from $4 to $1 per head. These cattle were herded and grazed upon 
the prairies until earl}' autumn, and then driven to some of the above mar- 
kets — Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Mr. Comstock continued this business 
for several years, with profit to himself and those of whom he purchased. 

In the year 1818, a young man by the name of James Guy came from 
Canada to this township. Others of the family came at about the same 
time. James possessed fine business qualifications, and at once entered into 
the cattle trade —limited, however, at first; but, as his means increased, 
Ids purchases were correspondingly greater. The points of trade sought by 
him were in keeping with the kind and condition of his stock. His fat 
cattle, in the infancy of his speculations, were driven to Sandusky or De- 
troit, but Ids stock cattle were taken to the neighborhood of Chillicothe and 
sold to feeders alone; the Scioto bottoms. This method of doing busiuess 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 619 

was too circumscribed to meet his enlarged views and speculative tiseful- 
ness. This increased trade upon his part was in keeping with the in- 
creased supply, for, by this time, the people had learned that stock-raising 
was the most profitable, if not the only industry that brought the ready 
cash. From 1830 to 1840, the price current for a four-year-old steer was 
from $7 to $10 per head. Mr. Guy in his traffic was not confined to this 
township or county; he therefore purchased large droves of cattle that were 
driven on foot over the Alleghany Mountains to Pittsburgh and Philadel- 
phia. Sometimes his droves assumed mammoth proportions, numbering 
from 300 to 500 head. He followed this business for nearly twenty years. 
At one time he was the owner of 1,500 acres of the finest grazing lands on 
the plains. In 1846, his speculative mind was turned to a new field of ac- 
tion. He, in company with David Mitchell, son of Judge Mitchell, entered 
largely into the pork-packing business at Columbus. Many thousand head 
were slaughtered, for which they paid from $5 to $6 per hundred; but be- 
fore this great bulk of pork was put upon the market, there came the great 
financial crash of 1847, like a sweeping tornado, carrying with it some of 
the best business firms and men of the county. Mr. Guy was therefore 
wrecked upon the sand-bar of finance, and to him, like others with such ex- 
tensive ideas of speculations, disaster was an almost natural result. He 
lost all, and made an assignment to his creditors; but he was not the man 
to sit down and brood over the disasters of the past, for, wnen the Califor- 
nia gold fever swept over this continent, he went with an overland emigrant 
train to "Ophir," to gather the precious metal of that land. Here he re- 
mained four years, and came back with $5,000 of the shining dust, with 
which he purchased a farm, partly in this and Union Counties, where he 
lived until his death, in 1882. 

James Boyd came to Canaan Township in 1829. and purchased a farm 
on the plains, where he lived until his death, in 1831. There were three 
sons, the oldest a resident of London, this county; James Boyd, Jr., is a res- 
ident of this township, and the owner of a fine farm near Plain City. His 
occupation is farming of a mixed character, but devoting special attention 
to fine cattle and hogs. His life has been identified in the agricultural pur- 
suits, and his surroundings arc indicative of thrift and prosperity. As the 
lines of railroads extended westward, many of the old stock speculators and 
drovers retired from business, and new ones stepped to the front. Daniel 
Boyd, of this township, was the first to engage in this new mode of trans- 
portation. His early business training was among the cattle herds of Dar- 
by. Accordingly, in 1855, his first shipments were made to the Eastern 
markets. Being young and inexperienced, there were many things to be 
learned that were important and essential to success. In a few years of ex- 
perience, he abandoned in part the shipment of cattle; but for the last fif- 
teen or twenty years, his shipments have been confined to hogs, sheep and 
wool. He has been engaged in this business for twenty-seven successive 
years, and in this particular is the oldest shipper in the county. During 
this period, the value of his shipments have boon from $150,000 to $300,000 
per year. He lives in a finely located suburban residence of Plain City. 

TLAIN CITY. 

This is the only village in the township, and was laid out by Isaac 
Bigelow in 1818. Accordingly, we find the following record: 

July 8, 1818.— The plan of Westminster, situated on the south side of Big Darby 
Creek, in Darby Township, Madison County, on the road leading from Worthington 



620 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

to Urbana. The above road, which is Main street from letter B, runs east, and is sixty 
feet wide : th,- alleys arc thirty links wide, and run from Main street north. The lots 
on the north side of Main street, measure each, north, twelve poles, and east, four poles 
and eleven links. The lots on the south side of Main street, measure each, south, ten 
poles, and west, five poles and one link. 

David Chapman, Surveyor. 
June 11, 1818. 

There were no other official acts until 1823. At this date, we find that 
the previous survey was resurveyed and additional territory incorporated, 
as well as the original name changed from Westminster to Pleasant Valley. 
We also find that, from 1823 to 1851, the original proprietor made six ad- 
ditions to this village, besides additions subsequently made by the following 
parties: Barlow's, Sherwood's First and Second, Amonn's First and Second, 
Marshal's, Hager & Lombard's, Black & Mooney's. and I. E. Bigelow's Ad- 
ditions. Its name was again changed from Pleasant Valley to that of Plain 
City. 

This town is situated in the northeast portion of the township, and is 
bounded on the north by Union County. For a time it was superseded by 
Amity, in Canaan Township, but the advantages of the former were mainly 
due to location, being situated on the post road, an important west- bound 
thoroughfare, over which much of the emigrant travel passed. This, in con- 
nection with natural advantages, rendered it much more desirable as a business 
location. From 1818 to 1850, her growth and business development were 
characteristic of doubt and uncertainty as to her future prospects among 
those of her rivals. But at the latter date, the location of a trunk-line rail- 
road through her borders removed all uncertainty, and the impetus thus 
given to her growth, business and manufacturing developments were truly 
flattering. The first hotel was kept by Clark Provine, in a log building lo- 
cated on the same lot as the present National Hotel. It was surrounded 
with underbrush, hazel and plum thickets; but, as the weary traveler neared 
the spot, he read with delight the invitation in glowing letters over the 
door, "Traveler's Inn." The principal guests were travelers, emigrants, 
speculators, hunters and trappers. The first dry goods and grocery store 
was that of the proprietor of the town, Isaac Bigelow. The first black- 
smith was James Goldsberry. The first church was a small brick building 
belonging to the Methodist Episcopal denomination. The first schoolhouse 
was a log hut on Lot No. 14, and a Miss Su2an Fudger taught the first 
school. Here is a miniature pen picture of Plain City of the present, over 
which half a century and more has passed. She stands to-day dressed in 
beautiful mansions, extensive business blocks, magnificent halls, manufact- 
uring establishments, banking houses, a large school building, fine church 
edifices, besides many other structures less imposing, but indicative of thrift 
and prosperity. If to this be added the productive wealth of the surround- 
ing country, with an easy access to her markets, and a direct communication 
by rail to Eastern cities, she has a bright prospective future. The business 
establishments foot up twenty in the mercantile trade, ten manufacturers, 
two banking houses, two hotels, one printing office and a weekly newspaper, 
besides the transient and unsettled traffic common to all commercial towns. 
Her population in 1880 was about 1,000. 

CHURCHES. 

The first Christian society was organized by the Methodist Episcopal 
Church about the year 1812. Its first church building was made of hewn 
logs, closely notched at the ends, and, from its resemblance to the pvimi- 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 621 

five block-house used in frontier life, it was called the Block Church. Its 
location was about one-half mile south of Plain City, near the present cem- 
etery. For many years this was a nourishing society, but subsequently it 
united with a recent organization of i.he same order, and built the first 
church in this place in 1840. 

Converse Chapel. — This was a Methodist society and organized in 1816. 
For many years, the only place of worship was the Converse Schoolbouse 
of that neighborhood. This society subsequently became the most flourish- 
ing: organization in the township. In 1840, it erected the largest church 
edifice in this part of the county. For about thirty-five years, this commo- 
dious building was used as a place of worship. There are those yet living 
who, with heartfelt emotions, can point to the once graceful but now dilap- 
idated edifice and say, "Yonder stands my Christian Alma Mater." About 
the year 1875, this society was united with that of Plain City. 

PLAIN CITY CHURCHES. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church numbers about one hundred and 
sixty, and is in a flourishing and prosperous condition. Its Sabbath school 
organization is largely attended, and is instructive and attractive. The 
church edifice, situated on North Chillicothe street, is a recent superstruct- 
ure, presents a fine appearance, large and commodious, with many of the 
most approved modern improvements. Its parsonage, standing upon the 
same lot, is really a mansion in appearance, beautiful and convenient withal. 

Presbyterian Church. — This society numbers about one hundred and 
thirty. The most of its members are residents of Union County, and was 
organized here in 1850. The condition of this society is that of prosperity. 
The Sabbath school is interesting and well attended. The church edifice 
is situated on East Main street, a brick structure, graceful in appearance, 
and commodious and convenient. 

Universallst Church. — This society was organized in 1850. Its mem- 
bership is about one hundred and twenty. Its condition is prosperous, 
and has in connection an interesting and well-attended Sabbath school. 
The church is situated on South Chillicothe street. Having been built for 
several years, it therefore fails in some of the more modern improvements. 

Catholic Church. — The membership of this faith is quite numerous. 
Like others of a similar belief, they are gathered in for many miles. Those 
that have been baptized into this faith are members of that society most 
easy of access. They have no church, but a former private residence has 
been fitted up for a temporary place) in which to hold services. The Cath- 
olic population is steadily growing, and doubtless in a few years will be 
sufficiently strong to erect a new edifice. 

Baptist Church. — The society here is in its infancy, therefore its mem- 
bership is rather limited. It has regular pulpit services, but no Sabbath 
school. Its church edifice is a rented one, bolonging to the United Breth- 
ren, a society once in a flourishing condition. 

i. o. o. p., no. 193. 
This order was first organized in 1850. It has a membership of about 
eighty. Their condition is that of prosperity. They occupy a hall in the 
third story of the McCuno Block. 

URANIA, MASONS, NO. 311. 

The Masonic Order here was chartered in 1859. It has a membership 



622 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of from sixty-five to seventy. They occupy a ball in the third story of the 
McCune Block, and are prosperous and happy. 

KECTIFIERS. 

This was a secret society, and to Plain City is due the honor of its 
birthplace. It was organized in 1848. It had for its object the universal 
elevation of the morals of humanity, as well as refined literaxw attainments. 
They also encouraged the acquisition of knowledge relating to Mound-Build- 
ers. This society only existed for about ten years. 

CEMETERIES. 

Plain City Cemetery is situated on South Chillicothe street and west 
bank of Big Darby, about one-half mile from the city This is the oldest 
cemetery in the township. It is not known who, or the exact date of the 
first interment, but at least it was as early as 1810. he land embraced in the 
old pari of this cemetery was donated by Titus Dort in 1812. An additional 
purchase was subsequently made, and others must soon follow. In this 
cemetery is located the township vault, built according to the most improved 
patterns. Many of the monuments are grand in artistic design. 

Smith Cemetery. — This cemetery is situated on Darby Plains, about 
four miles southwest of Plain City. It was thus named from its first having 
been used as a family burying ground, but many other interments were 
made, therefore it was subsequently deeded to the Trustees of the township, 
who have taken it in charge. In 1818, the first interment was that of a 
child by the name of Andrews, a relative of this family of Smiths. There 
are some costly monuments, artistic and beautiful in design. 

Bigelow Cemetery. — This is strictly a family burying-ground. It is 
situated on East Main street, on the south bank of Big Darby, just outside 
the incorporated limits of Plain City. Polly Bigelow, wife of the Rev. 
Isaac Bigelow, who came to Darby in 1812, was the first person buried in 
this family cemetery, in the year 1818. The most of this once numerous 
family lie here, in obedience to the stern decree, " Dust thou art, and unto 
dust thou shalt return.'' 

SOLDIERS. 

The following are the names of those who enlisted from this township 
during the war of the rebellion: 

Albert W. Allen, George Allen, Benjamin Allen, Frank Allen, William 
F. Bancroft, Clark L. Barlow, George W. Becels, Patterson Bradley, Ben- 
jamin Beach, Levi Berkstresser, James Black, Jonathan Bigelow, Emmit 
Bigelow, Marshall Beach, Marova F. Beach, Samuel Beard, Lawson Bidwell, 
Titus Case, Silas G. Chapman, Silas W. Chapman, Hiram K. Converse. Al- 
bert N. Converse, Charles Converse, First Lieut. George W. Darety, George 
W. Flaherty, Wilkinson Guy, Capt. Thomas J. Haynes, Daniel B. Hager. 
L} sunder G. Huff, Richard D. Haynes, Levi E. Hager, Aurelius Hager, 
Edward Hemenway, William Harrington, Andrew J. James, William N. Kile, 
Jesse Lombard, Rodney C. McCloud, Leander Merce , Uriah H. McDowell. 
James L. Mills, George Miller, John Marshall, Gustavus A. McDowell, An- 
drew C. McDowell, Russel B. O'Hara, John F. Perry. Robert Patterson, 
John Patterson, Joel Pennington, Alanson Sesler, James Shumway, Reuben 
M. Surfus, Samuel M. Stamp, Lewellyn Shumway, Harry Scribner, Daniel 
H. Thomas, Daniel Tracy, Eliphus Tarpenning, William Taylor, Daniel Tay- 
lor, Warren C. Winget, Frederick J. Wadsworth, John Williams, Joel H. 
Worthington, Samuel O. Weatherington, Wilson Weatherington, Harvy 
Winget. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 623 



CHAPTER II. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 

THIS was one of the original subdivisions, and embraced a much larger 
area than it does to-day. It was erected April 30, 1810, and under 
that date we find the following: " Ordered, that all that tract of land com- 
prehended in the following boundary be and the same is hereby created 
into a separate township, to be known as Jefferson Township, and is bound- 
ed as follows, viz. : Beginning at the lower corner of Calvin Cary's Sur 
vey, or on the Franklin Coxmty line north of Cary's; thence on a straight 
line west to the Champaign County line; thence south along the said line 
until it intersects Deer Creek Township line; thence with said line east to 
Franklin County; thence along said line to the place of beginning." This 
erection was subsequently declared void, and a second one made June 11, 
1811, on which date the Commissioners " ordered that all that tract of land 
comprehended within the following boundaries be and is hereby erected 
into a separate township, by the name of Jefferson, and is bounded as fol- 
lows, viz.: Beginning at the south corner of Darby Township; thence 
with the south line of Darby Township westerly to a point running south 
will strike the east boundary of Mark's Survey, on Little Darby Creek; 
thence southward to where the State road, leading to Franklinton, crosses 
the Glade Run Branch of Deer Creek; thence easterly so as to include all 
the inhabitants of Darby Creek in said township, continuing to Franklin 
County line; thence with said line to place of beginning." The Commis- 
sioners continued to organize different townships, taking a part from Jeffer- 
son at various times, giving it different shapes, until its present area and 
formation was reached. It is very irregular in shape, stretching for about 
live and a half miles from north to south, and about five and a fourth from 
east to west. Its northern boundary is Canaan Township. On the east it 
is for several miles washed by the waters of Big Darby Creek, but, when 
near the southeastern corner, Franklin County stretches west of the creek, 
forming a part of the eastern as well as about one mile of the southern 
boundary, whilst the remainder of the southern boundary is formed b) r 
Fairfield Township, and on the west it is bounded by Deer Creek and Mon- 
roe Townships. 

TOPOGRAPHY, SOIL AND TIMBEK. 

It is for the most part rather level, yet sufficient elevations and depres- 
sions to afford excellent facilities for underdraining, which has of late years 
received no small amount of attention, and now there are several thousand 
rods of tile buried beneath the surface of what was once a non-productive 
region, covered with stagnant water, producing much fever and ague. 
Through the medium of the underdraining, the citizens of Jefferson Town 
ship have rendered it a fine and productive farming country. The north- 
ern portion of the township is level, but as it nears the central part it be- 
comes more rolling, and finally empties the water from the flats into Little 
Darby, which stream has a few very abrupt and picturesque spots along its 



624 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

banks. The southern portion slopes toward the south and east, emptying 
its waste waters into the last-mentioned stream. 

The territory in question was composed of oak openings and prairie. 
The soil is of a deep clay loam, capable of the highest fertility, and pro- 
duces fine crops of corn, wheat, oats and grass. Wool is a staple product 
of the township, together with cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. Special 
attention is given to the raising of cattle and wool -growing. The 
timber of the township, of any value, mainly consists of oak, hickory and 
elm, whilst other varieties exist, as sycamore and such timber as is often 
found along streams, and of comparative little value, but not much of the 
more highly valued timber, such as walnut and poplar with its spreading 
branches, shaded the surface of Jefferson Township. The township is wa- 
tered by Big Darby on its eastern boundary, and Little Darby through the 
renter, and their small tributaries, the largest being Price's Run. 

Along the aforesaid stream are numerous springs of excellent water, 
some of which possess mineral substances. Little Darby, the principal 
stream traversing the township, enters the territory about half a mile north 
of the Urbana pike, and with its irregular course to the southeast makes a 
total distance within her limits of about ten miles, passing out of the town- 
ship southeast of the village of Jefferson, and one mile and a half south of 
the National road. 

PIONEERS AND PIONEER LIFE. 

The first white persons who settled within the present limits of Jeffer- 
bon Township were Michael Johnson, wife and eight children, who emigrat- 
ed from Virginia to this section of the Northwest Territory in 1796-97. 
About the same time, William Lapin located in this township, and subse- 
quently married Margaret, daughter of Michael Johnson, which family had 
settled about four miles northwest of the site of Jefferson. Silas Springer, 
another pioneer of this period, first located near Plain City, but afterward re- 
moved to this township. Full sketches of all of these families will be 
found in the general history of the county, to which we refer the reader for 
further information. The next to locate here was Reason Francis, also a 
native of the Old Dominion, who came to the neighborhood in 1800, and 
settled between the Darbys. He was quite a hunter, and loved the chase; 
possessed many peculiar characteristics, and was a shrewd, sharp business man. 
Another early settler was Tobias Bright, who, it is claimed, killed an In- 
dian in L810, at the old camping ground on Spring Fork, near its junction 
with Little Darby. He was tried aad acquitted. One of the Lapins also 
shot an Indian near the same place in subsequent years, but these events 
were common in pioneer days, as the Indians were, as a rule, inveterately 
detested, especially by those who lost friends during the Indian wars. 
Along about the beginning of the present century, Nehemiah Oates came 
into the township, and remained until after the war of 1812. when he re- 
turned to Virginia, his native State, and married a Miss Johnson, and again 
came to Madison ('Dimly. She bore him nine children, viz., Ezra, Miar, 
Jacob, Henry, Mary, Eliza, Olive, Rebecca and Harriet. His wife died, 
and hf was subsequently married three times. The second and third left no 
issue, but his fourth wife was Susan Johnson, a sister of his first wife, who 
bore him two sons. Mr. Gates was a native of New York, and, after his 
final settlement on Little Darby, he assisted in erecting a mill on that 
stream. He was an industrious, hard-working man, and was much respected 
by the pioneers of his time. We find his name among the tirst juries of 
Madison County. 




^lr- 



^ &^^ 




JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 627 

Philip Sidener came from Bourbon County, h'y., in 1802, and settled 
on the Scioto River, four miles below E ranklinton. lie there builj and op 
erated a distillery, bul ty much annoyed by the [ndians, who were 

continually begging whisky of bim, and if he would not give it, they would 
either buy or steal it. He was located on what is now known as the Hoff 
man farm, hut. after a brief residence, unusual sickness induced him I 
his Earm and " strike out " for the Darbys. He built his cabin on the east 
bank of Little Darby, aboul sixty rods south of the National road, and a 

abor to Reason Francis and Tobias Bright A short time after Philip 
Sidener settled here, Tobias Bright and another neighbor one evening called 
at the camp of two [ndians on Spring Fork. Aiter spending the early 
part of the evening, they started home, and, when a few paces away, Brighi 
turned and -hot one of the [ndiant dead. This cold-blooded ad ca 
greal indignation among the [ndians, and spread general consternation over 
the settlement. A general uprising was expected. Suchwerethe feelings, 
thai il led to Mr. Sidener's removal to Kentucky. 

The settlors who remained built a stockade about fifteen feet high, in- 
closing about an acre of ground, including Sidener's cabin, in ISI I. Some 
the remains of che posts are ye1 to be seen. 

The i nt 30on subsided, and Mr. Sidener returned to the place 

of his Cormer settlement, and buill a cabin ju-t south of the pre 
dence of -John Heath. There were no roads 3ave an Indian trail from the 
Muskingum and Scioto to Mad River, passing jusl north of the National 
road. There were no stores nearer than Franklinton, no schools, and for 
many years religious 3ervices were only held at intervals. There were no 
blacksmiths and wagon-makers, bul every man was his own mechanic. 

The clothing was of buckskin, flax or linsey; the wants of the per, pi,. 
were few: game was plenty, and there was noi much to stimulate the people 
to exertion, as there was but little markel Eor any surplus they might pro- 
duce. 

Quite a number of the early settlers engaged in making whisky a- the 
only thing they could transport to Chillicothe and profitably exchange for 
other goods. The greatest hulk they took in exchange was salt, an actual 
necessity. It is claimed that the whisky made then was whisky, and not 
the poisonous -tuff rue], gel crazy on nowadays. 

W in all countries where mental culture i- neglected, hone and muscle 
are at a premium. Physical power was the standard of merit in pioneer 
days. This, of course, led to many personal conflicts. Musters were held 
at Philip Sidener's house about <-\<-ry three months, and it is said that it 

no uncommon thing to see twentj to thirty men with their coats off, 
either fighting or ready to see fair play between combatants. At that time, 
there was a strong feeling existing between the Darbyites and those living 
on Deer Creek. They scarcely ever met without having a rough and turn 
ble time to prove who were the best men. John, better known as "Chunky" 
Johnson, was an acknowledged leader among the Darbyites. lb- was, how 
ever, not a quarrelsome man. but was always ready to enforce his claim of 
physical superiority by fighting any one who disputed it. A. Mr. Graham 
was the •' bully" among the Deer Creekers, hid. fortunately for both, he 
and Johnson never came into personal collision. 

At that date, about half of the township was prairie, or barrenn, 

thought to be of bul ll'tle Value. ; U ld ill Cl UlSe. j lleUCe, | ■- all 

mado along the stream first ground plowed in Jei hip, 

of which we have any definite- knowledge, was that lying between the Na 

v 



628 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



wintered The h,,Xl 8i °f Cabm which had n0 <•<><*. and there 

It ™ ehinled ta feZ^*™* slu ™™ ded * the primeval forest 
foe a second h,,/, °P™mgs were not plastered. The spring follow. 

and life betnt e*r„esT° Th "* "^ T,™ their -*P«*™ hous™, 

iiiiiHgpisii 

West y " Hei f ° Ur brothers are scattered over the far 

»iai-^"V"diS t in SSSS" i ", Madi r Co " n ^ h « «"* - » local 
lowed preacW 1 ,1 » ? R nearly one hnndred years, and fol- 

Chanel Vt» .T S within a few weeks of his death. To-day Foster 

Chapel stands as a monument to his Christian walk and zealons work inlts 

ol w1fuSr^i th ^ e , 1803 as that in which the settlement 
miliarly taown^ut, e 1sm T ? f" S™ , h ip ' H<1 wils "ore f <" 

£^?^^™^" 

Frank in Co ntv vL ,"''!' ,"" " ^ abOUt 1842 ' when he ^ ttIed « 
abou 1845 Ti • r , he die . d ° nt> >' ear later - " nd "is wife followed him 

^todtoi , S^ flI ^ Childre °' Wh ° were m °*W of the 
QiaV II, u I ' ( " l1i :"y- viz., Hannah, Sai-ah (died m Pennsylva- 

nia), Kobeit, Mary. U ,lham. Patrick, Susan, David. Henry and Catharine. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 629 

Uncle Billy " Johnson was a man of small stature, rather chunky, very 
stout, and possessing a strong constitution. 

Nathaniel, Henry and Robert Frakes were among the settlers prior to 
the war of 1812. They took up their abode on Little Darby, and soon the 
cry of the Indian war was heard, and they all three took part in the strug- 
gle, in which Robert and Nathaniel were killed. Henry soon after died. 
About the same time, we chronicle the name of Michael Dickey, who settled 
near the W. O. Browning farm, now owned by Mr. Bradfield. Prior to the 
war of 1812, we find the settlement of a second Robert Frakes, who was a 
native of England, but married in Pennsylvania, where two children were 
given the union, and then they settled in Jefferson Township. When he 
came to the neighborhood, it was conceded that a valuable man had come, 
as he was a cooper by trade, and probably the first one to meet the wants 
of the few settlers then in Jefferson Township. In connection with his 
trade, he did some clearing and farming, as the former would not furnish 
him constant employment. He died about 1830, and his wife subsequently. 
He was small, industrious, energetic, and a man of strong constitution. 

We now come to the settlement in Jefferson Township of probably the 
first colored man, Moses Nickens, who came in the year 1810. He was a 
soldier in the Continental army under Gen. Washington, and went forth to 
bear arms in the battles of 1812 from Madison County. As a neighbor, he 
was obliging and sociable; as a citizen, he was industrious, peaceable and 
inoffensive; but as a husband he was brutal, and neighbors frequently res- 
cued his wife from his fury. He remainied a resident quite a number of 
years, but finally died in Columbus, Ohio. 

About the same date as the preceding settler came Isaac Rubert, from 
Virginia. He, with four children, viz., Benjamin, John, Mary and Phoebe, 
settled near the old grist-mill on Little Darby, which was in an early day 
known as the Gates Mill. Benjamin Rubert married Elizabeth, eldest sis- 
ter of the late David Sidener. The Rubert family were generally all well- 
respected citizens, and filled a favorable place in *he circles of society and 
the community at large. 

During the period of the war of 1812 dates the settlement of David 
Harriman and family, on Little Darby, near the grist-mill below Jefferson. 
He and wife soon after died, and among the children we are able to record 
the names of David, Enoch, Job and Elizabeth. They subsequently set- 
tled near Springfield and Xenia, Ohio. John T. Sidener, Sr., brother to 
the pioneer Philip Sidener, died in Kentucky, and his wife subsequently. 
when in advanced age, came to Jefferson Township, where she died. One 
of their sons, viz. , Jacob, who was a native of Maryland, was married in 
Kentucky, to Lucretia Blair (a distant relative oi' the Blairs of this town- 
ship). Soon after Jacob was married, he entered the war of 1812 from Ken- 
tucky; he served until its close, and in a short time thereafter, he, wife and 
two children came to Jefferson Township, settling about two miles south 
of the present village of Jefferson. He was a land-owner and farmer through 
life, and possessed a common characteristic of the pioneer Sideners — reti- 
cence. He and wife both died in Madison County. Their immediate pos- 
terity were ten in number, all of whom are now deceased; but six of his 
(Jacob's) grand-daughters are now residents of Madison County, and are 
daughters of Margaret (Sidener) Zinn, viz., Mrs. James Peene, Mrs. L. D. 

Hull, Mrs. Quinn Bradley, Mrs. T. B. Roberts. Mrs. Tresensider and 

Mrs. D. Brown; the two latter reside in London, and the four former in 
and about Jefferson. While we are writing of the family, even though the 



630 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

settlement does not come chronologically in order, we will mention the name 
of John T. Sidener, Jr. (a brother to Jacob). He was also a native of 
Maryland, but in 1828 came from Fayette County, Ky., to Madison County, 
and settled about two miles south of the town of New Hampton, or the pres- 
ent site of Jefferson. While in Kentucky, he married Margaret Hickey, 
who was born and raised in Scotland. On coming to Ohio, they had ten 
children, and settled on land which he (John T.) had previously purchased. 
It was all in the natural wilds and undeveloped condition, but he soon 
transformed it into open and productive fields. He, however, only lived 
until March 30, 1839, when death overtook him. His widow survived him 
five years. Two of their children are now living, viz., Jeannetta, wife of 
David Duncan; and Eliza, wife of G. P. Simpkins. Among the early set- 
tlers of New Hampton were Samuel Sexton, one of the founders of the place. 
He and family came to Jefferson Township about 1818. He was a teacher, 
and one of the early Justices: a native of New Jersey, and an excellent cit- 
izen. About ten years after coming to Ohio, he buried his wife. His sec 
ond wife was the widow of Moses Pippet, who was also an early settler of the 
place then known as New Hampton. Subsequently, New Hampton's popu- 
lation was increased by the coming of Samuel Sexton, Sr. , wife and son-in- 
law, William Jones, eldest son of Samuel Jones. They remained a few 
years, when both families became dissaiisfied and returned to New Jersey, 
from whence they had migrated. 

Samuel Jones emigrated to Ohio about the same time (1818), with his 
wife and nine children, viz., William (married as given above), Abigail, Mary 
A., Abraham, Samuel, Jr., Isaac, Sarah A. (died in New Hampton), as did 
also Thomas, and Susan, who, after burying her mother in 1823, returned 
to her native State with her father. Of Mary and Abigail we can learn 
nothing, but Samuel, Jr., Abraham and Isaac remained in Jefferson Town- 
ship, where, in fact, the former and latter both died. Abraham subse- 
quently settled near Sandusky, Ohio, where he resided until death. 

We find the Ayle family as being early settlers of Jefferson Township, 
and mention the name of John Ayle, whose father, Valentine Ayle, was a 
native of Germany, a patriot of the Revolution, and was captured on the 
ocean. He subsequently settled in Virginia, but finally died at Georges- 
ville, Ohio. John was a native of Martinsville, Va. , and reached Jefferson 
Township about 1828. He ever after remained in the township until his 
death, August 17, 1861. He was twice married. By the first union, four 
children were born, two of whom are living, and one in this county. His 
second wife was Elizabeth, widow of James Canuedy. Her maiden name 
was Griffith. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Madison 
County. She and John Ayle had a family of eight children, three of whom 
are now living. 

Among the earliest settlers of Jefferson Township was James Burn- 
ham, son of James and Tamma (Holt) Burnham, who, during a life of 
sixty-six years — forty of which were passed in that township, in the plain, 
substantial occupation of farming — was widely known as a public-spirited 
and leading citizen, always ready to assist in every enterprise designed to 
promote fclie public welfare, and always occupying positions of public trust 
till near the close of life, when failing health forbade. He was born in 
Windham County, Conn., December 12, 1791. and came to Ohio in 1817, 
with a large train of emigrants, over fifty of whom were Burnharus, and 
who settled in Madison, Union and Champaign Counties. James Burnhani 
located in the northwest part of Jefferson Township, where for years he kept 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 631 

hotel on a stretch of the Columbus & Urbana Stage Route, then very thinly 
settled, and whence he removed, about 1832, to a farm adjoining Jeffer- 
son, then not yet laid out. 

In those earliest days of settlement, when Indians still prowled around, 
military organizations were thought useful ae well as ornamental, and a 
brigade of cavalry was organized from the counties of Madison and Union, 
and perhaps Champaign. Of this brigade Mr. Burnham was appointed 
General, and for many years its parades were marked days in the calendar. 

In very early days, Mr. Burnham was elected County Cummissioner, 
and was continuously re-elected to this responsible post for a period fifteen 
or eighteen years. He was also, in very early days, elected Justice of the 
Peace, and was re-elected to that office till his successive terms amounted 
to over thirty years, and till, in 1854, he declined a re-election. In all 
these positions, and wherever known his name was a synonym for integ- 
rity, good judgment and fidelity to every trust. 

In 1823, Mr. Burnham married Mary Ann Jones, whose family was 
from Pemberton, N. J., and who was a sister of Rev. Isaac Jones, so widely 
known throughout that region. Mr. Burnhani died January 6, 1857, leav- 
ing his widow, who survived him nine years, and three sons and a daugh- 
ter. The eldest of these, James S., is editor and publisher of the Index, a 
weekly newspaper at Minneapolis, Kan. The second, Lester A., occupies 
the paternal farm, near Jefferson; and the third son, John, is located 
at San Jose, Cal. The daughter, Emma, survived her father only two years, 
dying in the bloom of early womanhood. Besides these, two daughters 
died in childhood, and a third, Mary, in 1848, two years after her marriage 
to Thornton Ross. The younger brothers of James Burnham located in 
Jefferson Township — Nathan and Lester H., the former of whom died in 
November, 1882, and is sketched in another place. The younger, Lester 
H. , died about 1866, and his widow and children removed to Kansas. Es- 
pecial mention should be made of the unswerving courage and loyalty to 
conscience of Lester H. Burnham, who, with N. C. Davis and Moses Byers, 
made up the trio of Abolitionists and underground railroaders of the county 
for many years, when to be such was to be the object of general scorn and 
derision, and who assisted loads of fugitives on their weary way to Canada, 
then the nearest land where a black man could safely shout liberty. These 
men aided in the organization of the Republican party, and saw the triumph 
of their principles when slavery perished by the very sword it had drawn 
against freedom. N. C. Davis is still living, and resides near Mechanics- 
burg, Ohio. Moses Byers removed to Iowa about the year 1850. 

Tin' emigration of the Foster family brought, in its turn, the family 
of Thomas Timmons, who was born in Pennsylvania. He was a son of Pe- 
ter and Elizabeth Timmons, both natives of Pennsylvania, where he died, 
but Elizabeth came to Ohio and died about the time of the late war. Thom- 
as was raised in his native State, where he married Hannah (Silvers) Peo- 
ples. They had one child when they bought and settled on the Lewis Foster 
farm. There he lived until his death. October, 1864. He bad, however, 
buried his wife in 1853, and at his death left his second wife a widow. He 
was the father of eleven children, five of whom are living now. viz., Rebec- 
ca, Mary, Thomas F., Laura and Asa T. Thomas Timmons was an indus 
trious and frugal pioneer. He was a man of rugged constitution, and, 
though not wealthy, placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He was 
much interested in the establishment of what is now known as Alder Chapel, 
and liberally assisted to thai end. He was of a «[uie! turn, and very atten- 



632 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

« 
five to his interests at home. He was well estimated in the minds of the 
people. 

Whilst mention has previously been made of the pioneer, Philip Sid- 
ener, we deem it nothing more than due a pioneer family such as they to 
more particularly outline them further, as what ha3 been said in regard to 
the pioneer was in connection with other events. 

Philip, as previously stated, came to Ohio early in the present century, 
and remained until his death, which occurred about the year 1828. Hw 
was a peaceable pioneer and frontier woodsman; had many combats with 
wild animals, which then roamed the forest of Ohio and frequently came in 
contact with the Indians, but, as they were generally peaceable, as well as 
he, they never had any trouble, save once, when he received a wound in the 
arm, which he carried to his grave. He was a noted pioneer, of rather a 
discontented nature. His son David was born in Kentucky about 1790, and 
died at Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1880, at a great age. He matured in 
Jefferson Township; was not a large man, but was vigorous, energetic, and 
possessed a strong constitution. He was determined in his undertakings, 
and possessed the trait of economy, which placed him among the substan- 
tial farmers of the county. He served from Madison County in the war of 
1812, under Gen. Hull, and was taken prisoner at Hull's surrender, taken 
to Canada, where he endured many privations connected with the military • 
prisoners of that day. He returned home, and, soon after the close of 
the war, married Elizabeth Hann, a native of New Jersey, and died in 
1833, leaving as her posterity eight children, seven of whom are now liv- 
ing. David's second wife was Nancy Bond, of whom five children were 
born, and three are now living. His settlement was on the farm now owned 
by John Heath, about one mile south of Jefferson. There he lived until 
the Centennial year, when he located in Columbus, Ohio. At the time of 
his death, he had lived a widower fourteen years. He and family were 
generally members of the Methodist Church. His political affiliations were 
given to the interest of the Old-Line Whig and Republican parties. 

ROADS. 

For months and years after the whites began to penetrate the wilds of 
the territory in question, there were no roads but a few Indian trails, the 
most prominent one of which we have previously merely mentioned. It 
passed rather westerly through the township, entering just north of the 
National pike. However, the first route cut out for a thoroughfare was the 
old State road. It entered the territory in question a little south of the 
National pike, passing westward, bearing a little to the north, crossing the 
line of the National pike just in front of the residence of James Peene, and 
continuing in almost the same direction through the township. It was a 
thoroughfare from east to west, and great stage- loads of passengers were 
hourly seen going by the few pioneer huts then along the line. This, 
however, was not long open for travel until a road was opened from Amity 
to Georgesville. being a line almost due north and south, or at a right an- 
gle from the State road. 

Next in order came the great National pike, which was surveyed almost 
on the fortieth parallel, through the township, very nearly due east and 
west. It awakened the interest of the people, amd many who had as yet 
thought little of settling in Madison County were now induced to come from 
the East and make their homes along such a great road. It added new fa- 
cilities, increased travel, enlarged business and gave the people new 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 633 

f 

thoughts. The great pike resulted in the abandonment of the State road, 
and now few traces of it are to be seen. After the building of the National 
pike, the roads became more and more numerous, until now they cross the 
township at right angles and triangles, and are too numerous to mention. 
The roads are for the most part pikes, and in every instance are free of toll, 
which speaks well for the enterprise of the citizens. 

EARLY INCIDENTS, CUSTOMS AND REMINISCENCES. 

The earliest incident of note we have to place upon record is a bear 
chase by Reason Francis, which must have taken place as early as 1805. 
He was one day wending his way homeward on horseback through the dense 
forest, when he discovered a large bear, which he decided to give chase. The 
thought was executed by putting his horse under a good speed-, but, after 
a long and continuous chase through the woods, and his horse being almost 
exhausted, the bear struck on a trail, or path, which led by the pursuer's 
house, standing then on the east bank of Little Darby. Down the path the 
chase continued, and, when passing by his house, he succeeded in getting 
his dog to pursue the animal, which soon resulted in treeing bruin near 
the creek. The dog was very vicious, and, when the bear ascended the tree, 
he fastened his teeth so firmly in the bears' ham that the b«ar carried him 
up the tree. Upon reaching the first limb, which chanced to be one partly 
decayed, the bear hoped to rest and free himself from his enemy; but alas! 
the limb broke, and down came dog and bear, the latter seizing the dog in 
his squeezers and making him howl terrifically, when Francis, with his 
tomahawk, came up and buried it in the skull of his victim, releasing his 
faithful dog. The horse had been so completely exhausted that he soon 
afterward died from the effects. 

About 1825, there was a wolf den near the residence of the late A. R. 
Haynes. The animal made iis usual visits'south to the plains, on the Roberts 
and Heath farms, to catiih sheep. A large pit was dug in the ground near 
his path, covered over with a board arranged on a pivot, and bait suspended 
in the air. The animal scented it and became the desired victim. Rev. 
Isaac Jones was called to the scene. A forked stick was procured and 
placed over the animal's neck. Mr. Jones then had some one hold the 
stick, keeping the wolf close to the ground, and he descended, chained and 
gagged the animal, came out and took the wolf to John Mills' grist-mill, 
where he was kept to fight dogs for a long time. The wolf-trap was thought 
lessly left open, and subsequently a neighbor's cow became a victim of the 
same trap. After several long and continuous searches, she was given up 
as being strayed off, but was finally found, after a long while, in the wolf- 
pit, in almost a decomposed condition. Rev. Jones seems to have been 
much given to hunting. In 1835, when game was becoming scarce, a large 
crowd assembled for a wolf-hunt, and such other animals as might be with- 
in their intended circle. Rev. Jones was appointed to climb a tree, and 
when the game was driven near him, to do the shooting. As he was as- 
cending the tree, a Mr. Pitcher handed him his gun, and the hammer 
caught on Pitcher's sleeve, resulting in firing off the gun, and the ball 
passing through Jones' wrist, crippling him for life. His attendant phy- 
sician was Jonathan Alder. The accident badly affected the hunt, but still 
a few wolves and some deer were caught. 

licenm >. 
We feel that it will not be out of place to record an aet of the Com- 
missioners at a meeting of June 2, 1812, "ordering that each tavern of 



634 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



^^i^^lJ^^^^^ liceDseof •*■" The same was 
oidered in Ibid An act of the Commissioners of 1847 was that each phv 
sician then practicing medicine in Jefferson Township should pay a Hcen e 
far such privilege to the amount of $3 for that year. 1 The aX^ySn 

EARLY INDUSTRIES, TAVERNS AND STAGE ROUTES. 

Probably the first man to keep a store within the territory to which 

wLTIidou hTw?^ Gil r re '7 h ° ° PeDed "P S °°- fter N- Hampton 
was laid out. He was a one-legged man. and it was quite inconvenient for 

lZ Jll Mbvtc^ 8 °° n T???£ take iH a ^ Td Tn acco d. 
arm but t£ ™ n " aSS ° Ciated ' but the late had two legs and only one 

arm, but the business was managed quite well, after all. Dalby would mt 
he goods, do the selling, and Gilmore would tie them up, and thus the v fol 
owed their business. Dalby became the first merchant in Jefferson here 
after mentioned. It is generally believed that Benjamin Pike kept the 
post office and tavern in New Hampton as early as 1825, but we think th't 
the first tavern within the limits of the township was kept by a Mi Attin 

Jahn°E ^obe t The'l^H ' ^ ^^ /° dS norfh * ^ -sidetce of 
inn for 'that dav b,l ; " !^ "k^ ^ &Dd f ° rmed a comfortable 
mn tor that day, but it ceased to do business when the National oike was 
completed. Atkinson remained there until his death. Just west of 1^ 
tZ ■ I C ^ rter ° f " ? ile ' ° n the Same road ' was oilier tav^n, but he 

rrwidrr a a dv e wi uuWn - Auother tavern was *** - *- *£* £ 

b} a wido* lady, whose name is given us as Tacy Widener. We next come 

LI I ?? ne ? , by - J - W " Sim P ki »s> on the National pike, where the 

American Hotel stood, in Jefferson, which was followed up in the v Hale 

bv 1 foil e timG (18 f i ^ 1845) ' tW — five hM * Sp in Jeffersol' 
by the following parties, viz.: R. S . Nichols, Nathan -Patterson Baltzer 
Mantle, James Hughs and George Chapman. For a number of year, there 

™Z?Tim'^£*M Y ?r£ g fla T S deStl '°^ d theAmeriU in ho 
spring or ] 882, and the Mantle House, kept by E. R. Hill, is the onlv one 
open for business m the township. } 

The old stage company, known as Neil, Morse & Co., was established 
in an early day, when they traveled the State road. Thev continued bus 

m£ " Thufthf ti0nal ^J" bUllt ' * *** -»^ & 

raiWd t£ iT ° nJOye i 1 the great road until the buil ^ng of the 

aihoad Ihey usually ran from three to five coaches each wav dailv 

through Jefferson, and made business lively J 7 



CHURCHES. 



ship w S2 ^^. OI « a iL 12ed w^m the present limits of Jefferson Town- 

FasteTTn 180S flZ ^^ Whi ° h met at the residence of *ev. Lewis 
lostei in 1808, and organized a small society. We are able to «- ive a few 
of the names constituting the original class: Lewis Foster and wife 
Joshua John, Benjamin and Joseph, four sons of Rev Foster and Their 
wrves; Rebecca Tamilson; Cassa Dwyer; Joseph Downing hi brother 
Frank and their wives; John Hayden, wife and family. Amonl the fi s 
E^E^lET* t," 1: " S W T ReVS " William Si "-°-- Daniel Dav d 

uSil fn ^EJK&B r T 8hi r d iD tlUMr re8f>ective h0mes alternately 
unui m juarcn, is_„. when Rev. Foster and wife deeded two acres and 
farty-three poles to a bod) of Trustees for the sum of fio" and for ie p£ 





cJ^ y Q/&#&^ 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 637 

pose of erecting thereon a church building. The Trustees at the time were 
John Hayden, Frank Downing, John Buck, John Foster and Joseph Powers. 
The deed was acknowledged before Squire Samuel Sexton, of New Hampton. 
A comfortable hewed-log church was soon erected, wherein the note;- ■• 
praise were sounded to the All-Wise, and their hearts rejoiced in the privileges 
they then enjoyed. Now the ground is ornamented with a comfortable as 
well as a neat and attractive brick church. The present Trustees are 
Chauncy Beach, John Millikin, Owen Harbage, Philip Tewax and A. J. 
Dickerson. The last named is now serving as Class-Leader. 

The Methodist Church of Jefferson —The society at Foster Chapel had 
grown and cast its seed in the vicinity of the village of Jefferson, but not 
until 1833 was there a class organized here, which consisted of about ten 
or a dozen members, a part of whose names we are able to record, viz. : 
Ezekiel Arnett and wife; a Mr. Mortimore and wife, who lived in a log 
house where the residence of James Peene now stands, and in whose house 
the society was organized; Mrs. Jarvis Pike and Mrs. Mary Lewis. The 
officiating minister was Rev. Gravett. They were industrious and zealous in 
the good work begun, and erelong the class numbered almost double as 
many as at first. They woi'shiped in Mortimore' s residence mostly until 
1836, when they commenced holding their meetings in the schoolhouse in 
Jefferson, where they were served by Rev. Sutton. They experienced some 
unpleasantness with the Universal ists, who also used the same building, and 
in 1837. even though the flock was small, and financially not able, they had 
the will, and also found the way, to erect a substantial frame church, on 
Lot No. 50, in the village of Jefferson. While in this bouse, the society 
still enlarged, and in 1862 a more modern and comfortable brick edifice was 
erected, at a cost of about $5,000. They have a good bell of 1,378 pounds, 
a parsonage, and the total value of the property is about $8,000. Their 
present membership will number about one hundred and seventy-five, and 
they have an interesting Sabbath school. 

Blair Chapel. — Methodism still continued to grow in the township of 
Jefferson, and in 1844 we find, largely by the efforts of the Blair family, 
that a society was organized about four miles northwest of the last-men- 
tioned congregation. In the year above given, Rev. J. W. Young, of the 
Marysville Circuit, was solicited to come and organized the society, which 
resulted in the following members: John Blair and Jency, his wife, G. W. 
Blair, R. C. Blair, Jacob B. Coon, J. C. Coon, Elizabeth Tillman, Leonard 
Thomas. J. Zsidock Chapman, Hiram Stodard and Eliza Stodard. Four of 
the original class are now living. The church has had numerous revival-. 
and swollen its membership to about seventy in all, and is new served 1>\ 

Rev. . For nine years after the society was organized, they wor 

shiped in the residence of G. W. Blair, when they all threw their mite to 
gether; Mr. Blair donated a lot from his farm, and a frame church edilic< 
was constructed, plain but comfortable, at a cost of about $700, and was 
dedicated in the fall of 1853, by Rev. Uriah Heath. The building served 
them a period of twenty-nine years, with the nominal expense for repairs 
of $20 — a striking illustration of economy. At present there is a substan- 
tial brick church, five miles northwest of Jefferson, nearing comple- 
tion, on the farm of E. B. Haynes. who donated the lot on which it stands. 
The bnilding is 32x52, with steeple and bell. It is to be completed a1 a 
cost of about s-J.()()0. 

The Baptist Church of Jefferson. — Among the early settlers of New 
Hampton we find the most of them from New Jersey, and the majority of 



688 HISTOR\ OF MADISON COUNTY. 

them dinging to t ho persuasion o\' the Baptist Church. The date we are 
unable to give, but, during the earlj part of t ho third deoade of thi> present 
oentury, Rev. [saao Jones 1 labors resulted in organizing the firsl society of 
Baptists in this township. They firsl worshiped in a very plain log hut. 
which stood about twenty paces west of (ho gate entering the Hampton 
Cemetery. Its oeiling was only abouteight feet high, covered with clap- 
boards. Subsequently, however, a brick, as they thought of modern 9tyle, 
was erected, and. if now standing, would bo near the center of the cemetery. 
It was 20x32, and twelve feel oeiling, which served them until about L848, 
when they built their present frame in the village of Jefferson; but now a 
now and handsome church edifice is expected in the near future. 

Rev. Jones Labored hard in the cause o\' Christianity in his chosen 
ohurch, possessing unwavering fidelity. The people were industrious and 
determined to sustain the oanse. Rev. Jones continued Ins ministerial la- 
bors here until his death, in 1842. The ohurch qow numbers Beventy-six 
members, and prosperity still seems to strotoh forth an inviting hand. 
They are served b\ Rev. L. R. Moors, the present incumbent. The church 
property is in the hands of a Hoard of Trustees, composed of J. T. Colliver, 
ML*. D., George Silvers and C C. Jones. The present Church Clerk and 
Treasurer aro Quinn Bradley and L. D. Hull, respectively. 

Alder Chapel Universalist Church was organized as a society in the 
spring of l s bi>. known, as the First Universalist Church of Jefferson Town 
ship, though there had been for years occasional visits o\' Universalist min 
isters. direoted to the interest of the vicinity. In the year the society was 
organized, Thomas Timmons deeded a half acre of ground in considera- 
tion of $50, on which to build a church edifice, and the same year a com 
fortable, plain, but neat struoture, 28x40 feet, was erected, at a cost of 
about $1,000, including the boll. The society now numbers twenty-three 
members, and is served by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Crosley, of London, 
Ohio. Since the re-organization in L874, it has boon regularly served, 
and it has since that time also boon designated as Alder Chapel, and is 
undei the control of a Board of Trustees, viz., C. G-. High, Stephen Can 
and P. -I. Cutler. 

St. Simon am! Jude's Catholic Church. — The settlement of Catholics 
dates quite early between Columbus and Springfield, but very sparsely for 
a time. They were, however, visited by different clergymen about every 
throe months, who held services in the respective dwellings of the members 
subsequently in the Town Hall of Jefferson. In this manner was Cathol- 
icism nursed in its infancy in Jefferson Township, but not until the year 
1864 was the subject o l i a church edifice agitated, when Rev. John M. Con- 
way took the matter in charge Soon afterward, a subscription was begun 
and favorably patronized. In L866, Edward Buck donated the lot for the 
church, and in the Kpring of 1867 the foundation was begun and the corner- 
stone laid Ma_\ 1*.' of the same year, b\ the Kt Rev. Sylvester H Rosecrans, 
p of Columbus, Ohio The building is a brick. 34x6? feet, and was 
Completed to the tower under the management of Father Conway. It was 
dedicated b\ Bishop Edward Fitzgerald, of Little Rock, Ark., October 31, 
1869, and has since been served t\\ the Revs. F MLoGrath, J, M. Thisse, •' 
A Burns, 11 Kiffmeyer and \Y. V. O'Rourke, under the supervision of Fa 
ther Conway, but in March of 1ST:?. Rev. B M Midler took charge, and is 
the present pastor. In the meantime, the standing debt has been released, 
and. during l s 7 l d. a tower and belfry, ninety one feet in height, erected, 
and furnished with a good bell of 1 *_ >: U pounds, at a total cost, building and 



JEFFERSON TOWNS)! 1 1'. 639 

all, of about $7,000. Nearly seventy families worship in the buildii 
which about uine are German. 

African Methodist Church. In the y<-m L865, the spirit of Method 
ism was first kindled among the colored people of Jefferson, of whom we 

mention the names of Mary Smith, Andrew Bayless and wife, David 
Siago, Louisa Walker, Pereene Ricks, Mary Cooper, and a few others. 
They were first visited by lt«-v. Edward Wright, and through his efforts a 
few acce sione were made, and the society regularly served with a min- 
ister ever since. Their membership is composed of twenty five. The 
society fir liped in private dwellings, and mo embled at the 

house of "' Mother" Smith, whose door was always open and her reception 
warm to any who might choose to enter. The si >y and by, 

to renl a house; though very poor, it answered the purpose, and finally, in 

1 they purchased their present property, which is the old academy and 
grounds. The building isvery plainly furnished, the total value of grounds 
and building being estimated at $1,000. It is under the controlof a Board 
of Trustees, composed of Martin V. Ricks, Henry Jonee and Washington 
Boone. Tin- first-named Trustee is also Class-Leader, ae well af one of the 
Stewards, with Henry Jonee and Henry Grimes. 

-< BOOLS. 

The firsl efforts toward enlightening the mindsof the young and drill 
ing them in the way they should go was brought about by the feeble but 
fruitful effort of Lucinda, widow of Thomas Jones. She was better known 
\>\ her maiden name, Lucinda Burnham. She procured a subscription and 
taught a chool of a few scholars about 1823, in a log hut thai stood on the 
present site of Pleasant Hill Cemetery. George Pike, an early settler in 
the vicinity, and Erom New Jersey, followed farming and teaching school. 
H ugh! in the same cabin as hie predecessor, bul not until about 1Sj!0. 
The cabin was of the rudest kind round poles or logs, chinked with split 
sticks, and plastered with mud, greased paper drawn over openings to ad 
mit the light, a huge fire place, puncheon floor, Blab writing desks and 

. which would present to view a wonderful contrast if compared with 
the modern built and furnished one- of thie latter quarter of the nineteenth 
century. It wae generallj e, in those days, that the man whose 

abilities were superior to the most illiterate rustic, could, if he gained the 

pathy and confidence of the people, and their support, teach a subscrip- 
tion school; but in this Jefferson Township may feel proud of not having 

vn. In 1826 or 1827, oneof the best of citizens, viz., Samuel Sexton 
who was a man of considerable ability, and above all, a gentleman -began 
teaching. A.1 this time, Mr. Sexton was a widower, and. having a double 
log house, he obtained subscription and taught a session or two in one room 
of his dwelling. In this school, Abraham. Cyntha, Abner, Rhoda, Mary, 
Lewis. Martin and Catharine Join sob Gates, Henry Penny and a 

hose name we have been unable to obtain, were taught. 

About L830 or 1831, there was a better and more comfortable c 
building erected, and probably the first real choolhouse in the township. It 
.'■■ - built justwest of the present residence of MaryVickers, which wae used 
until the year L836, when a frame b teded it, but located in the 

village of Jefferson. The schools of those days were vastly different from 
the present one-. Whilst we have our rooms ornamented with charts, maps 
and globes, the most prominent ornament in those d< < I supply 

of beech withes, which were used ame purpose that teachers now 



640 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

overcome by moral suasion. The earliest records of the township, if any 
were kept, have been lost, and the earliest dates and statistics we can ac- 
curately give are in the year 1840. when we find there were seven districts, 
with a State tax of $217, and local tax of $157.28, total of $374.28, which 
was proportional to the enumeration divided among the several districts, 
as follows: District No. 1. with thirty-two pupils, $29.94; No. 2, with forty- 
nine pupils, $45.85; No. 3, with forty- eight pupils, $44.91; No. 4, with 101 
pupils, $94.50; No. 5, with twenty-six pupils, $24.33; No. 6, with ninety-eight 
pupils, $91.70; No. 7, with forty-six pupils, $43.05; total number of pu- 
pils, 400; total cash. $374.28 — making an average of nearly 94 cents 
public fund annually to each pupil in the township. 

From this onward, we find schools more numerous and qualifications of 
teachers better, until now they have eleven schoolhouses in the township, 
and generally supplied with either a graduate of some good normal school, 
or a self-made teacher of determined will. The houses are all brick save 
one, principally new, of modern style and furniture, and good schools are 
maintained. There are, however, four fractional districts, viz. : No. 8, 
which is formed from Jefferson, Monroe and Deer Creek; No. 3 is formed 
from Fairfield and Jefferson, and No. 1 is formed from Canaan and Jeffer- 
son. The Board of Education is composed of eleven members, viz. : No. 
1, L. C. Alder; No. 2, Philip Durflinger; No. 3, Joshua Truitt; No. 4, Ab- 
ner Jobnson; No. 5, Isaac H. Hambleton; No. 6, D. S. Conklin; No. 7, S. 
K. King; No. 8, John Seaman; No. 9, J. M. Wilson; No. 10, E. B. Haynes; 
No. 11, Owen Harbage. The last named is President of the Board. The 
frame building previously mentioned in Jefferson was succeeded, in 1845, 
by an academy, which Jeremiah Olney was instrumental in organizing. 
The institution was conducted by a stock company, but soon failed to meet 
their expectations and sank into oblivion as an enterprise such as it was in- 
tended, but not until 1856 was the building bought by the School Board 
from Horace Putman, who had bought it of Olney. We are led to believe 
that about this time Jefferson was set apart as a special school district, and 
the building last mentioned served the district until 1868, when a new and 
handsome brick was completed, at a cost of $17,000, including grounds and 
furniture. The building is two-story, 50x72 feet, contains six rooms, and a 
large hall, 25x50. The schools are in a good condition, and superintended 
by Prof. F. Pearson, with four assistants. The School Board is Jacob Mc- 
Neal, Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr. J. T. Colliver, John E. Eoberts, Eugene Babb 
and J. J. Booth, the last named being Clerk of the Board. 

CEMETERIES. 

The oldest of these sacred spots in Jefferson Township is that at Foster 
Chapel, which was used as a burying- ground as early as 1808, when the 
burial of a child of a Mr. Maythorne first dedicated the ground to the pur- 
pose for which it is now used. The original lot was. as we find most early 
cemeteries, without much regularity or order, but an addition has since 
been made, and order and regularity are maintained. It is under the 
cliaige of the Board of Township Trustees. The location is an admirable 
one for its purpose, and is known far and near as containing the remains of 
Jonathan Alder. 

From the gravestones that mark the resting-places of about the first 
interred here, we find the following: During 1810, Jane Buck and Jane 
Smith: 1812, Hannah Uder and Thomas Foster; 1814, John Kilgore and 
Margaret Alder; L815, J. Blont: 1817, Anna Morris and her son John; 



JEFFERSON TOWNSE1IP. 641 

.1818, Henry Smith; 1820, Elizabeth Moore, John Belsher and Thomas 
Tomlinson; 1821, Elizabeth Powers and an infant son of Paul Alder; 1823, 
Rachel Downing, Walter Powers, Harry and Henry Smith. Among the 
elder persons interred here we record the following: John Kilgore, eigh'y- 
five years; Thomas Kilgore, eighty years nine months and twenty-four days; 
and Elizabeth Timmons, seventy-seven years four months and six days. 
The monument of Ambrose Beach marks the doorstep of the original church 
building. He was an old pioneer of Canaan Township, and an honored citi- 
zen. 

New Hampton Cemetery, containing about two acres and located near the 
village of Jefferson, was laid out and granted by Samuel Jones in the year 
1823, and in the same year he dedicated it by the interment of his wife. 
Among a few other early interments, we find Daniel Sexton in 1823; Sarah, 
wife of Samuel Sexton, in 1827; and Elizabeth, their daughter, in the same 
year. Anna, wife of Levi Hann, died in 1831; and Anna, wife of Jacob 
Hann, in the year following. This cemetery contains the remains of Rev. 
Isaac Jones, who was interred in 1842. The grounds were never regularly 
laid out, hence no systematic order was maintained, and under the control 
of no special body or company; but for the last few years it has beeD man- 
aged by the officials of the township to which it belongs. 

Pleasant Hill Cemetery is located about one mile west of Jefferson, and 
contains five acres, including the fence and half of the pike. It was laid 
out by Sebastian Roberts in 1864. The first interment was Thomas, father 
of Sebastian Roberts, in September of the year in which it was laid out, 
and in December of the same year was interred Susan, widow of Thomas 
Roberts. In 1869, the founder's body was laid to rest in the yard. The 
cemetery remained in the hands of the widow and his heirs until the fall 
of 1880, when it was bought by an incorporated stock company of ten mem- 
bers. The company was fully organized March 7, 1881, and the following 
Board of Officers elected: Trustees are Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr. J. T. Colliver, 
Quinn Bradley, Dr. Charles Snyder and Martin Kuehner; the last-named was 
chosen President; Jacob McNeal, Secretary; and W. W. Fellows, Treas- 
urer. Since the yard was laid out, lots have been for sale. Good order 
and system have been maintained. 

Another of the cities of the dead is Blair Cemetery, located four miles 
northwest of town, and containing one acre of land. It was donated to its 
sacred purpose in 1853, by G. W. Blair, and on May 1 of the same year, it 
received the body of Rebecca J. Blair, the donor's daughter. It now con- 
tains about two hundred interments, and, in consequence of its location, is 
sometimes called Pleasant Hill. It has always been free for interments, 
and G. W. Blair looked upon as General Superintendent, but is under con- 
trol of the Township Trustees. 

Calvary Cemetery is nicely located three-fourths of a mile south of the 
Catholic Church, on the Lilly Chapel pike, and consists of two acres, which 
was donated for the purpose by John Fry in 1877. It was consecrated No- 
vember 14 of the same year, by Archbishop J. B. Purcell, of Cincinnati, 
and has ever since been the burial-place of the Catholic people of this vi 
cinity, whose loved ones are asleep in the Lord. 

JEFFERSON (FORMERLY NEW HAMPTON). 

In an early day, the settlers needed a point closer than Franklinton 
for some one to keep in store such necessaries as were likely to be handled 
by the pioneer merchant. In consequence, on July 5, L822, Samuel Jones 



1 142 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

and Samuel Sexton acknowledged the original plat of New Hampton and 
signing of deed, before Justice A. Burnham. There were three streets east 
and west, viz., Main, North and South streets, each (sixty feet wide; two 
alleys east and west, \iz., Jones and Sexton. The streets north and south 
were five in number, and the first three were each sixty feet in width, and 
the last two mentioned were forty-nine and a half— Friend, Center, Pearl, 
1'nion and Prairie. There were ninety-three lots, mostly four by ten poles 
in size. The town had accumulated a store or two, two or three taverns, a 
post office, about seven families, and a Baptist Church, most of which have 
heretofore been spoken of. It was not long after the National pike was 
opened until all business and dwellings were moved to the great road, and the 
pioneer village, save the church, sank into utter oblivion. Benjamin Pike, 
one of Hampton's citizens, was Postmaster, hotel -keeper, and for a number 
of years served in the State Legislature, as what they termed "Second 
Mate." 

Since the town of New Hampton was the beginning of Jefferson, we deem 
it not inappropriate to continue the history of the last-named village, which 
is frequently improperly called West Jefferson, in consequence of the post 
office being so named. The town was laid out in September, 1831, by Kev. 
Isaac Jones, who owned the land. The lots, sixty-four in number, were 
surveyed in the same fall, by James Millikin, father of the hardware mer- 
chant of the place, at this writing. Unlike most villages, a few years only 
elapsed until, on April 24, 1834, dates the first meeting of the Town Coun- 
cil at the post office to incorporate the place and have special laws and gov- 
ernment, as the citizens deemed advisable. 

At this meeting. John W. Simpkins was chosen President; David Wil- 
son, Recorder; and the following the Common Council: David Mortimore, 
Ferrin H. Olmsteadt, James Roberts, Wilson Graham, Abraham Hare, 
Joseph Powers; the last-named was chosen Marshal. Ezekial Arnett was 
appointed the first Street Supervisor. 

The first ordinance the Council passed was to charge circus shows, etc., 
the sum of $10 license for every twenty-four hours' exhibition. At the same 
meeting, they passed an ordinance to charge a grocery -keeper the sum of 
$35 license a year. In May, 1834, the Council passed an ordinance that 
the President should have for his services and stationery annually $12; 
Recorder, $10; Marshal, $5; and Treasru'er, $5. The second meeting of 
the Council, all members were present save Olmsteadt, who, by motion of 
Abraham Hare, was fined $1 for non-attendance. Subsequently. James Rob- 
erts was also fined i?l for non-attendance, but it was refunded to both in Au- 
gust of 1834. The first calaboose was built in 1835. at a cost of about 
$6( ». 

The new town soon grew to be of considerable importance, in conse- 
quence of the National road, just completed, and ere a great while it was 
not an uncommon occurrence to see daily the five hotels thronged with travel 
and the street lined with stages and horses. Among the early merchants 
were Mr. Dolby, who built the Mantle House, keeping tavern and store in 
the same building. Thomas Mortimore, J. W. Simpkins, W. J Black, J. 
Hancock. W. Graham, Nathan C. Davis, who associated with Calvin Horr. 
Abraham Hare was a hatter by trade, and opened business in the new town. 
). W. < a- Squire Simpkins kept the first post office, which was designated 
\\ est Jefferson. The town Beemed to grow rapidly, and large business firms 
located here. i_ In fact, at one time it was the leading business point in the 
county. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 643 

In 1846, O. H. Bliss, with his father, Dr. Bliss, established a large 
wholesale and retail dry goods trade, but, during their mercantile career, 
Dr. Bliss died, and the business finally became extinct. Mills, a pork-house 
and other establishments were erected and successfully carried on. but 
when the Little Miami Railroad was completed through the place, it demor- 
alized the trade of the National pike and badly affected the business of the 
village, which had sprung up as a blossom, now to wither and die. The 
town contains a population of about eight hundred, four churches, a good 
school building, six physicians, several dry goods and grocery stores, two 
drug stores, one carriage factory and two blacksmith shops, two hardware 
stores, an undertaker, one hotel and a number of saloons. 

Jefferson, by the statistics of the railroad, is increasing in business, as 
can be seen by the following receipts of West Jefferson Station way-bills 
for the year ending December, 1875, which was $4,515.54; for 1878, it was 
15,934.97; and 1881 it was $6,261.03. The receipts for tickets sold in 
1878 were $3,642.60; and for the year ending December, 1881, $4,972.70, 
which shows a steady increase both in travel and goods received at the sta- 
tion. 

The railroad traverses the township from east to west, making a dis- 
tance in the territory of about six miles. 

SECKET SOCIETIES. 

Madison Lodge, F. & A. M. , No. 221, located at Jefferson, was granted 
a dispensation under the hands of the Grand Master, W. B. Hubbard, on 
January 30, 1852, and the following were charter members: Benjamin 
Crabb, John Melvin, T. J. Stutson, Samuel Davidson, O. P. Crabb, George 
J. Archer, James Parks and Richard Acton. While laboring under the dis- 
pensation, Benjamin Crabb served as W. M.; John Melvin. S. W.; T. J. 
Stutson, J. W. They labored under the dispensation until October 'I'l. 
1852, at which time a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. 
At the first meeting after the lodge had been chartered, November 8, ]852„ 
the following officers were elected: Benjamin Crabb, W. M. ; John Mel- 
vin, S. W. ; Thomas J. Stutson, J. W.; James Parks, Treasurer; O. P. 
Crabb, Secretary; Samuel Davidson, S. D. ; Albert Downing, J. D. ; R. 
Acton, Tiler. The lodge then consisted of nineteen members. They have 
done much for the establishment of Urania Lodge, No. 311, at Plain City, 
and contributed members thereto. The present officers of the society are: 
T. J. Stutson. W. M. ; George A. Brookman, S. W. ; W. A. Boyd, J. W. : J. 
T. Colliver, Treasurer; Jacob McNeal, Secretary: J. J. Booth. S. D. ; J. C. 
Olney, J. D.; A. Miller, Tiler; Abner Johnson and John E. Roberts, Stew 
ards. They have a neat and comfortable hall, well furnished. 

Lodge No. 412 of the I. O. O. F. is located at Jefferson; was instituted 
under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, by James 
Turner, Grand Master, on June 2, 1869, with the following as charter 
members, viz.: J. C. Blair, David Oakley, W W. Fellows, J. H. Randall, 
G. C. Deems. William Peene. William C. Welling, with J. C. Blair as N. 
(i.: J. H. Randall as V. G.: G. C. Deems, Secretary: W. W. Fellows, 
Treasurer. On the evening of the first meeting, the following made written 
applications and were initiated, viz.: A. D. Burnham, W. H. Stutson. X. 
B. Blair, Martin Kuehner, J. A. Deals, W. E. Oakly and Wilson Jones. 
The Trustees then elected were A. D. Burnham and W. W. Fellows. The 
following are the officers: Jacob Martin, N. G. : W. L. Dayton, V. G; J. 
H. Beals, Secretary: Webster Olney. Treasurer. The workings of the/ 



<U4 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

lodge have been favorable, and furnished the charter members of two other 
lodges, viz., of Home and Lilly Chapel. 

WEST JEFFERSON BOOK SOCIETY. 

This society was organized in the spring of L875, besides which there 
was a branch society consisting of twenty-five members. The main society 
bound itself to supply $400 worth of serial reading matter. The object of 
the society was to encourage a taste in the community for good reading, be- 
lieving that, if such a taste is once established, it will -do more to cultivate, 
refine and civilize mankind than all that spasmodic reformers can accom- 
plish. Unfortunately, the society was of short life, and in August, 1875, 
Mat Stutson bought the books and put them in his circulating library. 

MANUFACTURING. 

About 1814, Nehemiah dates erected a grist-mill on Little Darby, 
about one mile above Jefferson, but little of the early history of it is known. 
However, in 1817, he was succeeded by John Mills, and in 1819 he attached 
a saw-mill, on which, it is believed, the first lumber was sawed in the town- 
ship, and was used for the tirst frame house of the territory in question. 
Subsequently he added a carding machine. So long as the machinery was 
operated it remained in the name of the Mills family. 

Next in order comes the saw-mill of Isaac Jones, which he contem- 
plated building where the present grist-mill stands, but, from a little un- 
pleasantness arising between him and the managers of the National road in 
regard to the race crossing the road, he abandoned the location and erected it 
in Jefferson, on Little Darby, and it w-as known as a Mutter mill. In 1836, 
he erected on the same site a grist-mill, run by an undershot wheel. A 
few years later, he connected a carding machine, and ran the three enter- 
prises until his death; at the same time followed his profession. The 
widow sold the machinery to Thomas Cartmill, who soon after erected 
a new saw-mill, yet standing, and added the second carding machine in 
L848. He conducted the enterprises until 185 7, when he erected a new 
grist-mill farther down the creek, and now operated by John Renner. This 
mill was bailt at a cost of about $5,000, Cartmill doing the most of the 
work, as he is a fair mechanic. It had an overshot wheel fourteen feet ten 
inches in diameter. The mill was started with two run of buhrs, but now 
has four. The builder operated the mill from 1858 to the spring of 1880, 
when the present owner took charge. It is known as Oak Ridge Mill, 
in consequence of it being built on a ridge once thickly-covered with that 
stately forest tiee. About 1834, John Johnson erected a saw-mill about 
five miles up Little Darby from Jefferson, and ran it about nine year-. 
when John Byerly succeeded him. and operated the mill until about 1870, 
since which it has passed into utter oblivion. 

In 1817. Charles Roberts erected a saw-mill on Little Darby, about one 
and a half miles below Jefferson, which ha- ceased to be operated. The 
year L852 marks the time when George W. Blair erected a saw-mill on 
Little Darby, five miles northwesl of Jefferson. It was operated and did a 
large business for about twenty live years, but in the meantime the build 
ing was once destroyed by fire and a new one erected. 




James L. Brad lev. 

[deceased! 



1 



DEEIl CREEK TOWNSHIP. 647 



CHAPTER III. 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township occupies a central position in Madison County, and was one 
of the early organized townships. It is bounded on the north by Monroe 
and Jefferson Townships, on the east by Jefferson Township, on the south by 
Union Township and on the west by Somerford Township. We find on the 
records at the court house in London the following bearing date April 30. 1810:, 
"At a meeting of the commissioners of Madison County, present John Arbuckle 
and William Gibson; ordered that all that tract of country comprehended in the 
following boundaries be. and the same is hereby erected into a separate town- 
ship by the name of Deer Creek, and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning 
on the Franklin County line, where Jefferson Township line intersects said line, 
and running westward to the northeast corner of John Melville's survey on the 
glade; thence with the south line of Jefferson Township to the north line of 
Mark's survey on Little Darby Creek, including all the settlement on Spring 
Fork to the Champaign County line; thence with said line to the East Fork of 
Deer Creek, at or near Levin Gibson's ; thence in a direction to strike the 
southwest corner of Humble's survey; thence on a direct line to the southwest 
corner of the Widow Taylor's plantation; thence to the northwest corner of John 
Melville's survey, thence to the beginning." 

From the same records we find a second erection of the township bearing 
date .June 11, 1811, as follows : " At a meeting of the Commissioners of Madi- 
son County, ordered that all that tract of country comprehended in the follow- 
ing boundary be, and the same is erected into a separate township by the name 
of Deer Creek, and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the southeast 
corner of Jefferson Township ; thence westwardly with Jefferson Township line 
to Darby Township line ; thence with said line to Champaign County line ; 
thence south with the said line, to the south boundary of Levin Gibson's sur- 
vey ; thence eastwardly to the south boundary of Uriah Humble's tract of land, 
or P. Neal's ; thence eastward to the Widow Taylor's on Deer Creek ; thence to 
the northwest corner of John Melville's survey; thence eastwardly to the county 
line of Franklin County, and from thence to the place of beginning." The line 
between Union and Deer Creek Townships was changed June 6, 1836, as follows: 
" At a meeting of the Commissioners of Madison County, on petition being 
presented, ordered that the line between Deer Creek Township and Union 
Township, be altered to run as follows, to wit ■ Beginning at the northwest 
corner of Jefferson Melville's land, and southwest corner of John Adair's land, 
and to run westerly to strike the La Fayette road, ten poles south of the Glade, 
between B. Bowdery's and D. J. Ross; thence the same course continued until it 
strikes the present line which divides said townships, so as to include D. J. 
Ross into Union Township." 

SURFACE AND SOIL. 

The township is generally level and the soil a deep, rich, black loam over 
a great portion of its territory, especially those portions which wore originally 
in prairie, and those portions that were covered with timber and a heavy under- 
growth on the more flat and level portions, are a very rich black loam. Some 
of the land a little more rolling and broken, has a mixture of loam anil clay, 

w 



648 BISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

with a gravel subsoil ; and underneath the whole is a sub-strata of limestone, 
When the pioneers first settled upon the lands of Deer Creek Township, they 
found many portions of it destitute of timber, and covered with a coarse grass, 
and generally very wet, some of which was covered with water a greater part 
of the year, and from this condition was considered by them uninhabitable, 
and such portions were termed " barrens." Hence we find the first settlements 
were made along the banks of tin; streams, and on the more elevated lands, 
where the natural drainage was such as to render it habitable. The prairies 
and many portions sparseh* covered with trees with a thick undergrowth of 
hazel brush and grass were often set on fire by the Indians in dry seasons, and 
large sections burned over, often to the great danger and sometimes to the 
destruction of the property of first settlers. The timbered portions consisted 
principally of oak of various species, hickor} T , elm and walnut, the latter, how- 
ever, has now become nearly extinct. Of the former, white and burr oak pre- 
dominate. There is a slight elevation of the land a little north of the center of 
the township, forming a small water-shed, sufficient that the small creeks and 
streams on the north side flow northward, and those on the south side flow 
southward to the principal stream of the township. 

Deer Creek enters the township on its west border about midway from the 
northern to the southern boundary of the township, and takes a zigzag south- 
eastern course into Union Township. In its course it receives several small 
tributaries — Crooked Run, Coniac Run, Glade Run, etc. The name Deer Creek 
originated, it is believed, from the fact that in early days it was the resort of 
vast herds of deer, as it is said by the early settlers that this section of country 
abounded with that game. Glade Run drains the eastern portion of the town- 
ship, running south or southeast through the section called the Glades. These 
were originally open tracts of land, without timber, or very sparsely covered 
with trees and a heavy undergrowth ; were very wet in the winter and spring, 
and in the summer covered with an immense growth of coarse grass. 

The soil of this township is generally naturally adapted to the growth of 
grass, and from its abundance of water was especially adapted to the raising of 
stock, of which fact its settlers were quick to perceive, and entered largely into 
that business, some of whom own thousands of acres of fine pasture, and count 
their cattle and sheep try hundreds. But in later years, as the lands have be- 
come improved, ditched and drained, the soil has become better fitted Cor the 
raising of grain; and from year to year the people are giving more attention to 
the raising of wheat and corn, and there is no doubt but in a few 3 - ears this 
will be a great grain-producing township, and the raising of stock will be left 
to the great Southwest, with her vast and rich prairies and mild climate, where 
stock can be so easily raised, and with so little expense. Deer Creek was one 
of the first and original townships of the county, and possessing such excellent 
soil and natural advantages which she has, it was not strange to find the set- 
tlers early taking possession of her rich lands and dotting them over with their 
log cabins. 

PIONEERS. 

The following were the early settlers of this township, who located here be- 
tween 1800 and 1830, and were more prominently known and more active 
in pioneer work and the organizing of society. Mr. Adair was probably the 
fil'Sl bo locale in this township. He came to Deer Creek and camped over night 
on its banks, and then selected his location; this was about L802. John Adair 
settled on Deer Creek, on land now owned by James Wilson, in 1806. About 
the same year came William IMair and John Blair and settled on Glade Run, 
on the Plimell place. They were leading, active men of that day. John Blair 
was the first Clerk of the Township after its organization, and held Other offices; 
and i* i-, believed if he had lived he would have represented this di-triet in the 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 649 

Legislature. He died quite young. They were of Irish descent. William was 
a son of John Blair, and was a preacher in the New-Light Church. The same 
year (1806), John Ban* settled on the Beals place. John McCaul and Charles 
Ewing settled on the Stutson land. The latter came from Kentucky, and was 
of Irish descent. He was a very honest, upright man. and an excellent citizen. 
John Ewing settled at the same date; was a Trustee and Treasurer of the town- 
ship several years, and filled other offices of the township. .John and Adam Coon 
settled on Deer Creek just below .John Adair. William Blaine settled on Deer 
Creek just below John Adair, and near where the town of Lawrenceville was 
subsequently laid out. He was a man of considerable means for that day. and 
often loaned his neighbors small sums of money; was a man of influence and 
usefulness, and served for a time as Associate Judge. He removed West 
about the year 1842. The above are all believed to have settled in this town- 
ship prior to L806, and hence were the true pioneers of Deer Creek Township. 

From 1806 to 1810 came in the following settlers : John McDonald came 
from Tennessee and with his family settled at the Upper Glade on the Stutson 
land in 1808, and his father. .John .McDonald, who died in 1811. was the first 
person who was buried in the McDonald, or Upper < Hade Burying-C round. 
Mr. McDonald's son John still survives ; was five years old when brought to 
this county, and here has spent his life, a period of seventy-four years, nearly 
three-quarters of a century. This family have been identified with the growth 
and progress of the township from its first organization, and have been among 
her most worthy and upright citizens ; ever prompt and active in the organ- 
ization of schools and churches, and in the general moral and Christian prog- 
ress of their community. Mr. McDonald has spent a life of industry, and as 
a result of his untiring labors and economy, has become one of the wealthiest 
fanners of the township, and now owns 3,000 acres of land. 

Thomas, John and Eli Gwynne located on Deer Creek ; the former in 1816 
laid out the town of Lawrenceville, became very wealthy and died leaving a 
large estate. They were very active business men, and for some years carried 
on (piite a mercantile trade in 1'rbana and Columbus. A large family of the 
Ross name located here on Deer Creek — Angus, John, Daniel and Alexander 
Ross ; the former kept tavern at Lawrenceville. James Brown also located here 
on the opposite side of the creek from Mr. Ross. Curtis Ballard and David 
Foster were two settlers of this period of time. Charles Atchison was one of 
the promineni settlers of this time; was Township Treasurer in 1812. proba- 
bly the first to hold that office in the township. James Wright- and Daniel 
Wright were two settlers on the Glade in 1808. The latter lived a long and 
useful life. He served in many of the offices of the township ; was a Trustee 
for many years. Samuel Duncan and William Noteman settled on the west 
side of Deer Creek, nearly opposite William Blaine, who was on the east side. 
Noteman was born on the ocean, and was principally raised in Madison County. 
and was married September 28. 1817, and finally lie settled on the place now 
owned by John Lohr. He died January 14, 1827. Aaron Delano. William 
Lawrence, Gilman Lincoln, and a Mr. Pudgy, all located in this neighborhood 
about this period of time. Benjamin Garrett with his family located on Coniac 
Run in 1808, where he buill a block-house to protect them from the Indians. 
Soon after, he located on the Garrett farm where he died. He was a native of 
Virginia; emigrated to Kentucky in 1805, came to Chillicothe in 1807, and 
from there to Madison County. About 1812 came Jarvis Pike, Doris Pike, 
and Benjamin Pike, and settled on the Glade north of the National road. 
Jacob Sidener, a native of Kentucky, with his father Philip Sidener, a native of 
Virginia, came to Jefferson Township, where he died. About 1811, Jacob, 
with his sister settled on the old Ewing farm now owned by George G. McDon- 
ald. In 1818, they settled on the place where W. Clark Sidener now lives (for 



650 EIISTORY <»F MADISON COUNTY. 

further particulars of his life and family, see sketch of William Clark Sidener). 
About 1815, John Plimell settled on the Glade. Isaac Jones and Zachariah 
Jones from Tennessee, James Chriswell, John "Wiseman, Jesse Abbey and 
Heniy Cay were all settlers at Lawrenceville the same year. Samuel Bowdry 
located where La Fayette now is in 1S15. John Davidson settled on Deer 
Creek in the year 1817. 

Others of the early settlers who located in this township prior to 1820, 
we mention Asa Wright, Ira Wright, John Grarby, James Logan, John McXutt, 
John Clernoe, Joshua Littler, Nite Adair, James Stout and Franklin Clark ; the 
latter, settling in the neighborhood of Lawrenceville. was a man of considera- 
ble prominence, aud held several local offices ; was a Justice of the Peace sev- 
eral years. He died October 1, 1844, aged sixty-six years. William McCoy was 
a pioneer who deserves more than a passing notice. He came here at least as 
early as 1813, and we find him elected to office in 1819. In 1824, he was elected 
a Justice of the Peace, which office he filled a number of years. He wa9 a 
man of great integrity of character, and a very worthy and useful citizen of 
the community. • Another early settler whose life was full}' identified with 
the growth and progress of this township was William Minter. who was born 
in Virginia ; was married in Keutuckv. and in the spring of 1829 came to this 
county aud located about one mile north of La Fa}'ette. He laid out the 
town of La Fayette ; was a man of public enterprise, and with his means aud 
influence did much for the advancement of this community, and was a much 
esteemed and valued citizen ; and several of his children, who still survive aud 
reside in La Fayette, are valued and respected citizens. 

There are many names of valued citizens who settled here at a later day 
— from 1830 down — whose lives and labors have been spent in this township, 
and whose memory will long be cherished by those who knew them but to love 
and respect them ; but, as our effort is more especially to save to memory, 
from oblivion, the first settlers and their noble works and sacrifices, space 
forbids our further extension of the list, of those worthy old patriarchs and 
pioneers. But, if the reader will carefully peruse the records given hereafter, 
in this work, of the township officers, from 1812 to 1882, and also in another 
place, the names of the householders of each school district in 1826-1827, he 
will there be made acquainted with the greater number of all the settlers. 

CONFLICTS AND TRIALS. 

Sickness and death, in their varied forms, were constant visitors to the early 
settlers. This flat, wet country was full of the germs of miasma. But one of 
the most dreaded of the diseases of that day was the '-trembles, or milk sick- 
ness," which carried off many of the first settlers. Of those who died of this 
disease, we mention William Adair and wife. Mrs. Samuel Adair, Mrs. Joseph 
Adair, Samuel Bowdry, Aaron Delano, and five persons of the Cady family 
But, as the country became improved, this terrible disease disappeared. The 
mode of burying the dead was to get a four-horse wagon and team, if they could 
be had, to go after the coffin and to haul the corpse to the grave. In the early 
days, farming was carried on in a very limited manner; utensils were scarce. 
and of the most rude kinds. They had the "bar-shear and shovel-plow," and 
wooden-toothed harrows ; wagons were very scarce ; horses were worth $35 to 
$50 ; cows, from $7 to $11; three-year-old steers (fat), $8 to $11 per head ; fat 
hogs, $1 to $1.50 per hundred weight; potatoes, 10 to^5 cents per bushel ; 
hay, $2 to $3 per ton ; salt, $6 per barrel ; and no coffee was kept for sale in 
the country. 

The greater part of the barrens and much of the timbered land was lying 
out, and the wild animals roamed at will over this domain. Deer and tur- 
keys were plentiful ; forty to fifty deer could be seen in a day. and often 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 651 

seventy-five to one hundred turkeys in a flock. There were gray and black 
wolves, vvild cats, foxes, coons, polecats, minks, porcupines, opossums, and 
wild hogs. The latter wintered out and grew fat on nuts, acorns, and plums, 
which were in abundance. Preachers received from $75 to $85 per year ; 
school-teachers, from $10 to $15 per month ; and laboring hands from $7 to 
$10 per month ; and all the above generally paid in trade. 

* . EARLY CONDITIONS. 

With the first settlers, when the greater portion of this country was in its 
wild, unimproved state, and cattle, sheep and hogs were allowed to roam at 
large, and often were not seen for weeks and months by their owners, it became 
necessary to protect them in their just claims to their own stock; to distin- 
guish, beyond any doubt, one man's stock from that of his neighbor, and, to 
accomplish this, legislation came to their aid and enacted laws, declaring that 
each owner of stock, by having his own special mark branded upon his stock, 
and having the same recorded by the clerk of the township where he resided, 
should thus be protected in his ownership, from any claims of any other person 
or parties, to the stock bearing such said mark. This privilege was embraced 
by the first settlers of Deer Creek Township, and was continued in use for 
many years. 

In the Township records, in 1810, we find recorded the following: John 
Arbuckle's mark for neat cattle is — '' An under clop in each ear." Recorded 
June 2, 1810. Tobias Shields' mark for cattle, sheep and hogs is—" A swallow 
fork in the left ear. and a slit in the right." Recorded June 3, 1810. Charles 
Atchison's mark for cattle, sheep and hogs is — " A crop of each ear, and an 
upper bit in the left." Recorded July 12, 1810. John Adair's mark for cattle, 
sheep and hogs is — " An upper half crop in each ear." Recorded September 
5, 1810. Samuel Ewing's mark for cattle, sheep and hogs is — " A crop of the 
left ear, and a slit and under bit in the same." Recorded October 21, 1810. 
William Blaine's mark for cattle, sheep and hogs is — "A swallow fork in each 
ear." Recorded September 20, 1810. And thus the records continued, ad 
libitum, with stock owners for many years. 

EARLY ELECTIONS AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

From the township records, the first election w r e find was held in the spring 
of 1812, and from that date to the present year (1882) we find regular elections 
held and recorded, with few omissions, and from these records we find the offi- 
cers duly elected as follows: 

Trustees. — For the years 1812-18, John Arbuckle, John Wilson and John 
Shields; 1814 — John Barrett. .John Wilson and Shedrick Preston; 1819— G. 
Markly. Samuel Culberson and Charles Atchison; 1821 — Andrew Shields. David 
Colver and Erastus Hathaway: 1822— Richard Baldwin, John Davidson and 
Erastus Hathaway; 1823 — Charles Atchison. Erastus Hathaway and John Da- 
vidson; 1824 — John Arbuckle. Angus Ross and Benjamin Pike; 1826 — John 
Arbuckle, Benjamin Pike and Valentine Wilson; 1S27 — John Arbuckle, Ben- 
jamin Pike and John Roberts; 1828 — John Arbuckle, John Cory and Benja- 
min Pike; L829 — John Arbuckle, John Cory and John Davidson; 1830— John 
Davidson, George Prugh and Abner S. Williard; 183-4 — John Davidson. George 
Prugh and John Thomas; 1836 — John Davidson, John Roberts and William 
Hull; 1837— William Hull, John Davidson and Joseph C. Gear: 1838— William 
Hull, John Ewing and Joseph C. Gear; 1839 — Daniel Wright. John Ewing and 
Reason Lotspeich; 1840 — Daniel Wright. J. W. Davidson and 11. G. Sothoron; 
1841— •William .Minter. John Davidson and Thomas Croshaw ; 1844 — Abraham 
Simpson, Thomos Croshaw and George G. .McDonald: 1846 Stanly Watson, 
Daniel Wright and William Snodgrass; 1847 — Daniel Wright. William Suod- 



652 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

grass and James W. Tallman; 1848 — Daniel Wright, G. G. McDonald and James 
W. Tallman; 1850— Daniel Wright, G-. G-. McDonald and John McDonald, Junior; 
1851 — Daniel Wright, James Wrightand John Plimell; Hoi' -Daniel Wright. 
G. <;. McDonald and C. W. Martin"; 1853— Daniel Wright, Adam Saunders and 
('. W. Martin: 1855— Daniel Wright, W. B. Raflferty and C. W. Martin; 1856— 
Daniel Wright, George Lohr and C. W.Martin; 1857 — Daniel Wright, John 
Lohr and G. H. Busick; I860- Daniel Wright, Jesse Smith and C. W. Martin; 
1861— Daniel Wright, W. T Davidson and D.W.Williamson; 1862— Daniel 
Wright, G. G. McDonald and William Curtain; 1863 — James Dun, Jessie Smith 
and William Curtain; 1864— John A. Amos, W. H. C. McCoy and J. B. McDon- 
ald; 1866— C. W. Martin. W. H. C. McCoy and J. B. McDonald; 1867— James 
Dun, James Plimell and W. R. Fox; 1868 — James Dun. James Plimell and 
George Kaufman; 18t>!) — William Curtain, James Plimell and George Kauf- 
man; 1870 — William Curtain, James Plimell and A. B. McMurrav, 1871 — T. 
1!. Wilson. James Plimell and William Jones; 1872 — Edwin Dun, James Plim- 
ell and William Curtain: 1874— William Deals. James Plimell and T. B.Wil- 
son; 1875 — William Beals, James Plimell and Allen W. Thurman; 1876 — Will- 
iam Beals, James Plimell and T. B. Wilson; 1S77 — William Beals, James 
Plimell and William Curtain; 1878 — W. H. Jones, James Plimell and William 
Curtain; 187!) — W. EL Jones, William Bierbaugh and George Kaufman; 1880 
— George Kaufman. Alexander Husk and William Bierbaugh; 1881 — W. H. 
Jones, Alexander Husk and William Bierbaugh; 1882 — T. B. Wilson, L. 
lleadlev and George Kaufman. 

Treasurers.— 1812-18— Charles Atchison; 1819-21— George Prugh; 1822- 
23— John Ewing; 1821-28— Angus Ross; 1829-30— John C. Wagoner: 1831 
-37 — Erastus Hathaway; 1838—41 — Joseph Bell; 1812-45 — Calvin Anderson; 
L846-47— John McMullen; 1848-62— Abraham Simpson; 1863— John Min- 
,,.,-, i si; t-66— James Simpson; 1867-78— William C Minter; 1879-80— Al- 
fred Willett; 1881— William Dillow; 1882— Alfred Willett, the present incum- 
bent. 

By the official acts in recording the marks for stock, it appears that from 
L810 to 1812, the time of the first record of an election officially recorded, John 
Blair performed the work of Township Clerk, and since that election the Clerks 
have been as follows: 1812-15— John Blair: 1816-20— Angus Ross; 1821— 
Georuv R. Pearce; 1822-23— James Brown; 1823-24— S. Houston; 1821-25 
—Franklin Clark; 1825-36 —Daniel Ross; 1837— M. Stateler; 1838-39— A. 
Simpson: 1840— Franklin Clark; 1841-43 -A. K. Adair: 1844-48— E. Mc- 
Cormack; l^l>>-53— J. II. Badley; 1854-55— W. 11. 0. McCoy; isr>c,-(j2 — J. 
11. iJadlev; 18G3— L. C. Hendren; L864 -65 — J. H. Badley; 1866— S. E. Baker; 
1867— S. N. Marsh. 1868-76— B. McCampbell; 1877-1,: W. Xufer: 1878— B. 
McCampbell; 1879-82— Wesley Crouch, present incumbent. 

Justices of tin Peace. — The firsl whose election appears upon record was 
George Prugh, who was commissioned September 26, 1818, since which the 
records give elections as follows: September 1, L821, George Prugh and John 
Shields; October 2, L824, John Con and William McCoy ; October 9, L827, 
George Prngh and William McCoy: October 12. 1830, John Kennedy and 
Franklin Clark, and re-elected October 8, 1833; October 13, 1835, Ansel 
Bates, Jr.; August 2, L839, and August L3, 1812. Franklin Clark ; October 
11, 1842, John McMullen; November 1. 1844, A. Simpson; October 
25, 1845, John McMullen: November 6, HIT. A. Simpson; October L0, 
1848, John McMullen: October 30, L850, A. Simpson; October 12, 1852, 
James S. Hume: October 29, L853, A.Simpson; April 5, L858, J. II. Badley; 
December 18, L862, A. Simpson : April 23, 1864. J. 11. Badley and D. W. Will- 
iamson; April 2, L866, W. II. ('. McCoy; April 1. 1867, Bamilton Wilson: 
April:). L869, A. C Sager; April 1. L870, Christian Volca ; April 3, 1871, 



DEER (KEEK TOWNSHIP. 653 

Carl Stewart ; April 1. 1872, A. C. Sawyer; April • >, 1874, Hamilton Wilson ; 
April 6, 187."). A. C. Sager ; April 2. 1877. L. W. tfufer ; April 0. 1878, A. C 
Sager and J. C. Martin ; April 7, 1879, A. Husk ; April :>. 1880, A. Arboirast ; 
April 9, 1881, Absalom Sager ; April 3, 1882, S. C. Teeters. 

Early Constables. — 1812 — William Noteman and William Atchison; 1813 
— John Ross and James Ballard; 1819 — Alexander Ross and Jacob Steele; 
1821 — Asa Wright and James Brown; 1822— Alexander Ross and James 
Brown; 1823 — James Brown and G. W. Pike; 1824 — David Ross and .James 
Brown. The present incumbents, 1882, are. Edward Temple and Charles 
Smith. 

We now give a lew of the ollieers known in that day as Fence Viewers: 
1812 — John Arbuckle and Thomas Gwynne ; 1813 — Thomas Gwynne ; 1819 — 
Thomas Gwynne and Alexander Koss ; 1821— Isaac .Jones: 1822 — Alexander 
Ross and Joseph Adair; 1823 — Gilman Lincoln and Alexander Ross ; 1824 25 
— John Clernoe and Thomas Groves; 1826 — John McDonald and Samuel 
Houston. 

In the days of the pioneers, and for many years after the settling of this 
country, there was no County [nflrmary or other public provision made by 
the county for the care of the indigent or the infirm; but the noble-hearted 
fathers of that day never let the poor or infirm sutler for the necessities of life. 
and we find them early making provision for such through official authority of 
the townships, and on the records of Deer Creek Township we find from their 
First elections a class of ollieers known as Overseers of the Poor, whose duty 
was to look niter and provide for all such needy and unfortunate persons. 
This office, according to the records, was filled by the following persons : 
1812 — Daniel Itoss and William Marp ; 1813 — Curtis Ballard and Thomas 
Gwynne; 1819— Jacob Steele and D. Foster ; 1821 — Sutton Potee and Angus 
Ross; 1822 24 Charles Ewing and Gabriel Markle ; 1825 — John Roberts 
and .John Shields; 1826 —George Prugh and John Shields. This office was 
finally abolished, and for many years no such office has existed. 

Supervisors- We give a few of the firsl years of this office only: 1812 — -Cur- 
tis Ballard and William Pepper; 1813 — John Blair and Curtis Ballard; 181-4 — 
Robert Scott and William Noteman; 1819-21 — Ezra Markle. William McCoy 
and Angus Ross; 1822 — William McCoy, James Brown, Ezra Markle, Charles 
Atchison and Joseph Adair: and as the country improved, and new roads 
were built, uecessarily the number of Supervisors were increased, until now 
(1882) there are eleven elected to that office in this township. 

LisU rs. For man}' years after the organization of the township, the name 
or office of Assessor was not known among the offices, but to perforin a similar 
duty they elected •■ Listers," some of whom were as follows: 1812 — William Pep- 
per; 1S13 — John Shields and .John Arbuckle; 1814 — David Foster and Thomas 
Gwynne; 1819 -J. Ewingand Isaac Jones; 1821-22 — Asa Wright; 1823 — James 
Brown; 1824— John 11. Hume: 1825 — James Brown, and thus continued forsev 
era! years, till finally the term Lister ceased and Assesors were elected. In 1858, 
L. P>. Wright was elected to this office, and has been re-elected eve ry year 
since, a period of twenty ti\ e consecutive years. The elections were held in 
Lawrenceville, or more generally known as •• Limerick," till the spring of 1837, 
since which they have been held at La Fayette, now the only village in the town- 
ship. In the early days, the Treasurer was required to give bonds for $300; 
now he is required to give bonds for $7,500, thus exhibiting quite a contrast in 
the amount of funds and responsibilities of the office. 

SCHOOLS. 

The early settlers of Deer Creek Township, Like the pioneers of most 
countries, realized fully their lack of education, and as soon as possible en- 



654 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

deavored to provide ways and means to educate their children. The country 
was sparsely settled, and many of the children had long distances to travel 
over almost impassable mud roads to attend the first school established, which 
made it quite discouraging to both parent and child. But the undaunted will 
and perseverance of those unflinching noble men and women, soon overcame 
all obstacles, and the settlements rapidly increasing in numbers from accessions 
from other countries and States, they were soon enabled to dot the township 
over with schoolhouses at reasonable distances apart. Although the first 
schools were held in rude log structures, with puncheon floors and slab seats, 
with none of the comforts and conveniences of the schoolhouses of the present 
day. and though the roughness of these structures was in exact keeping with 
the unpolished and limited qualifications of the greater portion of the teachers 
of that day, yet they answered their purpose, being the best they could have 
under the circumstances; they served as a beginning — a foundation and step- 
ping-stone to something better — and but a few years elapsed ere the rapid in- 
crease of population with attendant improvements and advantages enabled 
them to have better schoolhouses and better teachers. 

To show the rapidity with which the township was populated, and the prog- 
ress in the establishment of School Districts in a few years, as well as to give 
a knowledge of the families that then lived in the township, we will give a list 
of the families in each School District at quite an early day. School District 
No. 1, in 1826 — Amos Howard, Sidney Addison, Amos J. Howard, John Cory, 
William Scott, Anry Brown, James Brown, Joel Burnsides, Asa Bates, Benja- 
min Landon, John Negley. Richard Baldwin, John Summers. William Kirkly, 
Ansel Bates, Elijah Bates, Asa Owens, John Canaber, David Beece, Thomas 
Gillespie, Samuel Dickison, David Culver and Abner Williard. Total, twenty- 
three families. District No. 2, in 1S27 — Thomas Orperd, George Prugh, John 
Osborn. John Groves, Joseph C. Geer, Henr}- Groves. John Arbuckle, Erastus 
Hathaway, Charles Atchison. John Kennedy, John Shields, David Boss, John 
Ross, Fanny Shields, Blackwell Parish, Benjamin Bowdry, Uriah Han- 
cock, John Hamond, Henry Prugh, Noah Morris, and Thomas Taylor. 
Total, twenty-one families. District 37~nT 1830— John W. Simpson, Eli 
W. Gwynne, Elizabeth Owens, William R. Lawrence, John C. Wagoner, 
Franklin Clark, Zachariah Jones, Jemima Jones, William Blaiue, Alexan- 
der McMurray, Mathias Furrow, William Minter, Hiram Edwards, Will 
iam McCoy and Willam T. Davidson. Total, fifteen families. District No. 
1. in 1827 — Benjamin Pike, Joshua Littler, John Calhoun, Asa Wright, 
John Clernoe, Samuel Ewing. John Ewing, Charles Ewing, Daniel Wright, John 

McDonald, Sr., Thomas McDonald, John McDonald. Jr.. Elizabeth , 

Jacob Sidener, John Plimell, Sr., John Plimell, Jr., John McNutt and John 
Adair. Total, nineteen families. District No. .">. in 1>!27 — Alfred Garrett. Robert 
M. Adair. Jessie Stout, Elizabeth Adair, Edward K. Adair. John Davidson and 
William T. Davidson. Total, seven families. District No. 6,in 1827 — Timothy 
Beach, Robert Scott, John Scott, Gabriel Markle. George Vance, William 
Soward, Charles Soward, Barnet Warren, Valentine Wilson. Samuel Wilson, Eli 
Williams, Robert Taylor. Jonathan Markle, Sutton Potee, John Roberts, Ben- 
jamin Hull, Solomon Porter and Levi Mumble. Total, eighteen families. These 
school districts have since the above dates been changed, and the present dis- 
tricts are not numbered as then; and the township at that time embraced more 
territory than now. as other townships have since been organized, and Deer 
Creek Township made smaller. The above enumeration show- that, from the 
very few families that resided in the above mentioned territory in 1807, in the 
short space of twenty years, they had increased to L03 families, established into 
six school districts. 

The first schools were often held in private houses before the people were 








9^n 9lA 



cm 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 657 

able to erect buildings expressly for school purposes. One of the first schools we 
gain an account of was held in a small log building twelve feet square, situated 
in Lawrenceville, opposite the house of Isaac Jones; this was about 1816. 
The first teacher was a Yankee by the name of Turtlott. There were but few 
scholars, and the teacher was paid with money raised by subscription, which 
amounted to about $8 per month, and the teacher " boarded around." He was 
very rigid in his discipline, as were most of the "schoolmasters " in that day; 
and he extended his authoritj' over the children at their homes, or on the road, 
as well as in the schoolroom, and if any trouble arose among them that came 
to his knowledge he chastised them severely, and it was considered all right; 
in fact, rigid discipline was as much expected as that they learn from their 
books, which were of the most primitive kind. These subscription schools were 
the only schools to be had for many years, as in that day there was no school 
tax or public money from any source for the support of schools; hence, in every 
neighborhood, wherever the settlers became numerous, and able to support a 
teacher at those very low wages, a school would be held in some private house, 
if there was no schoolhouse. 

The first house erected expressly for school purposes, of which we find an 
account, in this township, was built on what is now H. W. Smith's farm, about 
one mile south of La Fayette, near where his barn now stands. It was built 
of round logs, puncheon floor, clapboard roof and door. The front of the fire- 
place was the width of one end of the house, and greased paper, instead of 
window glass, through which light was admitted to the room. The first teacher 
who taught here was a Yankee by the name of Clark. Another teacher who 
taught extensively throughout the township was Mr. John Gillingham. Sub- 
sequently a school was established on the Curtain farm, one mile or more east 
of the one mentioned above. This was in an old log cabin, so low that the 
scholars could not stand up straight, and they had to take out Che joists over- 
head in order to give standing room. But as the years advanced the country 
became thickly settled, roads were extending in all directions, progress and 
improvements of all kinds were marching onward, wealth was increasing, and 
every neighborhood needed and could support a school, good frame and brick 
houses were erected, and now there are six school districts, with as many 
good school houses. 

District No. 1, at La Fayetee, has a large frame house with two rooms, 
and supports two teachers ; wages of teachers — females, $35; males, $50 per 
month. Board of Directors, Valentine Wilson, H. Wilson and A. N. Fox. 
District No. 2 is located on the Upper Glade. The first schoolhouse in this 
neighborhood was a log house of the most primitive kind, and was built on 
John McDonald's land, south of the present school building, near where the 
railroad now passes; this was about 1814 or 1815. This house was succeeded 
by another log house, located north of the present one, on the north side of the 
pike. This was again succeeded by the present comfortable frame house, 
which was erected near the Upper Grlade .Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 
for many years the "young ideas have been taught to shoot." The present 
Board of Directors are, L. B. Wright. James Plimell and Clark Sidener. Dis 
trict No. 3, " Coniac Run District," is located on the old Curtain farm. The first 
building was a hewed-log house, erected on a lot donated and deeded expressly 
for school purposes, and can never be used for any other purpose. This house 
remained in use till 1800, when the frame house was built. The enumeration 
of this district is now aboul twenty -five scholars. Present Board of Directors, 
John Lohr, William Bierbaugh and J. B. Garrett. Districl No. 4: The first 
schoolhouse erected here was a frame, located on the National road, just west 
of John Snider's residence; and built about 1843. It is believed that John 
Amos was the first teacher. In 185G-57, the present frame house was erected. 



658 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

The enumeration of this district is about thirty scholars. They usually have 
school taught about nine months every year. Teachers are paid from $40 to 
$50 per month. District Xo. 5 — " Dun District" — is of more recent organiza- 
tion. The lands in this neighborhood were owned by a few persons, and for a 
long time the number of school children were limited, and they had no school 
nearer than La Fayette. In the spring of 1859, they erected the present school 
building, and the first school was organized June 4, 1859. The first teacher 
was Rev. John Haight, since which they have had regular school sessions. 
No. 6 — a joint subdistrict, known as the " Beach School District " — was organ- 
ized in the spring of 1 872, from Deer Creek. Somerford and Union Townships, 
and a neat brick house erected the following summer. Mr. Freeman was the 
first teacher. First Board of Directors, Dr. W. M. Beach, C. D. Converse and 
William T. Arick, who have filled the office to the present time. The school 
tax levied in this township, in 1881, was $2,700. Average pay of teachers, $30 
to $50 per month. 

CHURCHES. 

As civilization and Christianity go hand in hand in their onward march, 
and as the venerable old pioneers penetrated the wilds of the western 
domain, carrying with them the inventive genius of the arts and sciences, 
producing mills, machinery and the implements of agriculture, so necessary to 
the thrift and comfort of this new country ; so. in their hearts, brought they 
the spirit of Christianity, so necessary to the healthy development of their spir- 
itual natures, and to the foundation of salutary laws, and the cultivation of true 
morals to make a people great, prosperous and happy. Hence, we find in the 
early settlement of Deer Creek Township no exception to this general law ; 
and. as soon as a sufficient number of settlers had located within a neighbor- 
hood, an effort was made to convene them together for the purpose of worship 
and hearing the Word of God. And amid all the trials and dangers surround- 
ing them in this wilderness, filled with Indians and wild beasts ; and amid the 
miasmas and malarious diseases with which the atmosphere of this country 
was then filled, how strengthening and supporting to the spiritual nature, 
when the physical was worn down by toil, dangers and disease, were these 
social gatherings for worship, and the recognition of a dependence upon the 
Supreme lluler of the universe! They had no fine churches, and no means to 
build them ; neither would they have been in accord with the surrounding cir- 
cumstances. But they did the best they could. For several years the more 
devoted opened their houses to the preaching of the Word of God, and, when- 
ever a preacher eon Id be obtained, the notice would be given, and the settlers 
would gather from miles around, and the little log house would resound with 
songs of praise and words of grace 

It is probable that the first church organized in the present limits of Deer 
Creek Township was that at the Upper (Hade, known as the .McDonald Church. 
Further below, on the Glade, was a settlement of .Methodists, of whom the Mel 
vin family were numerous and active, and a class was early established and a 
churcb organized. But it was too far distant for the people of the Upper 
Glade to attend ; so. about 1812. a class was organized at the Upper Glade, 
with the following members : John McDonald. Jacob Sidencr. Samuel and John 
Ewing, Daniel Wright and John Adair, with their wives. Their meetings were 
first held at the houses of the settlers; and one where they convened most 
often, and whose " latch string " was ever oul to the itinerant preacher, was 
the house of John McDonald ; and from him and others of the McDonald family 
has the churcb received a strong support from that day to the present. After 
the building of the log schoolhouse on Mr. McDonald's land, as spoken of 
under the article of schools, their meetings were held there; where they were 
continued, and where they had preaching as often as possible, till, about 1S36, 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 059 

the members contributed of their means and erect cm I a frame building, on the 
site of their present brick house. In this house they worshiped until the build- 
ing became so dilapidated that it was unsuitable to be longer occupied, when 
they again resorted to the schoolhouse. Finally the members and people 
rallied, and contributed freely of their means, and, in the fall and winter of 
1873, the present neat and comfortable brick church was erected. When ready 
for dedication, in March, 1874, it was clear of debt, lacking $40, and George G 
McDonald came forward with two $20 bills, cleared all indebtedness, and the 
church was dedicated free from all incumbrance. 

During almost three- fourths of a century since the organization of this 
church by the above mentioned venerable pioneers of about a dozen souls, 
many precious and stirring revivals have been had. and many a soul made to 
rejoice in the glad tidings of salvation. The church prospered and increased 
in membership, till at her greatest prosperity it probably numbered seventy or 
seventy-five members. Although at the present time the church is greatly 
decreased in numbers, and a kind of spiritual dearth seems to prevail, yet it is 
to be hoped that the good and pious examples of these worthy ancestors may 
not be in vain, and that the good seed by them sown, may yet, by Divine Grace, 
in due time spring forth and bear fruit in the hearts of their descendants and 
followers till it shall produce a rich and abundant harvest. 

Among the early settlers along Deer Creek, we do not learn of any regu- 
larly organized and established church till after the laying-out of the town of 
La Fayette. About 18-43, a few Methodists met together, and under the leader- 
ship of Rev. Silas B. Chase of Mechanicsburg, organized a class as follows : 
Reason Lotspeich and wife, James Wright, John Shryack, J: H. Badley, Rachel 
Badley and Sarah Warner — seven in all — with Reason Lotspeich as leader. 
Their first meetings were held in the schoolhouse. They were received into the 
Jefferson Circuit of the Chillicothe District, and from that time they had 
preaching quite regularly. About 1849, they erected the frame church, which 
still stands in the village. This house was dedicated in June, 1849, in presence 
of David Kemper, Presiding Elder. Their first minister was Alanson Flem- 
ing ; he was succeeded as follows : In 1850, by John W. Locke and James T. 
Bail ; 1851, by William Sutton and Thomas L. Loyd ; 1852, by William Sut- 
ton and John C. Fulton; 1853-54, by Samuel T. Middleton and William Z. 
Ross; 1855-56, by Archibald Fleming and Henry H. Ferris ; 1857, by Will- 
iam Sutton and Samuel P. Tippet; 1858, by William Sutton and James 
Finch; 1859, by .John W. Young and James Finch ; 1SG0, by John W. Young 
and William P. Grantham; 1861, by Levi Hall and William P.Grantham; 
1862, by Levi Hall and Jacob S. Adams ; 1863, by F. F. Lewis and da- 
Adams. After this dale, we find the church has been served by the following 
ministers in the order in which they are mentioned: Rev. Charles Lewis. Mr. 
Middleton, Mr. Burns. Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Anderson, William Lewis. I. B. 
Brodrick, S. D. Hutsenpillar, C. A. Naylor, C. W. Bostwick and F. F. Lewis; 
the latter is the present minister in service. This church is not large in her 
membership, and for several years has lacked that vitality and spiritual growth 
which the Christian cause should have in this part of God's heritage. Bui it is 
to be hoped that days of refreshing grace will come and the dormant energies 
of her people be aroused, so that she may yet stand forth as a tower of spirit- 
ual strength to wield her powers againsl evil ami spiritual darkness. 

Dun Lawn Church. —The last church built, and the only one not men- 
tioned that now exists in this township, is the " Dun Lawn Church," in the 
extreme north part of the township on the Urbana. Mechanicsburg & Jeffer- 
son Pike. This is a neat frame building, erected in 1858. The lot upon 
which it is located was given or leased by Mrs. Mary A. Thurman for the pur- 
pose of a church which should be open and free for all denominations in which 



660 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

to worship. It was deeded in trust to D. W. C. Sawyer, Walter A. Dun and 
Robert G. Dun. The lease to be perpetual, so long as the church remains in 
use for the above specified purpose. The church was erected by the following 
persons : John G. Dun, James Dun, R. G. Dun, D. W. C. Sawyer. W. A. Dun, 
Mrs. Mary A. Thurman and Mrs. Nathaniel Sawyer. The first minister who 
preached here was Rev. Finley, of London. 

Christian Church. — About 1843, the following persons, under the leadership 
of Rev. Jesse B. Ferguson, a son-in-law of James Marks, met and organized 
into a body politic, as a Christian or Disciple Church, viz : T. J. Shryack, 
Ann Minter, now Mrs. Rogers, Joseph Rafferty and wife, William Rafferty and 
wife, William Foos and wife, and Nanc} T Marks, nine persons in all. During 
that year, many additions were made, and ere its close the church consisted of 
forty-three members. Meetings were held and preaching dispensed in the 
schoolhouse till 1849, when a frame house was erected which served them 
many years. The church was quite prosperous for some time, and reached a 
membership of probably eighty or more persons. The lot for the church was 
given for the purpose by William Minter. The first minister was Rev. Jesse 
B. Ferguson, who was succeeded by James Henry, and he by Rolla Henry, 
after which there was no regular minister, and soon the vitality of the church 
was lost. She decreased in membership, the organization was disbanded, and 
the church building sold about 1877, since which they have had very little 
preaching, and at present, have no regular organization as a church. 

Cemeteries.— In the settling up of Deer Creek Township, as has been the 
conditions in all new and unimproved countries, we find the first pioneers fol- 
lowed the streams and located on the higher and drier portions of the country 
first ; in fact, it was a necessity, as many of the more flat and more level por- 
tions of the country were so wet and unhealthy in their primitive condition 
that it was unsafe and inexpedient to locate upon them. Hence we would 
expect to find the first burial places for the dead in the regions of these first 
settlements. Many of the first places to receive the dead of the early settlers 
were private family burying-grounds : some of these we will mention. On the 
G}'wnne estate, we learn, were one or two such burial places, where rest the re- 
mains of several of the early pioneers ; but now, not a vestige remains to mark 
the hallowed spot, or to tell the passer-by that there underneath the sod rests 
all that was mortal of many a noble sire. The confines are now all obliterated, 
and stock roams at will over their graves and feed upon the green grass that 
grows above their sleeping forms. Another of these burial places is found 
further down Deer Creek, near Mr. Headley's, which was known as the David- 
son Burying-Ground, as it was located on his farm. It is now all in the open 
woods pasture and is nearly obliterated ; although we are informed that the 
dead of the Davidson family have been removed to other and a permanent 
cemetery, yet a few graves remain whose headstones tell the following : Joseph 
McCrav. died May 28, 1848, aged sixty-two years, nine months and live days. 
John W. McDonald, died December 3, 187)0, aged twenty-six years; and Mary 
Jane, wife of John \V. McDonald, died March 2, 1852, aged twenty-five years 
Further still down the creek on the farm of J. B. Garrett is the Garrett family 
burying-ground, which principally contains the dead of the ancestors of that 
family. This is still inclosed and tolerably well preserved; but we are in- 
formed that the family premeditate removing them to a more permanent place. 

One of the earliest and still well-preserved burial places is the Upper 
Glade, or McDonald Cemetery. This was on the farm of John McDonald, and 
contains the remains of most of the early settlers of the neighborhood. This 
lot was dedicated by the reception of the body of John McDonald, Sr., who 
died March. L811, aged seventy years. Of other early pioneers who are buried 
here, we mention : Charles Ewing, died May 24, 1848, aged ninety-three years; 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 661 

Barbara, wife of Charles Ewing, died December 4, 1854, aged eighty-five years ; 
John Plimell, Sr., died August 3, 1849, aged eighty-four years ; John Plimell 
died May 13, 1877, aged seventy-six years; Samuel Ewing died November 13, 
1852, aged sixty-two years, and John McDonald died January 17, 1852, aged 
seventy-four years. Further up the Glade Run, a little south of the National 
Road is located the Wright Cemetery. This has always been a family burying 
place and contains the remains of the ancestors of the Wright family, and a 
few deceased persons of the immediate neighborhood. 

The only cemetery in Deer Creek Township, which is the public property 
of the township, owned and under the care of its trustees, is the La Fayette 
Cemetery, located on the National road just west of Deer Creek. The land 
upon which this is located was formerly owned by Stanley Watson, and the lot 
first dedicated to this purpose by the reception of the bod}' of Rachel, wife of 
J. Shryack, who died July 12, 1838. The second person buried here was Sarah, 
wife of Andrew Anderson, who died December 6, 1838 ; the third was Stanis 
Miles, died December, 1838. Some other early settlers who were prominently 
known, whose remains are here interred, are the following : Effa, wife of Stanley 
Watson, who died November 12, 1839, aged twenty-eight years;' John Moore, 
died November 10, 1839, aged seventy-seven years ; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph 
Bell, died October 2, 1843, aged thirty-seven years ; Franklin Clark, died Octo- 
ber 1, 1844, aged sixty-six years; and Stanley Watson, died October 8, 1847, 
aged forty-nine years. This tract of land upon which the burying ground is 
situated, was subsequently purchased by James Wilson, who set apart for 
burial purposes the lot embracing between one and two acres, which was con- 
tinued as a receptical of the dead, and to make it more permanent, and that it 
might have the care and protection that such a place should have, in 1874, Mr. 
Wilson deeded it to the Trustees of the township, who in 1878 purchased 
sutficient ground of Mr. Wilson to make it embrace five and three-eighths acres, 
for which they now have a deed. They have nicely improved and fitted up the 
same, with good gravel roads and walks, and ornamented it with evergreens and 
shrubbery, and it is now one among the prettiest of rural cemeteries, and speaks 
well for the township in which it is located. 

TOWNS. 

This township possesses but one village and one post office — La Fayette. 
At the time of the organization of Deer Creek Township, there was no town or 
village within its limits, and there were but few roads of which the principal 
one was the old stage route, from Columbus to Springfield, a horrible mud 
road, in which stage coaches and wagons often mired hub deep, and had to be 
pried out with rails or some kind of levers, which often delayed them on their 
journey, and the good nature of the passengers was severely tried. This mud 
road and stage route passed through the center of the township and through 
the Gwynne farm. In 1816, Thomas Grwynne commenced laying off lots for a 
town on the east side of Deer Creek, one and a half miles northwest of where 
La Fayette is now situated. This town was named Lawreneeville. but was always 
better known as " Limerick.' In about two or three years, the following families 
had settled there : Isaac Jones, who came from Tennessee; James Chriswell, 
who was the first blacksmith, a very peculiar and eccentric character: he was 
succeeded by John Wiseman; Zacariah Jones, a brother of Isaac Jones, and 
also from Tennessee; Oilman Lincoln; Annus lloss. who, about 1816, erected a 
frame house and kept the first and only tavern ever in the town: and Jesse 
Abbe}- and Henry Cay were early settlers; these were the principal settlers who 
composed the town. In one room of Isaac Jones' house. Mr. Gwynne placed a 
small stock of groceries and such other necessary articles as the wants of the 
people of that day demanded. But the progress of the country was ever 



662 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

onward, and improvements were rapid, and in 1836-37 the National road or 
turnpike was completed through this township, and the stage route and all 
travel from Columbus to Springfield and the West was transferred from the old 
mud road to the new National road. In consequence of this new and beautiful 
road, there was a great increase of travel, and in 1837 William Minter, who 
owned a large tract of land upon which the town of La Fayette is situated, com- 
menced to la}- off lots for the town, which was named La Payette, in honor of 
(Jen. La Fayette. 

The first house was a small frame, erected by Joseph Bell. Others were 
soon built, and the great amount of travel made a demand for public entertain- 
ment, and Calvin Anderson opened out ami kept the first tavern. Soon a 
second was in operation, kept by John McMullen ; then a third, built by Stan- 
ley Watson and kept by Mr. Coleman ; and, finalby, a fourth was kept by 
Joseph Bell. These all did a '-rattling business," as stage load after stage 
load of passengers drove up for their hospitalities. The first store was kept by 
William Warner, who still survives, and now resides in London. The second 
merchant was Alfred Russell, and the third, Stanley Watson. These were suc- 
ceeded by Abraham Simpson and others. The first blacksmith was Jacob 
Snider, whose son was the first child born in the town, and in honor of which 
was named Lafayette by Mrs. Willam Minter. Dr. Samuel McClintiek was 
the first physician, and Dr. Anklin the second. These were succeeded by 
Drs. Fields. Rogers, Beach. Hornback and others. The present practicing 
physician is Dr. Teeters, who came from Athens County, Ohio. The town now 
contains one dry goods and general store; one drug and groceiT store ; two 
blacksmith shops ; one wagon shop, and one large tile factory and saw-mill 
combined, run by steam-power ; one church — Methodist — and one schoolhouse. 
The first Postmaster was John Minter. The present incumbent is Rev. James 
Simpson. In 1881, the township erected a large brick town house. 30x46 feet. 
two stories high —a hall above and town house below. It is substantially built, 
on a solid stone foundation, with good shutters to all the windows. It is 
pleasantly located on the corner of the public square, and speaks well for the 
public enterprise of the citizens of Deer Creek Township. The old town of 
Lawrenceville, or Limerick, has long since become extinct ; the land embracing 
the town lots was purchased by Eli G-wynne, and turned into a pasture-field, 
and now not a vestige remains to indicate that there was ever a town located 
there. Such are the constant changes of time. 

PIKES. 

This township, for many years, was without pikes, or any good gravel toads, 
and being possessed of a very rich, deep soil, had. perhaps, more than an average 
of bad mud roads. But in 1836-37, was constructed through this county one of 
the greatest enterprises of our Government of that day. The Government of the 
United States commenced to build a turnpike from Cumberland, Md., extending 
westward through all the Western States. Then' were then no railroads, and do 
great thoroughfare from the East to the West, and the great flow of emigration 
Westward, and the increasing traffic and demand for better communication be- 
tween the Eas1 and the West, caused the Government to enter upon this project. 
It was a great undertaking, and would not in that day have been attempted by 
any power less than the General Government. This greal road passed from 
'■:i-' to west through the center of Peer Creek Township, and was the first ami 
only pike built for many years through this township or county. It was com- 
pleted about is:;;. It was truly wonderful the amount of travel over this 
road for many years ; and hotels or taverns as they were called in that day — 
sprang up all along its line, and of these Deer Creek Township had its share, 
not less than six or seven being within her borders. There were two or three 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 663 

in the eastern part of the township, and four at La Fayette, and all did good 
business. It was not uncommon to see atone time from eighl ti> ten four-horse 
coaches in La Fayette loaded down with passengers and baggage. But, after 
the railroads passed through the country, this road lost her prestige ; stages 
and passenger^ disappeared : hotels were vacated, and the great hustle and 
rattle of stage coaches, and the shrill whistle of their bugle-horns were heard 
no more — all this is now a reminiscence of the past! Yet the road remains 
and is one of the besl ever made in our country, and will ever stand as a mon- 
ument to the enterprise of the Government that projected it. 

Another pike, whose advantages this township enjoys, is the Urbana. .Me 
chanicsburg & Jefferson, which passes through the northwest coiner of 
the township in a southeast course till it arrives at the Dun Schoolhouse, 
where it strikes the boundary line between Peer Creek and Monroe Townships 
and continues on that line to the eastern terminus of the township and on 
through to the village of Jefferson. This pike was first built by a stock com 
pany, and was completed about 1859. It remained a toll road till about 1870 
or 1877, when that portion within Madison County was purchased and turned 
over to the county, ami has since been a free pike. The London & Jefferson 
pike was built a lew years later. The London & Plain City pike was built 
to La Fayette in 1868; thence completed through to Plain City in 1873; am' 
now (1882), they are building a pike from London to the Union County line, 
known as the Beach road; also have surveyed and nearly graded one called 
the Lucas road, running from the National road in a northeast course to the 
Franklin County line. These, when completed, will give this township twenty- 
four miles of free pike, which will probably equal any township of its dimen- 
sions in the county. 

EARLY MARRIAGES. 

The following were some of the early marriages, of whom one or both ol 
the parlies lived in Deer Creek Township- 

John Plimell to Miss Lewis. John McDonald, Sr., to Miss Bycrs. John 
McNutt to Miss Bossel. Bartholomew Melvin to Miss Adair, John Ewing t< 
Miss Prugh, Jacob Sidener to Miss Ewing, Hiram Edwards to Miss McCoy. 
Samuel Adair to Mi>s Byers, G-eorge Stout to Miss Oarrett. Jesse Stout to .Miss 
Moore. "William Davidson to Miss Smith. Joseph Adair to Mrs. Coon, Elisha 
Moore to Miss Coon. John McDonald, Jr.. to Miss Davidson. Mathias Fur- 
row to Miss Plimell, James Brown to Miss Smith. John Moore to Miss Coon, 
John Dooley to .Miss Plimell, Henry Prugh to Miss Logan, Edward Adair to 
Miss Frederick, James Johnston to Miss Adair. 

The Justice of the Peace did the marrying, generally. Ol' their number. 
Patrick McLene was very popular with the young folks. 

It was fashionable for the Squire to have the groom salute the bride with 
a kiss at the close of the ceremony, and very often the Squire would follow 
suit. Whether it was sealing the ordinance with a kiss or not, there was not 
the amount of applications for divorces as there are at the present day. Then 
try the old fashion! 

On one occasion, a pair of darkies were united in marriage, and the Squire 
told him to salute the bride. The groom replied that after him was manners, 
but the good Squire backed out. Some of the weddings were conducted as 
follows: They would invite the old and the young: after the wedding, then sup- 
per; then the old folk and children would go home. The young folk would 
stay and have a dance, if they could get a fiddler; if not, they would get some 
one to sing or whistle while they danced. The next day after, they went to the 
reception dinner all on horseback. They would start two or three ahead to get 
a bottle of whisky and to let the folk know they were coming; and the one 
who had the swiftest horse obtained the bottle, and had the honor of carrying 



664 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

it back to the company; he would call a halt, and treat the crowd, always giv- 
ing the bride the first dram; then they would march on, take dinner, then have 
another dance, stay till morning and then go home. 

AN INCIDENT. 

The following is a tale of pioneer days, with, of course, no names given : 
A young man went to see a young lady, both of good families. The young 
lady had several brothers, and they kept a number of hounds to hunt coon, 
which was a good business in early days. Well, after the young couple had 
talked until time to go to bed, the young lady told the young gentleman where 
to retire, and, by some mistake, one of the hounds obtained an entrance into 
the room. The young gentleman laid his pants down on the floor ; but they 
being made of buckskin — which were very fashionable in those early days ; the 
hound, being hungry, ate one leg off his pants. In the morning, wheu he arose, 
he wished himself at home ; but she furnished him a pair of pants to wear, and 
sent him on his way rejoicing. 







crwu^M 



UNION TOWNSHIP. b*67 



CHAPTER IV 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

APRIL 30. 1810, "Ordered, that the following boundaries compose a 
township, to be known by the name of Union, and is bounded as fol- 
lows, viz. : Beginning at the mouth of Oak Run, thence east to the Franklin 
County line : thence north four miles ; thence west to the line of Deer Creek 
Township ; thence west with said line to the Champaign County line ; thence 
with said Hue to the southwest corner of Champaign County and the north 
corner of Stokes Township; thence with the north line of Stokes three miles ; 
thence eastward^' to the southwest corner of Judge Baskerville's survey ; 
thence direct to the beginning. December 7. 1812. At a meeting of the Com- 
missioners, it was ordered, that " the line of Union Township, between Union 
and Pleasant, running from the mouth of Oak Run to the county line, be 
vacated ; and it shall run northeastwardly to the State road leading from Lon- 
don to Dyer's Mill, so as to leave all the inhabitants on main Deer Creek in 
Union, and all those on Opossum Run in Pleasant Township: said line to 
continue with the State road to the county line.' " June 2, 182!). -Ordered 
by the Commissioners, that the following lines, as run by Henry Warner, be 
established as township lines between the townships of Union, Pleasant, 
Range and Stokes : Beginning at the northwest corner of Samuel Baskerville's 
survey, running south 24 west about 50 poles ; thence south 22° west to the 
line between the counties of Madison and Fayette, a short distance east of 
Mcintosh's farm, for the line between Stokes and Range Townships. The line 
between Pleasant, Range and Union, running from Baskerville's said corner 
north 70 easl to Langham's road, near Samuel Kingern's ; continue the same 
course 220 poles ; thence north 20 west in poles ; thence south 70 east to 
the Chillicothe road ; thence north 53° east to Deer Creek ; thence up the 
creek to the mouth of Oak Run ; thence north .">2 east to the line between the 
counties of Madison and Franklin.'' June li, 1836, a! a meeting of the 
Commissioners of Madison County, on petition being presented, ordered that 
the line between Deer Creek Township and Union Township be altered to run 
as follows, to wit : Beginning at the northwest corner of Jefferson Melvin's 
land, and southwest corner of .John Adair's land, and to run westerly to strike 
the La Payette road 10 poles south of the G-lade, between B. Bowdry's and D. 
J. Ross ; thence the same course continued until it strikes the present line, 
which divides said townships so as to include D. -I. Ross into Union Town- 
ship." March 2, 1840, "Ordered, by the Commissioners of Madison County, 
that the line between the townships of Union and Somerford be so altered as 
to include Daniel Wilson ami the land on which he lives into Union Township.'' 
Thus, it can be seen, the boundaries of Union Township passed through several 
changes prior to 1841 : and our readers can also observe that its present 
boundaries are still different from the above, as Fairfield Township has since 
been erected, and. with other changes which have from time to time been made, 
have constituted its boundaries as they now exist. The township is now 
bounded as follows : On the north, by Somerford and Deer Creek Townships ; 
on the east, by Fairfield and Oak Run Townships; on the south, by Paint and 
Oak Run Townships; on the west, by Paint Township and Clark County. It 



HISTORY UF MADISON COUNTY. 

is about eleven miles long from east to west, and from two to six miles wide 
from north to south, and bas the honor of containing London, the county scat 
of Madison County. 

This township was not as early settled as the eastern township- of the 
county. As the settlements were formed from the Ohio River up the Scioto 
and its tributaries branching off westward up Deer Creek, the Darbys and their 
tributaries, and thus penetrating the eastern townships first, before reaching 
the central and western townships of the county, it would be a natural conse- 
quence that the eastern townships would receive the first permanent settle- 
ments. And this was necessary from the fact that Chillicothe became the base 
of supplies for the first settlers of this county; they at first obtaining their 
groceries ami agricultural implements, and all the equipments for farming, and 
the necessities lor their families and homes from that place. And as settle- 
ments were made up these streams, northward and westward, and roads opened 
and communications established, so the settlers pushed on in advance, and after 
settlements were made in these eastern townships, it took but a few years till 
we find them penetrating the territory which is now embraced in the bound- 
aries of Union Township, and soon after 1800 we find permanent settlers in 
this township. 

PIONEERS. 

Iii giving the history of the early settlers, we endeavor to arrange them 
strictly by the boundary lines of the townships as they now exist, ami not as 
they were at the time the settlements were made. With this understanding 
we now proceed to mention the pioneers and early settlers of Union Township; 
and from an extended and careful research, and consultation with most of the 
oldest, living residents, and making free use of the township and county rec- 
ords, to obtain dates and facts corroborative of evidence elsewhere obtained, 
we have gleaned the following, which, though not a complete list of all early 
settlers, and probably not without some errors and slight mistakes, yet, we be- 
lieve it as nearly correct as can be gathered at this period, so far distant from 
the dates of the first, settlements. The persons who probably may be accorded 
the honor of being the first to locate within the presenl limits of Union Town-. 
ship, wire William Blair and James LaBarr, who probably located on Glad 
Kun about the same time, and that was very soon after 1800, perhaps 1802-04,1 
The former was a preacher in the Christian, or New Light Church. He locate 
on land now owned by Josiah Melvin. The latter, James LaBarr. was a mi 
ler by trade, and remained here but a short lime, till he removed to the Darbys. 
to follow his trade in a mill which was early erected there. John Deeds, of 
German descent, was probably the next to locate in the township. Be, with his 
family, settled on Deer Creek, on land now owned by the IMinshall heirs, about 
1803 5; wasa blacksmith by trade, and probably the firsl in the township, and 
perhaps in the county. Of his children were George. Philip, John (!. and one 
daughter. They remained here a few years, sold out to William Smith, and re- 
moved to I'iekaway County. Ohio. John McDonald, a native of Virginia. 
married a Miss Schuyler, and at an early day emigrated to Tennessee In 
April. 1807, he with his family, came to Madison County, and settled on the 
Glade, where he died in 1811. 1 1 is children were as follows: Maudlin, died in 
Tennessee; Thomas, died at Woodstock Champaign I '<> . I >hi<>; -lames and John 

died on the Glade; Samuel, died in St. Clair County. 111.: Betsey, died in Ala- 
bama; George, also died in St. Clair County. 111.; and Schuyler, who died on 
the Glade. Of the above, James, the third child, married in Tennessee, Miss 
Nancy Cook, a native of New Jersey, and with his fainih came to this county 
with his lather, and with him settled on the Glade Run. Their children were 
Mary, now Widow Ferguson, residing in Iowa: George, married Malinda Fer- 
guson, by whom he has one daughter now living; Mar\ Ann, now the wife of 



UNH»N TOWNSHIP. 669 

Judge Fulton, of Columbus; Phebe, now Airs. Luffburrough, residing in [owa; 
Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Davts, resides near California, this county; Charity, 
married Walker Graham, resides in [ndiana; John, died unmarried, and Maley, 

who resides in lown. < )f i bis numerous family, the true pioneers of this county, 
but one surviving son is now a resident of Madison County, George, who is now 
quite advanced in years, and resides in London, retired from all active business. 
He has lived to see the wonderful changes in the transformation of this county 
from its wild and primitive state, as they found it three quarters of a century 
ago, to its present condition of comfort and prosperity, amounting almost to 
grandeur, as it is now one of the best agricultural counties of the Slate. And 
this family of whom we have here traced their history in brief, have largely 
contributed to bring about this result. They have Ween pioneer workers in es- 
tablishing schools and churches; in elevating the educational, moral and 
Christian status of their communities. And although most of them are now 
resting beneath the sod of the land of their early adoption, yet the rising gen- 
erations in the enjoyment of all these present blessings and comforts, can but 
feel their hearts throb with gratitude in memory of these worthy pioneers, who 
have left them so rich a legacy. 

The Mclvin family settled on the Glade in 1808 and 1809. It appears 
they were natives of Virginia, although they came to this county from Tennes- 
see. The first family of this name to settle here was that of Thomas Melvin, 
who located here in the spring of 1808. He was born .January - 1 . I7S2. and 
died in the fall of 1808, having survived only a few months after locating here 
He was the eldest son of John Melvin, St.. who married Jane Barnes, and 
with his family came to the Glade in 1809, locating on the place now owned by 
the Widow Marsh, and there resided till his death. Besides their eldest son 
mentioned above, they had the following children: Charles, Polly, Abbv. 
Bartholomew. Joseph. Samuel and Jefferson, all now deceased; and the only 
descendant of this large family, who is now a resident of this county, is John 
Melvin, Jr., a son of Bartholomew Melvin, who still resides on the Glade. 
Joseph Melvin. a cousin of the above John Melvin, Sr., settled on the Glade, 
with his family, at the same time of the latter. Remarried Phebe Van Vacter 
and the following were their children: Benjamin. John. Silas, Joseph. Sallie. 
Thomas and Jane, ail deceased; and the only decendanls of this family, now 
in the county, are t he children of John, the second son. who married Sallie 
Inzer, by whom he had the following children: Josiah. who is married, and 
resides on the Glade; Jane, married John Jones, of London; Benjamin, resides 
in Indiana, and Phebe. who married Isaac Jones, of London. About 1808 lb. 
Lewis Coon, a native of Virginia, and several of his nephews located on Deer 
Creek, on or near the Minshall lands, and it is probable that here the old gen- 
tleman died. Of the nephews we gather the following names: Jacob. Henry, 
Adam, Lewis and Abraham, who all married, and had large families, and 
each family had a -Jake." and to distinguish one from the other they 
were known in the community as " Old Jake.' • Fatty Jake.'' " Yankee .Jake.' 
" Fiddler Jake," " Little Jake " and " Cutty Jake." They were a family well 
known for their honesty, and uprightness; good neighbors and respected 
citizens; but most of them after several years residence, moved West, and of 
their families we can gather but little, except of Jacob Coon, Sr.. who resided 
here till about ISIS, when he removed to Missouri, and subsequently to Illi- 
nois, where he died, aged ninety-five years. He was twice married: by his first 
wife he had four sons and four daughters — Michael, a resident of Piatt County, 
111.: Jacob, married Elizabeth Applegate, had one son- — Addison, and removed 
to Illinois, where he died, about 1876; William, married and settled in Illinois. 
where he died: Thomas, died in Missouri, while in the army during the war of 
the rebellion: Anna, married Klisha Moore, by whom she had four children — ■ 



670 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Harriet, Robert, Henry and Kliza; the latter died young. Mrs. Moore, died in 
1836, with milk sickness; Catharine, married John Moore, by whom she had 
six children, who grew to maturity; David and William, both in Missouri; 
.Jane, married George W. Hathaway, and resides at Dodge City. Kan.; Mary 
and Sarah, (twins), married two brothers — Samuel and James Morris, and 
settled in Warren County, 111.; Sarah, is deceased. Mr. Coon's second wife was 
Elizabeth Melvin, by whom he had three sons and four daughters; two of these 
sons died in the army, and the surviving one resides in Missouri; the daughters 
removed West and some are deceased. Mrs. Coon is still living in the West at 
an advanced age. 

William Starns, from Tennessee, settled on the Glade in 1808-9, where he 
resided till his death, about 1830; his wife, Nancy, died a little earlier. Their 
children were James, Betsy. Nancy, Polly. Margaret, William, Abby. Rebecca 
and John. Mr. Starns was a farmer, and a man of sterling worth and integrity. 
William Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, came to the Glade a young, unmar- 
ried man, about 1812-13. He made his home first at James McDonald's; soon 
after he purchased the Deeds place. He returned to his native State, married, 
and brought his wife to his new home, on Deer Creek, where, about 1814, he 
erected a saw mill. He lived but a few years, had no children, and was buried 
on the place. William Aikin settled near the Melvins, on the Glade, about 
1810-12. He resided there six or seven years and sold^ out to the Melvins. 
This new country was too sickly for them, and they moved back t<> their native 
State. He was a man of excellent character, and a worthy citizen. 

We have thus far confined ourselves to the eastern portion of the Town- 
ship; we will now mention some of the early settlers in other parts of the 
Township. Philip Cryder was born in Pennsylvania, but while young re- 
moved with his father to Xewtown, Va., where he grew to manhood, and mar- 
ried Nancy McClintick, a sister of Judge McClintick, who has since become so 
well-known in Ross County, Ohio. In 1800, in company with David Watson, 
Jonathan Minshall and others, in all thirty-nine persons, emigrated to Ohio, 
and first stopped at Chillieothe, and there purchased a tract of land embracing 
800 acres, for which he paid about $2 per acre. Others of this company pur- 
chased large tracts of land. They then organized a surveying party under 
Col. Elias Langham, and left Chillieothe to survey and locate their lands. Mr. 
Cryder, David Watson and a few others, composed this party. They had. as may 
well be imagined, a very rough tour, camping out nights and coursing through 
the unbroken wilderness, but they accomplished their purpose, and in 1807-S 
Mr. Cryder located with his family on liis land, erected a cabin in which he 
was assisted by two neighbors, Mr. Fry ami Maj. Withrow, and two Indians, 
one of whom was the well-known hunter, Capt. John, who visited the early set 
tiers throughout this section very frequently, and who it is said was killed in 
combat with a deer, both lie and tin; deer lie i 114 found dead lying side by side, 
as they had fallen. Mr. Cryder was a recruiting officer in the war of 1812, and 
a Major of a horse company, yet lie was not out in the war. Once during the 
war il was reported thai the enemy was coming to massacre them all. and it 
produced a severe scare; and Maj. Cryder stalled with a company of men for 
Port Wayne, but while on his way he ascertained that there was no danger, and 
returned home. In the meantime his wife, with two Little children, mounted 
on horseback, and started for Chillieothe. On this place, where Mr. Cryder firsl 
settled, he remained through life. In the early years of their settlement here, 
they were in greal danger from prairie fires, and at two different times came 
very near Losing all their properly which was destructible by tire, but by a 
combined effort of the people of the surrounding country, aided by help from 
the citizens of London, they succeeded in 9taying the consuming flames and 
saving their property. But in the severe struggle Mr. Cryder became over- 



ONION TOWNSHIP. 671 

heated, and in sitting down cooled off too suddenly, and hud the foundation for 
that terrible disease, consumption, with which, in 1838, he died, aged sixty- 
eight years. His wife survived till, in August, 185G, aged seventy-six years. 
They were interred in the Watson Cemetery. Of their nine children, three 
died young; six grew to maturity. Mary, married Jonathan Markle; Arabella, 
married John Palmer; William, resides at the home place; Eliza, married Will- 
iam Jones. Samuel, married [sabel Watson, and Nancy, married Samuel Wat- 
son. All are now deceased, except William and Nancy. Mr. Cryder was a 
wagon-maker by trade, and was probably one of the first in Union Township. 
He followed his trade, in connection with farming, through life. He was one 
of the township's best citizens, and of his devoted wife we wish to remark that 
that she was never brought up to work, her parents owning many slaves, who 
performed all the work: but she made a noble helpmeet, and a brave pioneer, 
and endured all her many hardships with fortitude and a willing heart. In the 
days of the early settlers, they had no wells, and if they located where there 
was no permanent and lasting spring, they often had to carry water a great dis- 
tance. Of .Mis. Cryder. it is said that at times she carried water for drinking 
and culinary purposes a distance of half a mile. 

James Criswell became a resident on the Harford Toland land, about 
1808-09. He was a very peculiar and eccentric man. yet honest and honor- 
able in all his dealings, always endeavoring to meet his obligations 
promptly. It is said of him that one evening he was out in the clearing, quite 
a distance from his cabin, and it became quite dark, and at some distance from 
him he observed, as he thought, a remarkably thick cluster of stumps, when 
suddenly the dark object, supposed to be stumps, gave evidence of life, and 
began to approach him. and he 'struck out." with all possible speed tor his 
cabin, pursued by a large pack of wolves ; he barely reached his house, and 
thus disappointed the wolves and saved his life. Mr. Criswell was a black- 
smith by trade, and moved from place to place, and after a few years all trace 
oi' him was lost. 

Among the well-known pioneer families of Madison County, and of Union 
Township was the Warner family. Joseph Warner. Sr., was a native of 
Maryland, but. while a young man. removed to Virginia, where he married a 
lady, whose uiven name was Ruth, by whom he had the following children : 
Henry, Robert, .Joseph, .John. William. Amelia. Sarah, Margaret and Ann. 
About 1804. Mr. Warner, with some of his family, removed to Ohio, and 
first stopped near St. Clairsville ; and about 1808-10, some of his sons, among 
whom were Joseph and William, came to this county. Joseph purchased land 
where his sou Eli now lives, for which the records show that the deed was 
recorded in 1810 ; and afterward the whole family moved to this county. 
Joseph Warner, Si-., lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and four 
years. When one hundred years of age. he rode to Washington, I). C. on 
horseback, and back again ; and when one hundred and three years of 
age, he rode the same horse to Indiana, to visit one of his children, then 
residing there, where he died about a year afterward. .Joseph Warner, dr., 
was a carpenter by trade, which business he followed for many years, in 
connection with farming. IK' built one among the first houses erected in 
London, after the laying-out of the town, and for several years did a greal 
amount of carpenter work in London : subsequently moved with his family 
to town, but, after a few years' residence there, he moved back to tin- farm. 
He subsequently purchased more land, till he owned 300 acres. lb' married 
Sarah Atchison, by whom he had the following children : .John, who married 
Phebe Jefferson (has been thrice married), and now resides in Colorado ; Eli 
Smith, married Elizabeth Pancake (is now deceased); Charles, married [sabell 
Chenoweth ; Rebecca, is unmarried: Samuel, married Susan Maria Shepherd 



iu-2 BISTORT OF MADISON COUNTY. 

(was twice married), is now deceased ; Rachel, married James Scarf and resides 
in Greene County, Ohio. Mr. Warner was a member of the Methodist Church, 
an energetic pioneer, and became a prosperous farmer, sustaining an unblem- 
ished character, and was u much esteemed and respected citizen. He died 

August 30, 1865, in his eighty-first year. His wife died April 7. 1850. 

Levi II. Tost, settled two and a half miles westof London, on the Spring- 
field Pike, at a very early day ; but of him we can learn but little, as it ap- 
pears that after a few years' residence here, he moved away. By the county 
records he served as Treasurer of the county from 1811 to 1815. Daniel 
Brown, a native ol' Virginia, settled southwest of London, near Philip Cryder, 
about 1808-10. He erected a windmill for grinding corn, but it failed to work 
satisfactorily, and he then run it by horse-power. As a man of character, hon- 
esty and conscientiousness in all his business transactions, he had hut few if 
any equals: as was exhibited in his dealings with dames Withrow. his neigh- 
bor on the south. Mr. Withrow owned land adjoining Mr. Brown, who owned 
land on the south of Mr. Withrow, and they concluded it would be mutually 
beneficial to each of them, to exchange ownership in these two tracts of land , 
consequently the trade was made, ami the deeds duly executed and exchanged ; 
and thus the business was consummated. Finally owv day. Mr. Brown called 
to see Mr. Withrow, and informed him that he had reason to believe that the 
title to the land he had deeded to him was defective, and as neither i>{' them 
had recorded their deeds, he proposed that the trade be made null and void by 
the destruction of tin 1 deeds, which was accordingly done ; subsequently it 
proved that his fears were not without foundation, and in a short time after he 
lost the land. Thus by the honesty and unselfishness of Mr. Brown, Mr. 
Withrow was saved from loss or trouble. Mr. Brown by his wife Kachael. had 
several children, of whom we learn of Betsey, married to Samuel Watson ; 
Uachael. married Walter Watson ; Daniel and Ruth. Some of the children 
moved West, and married there, whose names are not remembered. 

William Wingate, was born in 'Fairfax County, Ya.. eighl miles from 
Washington City ; he married Margaret Warner in 1800 ; in 1805, removed to 
Belmont Count v. Ohio, ami in 1809 to Madison County, but did not remove his 
family here till 1811, locating on Walnut Run, near David Watson. In 1815, 
he purchased the farm where his son now lives in the north part of Union 
Township. His purchase of fifty acres of Col. Langham, he lost on account 
of a defective title after having paid one half the purchase-money, and had to 
pay for it the second time. On this land where he located in 1 SI,"), he remained 
nil his death. November 19, 1862, aged nearly eighty-four years. His wife 
died in 1834; their children were Ruth, married Thomas Bea. and died in 
Indiana, had four children : Nancy, married David Dye, and died at Yel- 
low Springs ; Amelia, married Joseph Ward, became a widow, and died in 
April, 1882, at the house of her brother William, who is the fourth child and 
resides on the old homestead, unmarried ; John, Elizabeth and Margaret died 
unmarried, in the month of October. 1834, with milk sickness; Sarah Ann, 

sxl older than Margaret, married Richard Hern, and settled in Illinois, where 
she died, leaving five children. Mr. Wingate served in the war of 1812. He 
was an industrious man. of undoubted integrity, and possessed the entire confi- 
dence of his community. He united with the Methodist Church in Belmont 
County, in 1807, and remained a devoted member till his death, a period of 
fifty-five years. When he united with the church he could not rea 1 a word ; 
inn so great was his desire to read the Bible, that he at once purchased <>ne. 
also a hymn book ; and when visited by his neighbors would get them to teach 
him to read, and soon he became able to read ; and before his death he had 
memorized and could repeat nearly one-half the entire Scriptures. He 9erved 
many years a- Class Leader, Steward and Trustee in the church. His son Will- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 673 

iara, is walking in the footsteps of his venerable father ; has been a member 
of the same church for forty live years; a class leader twenty years, and a 
trustee lour years, bul from ill-health has had to resign all offices. 

Benjamin Kirkpatriek, of Irish descent, with his wife Mary, settled one 
and a half miles west of London, where :i few years idler, he died. lie located 
there about I suit, was a good, honest farmer and a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. The Kirkwood Cemetery was named after him. He died December 
5, 1821. Of his children were the following: .John and James, who died with 
milk sickness in 1822; Joseph married Ellen ("only, and soon after died ; 
William married Harcy Hammond: Harriet, who died from the effects of the 

bite of a rattlesnake: and Samuel. Ile/.ekiah Mayless. who it is understood, was 
a native of Virginia, with his wife. Sarah, settled on land now owned by the 
Widow Gray, aboul 1810 as he was known to lie here during the war of 1812. 
Mr. Bayless resided here several years, then removed to Champaign County, 

Ohio, where he died. They had several children of whom we obtained but two 
names. Sarah and .John. The above we give as the true pioneers, ami now we 
follow with a number of early settlers, who on accounl of the hardships en- 
dured, labors performed, and prominent spheres in which they have acted 
are some of them, more fully identified with the improvements, growth and 
progress of the township and county, than many who settled earlier 

David Groves, a native of Loudoun County, Va., married Elizabeth Stipp, 
of the same county. Aboul L805, he emigrated with his family to Ohio, and 
settled in Pickaway County ; aboul 1811, he came to .Madison County and set 
tied in Union Township, on land now owned in Mrs. E. Armstrong. Soon after 
settling here, he erected a tannery (being a tanner by trade), which was said to 
lie the first in the county. Here he remained and carried on this business, in con 
nection with farming, till aboul 1827, when he rented his farm and moved to 
London and erected a tannen there, and carried on business oik; or two years, 
when his wife died, and soon after he sold his property in town and moved Lack 
to the farm an I resided till 1846, when he sold his farm to James Jones and 
again located in town, purchasing the property when- his daughter, Mrs Neff, 

now lives, and here resided lill his death, in 1855, in his eighty fourth year. He 

was a man of undoubted integrity, firm in character, and a devoted member of 

the Methodisl Church for many years. He served as a soldier in the war of 
1812, under (leu. Ilarri on. and was near by at the surrender of Hull's army at 
Detroit. He was the father of eight children — Keturah, who married Charles 
Soward, and settled in [owa : Sarah, who married Wilson Dungan, is now 

deceased; George died, unmarried; Letitia married Squire Knight, of Greene 
County, Ohio: Rachel married A. A. Hume, is deceased; Mary married Absalom 

Net?', and sell led in Pickaway County. A few years before his death he 
removed to London, where lie died in 1861. They had one son. Francis Rodney, 
who married and resides in London, on the same property with Mrs. Neff; .John 
Wesley died, unmarried, at Woif Lake, hid.; and Joseph Lrantz. who married 
Louise Strong, ami settled on tin- old homestead place of his father, where he 
died .July l!». 1816. They had one son. .John Wesley who was killed by the 
cars when thirteen years of age. John Moore, a nativeofthe Stateof Virginia, 
married a Miss Smith, and in 1811 emigrated to Ohio, remaining one year in 
Ross County, and in 1812 settled in Madison County, locating in the northern 
part of Union Township on the Littler farm. Mrs. Moore died, and he subse 
quently married Sarah Littler. By his firs! wife he had two children, both 
deceased ; by his last wife he had nine, two now survive. Mr. Moore was <pnte 
a reserved, unpretentious man, yel full of fun and quick.with repartee, and 
enjoyed life well. He followed farming through life ; a man of kind heart and 
a substantial and worthv citizen. 



674 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

John F. Armstrong was bom in Kentucky March 13, 1772 ; he served a 
short time in the war of 1812; he married Elizabeth Warren, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, of Welsh descent; in 1813, he came to Madison County, and located 
on land now owned by Hiram EUchmon. He made (arming and stock-raising 
his business through life, and was quite successful. He owned 300 acres of 
land in this county, besides quite an amount of Western lands. He was the 
lather of twelve children ; six survive — Eliza (wife of Andrew .Jackson), Warren. 
Samuel, Francis. William H. (now a resident of Kansas), and John F. Mr. 
Armstrong died August 16, 1863, and his wife September 3, 1867. James 
Porter, a native of .Maryland emigrated to Koss County, Ohio, about 1800, ami 
there married Elizabeth Kibourn. He served in the war of 1812, and very 
soon after — or about 1815 — settled in this township, on the place now owned 
by his son. dames G. Here he erected his cabin, and very soon after set out 
an orchard, from trees he raised by planting the seeds from some rotten apples 
which he brought to the county. This was one of the first orchards in this 
neighborhood, and some of the trees are still standing in the old orchard. His 
wife died in October. 1829, with the "trembles, or milk-sickness.' lie was 
then left with six young children, whom he took to his brother, in Ross County. 
Subsequently, he married Mary Bradley, and, in 1835, brought his children 
back, and then resided upon the farm, where he first located, till his death. The 
children by his first wife were John, who married Mary Timmons, is now 
deceased ; Peter, removed to Illinois, where he married Mary Jane Ayers, is 
now a resident of Kansas ; Amelia Ann. married John Troud, is now deceased ; 
James G. ; Samuel, deceased, and Lucretia, also deceased. The children by 
his last wife were Nancy, Joshua. Malinda and Malissa (deceased), Harriet 
(married A. J. Coover, and resides in London), and William H. (resides at Par- 
sons, Kan. — he served through the late war of the rebellion). Mr. Porter was 
:; very large, robust man, measuring six feet and four inches in height, and his 
average weight was two hundred and fifty pounds. His wife died in 1849. 
He died in 1852, aged sixty-three years. George Boocher, believed to be a 
native of Maryland, married Gatty Truitt, and settled near where the Infirmary 
is now located, about 1814-15, where he resided till his death. Tie had one 
child. Mahala. who married Charles Warrington, and now resides in South 
Charleston, Ohio. Robert Smith, a son of James Smith, and a native of Vir- 
ginia, came to this county about 1815, and settled on what js known as the 
Phifer place. He was married in Virginia to Ann Littler, in the year 1800. 
< >f their children, one now survives— S. L. Smith, residing in Northern Indiana. 
Mr. Smith died in 1816. Tn 1817, his widow married William Nbteman, an 
early settler of Deer Creek Township. By this second husband she had one 
child, now the wife of John Lohr. Mrs. Noteman died in 1826. 

In November, 1814, William Jones and wife, with one child. Job K.. 
emigrating from the State of Tennessee, and settled in London. Later there were 
born to the parents [saac, John. William and James. The father was a 
blacksmith by trade, and was the first to follow that occupation in London. 
He was subsequently engaged in various occupations, and became very 
wealthy. He was a very liberal man. gave a great deal to various charitable 
purposes and assisted those needing financial help. lie suffered severely in 
the crash of is:;?, by paying security debts, and removed to his farm in Union 
Township, but subsequently returned to London, where he lived with his son, 
Job K.. at whose home he died. He was extensively known, and loved by 
every one. He was everybody's friend, and was familiarly known as •• Dad 
Jones." Of the children. Job K. remained a resident of London until his 
death, which occurred April 4. 1877. lie possessed, at one time, over 800 
acres of land in Madison County (Union and Deer Creek Townships). John 
is now a retired merchant of London, and James a lawyer in Champaign, 111. 







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7 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 677 

Thomas Jones, a native of Worcester County. Md., emigrated to Ross 
County, Ohio ; about 1817 removed to Madison County and located in the south- 
west part of Union Township, when; he purchased land. Subsequently, P. P. 
Helphenstine purchased a large tract of hind of Pulton & Creighton. of Chil- 
licothe, from which Mr. Jones obtained enough to make with his first purchase 
1,000 acres. Here, where he first located, he remained through bib. He was 
quite an active politician, first as a Whig, then a Republican. He served as 
Associate Judge under the old constitution several years, and also as County 
Commissioner. He was a man of kind heart and noted for his deeds of 
love and charity. He married .Mary I*. Truitt, a native of Eastern .Maryland, by 
whom he had seven sons and one daughter; James J. married Josephine 
Kerr, and resides in San Jose, Cal. ; William G. married Eliza Cryder, both 
deceased; Edward A. settled in Illinois, and married Margery Elkin, now 
resides at Decatur, •111. ; Dr. Toland, who married Frances A. Toland and 
resides in London ; John E. married Mary McLene, is deceased ; Eliza J. mar- 
ried J. B. Evans, who is deceased, since which she married Thomas 0. Smith, 
who is also deceased — he died in California where his widow still resides : Ken 
dall P. died in 1X.">4. when young ; and Addison who married Sarah V. Godfrey 
and resides on the old homestead. Mr. Jones died in 1859, and his wife in 
1865. Samuel Messmore, a native of Pennsylvania, married Mrs. Michael 
Lohr, nee Mary C. Miller, born in Rockingham County. Va. She married 
Michael Lohr in 1810; he died in 1818. By him she had two sons and two 
daughters — Margaret Ann, married William Chappell, is now a widow and 
resides in London ; George W., whose sketch appears in another part of this 
work ; John, married Ann Noteman ; and Mary, who married Michael Carr, and 
now resides in Fayette County, Ohio. Mr. Messmore married Mrs. Lohr in 
1819. In 1820, they removed to Ohio and settled in Union Township, Madison 
County, on land now owned by William Cryder. He was master of two trades, 
a brick-layer, and a shoe-maker, the latter of which he followed in connection 
with farming through life. He died in Midway, this county, having moved 
there just a year or two before his death. He was a man of excellent charac- 
ter, honest and upright in all his dealings, kind and liberal in all his habits, 
and in his later years a devout member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Mess 
more was a model wife, mother and neighbor, and kind to the sick and afflicted, 
and benevolent to all worthy of her charity. By Mr. Messmore she had three 
children — Mary Catharine, now the wife of James Gossard and. resides in Illi- 
nois; Isabel, now Mrs. Alexander Wilmoth, and resides in Kentucky ; and 
James Madison who died when in childhood. 

Jacob Canard, a native of Pennsylvania, was born January 28, 1780; 
emigrated to Warren County. Ohio, about 1796-97, where he married Mehitable 
Buckles, who was born Augusl II. 1772, in Virginia. Subsequently, they 
removed to near Lisbon. Clark Co., Ohio: thence, in 1823-24, settled in 
Union Township, this county, locating in the west part, where he purchased 
land and remained till his death. They had the following children : Mary 
married David Smith, who died and she married Robert Ruckles, removed to 
Indiana, thence to Illinois, where she is now a widow, aged eighty-three year-. ; 
Jonah, never married, and died in this county about L848 ; James, married 
Man Buckles, and died in this county July -i. L880, Ids wife died Augusl 7. 
1881. they had six children; John 1>. and David T. reside in London ; Eliza, 
married John Forbes, and in 1854 removed to Illinois; -John, married 
Leah Buzick, and in L854 also moved to Illinois, he was serving as County 
Commissioner when he moved West, and was a Colonel in the Slate Militia 
many years : he died in January. 1870 ; Jacob, the fifth child of James Gar- 
rard, died young: and Joseph, the youngest, married Lucy Allen, and subse- 
quently, moved to Marysville. Union Co. Ohio, where he died on Thanks- 



67S HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

giving Day. November, 1880. Stephen, the youngest child of Jacob Garrard, 
married Nancy Davis, and subsequently moved to Columbus, where he died in 
June, 1874. Mr. Jacob Garrard's wife died October 8, 1836. Subsequently 

he married .Martha Hollar, by whom he had two children — Martin Van Buren, 
and Thomas .Jefferson — the former died in the army in the war of the rebellion, 
in South Carolina ; the latter resides at Indianapolis. Mr. Garrard died Janu- 
uary 28, 1845. He gave his leading attention to stock-raising ; was a great 
hunter in those days when game was in abundance, and enjo3'ed the sport 
greatly. So well did he enjoy the sport, that at times feeling unwell and unfit 
lor business, if he was able to mount, his horse and ride out on a hunt, it was 
an effectual remedy for his ailments, and he would return to his business much 
invigorated. About 1829, Mr. Garrard erected a grist mill on Oak Run. just 
above the Roberts' Mill, made of hewed logs and run by water-power. Soon 
after, he erected a small distillery ; these ran till about 1840, when he sold the 
mill to Charles Roberts, and the distillery was discontinued. He was a great 
politician and took an active part in all campaigns, working for the success of 
the Democratic party. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Dr. Simon 
Steers, a Yankee by birth, located in the north part of the township about 1810, 
and was one of the first physicians of this township. He resided here till his 
death. He raised several children, some of whom died here and some removed 
to the West. The Doctor and his wife were both interred in the cemetery near 
Newport. 

James Rankin, one of the prominent and leading business men of the 
county, was born in Maryland, Ma}- 20, 1786. On February 10, 1S07. married 
Margaret Truitt, who was born in Worcester County, Md., January 1, 1788. 
In the spring or summer of 1817, they emigrated to Ohio, and were all summer 
making the journey, arriving in the county in the fall of the same year. That 
winter they sheltered at what is now the sugar camp of Mary Truitt, the entire 
party, consisting of fourteen persons, sleeping in one room of the log cabin. 
In the spring of 1818. they located on the land now known as the County 
Infirmary Farm. Mr. Rankin was a contractor and builder by profession, and 
was one of the contractors for a county jail, which will be mentioned elsewhere, 
lie. however, made farming his principal occupation through life. He was a 
prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of London, being one of the 
constituent members of its re-organization in 1S20: and also a worthy member 
of the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he was a Whig; he held the olfice of 
Township Trustee fifteen years or more. Mr. Rankin was a man possessed of a 
high moral and Christian character and a most worthy citizen. He died 
\ugust 21. 1857; Mrs. Rankin died on December 12. 1871. Their children 
were as follows: John T. N., who married Charity Ann Fullerton, and resides 
at South Charleston; Albert <i.. married Abigail Cooper, she died leaving one 
child. George W., who grew to manhood, noted for his moral and Christian 
character, and although taken from life just in tin 1 bud of manhood, when his 
plans for usefulness were scarcely matured, as lie was preparing for the min- 
istry, yet in his death he showed his devoted Christian and charitable spirit, by 
bequeathing in his last will and testament $10,000 to the Board of Education 
of the Presbyterian Church of the I nited Slates (Mr. Albert <!. Rankin 
married lor his second wife. Margaret A. Withrow. by whom he had several 
children): Charlotte Ann Selby, the third child of .lames Rankin, married 
Samuel Withrow; Eliza White, died young and unmarried: Caroline Matilda; 
married William Stroup, and died ai South Charleston, Ohio; Joshua Truitt, 
married Sarah Evans, and resides near the homestead place: Mary Atkinson, 
married Fulton Armstrong, is deceased; dames, married Ann Eliza Warner; 
and Washington Purnell, who died in childhood. Edward Evans, settled in 
Paint Township, in 1813, and a little later in this township, on land belonging to 



I NION TOWNSHIP. 679 

the James Armstrong heirs, where lie died. He was a native of Virginia; a 
good, honest farmer, and a worthy and respectable citizen, and member of the 
Methodist Church. 

Jesse Paine was a native of .Maryland, and settled here about 1820; was a 
cripple and unable to do much manual labor, fie had a large; family of chil- 
dren, of whom are John, Zadoc, Samuel and James ; all good, industrious men, 
and from starting in life poor, have become thrifty farmers. John Rayburn, a 
native of Virginia, first emigrated to Ross County, thence about 1818 came to 
Madison County, and settled first eight miles south of London, at Willow 
Springs, and about 1830 removed to near London, where he resided till his death. 
He married a .Miss ('orbit, by whom he had seven children, all now deceased. 
Henry, moved to Indiana at an early day and died there; James became a mem- 
ber of the Legislature from this county, and was an Associate Judge; but about 
1844 removed to Illinois, where he died in the summer of 1882; John remained 
a resident of this county till his death; William also died here ; David diet! 
here; Creighton M. (.lied in London; and one daughter named Patsey married 
Dr. James Allen, who lived and died in London. All of the above family were 
very worthy citizens, of high moral character, and members of the Presbyterian 
Church. James Kiscaddin settled here about 1824, a good, industrious man; 
never owned property, and removed to Marion, Ohio. 

Robert Armstrong, a son of Judge James Armstrong, of Ross County, 
was born April 7, 1801. married KJizabeth Earl, and settled in this county, 
four miles south of London, about 1824-25. His wife died in 1844, and he 
subsequently married Mis. .Maria Coover, nee Cowling. He was the father of 
fifteen children; nine now survive — Fulton, Thomas. James, Elizabeth, John T., 
Richard. Iowa and Missouri (twins, tne latter deceased), Edward and Benjamin 
K. Several of these now reside in the West; the balance reside in this county, 
and are among its leading business men. Mr. Armstrong was an extensive 
farmer and stock-dealer, very successful in business, became owner of 1,400 acres 
of land in Madison Count\ r , and a large amount of Western lands, besides much 
personal property. He died in 18G5, and his wife in 1873. Samuel Carr was 
a native of Harrison County. Va., and while a young, single man came to 
Madison County and settled near Newport, purchasing land of Col. Hlias Lang- 
ham, hut which he lost entirely, having a worthless title. Thence he rented 
the farm now owned by Mr. Blue. In 1824, he purchased the farm where his 
son John now lives, and there resided till his death. He married Amelia 
Warner, by whom he had the following children: John W.; Minerva Ann. mar- 
ried 1! 'bert Withrow. is now deceased; Maria Jane, died unmarried; Eliza 
Ruth, died at eighteen years of age; Francis and Mary, died in infancy; Amanda, 
married Henry R. Dun, resides in Bloomington, 111.; and Samuel, who was killed 
by being thrown from a horse when twelve years of age. Mr. Carr. who came 
to the county prior to the war of 1812, served in that war. lie spent his life 
as a farmer and stock raiser, and accumulated a good property. lie was a man 
of unimpeachable character, and much respected by all who knew him. He 
died May 18, 1864, aged eighty-one years. His wife died August 31, 1864, 
aged seventy-two years. William Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish 
descent, removed to Virginia, and there married Nancy Rea, a native of Mary- 
land, of Welsh descent. In 1828, they came to Ohio and settled in the western 
part of Union Township, where they resided till their death. 

Lancisco. Gideon and George Peck, sons of Gideon Peck, of Ross County, 
Ohio, settled on a tract of land in the west part of Union Township, which was 
purchased by their father. They settled here about 1828. Gideon has since 
died, and George removed to Illinois. Lancisco still resides on the home 
place, where he lias resided more than half a century, a ver\ honest, upright 
man, and a prosperous farmer. Of other early settlers of whom we did not 



680 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

succeed in obtaining any special account, yet were known to have settled here 
about 1S12 15, were John and George Sutherland, John and James Beatt}-, 
Henry Ward and an only son. Joseph. The above, we think, will embrace a 
reasonably thorough accounl of most of the first settlers of Union Township, 
as its boundaries now exist. Some early settlers have no doubt been omitted, 
not intentionally, but from an impossibility, with the limited resources now 
left us after a lapse of more than three-quarters of a century, to gain in- 
formation of every one. Neither do we claim no mistakes in what we have 
given, but we have endeavored to gather as carefully and correctly as was 
possible. 

SURFACE, SOIL, ETC. 

The surface of this township is generally level, and considerable portions of 
it were originally oak openings and prairies. Along the streams and creeks, 
the surface is rolling, and. in a few localities, somewhat hilly. The principal 
streams are Glade Run and Deer Creek, in the eastern part of the township, 
crossing it from north to south; Oak Run. which rises in the northwest part of 
the township, flows eastward, and thence southeast through London and the 
central portion of the township, and on through Oak Run Township and is a 
branch of Walnut Run, which rises a little south of the source of Oak Run, and 
courses in a southeast direction into Paint Township, leaving this township 
on the Elijah Peterson farm. The southern neck of this township is crossed 
from west to east by Walnut Run, a distance of about two and one-half miles. 
The southwest and western portions of the township are quite level. On the 
tributary of Walnut Hun, and the head-waters of Oak Run, the surface is 
rolling; between said tributary and Oak Run is a large extent of very level 
and beautiful country, and also the same condition between Oak Run and 
Deer Creek. The most uneven and hilly locality, and in fact about the only 
portion which can with propriety be called hilly, is the southern portion, along 
Oak Run and "Walnut Run. The entire township possesses a rich, strong, and 
productive soil. The more level portions generally consist of a black loam, 
with here and there a small admixture of clay. The rolling and hilly portions 
are a clay and loam soil. Almost the entire township is especially adapted to 
grazing and the raising of stock, which has ever been a leading business 
with the most prominent farmers. Where the farmers have given attention 
to tiling and draining their land, it produces abundant crops of wheat and corn. 
and during the last few years much attention has been given to draining the 
lands, and it is greatly increasing the productiveness and value of farms. 
Prom the above description of the course of the streams, it will be clearly visible 
that the west and northwest portions of the township have the greatest eleva- 
tion. In the building of the Pittsburgh. Cincinnati iV St. Louis Railroad, which 
passes in a northeasterly or southwesterly course through the center of the 
township, it was said that the highest altitude between Columbus and Cincin- 
nati, is just west of William Cryder's residence. The Township is well watered, 
and good wells, with lasting water, are obtained from fifteen to fort} feet below 
the -uii'ace. At the County Infirmary, which is located on this hind above 
spoken of. possessing such :i high altitude they have (lowing wells, and the 
water is impregnated very strongly with iron, and perhaps other minerals. 
Therefore, there musl be extensive subterranean courses, which are supplied 
with water from some distanl source of very high elevation, and this source, 
or somewhere along the subterranean course, before it reaches the surface at 
the infirmary, musl lie abundantly supplied with iron. The water appears to 
lie of excellent quality and, without doubt, conducive to health. The variety 
of timber is aboul the same as in other portions of the county. On the more 
level portions, and in the oak openings, burr oak predominates, with some 
hickory and elm ; in some wet portions elm rather predominates. In some 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 681 

places, and along the the creek bottoms, were formerly found considerable 
walnut. On the more elevated lands, with clay soil, were white, black and red 
oak, hickory and ash, as the prevailing species. The prairies, as first occupied 
by the pioneers, were found with an exuberant growth of grass, which formed 
excellent pasturage for their stock, the grass often growing seven and eight 
feet in height. I tut late in the season, when it became very dry. it became as 
dangerous an element as in the early part of the season it was beneficial to the 
settler; for, often the grass would be set on fire, and burn and destroy every- 
thing of a destructible nature which lay in its course, and, when once started, 
with a brisk wind it would travel at railroad speed, and many a farmer had his 
buildings, grain and everything swept away by the burning element in a few 
minutes of time. Sometimes, by a combination of neighbors making a hard 
and continued right with the fire, before it reached too near their homes, they 
would succeed in saying their property. But in the fall of the year it required 
a continued watchfulness and care on the part of the settlers to guard against 
these destructiyc fires. 

PIKE8 AND ROADS. 

Two railroads pass through this township, the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. 
Louis, and the Indianapolis. Bloomington & Western (formerly Springfield & 
Columbus Short Line). The township is well supplied with pikes, or good gravel 
roads, radiating in all directions from London, the only town in the township ; 
i he principal of which are, the Somerford pike, the Springfield pike, the south 
Charleston pike, the pike leading to Newport and Midway, the Mount Sterling 
pike, the Lilly Chapel & Georgesville pike, the Jefferson pike, the Lafayette 
pike, and now building, the Beach Road pike, all of which add greatly to the 
business interests of Loudon, and to the comfort and convenience of the peo- 
ple throughout the entire country. Besides these pikes above mentioned, 
many of the cross and connecting roads have been more or less graveled, and 
made nearly as good as pikes, so that we may say that this township has su- 
perior roads and facilities for travel, comfort, and convenience. 

CHURCHES. 

It is probable, in fact we may say very certain, that the first church or- 
ganization in Union Township was on (Hade Run, and is known as the Lower 
Glade Methodist Episcopal Church. About 1808-9, several persons met at a 
log house on the farm now owned by Preston Adair, situated between what is 
known as the Lower Glade and the Upper Glade, and here, by Rev. Mr. Pavey, 
a class was organized consisting of the following persons: John McDonald, 
James McDonald, Charles Ewing, Samuel Ewing, John Ewing, Jacob Sidener, 
John Adair, James Wright. Eliza Wright. William Brwin and his mother, 
Charles Melvin, John Melvin. Benjamin Melvin, Joseph Melvin, and their 
wives. Isaac Wright. James Wright, William Kagan. Abby Melvin, Schuyler 
McDonald, Phebe Melvin, Henry Coon and wife and Polly McDonald. While 
they continued to hold their meetings at this log house, they were adminis- 
tered to by the Revs. Pavey, Smith, Bacon, Roberl Findley, dames Findley, 
William Sutton and William Simmons. About 1812, by mutual agreement, 
for the convenience of the members, the class was divided, those who lived 
in the vicinity of the Upper Glade, forming a class, which was the nucleus of 
the McDonald Church, or the Upper Glade Methodist Episcopal Uhurch, and 
those who resided in the vicinity of the Lower (Hade constituted a class, ami 
the beginning of the church of which we here give a history. This class con- 
sisted of the following: James McDonald, William Krwin and his mother, 
Schuyler McDonald, Charles Melvin. John Melvin, Benjamin Melvin, Joseph 
Melvin, Henry Coon, and their wives. Abby Melvin. Phebe Melvin. Adam Ben- 
nett ami wife, Jacob McCuen, Samuel Adair and wife, and John Harrison and 



682 HISTuRY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

wife, numbering twenty-six members in all. They held services in the house 
of James McDonald, and the houses of others, and in the sehoolhouse until 
about 1831, when they erected the old log meeting house, which at that time 
was considered a fine structure, and it was probably dedicated the following 
year by Rev. William Simmons. The people worshiped in this log house for 
some time without a floor, the minister preaching to the people from a platform 
of boards laid upon some of the hewed joists. Many years afterward, this 
log building was weather-boarded and repaired, and made to take on quite an 
improved appearance. Thus fitted up, this house continued to serve the peo- 
ple till 1881, when arrangements were perfected to erect upon the same site a 
substantial brick edifice, which was built by Mr. James Self, of London, and is 
a fine specimen of workmanship. The house is thirty-two b}' fifty-four feet, 
with an eight feet square tower projecting in front, making the extreme length 
sixty-two feet. In the interior, the house is neatly and tastefully furnished ; 
the arrangements for lighting the church are, perhaps, unsurpassed by any 
church of its size, and presents a very pleasing appearance. The seats which 
are of heavy ash wood, trimmed with walnut, were furnished b} - the Excelsior 
School and Church Furniture Company oi Cincinnati. Probably, no church in 
the county is better seated. The whole cost of the building is a little over 
$2,700. The house was dedicated to service June 11, 1882, by the Presiding 
Elder of this district, Rev. J. F. King. The sermon was delivered on Sabbath 
morning at 10 o'clock from the text, "We shall be satisfied with the goodness 
of Thy house, even of Thy holy temple" (Psalm lxv, 4th verse). There were 
present two of the former pastors, Rev. A. M. Alexander and Rev. B. Tressen- 
rider, also the Rev. J. W. Peters, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
London, all of whom participated in the services. At the close of the dis- 
course, a financial exhibit was made by the pastor, and the congregation were 
asked for $625, the amount necessary to liquidate the indebtedness of the 
church. The response made to the call by the Elder was both generous and 
general, and in a half hour or so, the membership and friends had contributed 
about $810. Several friends who were not present had remembered the church, 
and had sent subscriptions. This liberality had enabled the church to pay all 
its indebtedness, and to provide itself with a good bell. After the subscrip 
tion, the church was presented on the part of the Trustees, b}' Brother J. .1. 
Melvin, and was then formerly dedicated to God as a house of worship, ac- 
cording to the ritual of the church. The Trustees at the present time (1882 
are Thomas Peddicord, J. J. Melvin. Andrew Rupert, Josiah Melvin and l>a 
vid Rupert. The class leader is John J. Melvin. The present pastor is Rev. 
John W. Waite. 

The above is the only church in Union Township, outside of the limits of 
London, except a German Baptist Church, situated a little north of Roberts 
Mill, which was recently built, and consequently its history would be but brief, 
and of which we have lew facts or data. 

CEMETERIES. 
The first burial-places were usually upon the land where they lived, or 
that of some neighbor at no great distance, as it was many years before 
regular interment grounds or cemeteries were established. The first to re 
ceive interment within the present limits of Union Township 'were, probably, 
two infant children of Thomas Melvin, on Glade Hun, who died in the summer 
of 1808, and were buried on his land, which has since become a regular burial- 
place for that neighborhood and vicinity, and is known as the Lower Glade 
Cemetery. The first adult peison to be interred was Thomas Melvin. the father 
of the above-mentioned children, who died in the fall of 1808. In 1811. the 
body of John McDonald, Sr., was deposited in the same piece of ground 



UNION TOWNSHIP 683 

And from this time deaths and burials became quite frequent, as the neighbor- 
hood of the Glade filled up with settlers, and for many years much sickness 
prevailed, and many a family tie was sundered by the "grim messenger, 
Death." Subsequently, after the death of Thomas Melvin, this laud came into 
the ownership of Charles Melvin, who fenced around about an acre of ground 
and donated it for cemetery purposes. It has now been used for nearly seven- 
ty-five years, and contains a large concourse of the dead. A few persons have 
been buried in other places, but nearly all who were interred in the eastern 
portion of the township were buried in the above cemetery. In the extreme 
western part of the township, many of the pioneers were buried in the 
■ Turner Burying-Ground," just in the edge of Clark County. Also, a few per 
sons were interred on the James Garrard farm, which was, in the early days 
known as the Sutherland l>urying-Ground. But it is now all an open pasture. 
and not a mark left to show who were buried there. In the southern and 
southwestern portions of the township, many of the early dead were interred 
in the Watson Cemetery. At London there were two burying-places quite 
early established — one in the north part of the town, usually known as the 
Methodist, and the other west of the town, known as the Presbyterian. These 
were used for many }-ears, and until the purchase and establishment of the 
present beautiful grounds known as Oak Hill and Kirkwood Cemeteries. 
These were both established by associations, organized under the laws of the 
State, as follows ; 

Oak Will Cemetery Association was organized at a called meeting of the 
citizen? of London and vicinity, on August 6,1860, with the following mem 
bers : Richard Cowling, Toland Jones. Jeriah Swetland, James Q. Lotspeieh. 
A. A. Hume, Richard A. Harrison, A. Shanklin, Oliver P. Crabb, Henry- \V. 
Smith and Benjamin F. Clark. Of these. Alexander A. Hume. Richard A 
Harrison and Jeriah Swetland. were duly elected Trustees ; and Henry W 
Smith; Clerk. On August 9, 1860, Richard Cowling, Esq., and his wife, Man 
Cowling, conveyed by deed to said Oak Hill Association, eight acres and ninety - 
six poles of land. This land lies north of London, where said cemetery is 
located, and was a donation by said grantors. The ground was laid out in 
three divisions : Division No. 1, contains sixty-eight lots ; Division No. 2. con- 
tains sixty-nine lots; and Division No. '.'>. contains fifty-three lots. The Soldiers 
Monument is in Division No. 1, and was donated by Richard Cowling, Esq 
The donor is buried near the Soldiers' Monument. Richard Cowling, Esq., in 
his last will and testament, devised to said Oak Hill Cemetery Association 
fifty- four and three-fifths acres of land adjoining the eight acres and ninety- 
six poles of land first donated. The following persons have been the Trustees 
of said Association : Richard A. Harrison, Alexander A. Hume, and Jeriah 
Swetland, from the organization. August 6th, 1860. to August 3. 1868 ; at the 
latter date the following persons were elected Trustees: R. Cowling. J. Swet- 
land, and A. A. Hume, who continued as Trustees till Augusl 4, 1ST.'!, when R. 
Cowling. S. H. Cartzdafner and A. A. Hume were elected Trustees. October:;, 
18715, H. Cowling. Esq.. died. On June 14. 1875. Jeriah Swetland was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of R. Cowling, Esq. August 
16. 1875. Peter Peetrev. E. R Watts and S. II. Cartzdafner. were elected 
Trustees. August 7, 1876, S. H. Cartzdafner, E. R. Watts and John Kinney. 
were elected Trustees. August ti. 1879, the following persons were elected 
Trustees : Benjamin F. ("lark. Samuel P. Davidson and Preston Adair. H. 
W. Smith, Esq., was elected Clerk and Secretary. August ti. 1860, and has been 
continued by re-election to the present time. A. Shanklin was elected Treasurer. 
August 6, 1860, and continued to hold said office until August S, 1877, when he 
died, and is buried in said cemetery. August 17, 1877, the Trustees appointed 
Thomas J. Bolds Treasurer, who qualified and held said office till August (i 



*W HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

1879 ; when John Jones, I]sq., was elected Treasurer. Every lot owner is a 
member of said association. The Trustees have planted the avenues with 
shade trees, graded and graveled the avenues, fenced, ditched and otherwise 
improved the ground. In 1876, they completed the erection of a nice brick 
house in the cemeterj' for the Sexton, have dug a well and cistern, and made 
other improvements. The cemetery is in a pleasant location, neatly and taste- 
full}' laid out, and is a beautiful place for the burial of the dead. There are 
several fine monuments in the cemeteiy; and that of the soldiers will ever com- 
memorate ils donor. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. — This cemetery is located southeast of 
London. It consists of four acres of ground, which was purchased of Dr. Tol- 
and for $-100. and for which a deed was executed in favor of Archbishop 
Purcell, and the same duly recorded in London, April 7, 1865. The grounds 
were laid out in lots under the superintendence of Father Conway, and the 
cemetery duly consecrated to the purpose intended ; since which many inter- 
ments have been made there. Prior to the purchase of this cemetery, most of 
the deceased of the Catholic families were interred at Springfield, Clark County. 
Since the purchase of the above cemetery, many bodies have been removed 
from Springfield and interred in this burial-ground. This cemetery is handsomely 
located, and the land is well adapted for burial purposes. Many nice monu- 
ments have been erected, and in a few years, when the shade trees have grown, 
it will doubtless add much to the beauty of its location. 

Kirhwood Cemetery Association. — At a meeting of the citizens of London 
and vicinity, at the law office of R. A. Harrison, in London, on December 26, 
1868, the following persons subscribed their names as members of said associ- 
ation : Mathew Rea, Jesse Rea, Maxwell Murray, Toland Jones, Fulton Arm- 
strong. Joshua T. Rankin, Joseph Rea, Owen Thomas, Jeremiah Rea, Robert 
Rea, Richard A. Harrison, A. S. Jones, Robert Boyd. Jonathan Farrar, James 
Rankin, C. Pancake and Harford Toland. The officers of the association have 
been as follows : Trustees — Toland Jones served 1868-77 ; Robert Boyd, 
1868-72; Jeremiah Rea, 1868-71 ; Owen Thomas, 1868-73 ; Jonathan Far- 
rar. 1868-71 ; William Riddle, 1871—; Fulton Armstrong. 1871-77 ; James 
Rankin, 1872-77 ; William Curtain. 1873-76 ; Joseph Rea, 1873— ; Robert 
Rea, 1872-77 ; Daniel T. Fox, 1876-77. Presidents— Toland Jones, 1868-72; 
William Curtain. 1873 — ; Fulton Armstrong, 1874—77. Treasurers — Har- 
ford Toland, 1868-77 ; Robert Rea, 1873. Clerks— R. A. Harrison, 1868-70 ; 
Noah Thomas, 1871-77. Toland Jones, .Jeremiah Rea, Richard A. Harrison 
and others having, on November 7, 1868, purchased of Eli G. Warner twenty- 
four and a half acres of land for cemetery purposes, the Trustees of Kirkwood 
Cemetery Association, at a special meeting of said association, held September 
IS. 1869, were instructed to purchase said twenty-four and a half acres of land 
of said Jeremiah Ilea and others, for the use of said association ; which was 
accordingly done The said land lies in a southwesterly direction from Lon- 
don, and the grounds were laid out by George Wiltz, of Circleville, Ohio, an 
accomplished architect and engineer, ami were appropriately dedicated on July 
.'!, 1869. The Trustees have erected a neat brick house on the grounds for the 
sexton. On June 26, 1874, they appointed Green Roberts as watchman of said 
cemetery grounds, who was sworn to perforin all the duties required and 
authorized by the State law enacted for the protection of cemeteries, during 
his continuance as watchman. In L882, a morgue was luiilt. under the super- 
intendence of Fulton Armstrong and Auburn Smith, at a cost of about £3,300, 
and is a beautiful and spacious structure lor the purpose for which it was 
erected. In October, 1832, Auburn Smith died, and was the first person to be 
laid in the morgue, in the construction of which be had been a superintendent. 
and had but a short time previous to his death completed the work. This 



*£T' 



i i 




~~^tt^rz&^ 



i Mux township. 687 

cemetery has a beautiful location, high and dry, and u soil well adapted to the 
purpose. The laying out of the grounds is artistically done, and avenues and 
shade trees so arranged as to give a very pleasing appearance, and it appears 
to be all that could be desired as a final resting-place for the dead. 

SCHOOLS. 

This township is divided into seven subdistricts, with enumeration of 
scholars as follows, in the year 1881 : Subdistrict No. 1, male, 34; female, 29; 
total, 63 ; Subdistrict No. 2, male 24 ; female. 23 ; total, 47 ; Subdistrict No. 3, 
male, 25; female, 23; total, 18; Subdistrict No. 4. male, 13; female, 15; total, 
28 ; Subdistrict No. 5. male. 21 : female, 14 : total, 35 ; Subdistrict No. 6, male. 
25; female, 29 ; total, 54; Subdistrict No. 7, male, 10; female, i:; ; total, 2:5. 
Total, male, 152; female, 1 16; total. 298. The present Board of Education is 
Subdistrict No. 1. S. I). Sweet ; No. 2, Nehemiah Nedds ; No. 3. John Galla- 
gher; No. 4, J. W. Durflinger; No. 5. Robert Richmon ; No. 6, John Stickley ; 
and No. 7, George Cornwell. 

MILLS. 

About 1829, Jacob Garrard erected a grist mill on Oak Run, a little above 
.vhere Roberts' mill is now located. This mill was constructed from hewed logs, 
and was run by water-power. Soon after he erected a small distillery connected 
with the mill: these he run till about 1840, when he sold the gristmill to 
Charles Roberts, who refused to purchase the distillery, and it then went into 
disuse and decay. Soon after the mill came int.) Mr. Roberts' ownership, he 
erected a new mill on the present site of the Roberts' Mill. This mill has been 
run by Mr. Roberts and his heirs ever since its erection, or at least has been 
run under their ownership, and at one time it did quite an extensive business 
for that day. 

Carding Mill: — About 1840, Henry Zinn erected a carding mill, with a saw 
mill attached, on Oak Run, about one mile north of London, run by water-power. 
He continued business there about live years, when he sold the property to C. 
K. Slagle, who continued the business about four years, when he erected a new 
building, twostories, 30x50 feet, attached to the old building, in which he placed 
machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of woolen goods. This machinery 
he ran by steam power, and in 1850 had it in full operation, when he rented 
the property to William Fish, who was a practical manufacturer. Mr Slagle 
then erected a tannery near the woolen mills. Mr. Fish, after conducting busi- 
ness two years, associated with himself Mr. Dennis Clark, and thus continued 
two years, when Mr. Fish retired, Mr. Clark purchasing his interest and con- 
tinuing the business till June 28, 1864, when the whole property was destroyed 
by lire, caused by sparks falling on the roof from the chimney. This fire also 
destroyed Mr. Slagle's tannery and all his property. They never rebuilt the 
mill. 

OFFICIALS. 

From the absence of any records of the township for the first ten years 
after the erection of the township, we commence our account with the year 
1821, the first which appear;? on the records: 

Trustees. — 1821 — George Chappell, William Smith and Patrick McLene; 
1822 -George Chappell, Amos G. Thompson and John F. Chenoweth; 1823 — 
George Chappell, Thomas Rea and John F. Chenoweth; 1824 — James Cessna, 
John F. Chenoweth and George Chappell; 1825 — George Chappell, John Moore 
and John F. Chenoweth; 1826 — Thomas Cessna, John F. Chenoweth and 
George Chappell; 1827— John Moore, Joseph B. Melvin and George Chappell; 
1828-29— John Moore, Jonathan Minshall and J. B. Melvin; 1830-33— Joseph 
B. Melvin, Nathan Bond and Jonathan Minshall; from 1833 to 1841 no rec- 



688 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ord« appear; 1841-43 — James Rankin, John J. Melvin and Joseph Rayburu 
1844 — James Smith. James Rankin and Paul Custer; 1845 — James Rankin 
James Smith and Maxwell Murray: 1846-48 — Maxwell Murray. David Dunkil 
and James Rankin; 1849 — James Rankin, Joseph Rayburn and Stephei 
Moore; 1850-51 — James Rankin, John C. Jones and Stephen Moore; 1852- 
Roberi Armstrong, Harvey Fellows and Christian K. Slagle; 1853-54 — Harve; 
Fellows, Robert Armstrong and John C. Jones; 1855-56 — James Rankin, Mux 
well Murray and Christian K. Slagle; 1857 — A. A. Hume, Maxwell Murray am 
C. K. Slagle; 1858 — C. K. Slagle, John Jones and Maxwell Murray; 1859- 
C. K. Slagle, Maxwell Murray and Peter Peetrey; 1860 — Maxwell Murray 
James Garrard and Isaac Horn beck; 1861-62 — David M. Pelton, Lemtbn 
Mount and Isaac Hornbeck; 1863 64 — Lemt'ord Mount, E. D. Whitaker am 
J. 1m W. Carr; 1865— John VV. Carr, L. Mount and J. F. Chenoweth;.1866- 
L. Mount. J. W. Carr and Peter Peetrey; 1867-69— L. Mount. J. W. Carr am 
Samuel Sidener; 1870 — James W. Carr. S. Sidener and James Lilly; 1S71 71 
—Robert Boyd. S. Sidener and S. Watson; 1873-76— Robert Boyd, Williai 
Farrar and S. Sidener; 1877-78 — James Rayburn, A. Stroupand W. II. Chami 
ler, Jr.; 1879 — William H. Chandler, J. R. Hutchinson and Alfred Strouj 
1880-81— J. R. Hutchinson. W. A. Evans and M. W. Dungan; 1882— Marti 
W. Dungan, William A. Evans and Jonathan M. Smith. 

( 'lerks.— 1821-22- Stephen Moore, Jr. ; 1823— Amos G. Thompson; 1 824 
26— Samuel N. Kerr; 1827— Johnson Horrell; 1828-31— Amos Gt. Thompson 
1832-33— Johnson Horrell; (1833-40 wanting); 1841-43— H. W. Smith: 184 
— James F. Freeman; 1845-46— Z. T. Fisher: 1847-52— James F. Freemai 
1853-55— Henry W. Smith; 1856— Oliver P. Crabb; 1857-58— John R. Monl 
gomery; 1859-63— George Bowen; 1864-66— G. W. Darety; 1867-69— S. V\ 
Durflinger; 1870-76 — Leonard Eastman; 1877 — George Van Wagoner; 1878 
79— Leonard Eastman; 1880-81— E. W. McCormack; 1882— James M. Warn© 

Treasurers.— 1820-27— William Jones; 1828-32— Aquilla Toland; 1833 
35 — A. A. Hume; 1836-37— David Dunkin; (1838-41 wanting); 1 842-43— Davi 
Dunkin; 1844-50— John Rouse; 1851— H. J. Eagen; 1852- Nathan Bon< 
1853-59 -lames Q. Lotspeich; 1860-61— Jacob Peetrey; 1862— B. F. Clarh 
1863— William Jones; 1864-76 — A. A. Hume; 1877— Owen Thomas; 1878- 
Auburn Smith: 1879— George H. Van Wagoner; 1880-82— E. R. Watts. 

Assessors. — 1843 — William Athey; 1844-45 — James S. Hume; 1840- 
Stephen Moore; 1847— (blank); 1848— Dennis Warner; 1849— (blank); 185 
—John M. Christian; 1851— (blauk); 1852— William Smith; 1853— Amo 
Gregg; 1854— Abner Dresbach; 1855— Creighton M. Rayburn; 1856— Pete 
Peetrey; 1857— William Watson; 1858— Isaac Hornbeck:' 1859— Edward M< 
Cormack: 1860— Robert Withrow; 1861-62— Edward McCormack; 1863- 
Etoberl Withrow: 1864— Levi Watson; 1865— B. Blake; L866— W. S. Shej 
herd: 1867— James Stroup; 1868— J. A. Trehearne: 1869 — Benjamin T. Custei 
1870-71 Charles II. Cover; 1872— L. B. Jones; 1873— S. E. Freeman 
— I. W. P.vers. 1875— G. W. Athey; 1876-78— George Mitchell: 1879-81- 
William Watson; 1882— John Armsti'ong. 

Constables. — 1821 — Henry Warner. Edward Evans and James Campbell 
1822— Ilenn Warner. Roberl McLaughlin and Edward Evans; 1823-25— Henr 
Warner, Roberl McLaughlin and Halloway; 1826— Josiah James; 1827 — Amo 
Evans, dames 8. Campbell and William Warner; 1828 — William Warner, J. I 
Campbell and Amo-, Minshall; 182'.) —William Warner. J S. Campbell and Jo 
Coberly; 1830— William Warner. James Parker and Job Coberly j 1831— Jo 
Coberly, D. Reaves and J. 8. Campbell; L832 33 William Jones, J. S. Cam] 
bell and Peter P. Belphenstine ; 1834-55 do not appear on record ; 1856- 
Williain Turner. Henry < 1. Sothoron and Benjamin Woolheather; 1857 — D. lias 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 689 

kell. H. G. Sothoron and S. Bates; 1859-60— A. Voorhees and Thomas 1). 
Brown ; 1861 — Thomas D. Brown and James S. Hume ; 1862 — James S. Hume 
and A. Zombro ; 1868-64 — A. Zombro and Peter Peetrey ; 1865— D. R. Chris- 
raan and B. Blake; 1S66 — I). R. Chrisman and Thomas Golden ; 1867— A. Zom- 
bro and C. C. McCormaek ; 1868 — Michael Miller and S. E. Freeman; L869 70 
— A. Zombro and A. V. Chrisman ; 1871 — A. V. Chrisman and lv S. Venl ; 
1872-75— A. V. Chrisman and Calvin 0. Kennedy ; 1876— Frank H. Neff and 
A. V. Chrisman; 1877— A. V. Chrisman and C. M. Evans ; 1878— C. M. Evans 
and F. M. Chandler; 1879— F. M. Chandler and A. V. Chrisman; 1880— Jacob 
McCartney and Lewis II. .Miller; 1881— Lewis II. Miller and Charles M. Evans: 
1882 — Lewis 11. Miller and Marion Chandler. 

Supervisors. — 1821 — Henry Coon, William Jones. Edward Evans. Thomas 
Brown and John Asher ; 1822 — Thomas Brown. John Asher, Edward Evans, 
Robert Hume and John Melvin ; 1823 — Hugh Montgomery, Jacob Moore, 
James Kiscadden, Amos (J. Thompson and J. W. Simpkins ; 1824 — George 
Phifer, Henry Coon, Abraham Coon, Thomas Chapman and Benjamin Buzick ; 
1825 — John W. Simpkins, and Benjamin Buzick; 1826 — James McDonald, P. P. 
Helphenstine, Henry Coon and Thomas Bond ; 1827 — James Wilson, William 
Baskerville, Jacob Gibson, .James Rankin and Benjamin Bond ; 1828— J. B. 
Croney, William Baskerville, Jacob Weaver, Charles Melvin, Jacob Rankin and 
Mathew Rea ; 1829 — Amos G. Thomson, Charles Melvin, William Baskerville, 
•John Linsey. William Simpkins, George Chappell and James Rankin ; 1830 — 
Hugh Montgomery, George Campbell, Samuel Watson, John Linsey, John 
Harrison, Jacob Garrard and D. Reaves. As the number increased from year 
to year, we give only the above as the earliest. 

Fence Viewers. — 1821 — Aquilla Toland and Simon Steers ; 1822 — Robert 
Hume and John Morris ; 1823 — Nathan Bond and Stephen Moore, Jr.; 1824 — 
Robert Hume and Alexander A. Kaiff; 1827 — David Dunkin and Stanley Wat- 
son; 1828 — Philip Lewis and Joseph Warner ; 1829 — James M. Thompson and 
E.J. Hazle; 1830 David Dunkin and William Baskerville; 1831— Levi Mur- 
phy and George Booher , 1832 — Samuel N. Kerr and John Rouse; 1833 — 
Jackson Allen. Philip Lewis and A. A. Hume. 

Overseers of Poor. — 1S21 — John Moore and A. G. Thompson: 1822 — Aquilla 
Toland and David Groves; 1823— Sealey Waite and Aquilla Toland; 1824— Eph- 
raini Dawson and John Hull; 1825 — -Stanley Watson; 1826-27 — John Hull and 
Ephraim Dawson; 1828 — David Groves and Robert Hume; 1829 — David Groves 
and David Reaves; 1830 — David Groves and Philip Lewis; 1831 — David 
Reaves and David Groves : 1832 — Philip Lewis and David Reaves ; 1833 — 
Johnson Horrell and William -Jones. 

Justices of th Peace. — 1810 — John Simpkins and Jonathan Minshall ; 
1812— John Murlin and William Irwin; 1813— Robert Hume; 1815— John 
Simpkins ; 1819 — George Chappell ; 1821 — Patrick McLene and Joseph Rea ; 
1822— George Chappell ; 1 824 —Patrick McLene and J. F. Chenoweth ; 1830— 
Patrick McLene and Joseph B. Melvin ; 1831 — Job Coberly ; 1833 — Patrick 
McLene; 1834 — George Chappell; 1836 — Patrick McLene; 1837— Joseph 
Melvin and Job Coberly; 1839— Patrick McLene; 1840— John J. Melvin; 
1841— George Kiler ; 1842— Patrick McLene; 1843— John J. Melvin and 
Joseph McKelfish; 1844 — George Defenbaugh and Job Coberly; 1845 — James 
F. Freeman; 1846 — Joseph McKelfish ; 1847 — John C. Jones and George Def- 
enbaugh ; 1848— John J. Melvin; 1849 —William B. Slyh and Joseph Mc- 
Kelfish ; 1850 — William Coberly, David Ray burn and Thomas W. McCoy . 
1851— John M. Christian, James H. Merrill and Joseph T. Lacy ; 1852 — 
Joseph McKelfish ; 1853— William B. .Baskerville ; 1854— John Sifrit, Albert 
Downing and John Jones ; 1855 — John Melvin. Mitchel Lane and John Mel 



690 



HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



vin ; L856 — James Q. Lotspeich; L857 -John Jones andJohn Kanneaster; 1859 
— John Mr(i;ittv and Edward McCormack; I860 — John Jones and Christian K. 
Slagle; 1862— -Robert M. Hanson. JamesS. Bume and B. M. Van Harlinger ; 
1863— A. J. Coover; 1868— Lovin Willoiurhby; L869 — 0. P. Crabb, John 
Jones and James Porter; 1872 — John Jones, John M. Thomas and A. L. 
Brown; 1873— William A. Athey and E. McCormack; 1875 — John McCart- 
ney and C. T. Bryan; 1876— James M. I Ion-ell ; 1878 — Noah Thomas and 
John McCartney ;' 1879— John D. Maddox ; 1880— William Athey ; 1881— 
John McCartney 




PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 691 



CHAPTER V. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township occupies the southeast corner of Madison County, and 
the territory comprising it was one of the earliest settled portions of 
the county. This was doubtless brought about principally from its geo- 
graphical position and its proximity to the older settled counties, especially 
that of Boss, which in an early daj appears to have been the center — a kind 
of asylum for the emigrant-- of this portion of the Stati — from which they 
radiated and formed settlements in all the surrounding country, which was 
then an unbroken wilderness. From the Ohio River up the valley of the 
Scioto, early settlements were made, and Chillicothe boob became the prin 
cipal trading point, upon the frontier. From this, as a base for supplies, the 
ever-onward pioneer and huntsman pushed up the Scioto and its numerous 
tributaries — Paint, Deer and Darby Creeks; and it seems that the two last- 
mentioned streams were early visited by those in quest of game and a loca- 
tion, as it soon became known that along these streams were found plentiful 
herds of deer and immense flocks of wild turkeys, and what was more than 
all as good a body of land as the sun ever shone upon. As you ascend Deer 
(.'reek some thirty to thirty five miles from its mouth, or where it empties 
its waters into the Scioto, you strike the corner of Madison County and the 
southeast corner of Pleasant Township. 

The first Bettlers of this township were James and William Hewey and 
David Martin, who built their cabins on the northeast bank of Deer Creek in 
L797. The land now belongs to Gabriel Alkire. William Alkire came in 
1799, but as a record of the pioneers who came prior to 1800 appears in the 
general history of the county, we refer the reader to the pioneer chapter for 
a history of these men. Peter Long, of German descent, who settled in the 
northeast part of this township soon after 1800; was one of the earliest set- 
tlers in that neighborhood. Two of his sons, Jacob and John, never married, 
and reside on the old home place. One daughter married John Oglesbee, 
and also resides on a portion of the home farm. William Woods, a native 
of Maryland, born near \\ ashington, D. C; he married Elizabeth Dickison, 
and subsequently removed to Greenbrier County, Ya.: thence, about 1801, 
came to Ohio and settled on Duffs Fork, in this township, and there he re- 
sided until quite aged, when he removed to his son. William D.. who then 
owned the mill east of Mt. Sterling, and there resided with him till his 
death. Wlien became to this county, he purchased 600 acres of land on 
Duff's Fork, and during the war of 1812, the army opened a military road 
through his farm or land, known as " Langham's Trace."' over which the 
soldier- passed to join Gen, Harrison's army in the Northwest. Mr. Wood 
was the rather of the following children: William J;.. Anna, Jonathan, 
Phebe, Rhoda, John and Mary, who grew to maturity: all now deceased 
except Mary and Rhoda, who are -till living and reside in the West, and 
one whose name is not remembered, but she married a Mr. Oxford and re- 
sides in Indiana, and one son, Jonathan, who resides in Illinois. William 
D.. the eldest son. spent his life in Pleasant Township, engaged in the 



692 HISTORT OF MADISON COUNTY. 

milling business. He married Elizabeth Tanner, by whom he had seven 
children, four now Burvive -Courtney, Elizabeth, Eliza Jane and Mahala. 
Mr. Wood was generally known as Col. Wood, from the office he held so 
long in the State Militia. He was one of the prominent active men of that 
<ia\ : he erected a combined grist, saw and carding mill on Peer Creek, just 
above where the cemetery is now located. He was also an active stock- 
dealer, anil for a lone; time engaged in the mercantile trade, and in the 
business interests of this community was one of its most valued citizens. 
He held most of the offices o( trust of his township, and was highlj bs 
teemed and respected. 

John R. Robinson, a native of South Carolina, settled on laud in the 
southeast part of the township about L806, and became quite an extensive, 
farmer and stock raiser and was a prominent and reliable citizen, and served 
as a Justice of the Peace many years. He was the father of seven or eight 
children, of whom six are now living -Elizabeth, wife of F. O. P. Graham, 
John S.. Samuel. .Mrs. \V. C. Douglass, David and Joseph, who are all ex- 
tensive farmers and land owners of this township and prominent and reli- 
able citizens. 

John J. Smith, a native of Kentucky, married Rachel Allure, and. with 
his father in-law, Mr. John Alkire. about 1805-06, came to Ohio, and Mr. 
Smith settled where A. R. Alkire now lives Mr. Alkire settled on the east 
bank of Peer Creek, just in the edge of Pickaway County, and a few years 
afterward, probably about L810 12, erected a e;rist-mill on the west bank of 
Peer Creek, in Pleasant Township, just opposite to his tract of land. The 
mill was built of lo^s. with " Raccoon buhrs," and run by water-power, with 
a bolting attachment operated by hand. This mill he ran several years, 
when it came into the ownership of Mr. Smith. Subsequently Mr. Alkire 
removed to Sangamon County. HI., became wealthy, and there resided till 
his death. Some of his children still reside in that county. Mr. Smith 
subsequently rebuilt the grist mill and attached a saw-mill; finally he sold 
the mill to Otho Williams and William Loach: they were succeeded by 
William P. Wood, and he by Elijah Atkins, who died, and the mill is now 
owned by his heir- This was one of the first and. doubtless, the first e;rist 
mill erected in Pleasant Township. Mr. Smith resided where he first settled 
till about 1838, when he removed to Iowa, where he died about l^Td, at the 
.cod age of nearly out' hundred years He was a very active, robust 
man. shrewd and quick in business, taking an active interest in all the 
secular affairs of his community and tilled someof the township offices prior 
to moving W est. 

a- Graham, a native oi Virginia, married Elizabeth Trimble and 
emigrated to Kentucky, thence, about 1806, came to Pickaway County, Ohio, 
and. in February. 1N>7. came to Madison County and settled on the place 
where his Bon Robert now resides, and here he lived between fifty and sixty 
years and removed to Indiana, where he died at an advanced age. His wife 
died while living in Madison County. They had twelve children, one dying 
in infancy -James, Washington, Joseph, Walker, -lane. Margaret, Malinda 
ami I il married, moved West ami settled in Indiana and Illinois. 

The balance of them married and settled here. John, married Lydia Alkire, 
and - D the we-! Bide of Peer Creek, just above where Robert now 

residi ■;« had ten children— Harrison, Betsey, Caroline, Forgus, Rob- 

ert, John, Milton. Emeline, Margaret, Maria and Mary, who died in in- 

John lived to lie eighty-three years of age. lie Berved as a 
tain in the war of 1812; was a blacksmith by trade, which, in conne 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. *'>'■>■', 

vvil.li farming, he followed through life- Polly married I aac Ukire; bad 
eight children Betsey, Forgus, Jackson, Cynthiann, Lucinda, W II liar 
rison, G/eorge and Martha, all living. Robert, married Anna Davidson; 
have had eighl children, of whom Margaret, Emily, Robert V., William II 
II. ;ind Taylor are deceased. F. M. Trimble, Elizabeth M, James and 
John are living. Mr. Graham still resides upon the old home place of his 
father, where he has spent all his life since two year.-, of age, except two 
'•ai ■-., during which he re ided in Franklin County. He i now aeventy- 
i years of age and hai resided seventy throe years on this farm. He 
has lived to see this count ry, from its wild and primitive state as they found 

it, with Indian- and wild Least- all around, broughl lip to it present fine 

state of improvements and comfort . 

In the early years of their residence here, he saw groups of Indians, an 
many as fifty at one time, who would bring in wild game and other article,-, 
of traffic for milk, corn meal and other articles, products of the farm Bui 
we must now revert again to the father and old pioneer, Forgu Graham 
H< \asan earnest worker in the Christian Church and a minister in the 
same for man, j ears. He and < freorge A Ikire organ ized the Christian ' Jhurch 
of Pleasant Township, known as the Antioch Church, whose histoi 
written in another page of this work-. Mr. Graham was one of the princi 
pal pillars and support of this church during his long residence here. His 
house was a preaching place for several years prior to the building of a 
church edifice, and his "" latch string" vsa ever out for the admission of the 
ministers, brethren and friends of the Christian work. He began life poor, 
gave largely and liberallj and labored earnestly all his life for theChri 
cause; ye1 he prospered financially. He owned about 500 acre-, of land, and 
always had an abundancefor all home comforts, notwithstanding he tra 
much and endured many hardship, in his various journey* to j reach the 
Gospel and establish the truth as he understood it. He died and p 

as a shear fully ripe and ready for the gleaner, and, although his 
death wa- a gr< at lose to the church, yet it was doubtless to his lasting gain 

and eternal happii: 

Another early settler and pioneer was the old Virginian, William 
h. who emigrated to Kentucky; thence, about L808, came to Ohio and 
settled in this township, one mile north of Mt. Sterling, where he and his 
wife Margaret lived and died. Thej had -even children James, John, 
rge. William, Samuel. MargaTel and -lane M. dames, the eldest, served 
in the war of 1812, who, with William, Margaret and Jane, married and 
settled andjdied in this county, George,moved West and settled where he 
resided until his denth. Samuel has been thrice married first, to 
Miller; second, to Miss AJkire, and his third and last wife was Mrs. Jane 
Dennison, who is also deceased, and Mr. Creath is the third time a wid 
and now resides with his youngest son in Oak Run Township. Thomas 
Anderson, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Kentucky in an early day: 
thence, about 1805 06, removed to Ohio and settled on Opossum I Jam, in 

Franklin County, and, about ISM. removed to this township and 
near Mt. Sterling, on land now owned by Mr. Loveberry; here he remained 
through life, devoting his attention to farming. In the war of L812, he 
ed as a i.ieutenant. He married Rebecca Cochran, of Virginia, by whom 
he had eight children: three now survive —Elizabeth, now Widow Cochran, 
residing in Allen County, Ohio; Nancy, wife of John Devoll, residing in 
I ette County, and Stephen, biographical sketch is contain) 

irolume. Of those deceased, Effie, John and Thomas married and 



6^4 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

moved West, where they died. Margaret married John Berry, and settled 
on the farm of Stephen Anderson, whore she died. Sarah married Samuel 
Buziek, and also died on Mr. Anderson's farm. Mr. Anderson was a mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church, an earnest and devoted Christian worker and class 
leader for many years. 

John Biddle. a native of Pennsylvania, born near Mifflintown, emi- 
grated to Ohio and settled at Staunton, near Troy, Miami Co. , Ohio, one 
of the pioneers of that connty, and served in the war of 1812 as a teamster, 
and was surrendered to the British by Gen. Hull at Detroit; but they were 
subsequently recaptured, and his team returned to him. Thence, about 
1815, he removed to Madison County and settled in this township, on land 
now owned by John Puckett, and a few years after moved to what i8 now 
the north part of Mt, Sterling, on the London road, where the spot is stil! 
marked by a few old apple trees that yet remain. He remained a resident 
of this township the balance of his life, and died at Mt. Sterling January 
9, 1N58. He was twice married; by his first wife be had seven children, 
three now survive — Ruann, married Elijah Smith, and resides in Salem, Ore 
gon; Mary and David (twins), the former married Gabriel Alkire, and the 
latter is unmarried and resides at Mt. Sterling. Of those deceased, William 
married Elizabeth Warner, of London, settled in Mt. Sterling and entered 
upon the mercantile trade, and was fully identified with the business inter- 
ests of this place for many years; thence he moved to London and engaged 
extensively as a stock-dealer. He was active and prompt in business and 
successful in all his undertakings, and. at the time of his death, in the 
summer of 1882, his estate was valued at $50,000. He had three children 
— Sallie. wife of Mr. Robison. druggist at London; Mary and William; the 
latter is now a partner of Mr. Robison; Abner, married Rachel Ferrin, settled 
at Mt. Sterling and has been engaged in farming through life, and had two 
children — John and Mary; the former is now of the firm of Riddle & Sni- 
der. Mr. Riddle died just one day prior to his brother William. 

The above persons, of whom we have endeavored to give as full an ac 
count as is accessible to obtain at this late day, after a lapse of more than 
three-quarters of a century since their settling here, embraces most of the 
real pioneers. William Ware, who was a very early settler and a promi- 
nent man, and was the first Justice of the Peace of Pleasant Township after 
its erection, was, if we are rightly informed, a settler in what is now Fair- 
field Township, and hence he is written of in that township as one of its 
pioneers. Also, Judge E. Fitzgerald, of the early Justices, now belongs to 
that township There was. however, a family of Grants, who settled here 
prior to 1812, am! might with propriety be classed as pioneers. There are 
several persons whom wedesire to mention, although not pioneers, yet they 
were early settlers, and many of them have done much pioneer work, and 
whose lives and labors have been identified with the growth, progress and 
improvements of this count) ; some of them even more so than some of the 
first settlers. George Kious, a Large land-owner and wealthy fanner, is well 
and favorably known throughout this community as an old settler, and a 
valuable citizen of Pleasant Township. David Heath is another old and 
much esteemed citizen, a wealthy farmer enterprising, and giving aid and 
support to everything that tends to the elevation of man and to the general 
public good, whose character and integrity is beyond reproach, and whose 
life and assciations have been a blessing to the citizens of this township. 

John Puckett, an old settler and a pioneer of the Methodist Church, 
" whose sands of life are nearly run out." deserves more than a passing no- 



Vt*»s 



V 




-§ 6UiA^ %v^ 



• 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 697 

tice; not that we desire to place upon the enduring pages of history every 
man's life, or that each subject of whom we speak' deserves especial praise, 
for the best and most divine instruction we have teachers, that with the best 
of men, after they have done all in their power, they are unprofitable serv- 
ants; but we do desire to place before the rising generations the lives, ex- 
amples and teachings of such men as have some stamina of character and 
moral integrity in them, as beacon lights to the wayfaring youth of years to 
come. Mr. Puckett's early life shows first, industry and frugality. At quite 
an early day he engaged in the tanning business. He erected the first and 
probably the only Tannery ever in the vicinity of Mt. Sterling. This he car- 
ried on for several years, ami at a period in the history of this country when 
it was an important branch of industry to the comfort and convenience of 
the people of the. community. This, with the honest occupation of farm- 
ing, he has devoted the energies of his physical powers, and he has been 
quite successful. But the shining mark of his life has been his devotion to 
the Christian work. As early as the year 1 831 , we find his house the appoint- 
ed place for the organizing of a class and society in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which he and wife were among the constituent members; and 
his house continued to be a preaching place until 1834. when a church edi- 
fice was erected, and throughout his life Mr. Puckett has given freely of his 
means and influence for the church and all worthy objects of Christian and 
moral progress. 

Robert Abernathy and Isaac Moore, were two early settlers and sub 
stantial and reliable farmers; the former is now deceased. The latter is a 
resident of Mt. Sterling, a prominent, active member of the Methodist 
Church, and who kindly furnished us with the history of that society from 
its first organization. Although now quite aged, yet his mind is clear and 
his recollections of the past vivid and conclusive, and of him we may truth 
fully say that he is an esteemed and valued citizen. 

The Davidson family were also early settlers. Elijah Bragg and Gr. 
W. Ingrim, two valued citizens, were quite early known and identified with 
the progress of this community. The Timmons family was another early 
and well-known family. Drs. Samuel and William McClintick are and 
have been two prominent and well-known physicians of Mt. Sterling. Dr. 
D. E. McMillin is the oldest physician of Mt. Sterling, having been in 
practice here most of the time for forty-five years. Other names of promi- 
nent early settlers might lie mentioned, but, as the object of our work is to 
rescue from oblivion the names, characters and incidents of the oldest and 
most distant memories and matters of by-gone days, time and space forbid 
us xtending our remarks upon present men and matters further in this 
cha >ter. but refer the reader to other portions of this work upon churches, 
sch ols. societies and the list of officials of the township where many names, 
cha acters and incidents will be more fully brought out down to the present 
time. 

This was one of the original and first erected townships of the count 
Altl ough the boundary lines are now different from what they were at its 
first erection, as part of the territory which was at first embraced in this has 
been taken off to help form Fairfield and Range Townships. But we here 
give its lirst and original boundaries as found upon the records at London, 
which there appears as follows: April 30. 1810, "Ordered, that all that 
tract of country comprehended in the following boundaries compose a 
township, to be known and designated by the name of Pleasant, and is 
bounded as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of Union Town- 



698 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ship, on the Franklin County line, thence to the corner of Pickaway 
County line; thence with the Pickaway County line to the corner of Fayette 
County; thence with th" Fayette County line to the corner of Stokes Town- 
ship; thence with Stokes Township line to the place of beginning " The 
erection of the townships of Union. Jefferson, Deer Creek, Stokes, Darby 
and Pleasant, although occurring on April 30, 1810, were not recorded for 
nearly five months, the Commissioners' record book reading as follows: 
" The above was recorded in this book the 4th day of September, eighteen 
hundred and ten — 1810." 

Subsequent changes in the township are as follows: June 1, 1818, 
" Ordered, that hereafter the boundaries between Range and Pleasant Town- 
ships be as follows, viz. : Beginning on the North Fork of Paint Creek, at 
Fayette County line, thence eastward along said line to Duff's Fork; thence 
lip said fork to the crossing of the Federal road; thence northward to the 
line between Union and Pleasant Townships, so as to make the upper line 
of Range Township one mile and one-half, extending along Pleasant Town- 
ship." March 2, 1824, change in Range and Pleasant Townships, " Ordered 
by the Commissioners of Madison County now in session, on petition being 
presented, that part of Range Township be, and is hereby attached to. 
Pleasant Township: Beginning at the county line between Fayette and 
Madison Counties, where the same crosses Duff's Fork, running west one mile 
with said line: thence a uorth direction to where the Federal road crosses 
Duffs Fork in the line of Pleasant Township, all that part hereby stricken 
off of Range Township to be attached to Pleasant Township." Change in 
Pleasant Township, December 1, 1851: On petition, the line between 
Pleasant and Fairfield Townships were changed as follows, viz. :" Com- 
mencing at a point in the county line near James Adams', thence south with 
the county line to the lower line of R. Means' Survey, No. 5,766; thence 
wist with said survey line and the line of Edward Fitzgerald's land to the 
northwest corner of Henry Fleshour's Survey, No. 5,190; thence to the 
northeast corner of the Hardin & Gray's Survey, No. 5,799, and with the 
north line of said No. 5,799 to the county road near Levin Jones' house; 
thence with said road to Deer Creek; thence up the creek to the present 
corner of Fairfield Township." 

SURFACE, SOIL, ETC. 

In describing the surface of the various townships comprised in Madi- 
son County, it will be observed that there is a great sameness, because the 
general surface of the entire county is level, and of this township we can 
say, Lhere is no exception to the general condition of the county in this re- 
spect. All. or nearly all of the surface of Pleasant, except along the creeks 
and small streams, is one extended plain, and were the forests stripped 
from the face of the country, there would be a great resemblance to the 
rolling prairies of the West. The streams and creeks have a general 
southern and southeastern course through the township, indicating that the 
highest elevation is reached in the north and northwestern portions of the 
township. The principal stream of the township is Deer Creek, which en- 
ters the northwestern portion of the township and. courses south and south- 
easterlyuntil it reaches the boundary line between this township and Picka- 
way Count) : thence it flows south nearly on the line for about one mile, 
when it re-enters Pleasant Township, Hows south and enters Fayette County 
near the southeast corner of the township. Its main branch is Sugar Run, 
which empties into it aear tli<> center of the township, on the line of Ste- 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 699 

phen Anderson's farm. Sugar Run is formed near the western line of the 
township, on the Hicks farm, by the junction of Mud liun and Bradford's 
Creek. These, with Duff's Fork, in the south part of the township, are the 
principal streams. The soil is a rich loam and clay, very strong and pro- 
ductive, equally good for grass or grain. Wheat and corn are the principal 
grains raised. Grass and stock-raising has been a leading business with 
the larger land owners. During the last few years, as the land is becom- 
ing ditched, tiled and drained, more extensive business is carried on in 
raising grain, and the time is approaching when wheat and corn will be the 
main articles of export of this township. Quite large portions of this town- 
ship originally consisted of oak openings and prairies, of which the soil 
was remarkably deep and rich, consisting principally of a black loam with 
a clay and disintegrated limestone subsoil. The timber upon these portions 
was principally burr oak, hickory, elm, black and red oak. Along the creeks 
and the northern and eastern portions of the township were heavy forests, 
consisting of the various species of oaks, hickory, elm, and, on the creeks, 
considerable walnut, on the rolling lands, white oak predominating. In 
comparison in soil, timber and all natural advantages, few, if any of the 
townships of Madison County, excel this township. 

OFFICIALS. 

This township, organized in 1810, was put in working order by the 
election of officers, held by order of the Commissioners at the house of For- 
gus Graham; but who the officers were, or who their successors were down 
to the year 1869, we have no means of knowing or finding out, as the records 
of the township prior to that date are all lost or destroyed by fire; hence, 
we can only give them since the above-mentioned date: 

Trustees. — 1869-70, Abraham Alkire, William Heath and Courtney 
Wood; 1871, A. R. Alkire, William Heath and J. D. Abernathy; 1872-73, 
A. R. Alkire, William Heath and John M. Robison; 1874, A. R. Alkire, 
William Heath and Henry Bower; 1875, Henry Bower, J. D. Abernathy 
and William Bennett; 1876, William Bennett, Henry Bower and P. A. 
Zahn; 1877, F. A. Wickle, William Taylor and J. D. Abernathy; 1878, 
William Taylor, William Heath and F. A. Wickle; 1879, William Taylor, 
William Heath and John W. Rea; 1880, John Anderson, William Taylor 
and William Heath; 1881, C. H. Miller, J. W. Anderson and J. W. Rea; 
1882, C. H. Miller, J. W. Rea and William Heath. 

Treasurers.— 1869 78, D. H. Douglass; 1879-82, Samuel McClintick. 

Clerks.— 18611, .James Marshall; 1870, J. W. Riggin; 1871-79, J. N. 
Nicodemus; 1880, J. G. Loofburrow; 1881-82, J. N. Nicodemus. 

Justices of the I 'race.— 1810-14, William Ware; 1836, John J. Smith; 
1837-49, Edward Fitzgerald; 1S37, John H. Alkire; 1837, Otho Williams; 
1838-47. John R. Robinson; L839, Robert Abernathy; 1840, Henry Blair; 
1S43, William B. Leach: 1845, John Smith; 1846, Stephen Anderson; 
1849-52, Thomas S. Robison; 1850 59, William McClintick; 1850, Jesse 
Timmons; 1852-64, Stephen Anderson; 1860, Lewis Timmons; 1863, Smiley 
Hughs; 1869, C. H Hanawalfc; 1S70. James Hughs. 

Assessors.— 1869, Henry Shanebridge; 1870-73, William C. Douglass; 
1874, William Taylor; lS7f>-70, J. Smith Abernathy; 1877, J. S. Aberna- 
thy: 1878-79, A. Tanner; 1880-82, C. H. Hanawalt. 

Constables.— 1869, Thomas W. Crabb and J. B. Buzick: 1870, Thomas 
R. Crabb and John R. Ring; 1871-73, Thomas R. Crabb and J. W. Wickle; 
1874, J. W. Wickle and G. W. Durham; 1875, J. W. Wickle and Thomas 



700 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Crabb; 1876, I. C. Biggin and E. J. Stone; 1877, Thomas E. Crabb and 
E. J. Stone; 1878-79, D. W. Wickle and Thomas McDonald; 1880, D. W. 
Wickle and Matthew Cannon; 1881, Nimrod Fetty and Robert Trimble; 
1882, D. B. Wheeler and Robert Trimble. 

ROADS AND TURNPIKES. 

This township contains many quite large farms, especially in the west- 
ern and central portions, and to and through these are many mud or by- 
roads, but from and through this township leading to all the principal neigh- 
boring towns and villages are good free turnpikes. The old Federal road 
runs east and west through the southern central portion of the township; 
and from this road, starting at a point about half a mile from the west line 
of the township and running in a southeast direction into Fayette County, 
is the Hicks road, which connects with the Washington & Mt. Sterling pike 
and the London & Mt. Sterling road and the Palestine road are the princi- 
pal pikes and generally kept in good condition. 

SCHOOLS. 

As this township began to be settled early, we would naturally expect 
to see schools and improvements early established, and we find that such 
was the fact The class of citizens who first located here were men of nerve 
and intellect, who sought the welfare of the rising generations; they 
knew the importance of schools, to educate and train the minds of youth, 
to bring out their latent powers and to produce strong and healthy intel- 
lects, such as should become able managers of church and State. As the 
first settlement was made on Deer Creek, in the eastern part of the town- 
ship, so here we find in the Alkire neighborhood a primitive log school- 
house, erected about 1812. These early schoolhouses are so often described 
in this history in writing of other localities that here, and hereafter, when 
we speak of a primitive log schoolhouse, their construction and character 
will be fully understood by the reader. The first teacher in this school was 
Adam Alkire. The first schoolhouse has long since been destroyed, and 
others, more improved, have succeeded it. 

At an early day in Mt, Sterling, a lot four rods square was purchased 
of Abraham Alkire, for which he was paid $10 for school purposes, and 
upon which the people of the district erected a small frame building, and 
which continued to be used for school purposes till about 1 850, when an ad- 
dition was built to the old schoolhouse, which again served the district till 
about 1802, when Smiley Hughs, acting for the district, purchased from 
William Riddle four-fifths of an acre of ground, where the present school- 
house is located, upon which they erected a frame house, 48x2-4 feet, two 
rooms, with a hall between them, at a cost of $1,100, and they then estab- 
lished it as a graded school. This house served the town until 1876, when 
the old house was sold and moved away and the present fine two-story brick 
house was erected, containing six rooms, at a cost of $13,000. This is one 
of the finest school buildings in the county outside of London, and does 
credit to the enterprise and educational tastes of the people of Mt. Sterling. 
The school enumeration in 188] was 201. Total school funds. 12,161.65. 
Expended for tuition, $1,888, and for contingencies, £.") 16.88. The school 
now consists of five departments, with the following corps of teachers, viz.. 
Primary B, Miss Lou Hurst: Primary A, Mrs. H. E. Sehryver; Grammar 
B, Miss Mary Pierson; Grammar A, Walter W. Storms; High School, Prof. 
N. W. Bates, Superintendent and teacher. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 701 

The Board of Education in Mt. Sterling are D. H. Douglass, 
President; H. W. Schryver, Clerk; H. D. Marcy, Treasurer; Dr. E. B. 
Pratt and J. W. Ingrini. Throughout the entire township there are 
now good schools and schoolhouses. The township is divided into seven 
subdistricts and one joint subdistrict. Enumeration of scholars in Mt. 
Sterling, 201. Township school funds, $4,621.10; Expenditures— tuition, 
$20.50; contingent, $281.95; total $2,331.95. Township Board of Educa- 
tion: Bryan Flynn, O. W. Bostwick, John W. Rea, Joseph Bower, F. O. 
P. Graham; President, D. E. Robison, Trimble Graham and C. H. Miller. 



There have been but few permanently located mills in this township, and 
they, to some extent, have been written of in speaking of the pioneers. Of 
course, there have been more or less of portable mills located temporarily 
in various parts of the country, which, after remaining a short time, having 
performed their mission, were moved elsewhere. The first mill we gain any 
knowledge of having been erected in this township was a gristmill, built 
by John Alkire, in 1810-12, on Deer Creek, on the spot where the present 
mill now stands. When we consider the limited number of settlers in this 
neighborhood at the above-mentioned date, and also, that in that day the 
early settlers as a general thing were accustomed to go many miles distant 
with a sack of corn on horseback to get it ground into meal, and seemed to be 
quite contented with that arrangement, we may imagine somewhat how little 
inducement was given to any person to think of erecting a mill right here 
at their doors; also, when we take into consideration the limited means 
which most of the settlers were possessed of, and the difficulty to obtain the 
materials with which to construct a grist-mill, then we may, to some extent, 
appreciate the enterprising spirit and courage which Mr. Alkire possessed 
to undertake that work at so early a day. But he accomplished his under- 
taking; he erected a plain log mill, with raccoon buhrs and bolting attach- 
ment run by hand, the mill being operated by water-power. After running 
the mill a few years, which, though of the primitive kind, yet it was a great 
convenience to the community, it passed into the ownership of John J. 
Smith, son-in-law of Mr. Alkire, who subsequently rebuilt and improved 
the mill, also attached to it a saw-mili. He was succeeded, probably about 
1836-38, byOtho Williams and William Leach; they by William D. Wood, 
and he by Elijah Atkins, who ran it till his death, since which it has re- 
mained the property of his heirs. Farther up Deer Creek, just above where 
the cemetery is now located, at a later period, Mr. William D. Wood erected 
a grist, saw and carding mill. At just what date this was built we did not 
learn, or just how long they were run does not appear, but they have long 
passed out of existence, and are only remembered by the older settlers. 

About 1820, William Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, located in the 
north part of the township, on Deer Creek, an ! erected a grist and saw 
mill, about where the present Wood Mill now stands. He ran the mill 
several years, when he sold out to John Kious. After running it a few 
years, he tore down the old mill and rebuilt and improved it, making it 
much larger, with a greater capacity. Subsequently, he was succeeded by 
Michael Sullivan, who, after a few years, was succeeded by William Wood, 
and he by his son, Courtney Wood, who now remains its present owner and 
proprietor. This mill has proved a great convenience, as prior to its erec 
tion the neighborhood was compelled to go several miles to procure their 
grinding, most of them going to the Darby, near Georgesville. 



702 HIStORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

About 1830, George Puckett built a tannery at or near Mt. Sterling, 
and carried on quite an extensive business for those days, for nearly twenty 
years. At that time tanning leather was an important and reasonably profit- 
able business. There were then no railroads or shipping facilities by which 
they could get either leather or shoes from the East, or, ii they could obtain 
them by the slow process of their being hauled through by wagons, over 
the then almost impassable mud roads, it would make them cost enormous- 
ly, so that the people of pioneer days would be unable to buy them. In 
those days, the present quick process of tanning leather in a few days by 
means of chemicals was not known, but it took weeks and months even to 
tan and dress leather ready for use. Neither had they machinery for mak 
ing shoes, by which a man could make several pairs per day. as they have at 
the present time; but everything worked on the slow hand process. Hence, 
a tannery in this cotintry at that time was a great convenience, and not 
merely that, but it was quite profitable to the man who carried on the tan- 
nery and profitable to the consumers of the leather, for, after the tanner 
had established his prices upon his leather, so as to give him a good profit, 
it came to the people for use, much less than they could purchase it from 
the far East. Therefore, for many years, Mr. Puckett was enabled to do a 
good and profitable business. But in the course of time, it became unprofit- 
able from the above-mentioned changes, and Mr. Puckett closed out his 
business. 

TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 

This township contains but one town or village within its boundaries. 
John J. Smith, written of as an early settler, came from near Mt. Sterling, 
Ky., and purchased quite a large tract of land in this township, embracing 
the ground upon which Mt. Sterling now stands. After over twenty years 
of pioneer work, there was no town or village in the township, and Mr. 
Smith, about 1828, surveyed and laid off some lots for a town, and platted 
the same, which was duly recorded at London June 26, 1829, under the 
name of Mt. Sterling, after his favorite town of Mt. Sterling in his native 
State. The first house erected was a small frame built by Jacob Alkire, 
and just opposite to it, on Columbus street, Mr. Alkire erected the second 
house. Both these houses are still standing, but in a very dilapidated con- 
dition, having now stood there over half a century. The first hotel was 
built and a tavern kept by Andrew J. Mure; he was succeeded by Mr. Ben- 
jamin Leach, and he by Robert Abernathy. Soon after, a second hotel was 
built and kept by John Peterson, located where Levi Southward's livery 
stable now stands. 

Mr. Mure also opened the first store. Wilson & Graham were, how- 
ever, the first to keep a good and general stock of merchandise. % William 
D. Wood and Wesley Howard were two early merchants. The first car- 
penter was James Baker, who was quite an early settler and became some- 
what prominent in the early progress of the place. Stephen S. Beale. the 
first ahoe-maker of the town, was a native of Virginia, and settled here about 
1834; hefollowed the shoe making business for fifteen years: thence entered 
upon Farming and became quite wealthy, owned 1,000 acres of land, besides 
moneys and personal property. He was a good financier and an energetic 
business man. a good ueighbor and a useful citizen. William Atkins and 
Otho Williams were the firsl blacksmiths. The first physician was Dr. J. 
Gregory; the next, Dr. Leeds, and then Dr. D. E. McMillin, who is still a 
practicing physician of the place, where he located in L837. Other early 
physician-- were Dr. William McClintick, Dr. Elain Bodman and Dr. John 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 703 

HoltoB. The posi ( )(Hce was established about 1840, with Rowland Wilson 
as Postmaster. 

The town was incorporated March 12, 1845, and the first election held 
August 15, IS!-"), resulting as follews: Mayor, Lewis Timmons; Clerk, 
Smiley Hughs; Marshal, N. R. Stanford; Council, John E. Merrill, Dr. 
Samuel McClintick, C. W. Cozens, R. W. Evans and Dr. William McClin- 
tick. The Mayors of Mt. Sterling since its incorporation have been as fol- 
lows: L845, Lewis Timmons; 1850-51. C. W. Cozens; ]858, Samuel Mc- 
Clintick; 1854, Smiley Hughs; 1856, N. J. Kauffeit; L858, G. -J. Smith; 
1859-62, Smiley Hughs; L863, Benjamin Leach; 1864, Isaac Moore; 1865 
67, N. J. Kauffeit; 1870, B. F. Thomas; 1872, Ira Buzick; 1874 -80, John 
M. Nicodemus. Present officers of the incorporation ( 1882) are as follows: 
Mayor, Smiley Hughs: Council, \V. F. Mercer, \\ . J. Hodges, L. Clausson, 
Taylor Snider and Adam Bailey; Marshal, Christopher De Long; Clerk, D. 
Bender; Treasurer, N. A. Riggin; Solicitor, B. F. Thomas: Civil Engineer, 
J. L. McCafferty. 

Present business of the town is as follows: General stores, N. T. Ten- 
ney, Snider Bros., D. H. Douglass & Co. , T. Neff, Mr. Crabb; hardware. N. 
J. D. Kauffeit, Riddle & Snider: groceries. C. Brown, James Clark; drug- 
gists, Dr. Samuel McClintick, Ewing Wood, Frank Mercer; Farmers' Bank, 
John Loofburrow, Cashier; bakery and restaurant, Frederick YYurm; boots 
and shoes, Andrew Kopensperger, J. Baughman; hotel (Rock House), Mr. 
Chevee, proprietor; livery, Nelson Riggin, Levi Southward; millinery. Miss 
Sarah Cannon, Mrs. Williams; book store and job printer, M. W. Schryver; 
physicians, Dr. D. E. McMillin, Dr. E. B. Pratt, Dr. Emery, Dr. Samuel 
McClintick; Civil Engineers, Samuel F. Rock, J. L. McCafferty; butcher, 
William Michael; tinner, L. Clausson; tailor. -John Robey; barbers, Z. 
Burns, J. Bunch; gunsmith, Joseph Jones; wagon-makers. Smiley Hughs, 
Mr. Swisher, George Rentz; blacksmiths. P. A. Zahn, W. J. Hodges; buggy 
shop, James Dennian; saddler and harness shop, W. Ingrim; tile manufacl 
urer, George Michael; Postmaster, C. H. Hanawalt: undertaker. J. M. 
Nicodemus. 

In April. 1871, M. W. Schryver commenced the publication of a new-, 
paper, known as the Mt. Sterling Review. This paper he continued eight- 
een months, when he changed the name to the Husbandman, the publica- 
tion of which ho continued until May 1, 1874, when it ceased for want of 
sufficient support to justify the publisher to continue it. 

Mt. Sterling, at the census of 1880, had a population of 482, and we 
feel justified in saying that there are few towns of its size situated fifteen 
miles from a railroad that presents a better appearance than this rural town. 
It is located iu the midst of a rich and beautiful country: contains a class 
of active, energetic business men, men of wealth, intelligence and refine- 
ment, as is evidenced by their good buildings, fine schools and numerous 
churches. And had t is thriving town the commercial advantages of a rail- 
road, it would soon rank among the most activo business towns of Madison 
County. 

CEMETERIES AND BUEYING-GROUNDS. 

There are many old burying- grounds located h^re and there throughout 

this township; places, many of which were mere family depositories of the 
tirst settlers who died before any churches or permanent cemeteries were es- 
tablished, and many of which are now entirely obliterated, lying in 
the open pasture field, with not a stone or vestige of anything left to mark 
the spot which was once so sacred to the memory of the departed. Others 



704 BISTORY OF MADIsoN COUNTY. 

9 
are preserved by a fence carefully surrounding the ground-;, which are kept 
in repair by owners of the lands, descendants of those buried there, yet 
they are mere forests of weeds, grass and shrubs which, from inattention, 
have taken possession of the grounds, while some others are carefully pre- 
served and cared for by friends of the deceased, or by the Trustees of the 
township, who have been placed in charge of the property, and which are 
still used as bury ing-pl aces. 

One of the oldest burying-grounds we gain any knowledge of is located 
near the Methodist Church, at Mt Sterling, in which the old pioneers of 
this neighborhood were mostly interred. It embraces about one acre of 
ground, and was used for many years as a general burying-place for this 
neighborhood, until it became literally full of the dead, containing prob- 
ably several hundred bodies. It is preserved by a fence around it. and 
probably will be for years to com", but it has long since ceased to be used. 
On A. R. Alkire's farm is the family burying- ground of the Alkire family, 
where several of their ancestors found their last resting-place; it is still pre- 
served by a fence, but is not used. Another old family ground is on the J. 
\V. Douglass farm: this is fenced, but no more are interred there. There 
were several in an early day buried at a spot on Deer Creek, just below 
Wood's Mil 1 , but there is no trace left of the place now, as it is all in an 
open field. 

Soon after 1860, H. G. C. Alkire donated five acres of ground on the 
west bank of Deer Creek, about one and a half miles above Mt. Sterling, 
and deeded it to the Trustees of the township, Milton Thomas, Adam Young 
and Elijah Bragg, and to their successors hereafter, for the consideration of 
.$1, reserving to himself a family lot in the center of the ground, in circular 
form, about twenty-five feet in diameter, which he nicely inclosed with a 
good iron fence. This cemetery the Trustees fenced in and laid off in lots, 
all numbered in order, and made good gravel roads and walks through the 
grounds and ornamented it with evergreens and other trees and shrubbery 
of various species. The ground is a gravel and sandy soil, lying high and 
dry on the banks of the creek, and is one of the most beautiful rural ceme- 
teries of Madison County, and a very befitting depository and resting-place 
for the dead. 

CHURCHES. 

It appears that the first religious society to enter this township and 
organize into church work was that known by the name of Christian. On 
June 30, 1812, a few persons of this faith assembled at the house of Forgus 
Graham, and entered into compact as follows: "We, the undersigned Chris- 
tians, hereby organize ourselves into church fellowship by taking the Bible 
as our only rule of faith and practice, and Christian character as our only 
test of fellowship, and Christian as the only name, and to be known as the 
Deer Creek Christian Church." This was signed by the following: Forgus 
Graham, Betsey Graham, Malinda Graham, Francis Grant, Nancy Grant, 
James Graham, Polly Graham, Roling Grant, Betsey Grant, Samuel Powell 
and Betsey Powell. There may have been a few other names signed at that 
date, but it is believed they were added subsequently. They had no church 
edifice, but the society met and had preaching at the house of Forgus Gra- 
ham for many years; occasionally, however, preaching took place at other 
houses in the neighborhood. In those times, when the country was sparse- 
ly settled, and few and bad mud roads, it was difficult to hold preaching 
with any regularity; hence, the people often became negligent of church 
duties, and then the society would have to be re-organized. This was the 






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PLHASANT TOWNSHIP 707 

condition with this church. It was re-organized February 27, 1825, under the 
same name as before. And again, on March 25, 1832, was re-organized un- 
der the same name, Deer Creek Christian Church, with Forgus Graham and 
John Alkire, as Elders, and Patrick Davidson and John Graham, as Dea- 
cons, and John Graham, as Clerk. The next and final re-organization waa 
effected February 13, 1854, by Elder Samuel Wilson and Cyrus Gordy, un- 
der its former name. In September, 1858, money was raised by subscrip- 
tion and a house erected for church purposes, which was formally dedicated 
November 21, L858, by Elder Dr. Dawson, at which time it was decided 
that it should hereafter be known as the " Antioch Christian Church." In 
1864, the following person.-, were elected Trustees: John M. Smith, John 
S. Robison, A. N. Wilson. H. G. C. Alkire and F. O. P. Graham. The 
present pastor, is M. M. Lohr. 

Mt. Sterling Methodist Episcopal Church. — In August, 1831, a class 
was organized at the house of John Puckett, with the following members: 
Lewis Devoll and wife, John Puckett and wife, Sarah Puckett, Sophia 
Puckett, George W. Tngrim and wife, John Blain and wife, with, perhaps, 
one or two others, whose names cannot now bo recalled, with John Puckett 
as class leader. The class continued to meet and had preaching occasion- 
ally at the house of Mr. Puckett for about three years. Among the first 
ministers who preached horewere llev. William Morrow, Jacob Martin, Will- 
iam Westlake and Philip Nation. This place was then one of thirty-four 
preaching points on the London Circuit. About 1834, by an earnest effort, 
money was raised and a church edifice was erected on the same ground 
where the present one stands; this was a small brick church and cost about 
$700. In this building preaching and services were continued till in the 
summer of I85 ( d, they pulled down the old church building and the present 
frame edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,500, and, in the fall of the same 
year, was dedicated to service. Rev. Clark preached the dedicatory sermon 
(since Bishop Clark, of Cincinnati). The present membership is now about 
200, with D. H. Douglass and James Jones as class leaders; Stewards, 
James Jones and D. H. Douglass; Trustees, Isaac Moore, Henry Blain, J ohn 
McCafferty and J. \V. Ingrim. The present pastor is Rev. Pillsbury. A 
flourishing Sunday Bchool is connected with the church, which has an aver- 
age attendance of about 135, with J. W. Ingrim. Superintendent, and D. 
H. Douglass. Assistant Superintendent. 

\ft. Sterling Presbyterian Church. — On March 20, L847, by appoint- 
ment of the Columbus Presbytery, Rev. Timothy Stearns and Rev. Chann- 
cy P. Taylor, at a called meeting for the purpose, organized a church with 
the following constituent members: Mrs. Margaret Creath, Sr. . Mr. William 
Creath, Mrs. Mary Creath, Mrs. Jennie M. Alkire. Mr. Samuel Thornton, 
Dr. David E. McMillan. Mrs. Lydia McMillan; received by certificate from 
the London Church: Mrs. J alia Worthington, by certificate from the church at 
Chillicothe, and Miss Amanda Creath, received on examination. Mr. Will- 
iam Creath was installed as Elder. The church was furnished with a supply 
minister for many years; the first was Rev. James Dunlap. Services were 
continued in the old frame church building till the erection of th 
brick edifice, in 1868-69, at a cost of about $2,000. In December, L869, 
the house was dedicated to service in due form. The d rmon 

was preached by Rev. George Carpenter, of Washington C. H. It was 
dedicated free of all debt or incumbrance. The first regularly called and 
installed pastor of the church was Rev. George S. J. Browne, on February 
8, 1S78. The present membership of the church is sixty-five. Present 



BTISTORY OF M EDISON COUNTY. 

Elders: A. B. Hughs, J. II. Schryver, W . J. Hodges and N. J. D. Kauf- 
felt; Trustees, Dr. J. S. McClintick, George Kious and J. G. Loofburrow. 
Present pastor. Rev. Robert H. Cunningham. The church has had a regu- 
larly organized Sunday school since in March. 1^78: present average at- 
tendance, fifty -live scholars, with X. J. D. Kauflelt, Superintendent. 

McKenard Methodist Episcopal Church. — In March, 1852, a class was 
organized in the King Schoolhouse by Rev. David Smith, consisting of the 
following members: William Stone. Elizabeth Stone. Washington Morain, 
Nancy Morain, Eliza Ann Morain. Harrison Morain, Lizzie Morain, Albert 
Stone, Joseph Lane. Mary Lane, William Lane, Dilliann Lane. 
Samuel Thornton, Catharine Thornton, Philip Kyle, Mary Kyle. Har- 
riet Kyle, John Kyle. Rachel Frazier, Millie Smith. Matilda Ogles- 
bee, Mary King, Stephen Anderson and Margaret Anderson, with Will- 
iam Stone as class leader. Their meetings were continued to be held in the 
schoolhouse above mentioned about three years, when they purchased a 
house and lot: the building was a large log house, which had been erected 
for a dwelling, but had never been finished or occupied. This building 
they finished and fitted up for church purposes, and used it as a house 
of worship till the summer of L874, when the present substantial and com- 
fortable frame church was erected and occupied the same year for worship: 
but the house was not dedicated until in the fall of 1879, when, in October 
of that year, Rev. Joseph Trimble, of Columbus, came here and preached 
the dedicatory sermon, and the house was in due form set apart for the 
Bervice of Cod. The present membership is sixty-five, with Frederick 
Toops as class leader: Steward, Albert Stone; Trustees, William Lane. 
Stephen Anderson. Albert Stone. John W. Timmons aud Jonathan Warren. 
Pastor, James Shotip. In connection with the church they have a flourish- 
ing Sunday school, which has existed from the first organization of the 
church. At the present time it has an average attendance of about fifty 
scholars, with William Lane as Superintendent. 

.1//. Sterling ( %ristian ( 'hurch.- -From the best information we can now 
obtain of the history of the Christian denomination in Pleasant Township, 
more than seventy years ago it was organized, at the house of Forgus 
Graham, as given above, in the history of the Antioch Church. And it is 
believed thai Boon after its organization, it received some members from the 
vicinity of Mt. Sterling, although at that time Mt, Sterling was not in ex- 
istence, and that they continued to meet with the Antioch brethren, and 
were identified with them in church relationship until about the year 1825, 
when the chinch at Mt. Sterling was organized with these constituent mem- 
bers: George Hornbeck and wife, John R. Robison and wife, John J. 
Smith, Pleasant Southward and wife. Mary Allure and George Allure, with 
John 11. Robison ami George Hornbeck. as Deacons, and George Horn- 
beck, Clerk. The first pastors who ministered to the church were James 
Burbridge, Forgus Graham, Daniel Long and George Allure. For several 
years, services were held at private houses, and among the houses at which 
they most frequently met were those of George Hornbeck. Mary Alkire, 
John J. Smith, John R. Robison and George Alkire. In 1S37. they erected 
a brick house for church purposes, on the site of the present church build- 
ing. This house served ihe church for several years, but was from its erec- 
tion a very defective building, and finally was pronounced unsafe, and was 
taken down. The membership of the society became greatly reduced by 
death and removals, and finally, the organization ceased to have an exist 
ence. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 709 

From this time they had occasional preaching by various ministers of 
the denomination, held in the Methodist Church, but not until Fedruary 3, 
1870, did the church again have an identity as a religious body. At this 
date the church was re-organized, by Rev. \V. N. Overturf, with fifteen 
members, of whom F. O. P. Graham and D. E. BobiBon were made Deacons; 
B. F. Thomas, Clerk, and William Beath, John R. Robison and B. F. 
Thomas, Trustees. During the year IS71. the present neat and substantial 
brick church was erected and furnished at a cost of $4,200. In this house 
there have since been services held regularly every alternate Sabbath to the 
present time. The present membership is sixty-five. Present officers, same 
as last given above, except that G. W. Durham is now Clerk, and Rev. Al- 
bert Dunlap is pastor. The church has a flourishing Sunday school. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Pleasant Lodge, No. 544, I. O. O. F., was instituted June _'>, 1873, 
by Rodney Foos, R. W. D. G. M.. with the following charter members: 
William C. Douglass, George \Y. Bolin, F. C. Gearhart, W. E. Wilmott, 
J. ML Nicodemus, D. T. Snider, John Lysinger, P. A. Zahn and G. W. AI- 
kire, with the following officers: William C. Douglass, N. G. ; P. A. Zahn, 
V. G. ; J. M. Nicodemus, Secretary, and F. C. Gearhart, Treasurer. Prea 
ent membership is 120, officered as follows: J. W. Riddle. X. G.; James 
Clark, V. G. ; J. M. Nicodemus, Secretary, and D. W. Durham, Treasurer. 
The lodge meets every Monday evening at Odd Fellows Hall. 

Sterling Encampment, No. 202, was instituted by M. K. Marshall, G. 
P., on June 8, 187G, with the following charteV members: P. A. Zahn. J. 
M. Nicodemus, N. A. Riggin, Charles H. Miller, George W. Bolin, David 
T. Snider and John Clarridge, with the following officers: (>. W. Bolin, G. 
P.: P. A. Zahn, S. W.; J. M. Nicodemus, Secretary, and G. W. Alkire, 
Treasurer. Present membership is forty, officered as follows: A. Cobelsper- 
ger, G. P. ; John F. Robison, S. W. ; N. J. D. Kauffelt, Secretary, and G. 
W. Alkire, Treasurer. 

Mt. Sterling Lodge, No. 269, F. & A. M., on petition, was granted 
a warrant of dispensation to the following persons: N. J. D. Kauffelt, Sam- 
uel C. Vance, Scott Harrison, William McClintick, J. Swetland, Samuel 
McClintick. Robert Alkire, Toland Jones, B. H. Moore. Smiley Hughs. 
Isaac S. Myers. William Harrison, Adam Young, G. Neff, Jr., and W. L. 
Cook. The first meeting was held and the lodge opened July 26, L855, and 
was officered as follows: N. J. D. Kauffelt, W M. , pro tern.; William Mc- 
Clintick, S. W., pro tern.; Scott Harrison, J. W., pro tern.; Jeriah Swetland, 
Secretary, pro tern. ; Robert Alkire, S. D., pro tern.; George Neff, Jr., J. D., 
pro tern. ; Smily Hughs, Tiler, pro tern. The charter was granted by the 
Grand Lodge of Ohio, in session at Mansfield, October 2(5. L855. Present 
membership, sixty-five, and officered as follows: N. J. D. Kauffelt, W. M. ; 
J. W. Slepp. S. W.; Thomas Wheelan, J. W. ; J. G. Loofburrow, Treas 
urer; J. W. Riddle, Secretary; J. W. Ingrim, S. D. ; J. M. Nicodemus, 
J. D., and S. Hughs, Tiler. 



710 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI. 

STOKES TOWNSHIP. 

^T^HIS township is situated in the extreme southwest corner of Madison 
JL County, and is bounded on the north by Olark County and Paint 
Township, on the east by Range Township, south by "Fayette County, and 
on the west by Greene County. It is one of the original townships of Mad- 
ison County. The records give its erection as follows: "April 30, 1810, 
Ordered that all that tract of country contained in the following boundary 
be and the same is hereby laid out into a separate township, to be known by 
the name of Stokes, and is bounded as follows, viz.: -Beginning at the 
southeast corner of Champaign County, and running in a southeast direc- 
tion, on the north side of Big Prairie, east of John Mozer's, to the head of 
the East Fork of Paint Creek, and with the said East Fork, including the 
inhabitants on each side of said fork, to the Fayette County line; thence 
west to the corner of Greene County; thence with Greene County line to 
Champaign County line; thence with said line to the place of beginning; 
by order of the board." In the erection of Clark County in 1817, some of 
the territory included within the above-described boundaries as forming 
Stokes Township was cut off and taken into that county. The township 
elections in 1810 were hold, by order of the Associate Judges of Madison 
County, at the house of P. Outright. Od June 11, 1810; the Commissioners 
" ordered that the rate of a license for a tavern in Stokes Township shall be 
$5 for the present year." In 1811, it was made $i. In 1S53, Paint Town- 
ship was erected, and a part of the above-described territory embraced in 
Stokes Township was taken to form a part of that township. 

8UBFACE, SOIL, ETC. 

The surface of this township is generally level, with in some parts 
slight undulations, especially along the creeks, as there are no large streams 
within her boundaries. The lauds have a gentle or gradual slope from her 
northern to her southern b >undary, such that all the creeks flow from the 
north to the south. The s >il is rich and very productive, and all the flat 
and more level portions are composed of a rich black loam, while the un- 
dulations and higher portions are a loam and clay, the whole underlaid 
with a stratum of clay, and flu's again with a limestone gravel. The town- 
ship is generally well watered, and. with her clay subsoil, seldom suffers 
with drought. In her primitive conditions, as the first settlers found it, 
>!' low, level portions in prairie, destitute of ,trees 
and covered with sedge, often six; to eight feet high. Other portions were 
sparsely oovore 1 with trees, with a thick and irgrowth of hazel brush. The 
timbered porti •! priu lipallyof the various species of oak — white, 

black, red and burr oak — with some elm, walnut, hickory and maple, white 
and burr oak predominating. 

As stated above, the surface slopes to the south, constituting a slightly 
inclined plane from its northern to its southern boundary, such that the 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 711 

streams and creeks all flow southward, the principal of which are as follows: 
Paint Creek, the largest of her streams, enters the township from the north, 
passing through the Linson and Selsor lands in Surveys 5,78] and >>,983, 
and flows in a zigzag southern course entirely through the township, leav- 
ing it near the middle of the M. Bailey land, at a point almost due south 
from its place of entry into the township, and flows on through Fayette and 
Ross Counties, emptying into the Scioto River, just below Chillicotho. 
This stream in fed by a number of tine springs along its course, which, with 
the main creek, afford fine water for stock purposes; and we may add that 
the greater portion of the land along this stream in its course through Stokes 
Township, embracing several thousand acres, was formerly owned by the 
Selsor and Slaughter fain dies, two welhknown and extensive stock-dealers 
of Madison County. The second stream in size is Sugar Creek, which en- 
ters the township from the north, and flows directly south through the cen- 
ter of the township into Fayette County. In the western part of the town 
ship are two small creeks, the first flowing southward through the township, 
a little west of the village of South Solon, and on through Fayette County, 
and empties into Rattlesnake Creek, of which it is a branch. The other 
passes through the western portion of the township, and. taking a south- 
west course, enters Greene County, and finally empties into the Little Mi- 
ami River. These streams, located and distributed as they are through the 
township, give excellent opportunities for ditching and draining the lands. 
and, with the general richness and productiveness of the soil, constitutes 
them among the best lands of Madison County, or of the State. 

The above mentioned creeks are loo small to afford any good water- 
power for mills or manufacturing purposes, but, as described above, are of 
great value, and give to Stokes a prestige as an agricultural township. 

PIOM 

Isaac Hudson, who, in 1802, located where John Murray now lives, is 
believed to have been the first white settler within the precincts of Stokes 
Township, and it, was at his house that the surveyors and Commissioners 
met preparatory to establishing permanently the boundary line between 
Greene and Madison Counties. This was in September, IS 10. It appears 
he did not remain a resident here long after this, but removed to near Vin- 
cennes, Ind., where, during the war, he was killed by the Indians. He was 
a son of Skinner Hudson, a native of England, but who, while young, left 
his native land, emigrating to America, and became an early setller in 
Kentucky, and in 1804 came to Madison County, Ohio, and settled with his 
son Isaac, who preceded him two years previous, and here he remained till 
his death, and was buried in the family burying ground, given and estab- 
lished by himself. This fainib. met with all the trials and dangers of the 
wilderness. This was a regular camping-ground of the Indians for several 
years. John K. and Austin, two sons of Skinner Hudson, were reared and 
grew to manhood in this township. The former was born in Kentucky in 
ITU'.', and came with his father to this township. He married Hannah Ma 
haffey, a native of Adams County. Ohio. They had twelve children, five 
now living. John*K. owned 266 acres of land, a pari of which is the site 
of the village of South Solon, which Mr. Hudson and Mr. Douglass laid out 
in 1833. Mr. Hudson was a man of undoubted character, and an active. 
useful and worthy citizen. And of the Hudson family, while we speak of 
them as the first to penetrate the wilds of Stokes Township, we may add 
that they were ever first and foremost in the improvements and progress of 



71- BISTORT OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the country, in the promotion of morals, education and Christianity. They 
were ever hospitable, kind-hearted and good neighbors, just snob persons as 
were needed to open out a uew country, and lay the foundation of true 
principles to make the country prosperous and happy. John K. Hudsou 
died in 1 S 7'J 

•lames Curry, a native of Pennsylvania, married Isabel Roland and 
emigrated to Ohio, ami settled in Stokes Township, on land now owned by 
John S. Moon, in L805. He remained a citizen here through life, and was 
the father of eight children, of whom only one survives — William, now 
a resident of South Solon. Of his children who arc deceased, Harrison was 
born in Stokes Township in L816, and here grew to manhood under the 
sturdy influences of pioneer life. He married Sarah Mahatloy and raised 
one child, who is now the wife of Milton Marsh, Postmaster at South Solon. 
Mi - . Curry was quite prominent in the political affairs of the township, and 
held several offices; served as a -Inst ice oi the Peace twenty-one years. He 
died April 21, L871. John Kelso settled on the tract of land where Jacob 
Smith now lives in 1808, but we learn no particulars connected with his 
future life from that date. Noble I. add settled on Skinner Hudson's land 
about L808. Andrew Kea. a native of Virginia, became a settler of Stokes 
Township about 1808 or 1810, and located on land now owned by the Gor- 
lons. He had a large family of children, of whom were William. Robert, 
Thomas, James and Jessie. 

John Moon, a native of North Carolina, emigrated to Ohio, making the 
entire journey in a wagon, and settled on land in the north part of Fayette 
County, near the Madison County and Stokes Township line, in 1808, where 
he remained till his death. He was the father of ten children, of whom 
three now survive —John L., a resident of Stokes Township; Simon, a resi- 
dent of Fayette County, Ohio; and -lane, now a rosideut of the State* of 
Illinois. Of the deceased of this family. Aaron married Rosanna Powell, 
and settled on the place now owned by Lewis Bozarth about 1S:?0. and here 
resided till his death, in the summer of L865. He was a man very highly 
esteemed and respected, and a leading and reliable man of this community. 
Ee served as Township Trustee for twenty live years, and as Treasurer 
twenty-six years. Jonathan, the second son, married Catharine Davis, and 
settled on land near his father. In 1837, he sold out and moved to Illinois. 
!n 1841, he returned to Fayette County, and in L844 purchased the farm ad- 
joining William Thomas, where he resided till L878, and then removed to 
South Solon, where he died May 29, L881, in the eightieth year of his age. He 
was also a man of more than ordinary merit, very upright in all his dealings 
just and charitable to all. and a most worthy and useful citizen of the com- 
munity where he lived. He held the office of Trustee twenty-three years. 
He was a worthy member ,it' the society of Friends, as were the Moon fam- 
ilj generally. His widow still survives, and resides in South Solon, aged 

3 one years. Jau was the third child of John Moon, and 

tied in this township prior to his brother Aaron. Locating on the farm which 
he subsequently sold to Laron, and about l s: '> : > removed to the State of In- 
diana, where he died. Enoch Moon, a fourth son. and brother o\' the above, 
Bettled in this township and resided here several years, thence moved to In 
liana and died in that State. 

Samuel Berrodwas born in L776, and became an early settler of Greene 
County, Ohio. He was married in L810 His wife, Mary, was born in 
L790, and they Bettled in this county and township about 1814 or L815, 
sharing the labors and trials of the early settlers. He died in L857, and 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. J IS 

his wife in L866. He became quite a large land-owner, and bis sons still 
larger. Samuel Hornbeck, a native of Bourbon County, Kv.. became a set 
tier in this township, on the land now owned by E, Bateman, about 1815 
<>r 1816 and remained a resident of this township till bis death, July 26, 
1868. He was a soldier in the war of L812. They had fifteen children 
Ten grew to maturity five son:- and five daughters of whom only two now 
survive Nancy, now Mrs. Moon, who resides in Fayette County; and Sam 
uel, a resideni of South Solon. Jacob Selsor was horn in Virginia, and, 
when hiii a boy, came to Ohio and 3ettled in Stoke- Township aboui 1815 
or 1820, and here married Elizabeth McHenry, who wae horn in Kentucky. 
He died in L842, and big wife in 1864. Of their children, and a much-re- 
spected neighbor and citizen, is Christopher Selsor, who was horn in this 
township, and still resides \n-f: Christian Selsor also settled hereabout 
the same time, and was well known in early years, and held many of the 
offices of the township, and sustained svell the general reputation of the 
Selsor family. 

David Selsor was horn in Virginia in L806, a son of John and Mary 
Selsor, who were also native- of Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio when Da 
vid was hut a hoy. probably about L815 or L816, and settled bere in this 
township, where they remained till their death. David, when but a hoy of 
sixteen, commenced bis career as a farmer and stock-dealer, exhibiting in 
his boyhood day- that aptness and shrewdness as a trading man and finan 
cier which, in after years, won for bim wealth and laurels, and who 
known from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean as one of the largest stock 
dealers of Ohio, and perhaps second to none for fine-blooded stock. At the 
time of his death. January 12, 1882, he owned nearly three thousand • 
of land, on whose broad acres roamed a large amount of stock, much of 
which were of the fines! breeds of blooded animal-, [n the summer of 1882, 
after his death, thi 3old at public sale and prominent fine stock 

dealer- from various States of the Union and from Canada came to make pur - 
\] ox's career as a business man was a remarkable one. While 

politician iught for honors in the great battles of the political field and 

only a few have been able to reach the pinnacle of fame: and while professional 
men have delved deep into the labyrinths of science endeavoring to bring 
forth some new fact or principle which shall bless mankind and thus e 
lish for them an undying reputation here we see an example in the com- 
mon occupation of a farmer and stoci dealer, one who has gained an exalted 
position, and inscribed his name upon the highest battlement of success, and, 
like the names of all who have to distinction, whether politically, 

professional ly or otherwise, will !>•■ indelibly written upon the pages of his- 
and be read and known by generations yet. unborn Stokes Township 

thus claim a prestige for being the home of this noted and remarkable 
man. 

George Linson was horn in Virginia January 7, 1790; married Eliza 
beth Hutsinpillar, who was horn December 24, 1792. Thej emigrate 
Ohio and settled in Stoke Township about 1815, where the;, resided til! 
death. Mrs. Linson died in June. 1-1."). Mr. Linson died in April, 
1855. Mi-. Linson came to thi md almost a wil- 

derness, and bore a good share <>[ privations, Wat. bee • I of a 

fine farm and a large com] a man of undoubted character, and 

-.li'. resp ^hbor and citizen 'hi; amily of children, 

who grew up and became prosperous and honored citizens. Two of their 
: it Township, whe >.vn large and valuable fa 



714 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Isaac McHenry, a native of Kentucky, born June 4, 1801; he married 
Christina Selsor. who was born in Virginia. Mr. McHenry came to Stokes 
Township when a boy, probably about 1816 or 1818, and was married here. 
His wife died in 1832. He married for his second wife Miss Nancy Flood, 
who survived him. He died in 1874. William, his son, who was born in 
this township in 1825. t.till resides here, an honored and respected citizen, 
who has here spent his entire life. Mr. Burley was an early settler in this 
township, on land now owned by S. H. Smith, in the south part of South 
Solon. The exact date of his locating here cannot now be ascertained, but 
he kept a hotel at quite an early day. He came here from North Carolina. 

Joseph Thomas, a native of North Carolina, settled .in Paint Township, 
on land now owned by Mrs. Huffman, probably in 1815 to 1818. He was 
generally better known as the " White Pilgrim." He made the journey from 
North Carolina on foot, and soon after returned to his native State and 
married a Miss Ridenhour. and brought her to his new home in the east 
part of Stokes Township. He was a preacher in the Christian Church, 
and, shortly after locating here, had preaching at his house, and soon organ- 
ized a church, of which he was pastor for several years. He also traveled 
and preached at many other places over the surrounding country, and was 
one of the ablest defenders of the faith and doctrines of that church ever in 
this section of the county. He was also an active worker and a prominent 
man in the Masonic order, and was finally sent into the Eastern States to 
Travel in the interests of that order, and while there took the small-pox. 
with which he died. Subsequently, some minister of that denomination 
visited his grave, and wrote and published a very expressive and beautiful 
hymn on his life and character. Two of his children now reside in Yellow 
Springs. Greene Co., Ohio — Caleb and Mrs. Carr, whose son is the proprie- 
tor of the large nursery at that place. 

Lot Bozarth, a native of Virginia, was born in 1792, and emigrated to 
Ohio and became quite an early settler of Stokes Township, on the land 
where his son Lewis still resides. Here he married Nancy Rea, who was 
born in Maryland in 1802. Subsequently, they moved to White County, 
Ind.. and resided a few years, then returned to Stokes Township, and here 
remained till their death. He died April 7, 1872, and his wife March 12, 
Mr Bozarth was a kind neighbor, and a good citizen, and held sev- 
eral of the offices of his township. The above may truly be called the pio- 
neers of Stokes Township, all being settlers here prior to 1820. Many oth- 
ers who settled here later perhaps did as much pioneer work and endured 
be many trials as some who came earlier, and deserve a record of their lives 
in the history of the county equally as much as they, and we will now rec- 
ord some of them, with their famiii 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Jessie Pancake was born in Virginia in 1801. He emigrated to Ohio 
and settled in Ross County in 1812: thence, about 1820 or soon after, lo- 
cated in this county, in Stokes Township, where he married Martha Cooper, 
who was born in this county in LSI I. of a true pioneer family. Mr. Pan- 
cake spent his life here, and became one of the honored and weli-known cit- 
izens of this township, and held many of its offices, and was a most worthy 
citizen. His wife died in 1839, just in the bloom of womanhood. He 
died in 1877. He made Farming his business through life, and became 
owner of 1,200 acre- ol jood land. His son John resides in Stokes Town- 
ship, and 's a iarge and r< • pei OWJ Qg 700 acres of land. Thorn- 




(JU(ffr/*^ f / w<cc 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 717 

as Cooper, a native of North Carolina, whom we have here placed among 
the list of early settlers, we believe to have been a pioneer, and perhaps 
settled here as early as 1810 or 1812, and should have been classed with the 
pioneers, but, from lack of certainty about the date of his locating, we have 
placed his record here. We find he located on land how owned by John 
Pancake and Mr. Slaughter. He was a man possessed of a very limited 
education, but of a sprightly, active mind and good business tact, but died 
early in life, yet owned about one thousand acres of land, and doubtless. 
had he lived, would have become wealthy. He died about 1810. 

Peter Slaughter, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Highland County, 
Ohio, in an early day; about 1820-25, removed to this county and settled 
in Stokes Township, on Paint Creek, where he resided till his death, in the 
fall of 1861. He married Fdizabeth Cooper, by whom he had eleven chil- 
dren. Ten grew to maturity, and four now survive— -Mary, Abigail, Ma 
tilda and Nancy. The last three reside on the old homestead place. Mary 
resides in Illinois. Mr. Slaughter married for his second wife Anna E. 
Lynch, by whom he had three childron, one now living— Henrietta. Mr 
Slaughter commenced life in very limited circumstances, but was possessed 
of a business tact of mind, full of energy and activity; entered largely the 
stock business, and became one of the largest stock-dealers of the county, 
and was well known in others as well as in Madison County. He probably 
bought and sold one thousand head of cattle yearly. In an early day. 
he took many large droves of cattle over the mountains to Lancaster, 
Penn. He was a man who loved hunting, and enjoyed life well. He was 
soon possessed of an extensive acquaintance and an unlimited credit, which 
he maintained through life, and died wealthy, owning 3,000 acres of land. 

Moses Thomas was a native of North Carolina, and married Catharine 
Williams, a native of Virginia; were married in the latter State, and emi- 
grated to Fayette County, Ohio, in 1825, and soon after to Madison County 
and settled in Stokes Township, where they remained till death. Two of 
their sons, Benjamin and William, have remained residents of this town- 
ship, and are among its most prominent and reliable farmers; have held 
many of the offices of the township, and are highly respected citizens. 
William Cooper, a native of North Carolina, emigrated to Fayette County. 
Ohio, when a young single man, and in 1828 married Elizabeth Merriman 
and settled in Stokes Township, where he has spent bis life, and is an up- 
right and honored citizen of the community. His wife died in 1805. Ja- 
cob Smith was the eldest of six children of Mathias and Margaret Smith, 
who emigrated to Cincinnati in 1800, and in 1807 removed to Greene Coun- 
ty aDd settled on Beaver Creek, where they died. Jacob was born in Mary- 
land in 1803, and was reared in Greene County, Ohio, anil married Amanda 
Herrod; settled in Stokes Township, this county, in 1836, on the place now 
owned by Mi*. Clemons. Here he opened out in the woods, and has per- 
formed his full share in the improvement of the country. The west and 
north part of the village of South Solon is built on his land. He is liuw 
quite aged, having resided in this township fifty -sis years, and is an hon- 
ored and respected citizen. Joel Ervin. born in Ohio in 1811, settled in 
this township in 1830 35. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

We can find no records of elections of the township earlier than 1833; 
therefore commencing with that date, we give the following list of officers: 

Trustees — 1833, Christian Selsor. Aaron Moon and Ross Rowan d; 
1835, Ross Rowand, Aaron Moon and Jacob Smith; 1836, Richard King, 



718 HISTORY OF MALISON COUNTY 

Jacob Smith and Aaron Moon; 1837-39, Richard King, Aaron Moon and 
Jesse Pancake; 1840-41, Aaron Moon, Joseph Hunt and Samuel Hornbeck; 
1842, Lot Bozarth, Aaron Moon and Samuel Hornbeck; 3844-45, Jesse 
Pancake, Aaron Moon and Lot Bozarth; 1846, Aaron Moon, Jesse Pancake 
and James Hornbeck; 1847-53, Aaron Moon, Jonathan Moon and James 
Hornbeck; 1854-55, Jonathan Moon, James Hornbeck and D. Elder John- 
son; 1856, D. Elder Johnson, Aaron Moon and Jonathan Moon; 1857-58, 
Aaron Moon, Jacob Smith and Jonathan Moon; 1859, Aaron Moon, Jona 
than Moon and Richard Whiteman; I860, Jonathan Moon. James Hornbeck 
and Richard Whiteman; 1861, Samuel Griffith, Richard Whiteman and An- 
drew Gordon; ISO".!, Jonathan Moon, James Hornbeck and Samuel Griffith; 
1863, Jonathan Moon, Jackson Brock and Samuel Griffith; 1864-67, Giles 
Gordon, Jonathan Moon and Samuel Griffith; 1868, Jonathan Moon, John 
L. Moon and John Pancake; 1869-70, Jonathan Moon, Giles Gordon and 
Jackson Brock ; 1872, Jackson Brock, Samuel L. Griffith and William 
Thornton: 1872, William Thornton, J. C. Hays and J. M. Lucas; and the 
present incumbents in the office, 1882, are John M. Lucas, James K. Brock 
and A. H. Baughn. 

Clerks — 1833, Samuel Harvev; 1834, Isaac Harrow; 1835-42, James 
Thomas; 1843-45, Hugh Orr; 1846-54, James Thomas; 1855-57, C. E. 
Chanev; 1858-59, Hugh Orr; 1860-61, J. Mack Lucas; 1862-63, Owen 
Garloiigh; 1864-65, Harrison Hardacre; 1866-70, John D. Moon; 1871- 
72, T. S. Cooper. The present Clerk now in office, 1882, is T. S. Cooper. 

Treasurers— 1833-54, Aaron Moon; 1855-60, William Thomas; 1861- 
65, Aaron Moon; 1866, J. J. Hudson; 1867-70, John Paulin; 1871-72, J. 
M. Lucas; and the one now serving, 1882, is L. C. Brock. 

Justices of the Peace— 1833, Christian Selsor; 1835, Richard King; 
1836, Joseph Hunt; 1838, Richard King; 1839, Joseph Hunt; 1844, Ste- 
phen Maxey; 1840. James Kilgore; 1858, Harrison Curry; 1860. William 
J. Bonham; 1861. John M. Lucas. 

Assessors- -1843-62, Benjamin Thomas; 1863-71, James Hornbeck; 
1872. Benjamin Thomas; 1882, Moses Thomas. 

Constables — 1833, Samuel Messmoreand David Williamson; 1834, Isaac 
Harrow and Aaron Moon; 1835. Harrison Curry and Samuel Messmore; 

is:'>0. Bushrod W. Muson and ; 1837, Hiram Hougham and 

George W. King; 1838, Harrison Curry and William Chappell; 1839, John 
Glenn; 1843, Thomas Mclntire and Hugh Orr; and present ones in office 
(4882) are Milton Marsh and George Mahoy. 

Supervisors L833, Christian Selsor, John Hudson and James Horn- 
beck; L834, James Hornbeck, Christian Selsor and Ross Ramond; 1835, 
James Moon. Alexander Nelson. William Hudson, Christian Selsor and Ab- 
ner Eches; L836, John F. Hudson, Abner Eches, Richard King, Jacob Sei- 
zor and A. .Nelson: L837, Peter Slaughter. Richard King, Harrison Curry, 
John F. Hudson and David Carter; 1838, Harrison Curry. Thomas Clemons, 
Jesse Pancake, David Carter and Richard King; 1839, Abner Eches, Jesse 
Pancake, Thomas Clemons, Cyrus King, Daniel Daugherty and Thomas 
Ellis: L843, James Thomas. Isaac Clemons, Daniel Daugherty, David Stroup 
and Charles Rakestraw. 

Fence Viewers— 1833, Joseph Thomas. Sr., and Edward Stubblefield; 
L834, Christian Selsor and Raper Ramond; 1835, Robert Rea and Moses 
Wbodard; 1S3S, George Curry and Isaac Clemons; L839, William Jones 
and James Thomas; L843, [saac I'arker and George Simmerman. 

Overseers of the Poor L833, James Eunt, James Moon and John 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 719 

Clark; 1834, Aaron Moon, Samuel Harvey and Samuel Hornbock; 1835, 
Robert Rea; 1838, George W. King, Jesse Pancake; 1839, James Horn- 
beck and Harrison Curry; 1840, James Hornbeck and Harrison Curry. 

We have only given the names of those who filled the offices, for a 
few years, and, in fact, the two last offices mentioned only existed a few 
years later than the above dates. Could we have found the records back 
to 1810, it would be interesting to know who first occupied those positions. 

In 1833, the earliest record that appears to have been preserved, the 
total expenses in settling with the Trustees, Clerk, Treasurer and Supervis- 
ors, were $19.57, of which the Supervisors roceived $8.50, thus exhibiting 
the fact that the most important offices of the township at that day were not 
very attractive for the remuneration they brought. In 1833, the Treasurer's 
was 57 cents; in 1882, it was. $19.78, showing quite an increase in the 
amount of funds passing through the Treasurer's hands from 1833 to 1882. 

TOWNS. 

This is truly a rural township, possessing but one town, or rather vil- 
lage, within its territory — South Solon — which was laid out in 1838, by J. 
K. Hudson and Andrew Douglass. The latter built the first house, and was 
the first blacksmith in the village. John Nolan opened the first store, and 
was the pioneer in the mercantile trade. Dr. Simmerman, a root and herb 
doctor, and possessed of some Indian blood in his veins, was the first phy- 
sician, and it is said was quite skillful in treating disease under Lis system. 
The town grew very slowly for many years, as it had no railroad or other 
stimulus to promote its growth or to create business. The entire township 
was without a railroad until about four years ago, and all grain, stock, and 
all productions of the farmers, were hauled to some distant town for a mar- 
ket or for shipment; and as a result of this, when the farmers were at these 
distant towns, they made their purchases of dry goods and groceries for 
home consumption; hence there was little inducement for men of means or 
business ability to locate or invest in South Solon. And thus matters re- 
mained until, in 1878, the Springfield Southern Railroad was built, and 
passed through this village, connecting it with Springfield and the coal-fields 
of Southeastern Ohio. This opened a way for shipping the productions of 
the country, made, as it were, a home market, and the same year, imme- 
diately upon its completion, John Hudson erected a warehouse and grain 
elevator. The farmers now hauled their grain here and sold it, and shipped 
their stock. This created quite a business. Men were in demand, and this 
created a demand for houses. They were built, and the town began to 
grow. Goods and groceries of all kinds wore now in demand, and mer- 
chants found an opening for the profitable investment of capital. From 
this time the town had a gradual but steady growth. This railroad, which 
at first was a narrow-gauge, was iu 1880 transformed to a standard-gauge, 
and is doing quite a large and thriving business. By examining the ship- 
ping books of the agent of the road, we were surprised at the great amount 
of snipping from that small town. There will pi'obably be from 600 to 800 
ears of stock, grain, lumber, etc.. shipped from that station during the year 
1882. The business of the town now comprises the following: General 
store, by W. C. Rickards; general store, by William O'Shaugimessy; gro- 
cery, by A. Simmerman; grocery and post office, by M. Marsh; harness shop, 
by Miller & Townsley; blacksmith shop, by O. M. Porter; blacksmith shop, 
by A. Bush; carriage and baggy manufactory, by Joseph Hidwell; boot 
and shoe shop; saloon, by Riley Harper; saloon, by M. C. Clark; saloon, by 
Jerry Neville; livery and sale stable, by Stephen Maxey; saw-mill, by 



720 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

William Haines; grain-dealer, J. J. Hudson; brick manufacturer, J. F. 
Crawford; and physicians. H. H. McClellan. J. S. Smith and O. G. Fields. 

SCHOOLS. 

There is perhaps nothing in the history of a country, in its growth, 
progress and advancement, which presents a more striking contrast than the 
schools of the first settlers and the schools of to-day; or, more properly, 
the absence of schools in that day, compared with the fine schools and ad- 
vantages that are now enjoyed for the education of the young. For the 
pioneers of this country had a mission to perform. The land was covered 
with the mighty forest trees, which the horny hand of toil must first remove 
in order that the soil might be made to produce the necessaries to support 
the physical man. and the support and growth of the intellectual had to, 
from necessity, be made a secondary matter. But as soon as the circum- 
stances would permit, we find them endeavoring to provide ways and means 
for the education of their children, and in this work they had to rely en- 
tirely upon themselves and their own resources to accomplish it, as then, 
and for many years after, there was no help by State or otherwise to estab- 
lish or support schools. . Hence, their only alternative was to band together 
as soon as there were enough in a neighborhood to make it feasible, and 
each subscribe a certain amount, then hire a teacher, and in some house 
call the children together, where the teacher would meet with them and 
impart to them such instruction as they were able to receive, or the rude 
text-books and limited qualifications of the teacher of that day could give; 
and as soon a they could, they would combine together and cut down and 
prepare logs, and erect a house for school purposes. These were of the 
most rude and primitive kind, and are fully explained elsewhere in this 
work. Thus were carried on the schools of the first settlers of Stokes Town- 
ship till the school laws of Ohio were enacted, which rendered material aid 
to the work of education. Now they could levy a tax and appropriate the 
means to furnish houses, and opportunities for the free education of every 
child in the community. Of course, the tax was a prescribed amount, and 
the value of property was then limited, and the amount of schooling limited 
accordingly; but as property and wealth increased, so did the advantages 
for schools and of obtaining an education increase, and have continued to 
do so up to the present time, which now, it would seem, had reached almost 
to the maximum of attainment. 

One of the first public schools in this township was in an old log house 
on the land now owned by James Crawford, and was situated near where 

ate is now located. The first teacher was Mr. Burley. This was about 
1830. The next schoolhouse was a cabin erected on the place now owned 
by John Murray. There was also a log house built for school purposes on 
Samuel Harrod's land about 1831. The first teacher here was Mr. Sears, 
who was rigid in discipline to the extreme, and created some difficulty in 
the neighborhood through his uncalled-for severity to his scholars. This, 
however, was not much of an exception in that day, as good physical pow- 
ers and ability to chastise his pupils was almost as great a requirement in 
that day as were intellectual qualifications. As the township filled up with 
settlers in different parts' of her territory, so these primitive schools were 
established: and as the wealth and comforts of the people increased, so they 
increased and improved their schools, until now (1882) this township has 
ten school districts, with as many good schoolhouses, all either good frame 
or brick buildings, comfortably seated and well furnished with the best ap- 
proved furniture and school paraphernalia. 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 721 

District No. 1, situated just south of South Solon, on the Hudson farm, 
in 1881 enumerated twenty-one scholars. District No. 2, located on B. 
Thomas' farm, enumerated forty- nine; District No. 3 (Gossard's) enumerated 
forty-four; District No. 4 (Foster) enumerated twenty-nine; District No. 5 
(Pancake) enumerated twenty-nine; District No. 6 (Stroup) enumerated 
thirty-five; District No. 7 (Gordon) enumerated twenty-one; District No. 8 
(Corbitt) enumerated forty-two; District No. 9 (Selsor) enumerated thirty- 
two; District No. 10 (South Solon) enumerated ninety-three; also through- 
out the. different districts there are enumerated eighteen colored children; 
total enumeration, 412 school children. Levied for school purposes, April 
17, 1882, for tuition, $3,500; for incidentals, $1,335; total, $4,835. 

CHURCHES. 

There are but two church edifices in Stokes Township, and only one de- 
nominational. About 1835, a number of persons of the Protestant Meth- 
odist faith met and organized as a church, and soon aftei purchased a 
hewed- log house, located on the place now owned by Alexander Simmerman, 
which had been built for a dwelling. This they fitted up for church pur- 
poses, and in which they held services under Rev. Dolby, Rev. Harvey and 
others for about four or five years, when they disbanded. From this time 
forward, there was no regularly oi'ganized church, but there were services 
and preaching had quite often in the schoolhouse, by both the Methodist 
and Christian denominations, till, in 1860, the present frame church at 
South Solon was erected, and in 1861 was dedicated to service. This is 
known as the People's Church, and is not a denominational church, but is 
open and free for all Chriatian sects in which to hold service. At the pres- 
ent time, Rev. Ewing, of Springfield, a minister of the Protestant Method- 
ist Church, and Rev. Yeoman, a Baptist minister, hold services here regu- 
larly. 

Grassy Point Christian Church was organized in 1832, by Rev. Joseph 
Thomas, better known as the " White Pilgrim," with thirty charter mem- 
bers, some of whom were as follows: Joseph Thomas, Jr., Samuel Horn- 
beck, Thomas Green, Margaret Green, James Hornbeck, Catharine Mess- 
more, Samuel Messmore, Sarah Thomas, Maria Hornbeck and Polly Carr, 
now a resident of Fayette County, Ohio; John Lohr, of London, Ohio; and 
Sophronia Carr, a daughter of the White Pilgrim, who resides at Yellow 
Springs, Greene Co., Ohio. Preaching and services were held for several 
years at the house of Rev. Thomas. Finally, under the preaching of Jo- 
seph Thcmas, Jr., about 1845, a hewed-log house was erected for church 
purposes, in which services were held for a period of about fifteen years. 
The church grew in strength, numbers and usefulness, and about 1860 the 
present frame house was erected, and was dedicated to the service of God 
in 1861. 

Joseph Thomas, who organized the church, was its first minister. He 
was succeeded by the following: Rev. Enoch Harvey, James Mclnturf, 
Joseph Thomas, Jr., John Greene, Benjamin Seaver, Louis Greene. James 
Hornbeck, Daniel Griffin, Caleb Morse, W. N. Overturf, Jonathan Pugh 
and W. B. Fuller. Since the organization of this church, there have been 
enrolled nearly six hundred members. The church is situated in a fine 
country, and in a neighborhood of church-going people, and they usually 
have good congregations, and on special occasions, as their yearly meetings, 
have immense gatherings. At the present time, the church numbers lui) 
members, with Rev. W. N. Overturf as pastor. 



722 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VII. 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township occupies a central position in the southern tier of town- 
ships in the county of Madison. It embraces a scope of beautiful 
country, which, from the earliest advance of civilization, and its occupancy 
by the whites, had its tine prairies, with their exuberance of grass, occupied 
by herds of stock which were driven here from Ross County and herded by 
men hired for that purpose. This afforded the finest of pasturage, and 
continued to be occupied in this manner by the extensive stock-dealers of 
Ross County and other counties, with no cost whatever but to employ men 
to watch the stock and keep them together upon this broad, unfenced and 
unbounded expanse of country, till finally tbe land was so generally taken 
up by purchasers and actual settlers that those from other counties were de- 
barred from carrying on their former profitable herding business any longer 
in this portion of country. 

Tbis township was early erected and put into full working order. Upon 
the records of the county at London we find the following, bearing date 
December 7, 1812: "At a meeting of the Commissioners of Madison Coun- 
ty (on petition), ordered that the following bounds compose a new town- 
ship, which shall be hereafter known and designated by the name of Range 
Townsbip, viz.: Beginning on the county of Fayette at the crossing of the 
North Fork of Paint Creek; thence to the eight-mile tree on Langham's 
road; thence with said road westwardly to the line of Union Township; 
thence with the said line to the southwest corner of Judge Baskerville's 
survey; and them from the aforesaid place of beginning, west with Fay- 
ette County line, to a point one mile east from the crossing of Main Paint; 
tbence northerly to the southwest corner of Judge Baskerville's survey 
aforesaid. " 

The surface of the territory composing this township is remarkably 
level, there being only small portions of it along the creeks, and occasion- 
ally a small tract here and there in certain localities, that are undulating, 
and a few places of small extent that may be called as approaching the or- 
der of hills. Tin township is bounded on the north by Paint and Oak 
Run Townships, east by Pleasant Township, south by Fayette County, and 
west by Stokes and Paint Townships. ' It was, as the settlers first found it. 
possessed of large oak openings and prairies, with some portions, especially 
along the creeks, heavily timbered. The varieties of timber consisted prin- 
cipally of burr, white and red oak, hickory, walnut, elm and maple, the first 
two varieties mentioned predominating, and the burr oak growing to a 
large size, and probably in excess in number of any other variety. In 
localities there was an abundance of fine walnut timber, which, in an 
earh day, was cut down and burned on the ground in order to get the land 
cleared and ready for cultivation. Hundreds and thousands of beautiful 
logs were piled up at their log-rollings, which, if in possession of the own- 
ers of the land to-day, would net them a large income. Mostof the tim- 
bered land of this section of country was perfectly clear from any brush or 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 7'2'S 

•t 
undergrowth when the first settlers located here, constituting some of the 

most beautiful oak groves which the eye ever beheld. This condition was 
brought about by the effects of the yearly tires, which were set in the grass 
late in the fall by the Indians, and the entire country burned over for miles 
in extent in every direction, the object being to give a clear and unobstruct- 
ed view and opportunity for hunting in the winter season, as game, such 
as bear, deer, opossum, wild turkeys, etc., were then in great abundance. 
The contrast between the country then and the timbered portions which re- 
main today is remarkable and striking: then so open and beautiful that a 
man could ride through anywhere and in any direction, on horseback, at a 
gallop, in the hunt or chase, with no obstructions to their rapid travel ; 
now it is so thick and (dose with the undergrowth, since it has ceased to be 
burned over by these fires, that in some sections it is almost impossible for 
man or beast to get through at all, at the slowest pace. 

The soil of this township is very rich and productive, the fiat and more 
level portions being composed of a vegetable soil, very deep, rich and black; 
while the rolling and more elevated portions are a strong loam and clay 
soil, excellent for wheat and grass. While the black, rich loam of the flat 
land is superior for corn, yet, as it becomes older and more thoroughly 
drained, will also become better for wheat, and, in fact, for all grains. The 
leading and most profitable business with the farmers for many years was 
stock-raising, but of late years, as the land is becoming ditched, tiled and 
drained, so as to get clear of the abundance of surf ace water, it is becoming 
better adapted to the raising of wheat and corn, and the farmers have gone 
quite extensively into the cultivation of these cereals. This year f 1 v 
they have raised a wonderful crop of wheat: and. though the season has 
been uncommonly wet, and considerably against the progress of a good corn 
crop, yet there is a fair prospect of somewhat below an average crop, the 
prospect in this township being probably fully up to that of most of the 
townships of Madison County. The township is abundantly watered by 
numerous creeks and branches, fed by beautiful springs, and, with a clay 
and disintegrated limestone subsoil, is almost proof against common or or- 
dinary droughts. The principal streams are the Bradford, the head 
branches of which rise in Paint and Oak Run Townships, and, uniting on 
the north boundary line of this township, flows in a southeasterly direction 
forming the boundary line between Range and Oak Run Townships for 
about one and a half miles, then passes into Oak Run Township, then again 
enters this township, passing through its northeast corner, and enters Pleas- 
ant Township. In its course it receives a tributary which is formed by two 
branches, which water all the northern portion of the township, by their 
various branches penetrating it in numerous directions. In the center of 
the township, on the Chrisman land, rises Mud Run, and flows southeast 
into Pleasant Township. The North Fork of Paint is formed by two 
branches, which rise a little northeast of Midway and form a junction just 
north of Danville, flowing southeast into Fayette County. In the southern 
central portion of the township is Thompson's Run, and in the western and 
southwestern part are Willow Spring Branch and East Fork of Paint, which 
flow in a southeastern course, form a junction about one-half mile north of 
the township line, and flow on into Fayette County. The general direction 
of all these creeks and their branches is east, southeast and south, showing 
distinctly that the northwest portion of the township has the greatest 
elevation. 



724 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

PIONEERS. 

The position of this township, and the quality of its soil, with its 
prairies and abundance of pasturage, were conditions which tended to an 
early settlement. It appears the first actual settler to penetrate the terri- 
tory of what has since become Range Township was William M. Linton, 
with his family. He was born in England about 1753, emigrated to Vir- 
ginia, there married Mary Williams and settled in Hardy County. About 
1797, they emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ross County. In 1800-01, 
they removed to Madison County, settling just south of where Midway is 
now located, and there resided till his death, in 1835. He devoted his life 
to the occupation of a farmer. A few years before his death, he united 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was the father of eight children 
— Maria, George, Sarah, Susan, Hannah, Nancy, Betsey and Peggy, all 
now deceased. Maria married Cyrus Ward; had three children, one only 
now living — W. Curtis Ward, now freight agent at London; George never 
married, and resided in this township till his death, in 1876, aged eighty- 
seven years; Sarah married Archibald Stewart; had two children, one now 
surviving — Mrs. Rev. James Dunlap, of Springfield, Ohio; Susan married 
Joseph Pancake, had two children, who are now living — Isaac and Jesse, 
residents of Illinois; Hannah married Benjamin Walker, by whom she had 
several children, and all the surviving ones are residents of Iowa; Nancy 
married William Davis, had six children, and all surviving are residents 
of Illinois; Betsey married David Dye, had four children, three now sur- 
vive (David, a resident of Yellow Springs, Ohio; Sarah, now Mrs. Cart- 
moll, residing in Indiana; and George, a resident of Republic, Kan.): Peggy 
married Lockhart Biggs, had five children, one now survives; William, a 
resident of Missouri. 

David Dye, a native of New Jersey, it is believed, came to Ohio a sin- 
gle man, and settled od land just east of William Linton a few years later, 
and, about 1810, married Betsey Linton. She died about 1835. He mar- 
ried for hiB second wife Nancy Wingate, by whom he had two children, 
both deceased. They remained here till about 1867, when they removed to 
Yellow Springs, Ohio, where his wife died in 1879, and he in 1880, aged 
ninety-five years. He was a blacksmith by trade, which, in connection with 
farming, he followed through life. Peter Moneyhorn settled on land now 
owned by Mrs. Hicks about L806. Of him but little is known, except that 
he was a very eccentric man, and indulged a great deal in writing poetry or 
making rhymes and funny expressions, to the great amusement of those who 

! him. It is believed that, after a few years' residence here, he moved 
away. Archibald Stewart settled just south of William Linton, probably 
in 1806 08, and married Sarah Linton. He was a very energetic, good 
business man, and became an extensive stock-dealer and large land-owner. 
He finally moved to Bloomingsburg. Fayette County, where lie died. 

Joseph Pancake was born in Virginia December 19, 1789; emigrated 
to Ohio, first to Ross County, thence, in 1806. came to Madison County, 

e Township, and was employed by William M. Linton to work on his 
farm-, finally married Susan Linton, and soon after settled on land wesi of 
Midway, now owned by Reuben Slaughter. He sewed in the war of 1812, 
for which services he subsequently obtained a land warrant. His wife died, 
and he married Miss Corbitt. She lived only about one year, and he mar- 
ried for his third wife Mrs. -lane Dungan, nee Wilson, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, the widow of ■' Dungan, one of the early settlers of Ra 

iship. With her he lived till his death, September 15, 1853, living, 




■ 



J { ^i^w't 7H'. A' 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 727 

at the time of Ins death, in Midway. His wife died July 30, L863. He 
w;ih flu father of four children by bis first, wife, two now living Isaac and 
Jesse, residents of Illinois. By his last wife be bad three children; two 
now survive Jane, wife of l>. E. Johnson, residing in Hardin County, 
Ohio; n<l James S. Mr, Pancake devoted bis life to farming and at the 

time of liis death bad lived nearly balf ( ntury in Range Township, hav 

in<_r been our of ber earliest settlers, and passed through the varied trials, 
dangers and hardships of those times. A.nd not. only was he ;i pioneer in 
the secular affairs of the township, but was a pioneer in the Methodist 
Churc i, having been a member of the firsl class organized in this township, 
and oi which lie was one of the class leaders. He served a long and de 
voted life in the church, and died esteemed and respected by a large cir 
cle of friends and acquaintances -lames S. Pancake, the . mngest child, 

still resides in Range Township, the place that, gave liim birth; lias d<- 

his life to farming, and i.- one of the reliable and respected citizens, one 
who has followed well die footsteps of his father, as pertains to an bonor 
able and useful life, being an active and devoted worker and member of the 
Methodist ( hurch. 

Jesse Dungan, a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent, married 
■ lane Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, and, about, 1.807, emigrated to Ohio 
and settled in Range Township, on Bradford's Creek, where be resided till 
his death, in L824. He was the father of eight children; live uow survive 
Wilson, Rebecca (now Widow Rayburn), Esther (now Widow Moore, re 
siding in Iowa), John and Martha (who married Joseph Rayburn, and re 
sides in Chicago, III.). Mr. Dungan spent bis life as a farmer, and knew 

the full force of pioi r life, its trials and privations, as be was one 

imong the earliest in that neighborhood. He was a devoted member of the 

Christian Church, and, soon after his settling here, I aused preachin 

be held at his house, and a, society was organized about 1814, embn 
Mr. Dungan, David Kingery, William Hall and others, whose names are 
not now remembered. Some of the early ministers who preached bere 
Rev. Forgus Graham, George Alkire and Rev. Barton Stone, of Kentucky, 
the founder of the Christian Church. Mr. Dungan was the main pillar in 
this society, and served as exhorter for several year.-., and the organization 
was kept up and services held al his house till his death, after which they 
ceased, his funeral sermon being the hist sermon ever preached there 
Thus, though Mr. Dungan's life in this t wnship was not a long one, being 
cutoffby death about L824, yel tho i ion years were filled full of ac 

tivity and usefulness. Joseph Harris, a native of Maryland, settled in 
Range Downship about 1807. Of his life but little can now be ined 

except, that he was the father of -even children John, Samuel, Joseph, 
Robert, .lame-,. Betsey and Margaret, most of whom moved West, and 
have been in this county for many j 

Levin Willoughby, one of the earliest settlors, located bere probably as 
early as L807. William Vincent was a brother-in-law of Levin Willo 
by, and settled in the same neighborhood about the e. Mr. Wil- 

loughby was born on Sharp's [sland, in Chesapea He was a son oi' 

Job and Mary (Mills) Willoughby. The grandfather, Job Willoughby, 
a native of Wales. Levin's parent- soon moved into Maryland and settled 
near Cambridge, where they died. Their children were Levin, Sally. John, 
Andrew. Amelia and -lob Levin married Elizabeth Levy, and soon after. 
with his family and some of his brothers and sisters, emigrated to Ohi< 
settled near Chillicothe, on the Gov. Worthington farm. After a short 

AA 



728 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

residence there, he removed to Madison County and settled in Range 
Township, in the vicinity of the Shepherds, or where they now reside. This, 
it is believed, was about L807, and here he resided till his death. He was 
a farmer through life, and held many of the offices of his township, an early 
settler of this county, and a good neighbor and worthy citizen. He was the 
father of five children, of whom one died in infancy — Martha, married Ben- 
jamin Badger; Nancy, married Jacob Hull; David, married Elizabeth Kin- 
ney; and Levin married, it is believed, a Miss Gray. 

Burton Blizzard, a native of Virginia, became an early settler of Ross 
County, where he married Millie Willoughby, and, about 1807-08, settled 
in Madison County, Range Township, en land he purchased of William 
Dunlap at $1 per acre and here he spent his entire life. From time to 
time, he purchased more land, till he was in possession of 900 acres of good 
laud. Mr. Blizzard was somewhat of a carpenter, and was often called 
upon by the new settlers as they located to come and hew puncheons for 
their cabins. Mr. Blizzard was one of the active, prominent men of that 
day. He assisted Patrick McLene in much of his surveying, and it is said 
helped lay out the lots for the town of London. He filled many of the 
important offices of his township and county. He served as a Justice of the 
Peace for thirty years, and ae County Commissioner from 1810 to 1839 in- 
clusive. He was largely identified with the establishment, growth and pros- 
perity of .Madison County; a man of more than ordinary ability, firm in char- 
acter and integrity, he was one of the men for pioneer times, and his life 
was crowned with prosperity and usefulness. His wife survived him sev- 
eral years, and died at the advanced age of nearly ninety-four years. Their 
living children are Levin W., who married Clarinda Counts- Sallie, married 
William Crawford; Betsey, married John Corson; William, married and 
settled in Missouri; and Mary, now Mrs. Workman, also a resident of Mis- 
souri. Those deceased were James, married Mary Carr; Hattie, married 
Thomas Prosser; and Burton, who married Elizabeth Foster. 

Daniel Counts, born in Rockingham County, Va. , November 30, ITT 1 .': 
emigrated to Ohio, stopping tirst in Ross County, where he married Elizabeth 
Walker, and thence, about 1808, removed to Range Township, this county. 
and settled on the place now owned by Mary A. Thompson, where he spent 
a long life devoted to farming and stock raising. He started in life poor, 
having no means, and at first lived in a tent till they could do better. He 
was very industrious and economical, and was successful from the start, 
accumulating rapidly, and. at the time of his death owned 2, 500 acres of 
land in Range Township, also a large amount of Western lands, besides 
moneys and personal property of large amounts. He passed over sixty' 
years in this township. He knew what it was to commence poor an 1 endure 
the full hardship- of pioneer life, and as well he experienced what it was 
to be wealthy, and able to have all that money could buy; had passed 
through all these stages and conditions in life. He died January 22, 1873, 
/it the advanced age of ninety four years. lie was a very eccentric man. 
and many Btories are told of his peculiarities. He was the father of thir- 
teen children, six now living-- Mary A., now Widow Thompson: Joseph; 
Christena, now Widow Williamson, residing in Illinois: Louisa, wife of 
W. A. Koont/.: Daniel A. and Levi. Peter Counts came here from Ross 
County and herded cattle in 1M"_!. and purchased land and remained as a 
settler, and engaged largely as a farmer and stock-raiser and became quite 
wealthy. His widow -till survives, and resides near Danville. Septimus 
Stuthard, a native of Virginia settled on the place now owned by David 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 729 

Haskell. Subsequently he moved from there, but remained a resident in 
this vicinity till his death. He married for his second wife Lovey Salmon. 
There were three children, whose names wo get as Solomon, Mary and 
Lovey, the two daughters are deceased; the son still survives. Mr. Stuth 
ard was a good neighbor-and worthy citizen, and a member of the Method- 
ist Church. His last years were spent in Fayette County, where he died 
in 1857. Caleb Kamey. a brother-in-law of Mr. Stuthard, probably settled 
here about same date. Thomas Baldwin, a native of Virginia, settled ;i 
little east of Danville about KM 1-12. He married Mary Cookus, and were 
residents here for several years, and during this time his wife died. Sub- 
sequently, he moved away. He was a good neighbor and a substantial cit- 
izen. He served as a -Justice of the Peace for several years. James 
Whitesides settled where Danville is now located, and was one of the early 
teachers of this neighborhood. He married for his second wife Widow 
Ward, raised a large family of children, all of whom have moved into other 
counties in the northern part of the State. He served as Justice of the 
Peace in 1814, and several years subsequently. 

John McClimans, a native of Pennsylvania, married Mary Creverston. 
They emigrated to Ross County. Ohio; thence, about 1812, removed to 
Madison County and settled in Range Township, on the place now owned 
by Mrs. Isaac McClimans. and there resided through the remainder of their 
lives. He was a devoted Christian man, and a life- long member of the 
Presbyterian Church. They had ten children, nine of whom grew to ma- 
turity -Margaret, married AN i Hi am Johnson; William, married Nancy Pear- 
son, and settled in this county, where he spent his life as a farmer: George 
and John never married, but remained residents here through life, engaged 
as farmers and stock-dealers; Sarah married Isaac Housman; Samuel mar- 
ried Rachel Pearson, and subsequently removed to Illinois, where he died: 
Isaac married Mary Parker and settled on the old home place, where he re- 
mained through life: he was twice married; his second wife was Elizabeth 
Clearage; David married Eliza Parker and settled near the home place, 
where he resided till his death. John Housman, a native of Virginia, mar- 
ried Martha Frost; emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Loss County; thence, 
about, 1813. removed to Madison County and settled in Range Township. 
on land now owned by Mrs. Hicks. They had nine children, of whom but 
one now survives — Mis. Margaret McClimans. Those deceased were Will- 
iam, Isaac, Jacob, Abraham. Samuel, Francis. Mary. Hannah and Martha. 
Of these, William married Abigail Britton. and spent his life in this coun- 
ty as a farmer till quite advanced in years, when he removed to London 
and engaged in the business of keeping hotel till his death. He was twice 
married. By his first wife he had ten children: two now survive — Joseph 
and Francis. His second wife was Frances Roberts, by whom he had one 
child, now deceased. Isaac married Sarah McClimans and spent his life 
as a farmer near the old home place of his father. He also engaged largely 
as a stock-dealer, and accumulated a large property prior to his death: was 
a leading, prominent man. and represented this county in the Legislature, 
and was Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for some years. 
He was the father of eight children; three now survive Mary, wife of 
William Baldwin, and resides in Fayette County. Ohio; Martha, wife of 
Granville Rogers, and resides near Knoxville, Tenn. ; and Margaret, wife 
of John W. Steel. Jacob .never married, but spent his life on the home 
farm with his sister Frances, who also remained single, and both died at 
the old homestead. Mary married Thomas Reeves; Hannah never married: 



70'" HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Martha married William Ray burn; he died, and she married for her second 
husband Philip McDonald, and remained a resident of this county till her 
death. 

William Johnston, a native of Pennsylvania, married Margaret McOli- 
mans, a native of the same State; emigrated to Ohio and located in Ross 
County, near Chillicothe, about 1804 05, where they resided till the fall of 
L813; the> remove:! to Madison County and located in Range Township, on 
Mud Run, on land now owned by John Johnston's heirs, and here, and on 
land adjoining, which he subsequently purchased, he resided till bis death, 
in the fall of 1861. They had eight children who grew to maturity — John; 
Nancy, who died unmarried; William, married Philista Hall, and on Wednes- 
day. September 27, L882, was celebrated their golden wedding, on which 
occasion were assembled a large number of the family, children and grand- 
children, who had a very sociable and enjoyable time; George married Bar- 
bara Beam and settled in this township, where he still resides; Margaret 
married William Nelson, and. soon after, settled in De AY itt County, 111., 
where they still reside: Henry married and settled in the same county in Illi- 
nois; Hannah married Dr. Joseph Bryant, and resides in the same county; and 
Joseph, the youngest child, married and settled in the same county. Mr. John- 
son, who was one of the pioneers of Range Township, at the time of his lo- 
cating there had but few neighbors, as the county was only sparsely set- 
tled, and he had to endure his full share of pioneer work and hardships. 
He was a man of firm character and principles, and of undoubted integrity, 
possessing the entire confidence of his community. He filled the office of 
Justice of the Peace for several years, and died esteemed and respected by 
a Large circle of friends and acquaintances. John, the eldest son of the 
above William Johnston, was born in Po^s County March 13, 1806, and 
was in his seventh year when, with his father, they located in Range Town- 
ship, and here he grew to manhood, married and settled, and raised a large 
family of children, and here resided till his death, July 29. 1882, in his 
seventy-seventh year, having been a resident of the township almost sixty- 
nine years. He was a man of high moral character, a kind neighbor and 
most worthy citizen, and was held in high esteem in the community where 
he had lived so long. 

Richard Grosslee was born in Sussex County, Del., May P.). 1781. He 
was married to Mis-; Elizabeth Brown February 11. L803, and in 180-4 em- 
igrated to Ohio and settled in Ross County. In 1816, he settled on his 
well-known farm, about eight miles south of London, in Range Township, 
where he remained until L856, when he removed to London, where he died 
on the 20th of November, 1^7'J.at the advanced age of ninety-one years and 
six months. His wife, the companion of his youth, was taken from him by 
death many years since. Subsequently he was married to Mrs. Martin, of 
Circleville, Ohio. This lady lived but a few years, and they were years of 
affliction. In is 17. he was united in marriage with Mrs. McFeely, of Cir- 
cleville. Ohio. By his first wife he had eight sons and four daughters, of 
whom five now survive -Ketturah, now Widow Warner, residing in Lon- 
don: Sarah A... now Widow Si .'ding in Denver. Colo.; Elizabeth 
W" . now Widow King, residing at Marion. Ohio; Richard A.., a resident 
of Otisville. Mich : and John Wesley, a resident of Loda, 111. Mr. G 
lee was one ,>f the pillars of the Methodist Church, and the founder of the 
Concord Church of Range Township. Be united with the .Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in L801. Immediately after his marriage, he commenced to 
hold famih worship, morning and evening, which custom he constantly kept 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 731 

up till within a few days of his death. Over seventy years of his life were 
devoted to the service of God, in communion with the church of his choice. 
Very soon after he settled on his farm in this township, he was the active 
man in organizing a class at his house, and there preaching was had for 
many years, till the erection of a church building in 1836- 37. He appeared 
to have but one work and bat one subject of thought, and that was the 
service of God. He was exemplary in life and tranquil iti death. 

Cornelius Johnson, a native of Maryland, married Sarah A:idrews. 
and, in 1803, with his family, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Eoss Coun- 
ty. About 1817-18, he removed to Madison County and settled on the place 
now owned by Harvey Suver, in Range Township, but, prior to Lis death, 
he returned to Ross County, where he died. He w;ts twice married, and by 
the two wives was the father of twenty children, all now deceased but three 
— Andrew, Noah and Strader; the last two reside in Missouri; Andrew mar- 
ried Mary Dye. a daughter of David Dye, by whom he had eight children; 
six now survive — Margaret, married Dr. M. F. Garrard, and now resides in 
London; David; Sarah, married John Fallestine and resides on the place; 
Eliza, married M. H. Hamilton, resides at Bloom ington, 111.: Myra, resides 
in Toledo, unmarried: Mary, married L. C. Black, and also resides in To- 
ledo. Mr. Andrew Johnson has spent his life in Range Township, devot- 
ing his entire attention to farming. He has been a member of the Meth- 
odist Church for more than half a century, and an exhorter in the same for 
more than twenty years, and was one of the organizing members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Midway. Thomas Athey, a native of Lou- 
doun County. Va., emigrated to Bourbon County, Ky., where lie resi ed 
several years, and was a minister in the Methodist Church: thence he re 
moved to Chillicofche, Ohio, and married Diana Abrams. a daughter of Judge 
Henry Abrams, and, about 1801-02, removed to Fairfield County; then, 
in the fall of ]818, settled in Range Township. Madison County, on the 
James Foster farm. Filially he became a resident of Union Township, one 
and a half miles south of London. He was born November 18, L780, and 
died October '_'<;. L861. His wife was born June 8. 1777, and died October 
8, 1863. They had eleven children ; two now survive — George W. and 
William A. Athey, Esq. William King was among the early settlers, and 
was one of the first Justices of the Peace of Range Township, serving with 
Burton Blizzard in 1813. Others who were considered early settlers, and 
who have been prominenl ly identified and associated with the growth anil 
progress of Range Township, are James Foster. Joseph Gill< spie, Benjamin 
Harrison and Richard Ayers. John Fisher was born near Harper's Ferry, 
"Va., in November, 1770. H<- married Elizabeth Byers in April, L797, and 
removed to Ross County. Ohio, in 1809, and, about F519. settled in Range 
Township, Madison County, where he resided till his death, aged about 
ninety-three years. He was in the war of 1812; was the founder of the 
Bethel Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was the 
first class-leader, the class being organized at his house, which served as 
the first preaching place of this society. Mr. Fisher was Leader. Trustee 
and Steward of the society till near the time of his death. He was an hon- 
ored citizen, a devoted Christian, and a firm friend of Old Bethel Church 
to the latest hour of his life. 

TOWNS. 

As this township became thickly settled, and the people advanced in 

the various improvements, from which spring, as an outgrowth, all towns 
and villages, so here have sprung into existence two villages. The first to 



732 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

come into existence was Midway. At quite an early day, a road was opened 
through from the East to the West, passing through this township from 
oast to west, and which subsequently became a general thoroughfare, over 
which droves of cattle passed from the West to the Eastern markets. Trav - 
el and traffic kept increasing, and hotels and stores for their accommoda- 
tion were soon in demaad to meet these increasing wants. On this great 
thoroughfare from the West to the East, in Range Township, was a central 
point, which was half way between Chicago and Philadelphia. It was also 
a middle point between several of the important towns of nearer proximity. 
Hence, from these circumstances of its position, geographically considered, 
it was given the name of Midway. 

The land upon which this town is located was owned by William Mor- 
ris, Frank Thompson and Lockhart Biggs. The exact date of laying off 
the first lots cannot be definitely stated; but we find on the records at Lon- 
don that it was surveyed and laid off in lots, and that he platted the town, 
which was recorded June 13, 1833. Also, on January 18, 1838, was rec- 
orded Ward's Addition: again, on October 30, 1868, an addition by J. Q. 
Minshall; on January 6, 186*9, an addition by Cyrus Timmons; on May 8, 
1876, an extension by the Council; and on February 15, 1879, an addition 
by Levi Counts. It appears that there were two small cabins built here be- 
fore the town was laid out — one on the corner where the hotel now stands, 
built by William Oliver: and <me on the corner where Mr. Shough now 
lives. But, after the laying-out of the town, the first house was built by 
Isaac Newman, on the corner where Hewett Bros.' store now stands, and oc- 
cupied by John Blue as a hotel. He was succeeded by Joseph Wilmuth, 
and he by W. T. Garrard ; thence this house ceased to be used longer for 
hotel purposes; but two others were erected, probably at nearly the same 
date, the one by Richard Smith being the property now owned by John 
Timmons. Smith was succeeded by James Williamson, and he by Mr. 
Jackson; then Thomas Green, Elihu Watkins, and last by David Small, 
after which the property went into ownership as a private residence. The 
other was the present hotel building, erected by L. D. Rowe, and kept by 
John MeElhaney. He was succeeded by the following persons, in the or- 
der, respectively, as their names appear: Mrs. Elizabeth Watkins, James 
Blizzard, A. J. Thacker, Isaac Byers, A. Miller, Miss Caroline Morris, 
Charles Bailey, A. Miller. Carty Filers, W. C. Wheaton, John Timmons, 
Benson Hedley. I'.. C. Duff and Isaac X. Fisher, the present incumbent. 
Thus this enterprise has been carried on by twenty-four different parties, and 
in an early day, when this great thoroughfare was doing its greatest busi- 
ness with the stock- dealers, and its varied travel and traffic, the hotel trade 
was an «xtensive business. Here was the great meeting-place of the East- 
ern stock-buyers and the Western stock sellers, and here they left hundreds 
of dollars with the Landlords of the hotels for their accommodations. But 
when the railroads passed through the country, and stock ceased to bo 
driven in that slow and tedious way, but was transported by steam with such 
rapidity from the Wesl to the East, then this road, with her numerous 
hotels. lo>; her prestige, her palmy days were gone, and the attention of 
the people was turned to other channels of business. 

The first Postmaster in Midway was .James Williamson. The first 
-tore was opened l>\ William Holt, who kept a general stockof merchandise, 
tinware, etc. The tirsl blacksmith was Mr. Boss, situated either on the 
Barrett or Johnson property, ih-. Clark was the firsl physician of the 
town, and he was followed by Drs. Lemon. Garrard, Darling, Atkinson, 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 733 

Fields, Seaton and others. The present physicians are Drs. Kirkpatrick 
and Ogan. The town now contains a business representation as follows: 
Hewett Bros., general store; J. M. Stroup, general store; Rev. John Steele, 
general store; and Watson Everett, general store; J. H. Asher, drug store; 
Isaac N. Fisher, hotel; two blacksmiths — Richard Williams and Conn Steele; 
two wagon-makers — Peter Brow and R. Williams; one undertaker — A. L. 
Oglesbee; two physicians — -Dr. A. Ogan and Dr. Kirkpatrick; and two vet- 
erinary surgeons — William Core and S. Vincent. The present population 
is about three hundred. It has two churches — Methodist Episcopal and 
Presbyterian; and one school, and one dealer in agricultural implements, 
buggies, etc. — J. R. Shoaf. 

Danville. — The land where Danville now stands was formerly owned 
by Daniel and Joseph Counts, the latter owning the northeast corner, be- 
tween the cross-roads, and the former owing the northwest corner, and all 
south of the Federal road. About 1827 or 1828, a stock-dealer, Daniel 
Brown, who had been buying stock and driving to the Eastern markets, pro- 
posed to open a store at the cross roads. Daniel Counts gave him a piece 
of land to erect a house upon, and assisted in putting up the building, a 
hewed- log house, about on the spot where the Housman's store now stands. 
When the building was completed, Mr. Brown put in a small stock of goods 
and continued in trade here about three years. He was succeeded by Jo- 
seph Counts, a brother of Peter Counts. He continued in trade two or three 
years, when he removed to Ross County, thence to Springfield, Clark Coun- 
ty, and finally to Piqua, where he now resides. Finally, Mr. Daniel 
Counts gave several lots to individuals for the purpose of erecting houses, 
and the result was the beginning of a tpwn. From the fact that both the 
proprietors of the town, Mr. Brown and Mr. Counts, were named Daniel, 
the new town received the cognomen of Danville. About 1836-37, a build- 
ing was erected where Edward Ulm now resides, for a hotel. It was built 
by the McClimans Bros., and the hotel was kept by Andrew Willoughby. 
He was succeeded by John Justis, and he by a succession of others for sev- 
eral years, this town enjoying a similar trade and prosperity with Midway 
from the stock dealers and trade and traffic of those early days. The first 
blacksmith in the town was James Counts, a brother of Peter Counts. The 
tirst shoe-maker was William Mitchell, a one-legged man, a Frenchman by 
birth, who was in the war, with Perry on the lakes, was taken prisoner, and 
subsequently he. with many others, was released and came to Chillicothe, 
and from there Mr. Mitchell came to Danville. The town was laid out and 
the plat recorded at London October 18. 1848. The town now contains 
about one hundred inhabitants: has two general stores — Housman Bros, and 
William Williamson: one blacksmith —Mr. Ross; one grist-mill (steam), 
erected in 1881, by Simeon Martin: one tile factory, by Housman Bros.; 
and one physician — Dr. Deem. 

SCHOOLS. 

One of tiie early schools of this township was in the David Dye School- 
house, on land now owned by Mr. Ford This was a bewed-log house. 
Frank Flood was the tirst teacher. The next schoolhouse which succeeded 
this, was the two story frame house in Midway, now owned by John Jeffers, 
which was used for school purposes till the present large frame was erected, 
with two rooms, and hall between one room as a primary department and 
the other for a grammar school. 

From the small cabin schoolhousea which were first built by 'the early 
settlers in the various neighborhoods of Range Township, they are now es- 



734 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

tablished into eleven subdistricts. with as many good, comfortable frame or 
brick schoolhouses, and all the houses are kept insured. 

The people of this township are now giving especial attention to the 
erection of brick schoolhouses. Although at this time they have but three 
out of the eleven built of brick, yet we arc informed the School Board has 
decreed to build one brick house every year until every district is supplied 
with a good brick house. The Board of Education for 1882 are as follows: 
Subdistrict No. 1. J. S. Pancake; No. 2, J. W. Kellough; No. 3, Benjamin 
Emory; No. 4, J. R. Henry: No. 5, W. H. Bowers; No. 6, Wilson Johu 
son; No. 7, M. L. Yates; No. 8, 1. T. Green; No. 9, Clinton Junk; No. 10. 
L. \V Blizzard; No. 11. G. L. Alkire; with M. L. Yates as President of 
the Board. 

Enumeration in 1881: Subdistrict No. 1 — Males, twenty- four; fe- 
males, twenty; total, forty-four. No. 2 — Males, twenty-eight; females, fif- 
teen; total, forty-three. No. 3 — Males, thirty-one; females, thirty-seven; 
total, sixty-eight. No. 4 — Males, twenty-four; females, eighteen; total, 
fortv-two. No. 5 — Males, seventeen; females, twelve; total, twenty-nine. 
No. 6 — Males, seventeen; females, eighteen; total, thirty -five. No. 7 — 
Males, thirty-seven; females, forty-two; total, seventy-nine. No. 8 — Males, 
fifteen; females, ten; total, twenty-five. No. 9 — Males, eleven; females, 
three; total, fourteen. No. 10— Males, twenty-two; females, twenty; to 
tal, forty-two. No. 11 — Males, ten; females, eleven ; total, twenty-one. 
Total. 442; Independent District. Midway. 120; total enumeration of town- 
ship, 562. Teachers' wages, average — male. $35; female, $32. School 
funds for 1881, $5,015.41; paid for tuition, $2,921.46; incidentals, $2,444.- 
15: Independent District Midway, total school funds. $960.82: paid for 
tuition. $726.97; incidentals. $90.28. 

CHURCHES. 

" The first church organized in Range Township was probably the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church of Midway. The first preaching-point was at the 
house of William M. Linton, where it appears a class was early formed, 
probably about 1812-14, consisting of the following persons: David Dye 
and wife, Joseph Pancake and wife, Lockhart Biggs and wife. Elizabeth 
Counts and Septimus Stuthard and wife. These nine persons, it is be- 
lieved, formed the first class, with David Dye and Joseph Pancake as Class- 
Leaders. But soon after, the following persons were added: Thomas 
Hughs and wife. William Chappell and wife. Andrew Johnson and wife, 
Zachariah Adams and wife, Thomas Bethard and wife, Lemuel Bethard 
and wife, and Isaac Fisher and wife. Mr. Linton's house continued to be 
a preaching point until the building of the David Dye Schoolhouse, aftei 
which that was used for church purposes until about 1844; aframe building 
erected at .Midway, which was occupied for church purposes till the 
election of the present church edifice. Among the first ministers who 
preached at this point were Rev. Nation, Rev. William Sutton. Rev. Young. 
Rev. Morrow and Rev. John Stewart. The present membership is ninety- 
seven, with William Bonham and J. H. Asher as Class- Leaders; A. B. 
Core and R. F. Williams, Stewards; A. 11 Core, R. F. Williams, Daniel 
Greenich, Dr. A. Ogan, William Bonham, Jacob Eeavner and Jacob Mc 
Daniel, Trustees; and Rev. Isaac Mackey. Pastor. The parsonage for this 
circuit is located here. A lot adjoining the church property on the north 
was purchased, and in the summer of L868 a large, two-story frame house 
ected. by Thoma6 Hughs, at a cost of about $2,000. The house con- 





(d eceased 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 737 

tains seven rooms, with a porch and kitchen; is well-finished and pleasantly 
located. J. S. Pancake, Washington Withrow and A. B. Core constituted 
the Building Committee. 

The Concord M. E. Church, — In 1816-17, a class was organized at the 
house of Richard Gosslee. consisting of the following persons: Richard 
Gosslee and wife, Charles Holland and wife, Thomas Dawson and wife, and 
a few others whose names could not be ascertained, with Richard Gosslee 
as Class-Leader. The house of Mr. Gosslee continued as a preaching-place 
till in 1887, when the present church building was completed, and. in due 
form, dedicated to service. In I860, this church was remodeled and re- 
paired, and rededicated to service by a sermon preached by liev. A. B. See. 
Some of the early preachers who held services at the house of Mr. Gosslee 
were Rev. Jacob Hooper, James B. Findley, William Findley and Williain 
West-lake. The present membership is thirty-eight, with Samuel Gillespie 
as Class-Leader: Stewards, Joseph Gillespie and John Shepherd; Trust- 
ees. Joseph Gillespie. Andrew Shepherd, John Shepherd, John Emory, Isa- 
iah Gillespie, Milton Shepherd and Samuel Gillespie. 

Bethel M. E. ( 'hurch, — This society was organized at the house of John 
Fisher, by Rev. Mr. Maley, in the year 1820 or 1821. The class consisted 
of the following persons: John Fisher and wife, Elizabeth Fisher, John 
Morris, Elizabeth Morris. Robert Farrar, Isabel Cox, James Fisher, Sarah 
Fisher and Prudence Steel. It is believed this first class cousisted of ten 
members. They continued to have preaching at the house of Mr. Fisher, 
and in summer in the groves of the neighborhood, till the erection of the 
church, which it is believed was about 1847-^8. These facts of the early 
organization of this church have been kindly furnished by Mrs. Lydia 
Brown, the oldest member of Bethel society, and the only surviving daugh- 
ter of John Fisher now residing in this county. She resides on the old 
homestead place of her father, and has been a member of Bethel Church 
nearly all her life. Present membership of the church is eighty-five, with 
fourteen probationers. Class- Leaders, James S. Pancake. Joseph S. Martin 
and Christian Wissler; Stewards, James S. Pancake and J. B. Chenoweth; 
Trustees, J. B. Chenoweth, J. S. Pancake, Allison Grim, Christian Wissler, 
William A. Johnston, J. S. Martin, J. P. Foster and S. W. Brown. 

These three churches whose history is given above, with the Newport 
Church, whose history is given in the history of Paint Township, and the 
society formed which holds its services at the Foster Schoolhouse, con- 
stitute the Midway Circuit, embracing five societies, with five preaching 
stations. The membership at the Foster Schoolhouse, Oak Run Township. 
is at present writing seventeen, with D. B. Foster as Class-Leader; total 
membership of the circuit, 320, and twenty five probationers. This circuit 
is embraced in the Ohio Conference. 

Presbyterian Church, Midway.— This society was organized by Rev. C. 

W. Finley, . with the following persons: Scott Robinson and 

wife, Margaret Robinson, Mrs. Charlotte Withrow and Mrs. Sarah Corbiti; 
and soon after, under the preaching of Rev. James Dunlap, the following 
names were added as members: Louisa Counts. George Byers, Samuel 
Withrow, Barney Evans and wife and his father, Catharine Evans, Rebecca 
Linson and Nancy Dye. with Samuel Withrow as the first Elder. 

Services were first held in the Methodist Church, then for some time 
they were held in the schoolhouse. and then again in the Methodist Church. 
Rev. C. W. Finley was their first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. 
James Dunlap. Then came Rev. James Mclntire, Rev. Jones^Rev. David 



738 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Kerr, Rev. George Brown and Rev. S. S. Garmo. Under the ministry of 
Rev. 'James Mclntire, the church edifice was erected in 1863. The present 
condition is good, with Dr. Findley Kirkpatrick, Maxwell Murray and Rob- 
ert Harper as Elders. In the erection of this church, a serious accident oc- 
curred. The girder gave way, precipitating several workmen to the ground, 
by which William Swank was instantly killed, and John Wonderland had 
his thigh broken in two places, and others more or less injured. The 
wounded were attended by Dr. Seaton, of Midway. This church, when 
first built, was erected with a steeple seventy feet high. In March, 1866, 
the tall spire was struck by lightning, and the whole building was much 
damaged. Two corner-stones of the church were thrown out from under 
the building to quite a distance. In repairing the house, the steeple was 
built in its present form. 

MILLS. 

There is comparatively little to be said upon this subject in Range 
Township, as the majority of the mills that are or have been in the town- 
ship have been portable mills, or mills of a temporary character. Many of 
the early settlers would erect a cheap temporary saw-mill on some stream 
or creek, to be run by water-power, and. as the supply of water was only 
adequate to run the mill a short time, just when there was high water, the 
balance of the time the mill was useless. And there has never been a rail- 
road within the township to give facilities for shipping, or any great value 
to the lumber of this section: but this township is strictly an agricultural and 
stock-raising country, and these interests have absorbed the attention and 
capital of her people, to the general seclusion of everything else. At quite 
an early day, probably about 1835, William Holt erected a steam saw-mill 
at Midway, on the Armstrong lot, which was probably one of the first steam- 
mills in the county. This mill was run a few years and removed to New- 
port, and there run several years. There are a few portable saw-mills, 
which move from place to place and do a neighborhood work, but the prin- 
cipal and permanent mill of this township is the grist-mill at Danville, 
erected by Simeon Martin in 1881 . This must prove a great convenience 
to the people of this community, as it is centrally located, and the only one 
in the township. 

ROADS AND TURNPIKES. 

This township is well supplied with good roads, and all the main lines 
are free turnpikes. Commencing in the western part of the township, run- 
ning in a north and south direction through the township, is the London & 
Midway pike and Bloomingsburg road. Further east, near the center of 
the township, passing entirely through the township, in the same general 
direction and almost parallel with the first-mentioned, is the London & 
Bloomingsburg pike. Further east still is another road, branching oft' from 
the London pike above Newport, and taking a general southeastern course, 
connects in the eastern part of the township with the Federal road near 
Mud Run. And lastly, and the principal east and west road of the town- 
ship, i> thr Federal toad. This road runs almost directly east and west 
through tin' township, with about one-third of the township lying south of 
the road, and the two-thirds lying north of it. At the time the General 
Government proposed to build a turnpike from the East to the West, from 
Maryland tu St. Louis, her officers first viewed and surveyed this road for 
that great thoroughfare; hut subsequently another survey was made north 
of London about four miles, which survey was finally adopted, and the 
great National mad built, the acme of magnitude of improvement of that 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 739 

day and age. And from the fact that the Federal Government surveyed 
and laid out this road, it has ever since been known as the Federal road. 
And, although for many years it was merely a mud road yet it became a 
lively thoroughfare from the West to the East for immense droves of cattle 
and stock and of general travel. It is said that, before the days of rail- 
roads, it was no uncommon thing to see as many as two thousand cattle pass 
over that road in a day on their way to Eastern markets. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Leanore Lodge, No. 512, F. & A. M., Midway, was declared in work- 
ing order under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, granted Oc- 
tober 26, 1875. with the following appointed officers: Jeriah Swetland, 
W . M. ; A. P. Hewett, S. W. ; D. T. Yates, J. W.; Henry McOann, Treasurer; 
S. J. Paulin, Secretary; Thomas S. Davis, S. D. ; John W. Kellough, J. 
D. ; John H. Peters, Tiler. The charter was granted and the lodge insti- 
tuted November 2, 187C>, by O. A. B, Senter, proxy for the Worthy Grand 
Master of Columbus, Ohio, with the following charter members: Jeriah 
Swetland, A. P. Hewett, Henry McCann, S. J. Panlin, David T. Yates, 
Frank AVoosley, Thomas S. Davis, John R. Griffith, John W. Kellough, 
John H. Peters and James H. Horrell. Officered as follows: A. P. Hew- 
ett, W. M.; Henry McOann, S. W. ; David T. Yates, J. W. ; J. W. Green, 
Treasurer; S. J. Paulin, Secretary, Thomas S. Davis, S. D.; Fred L. Wat 
kins, J. D.; R. F. Williams and John H. Peters, Stewards; and Daniel 
Greenich, Tiler. The lodge now numbers forty-seven members, officered 
as follows: Ambrose Ogan, W. M. ; Henry McCann, S. W. ; Lewis Counts, 
J. W. ; Mark L. Yates, Treasurer; S. A. Ireland, Secretary; W. H. Proffitt, 
S. D. ; John Laytham, J. D. ; William H. Gillmore, Tiler; R. F. Williams 
and R. L. Watkins, Stewards. The regular meetings of the lodge are on 
Thursday evening, on or preceding full of moon. 

REMARKABLE STORMS. 

In June, L860, a severe wind and rain storm passed just south of Mid- 
way, from west to east, destroying considerable timber and fences, but do- 
ing little damage to buildings. In July of the same year, another severe 
storm passed north of Midway, taking the same general direction, but more 
destructive than the former on the timber and fences, and it moved a two- 
story frame house of William Jones from three to four inches on its 
foundation. Also, some ten or twelve years since, a wonderful hail-storm, 
accompanied with wind, passed ever the southern portion of Range Town- 
ship, doing much damage to houses and other property, the stones not only 
breaking windows, but even split the weather boarding on the houses 
Some of the stones were said to measure eleven inches in circumference. 
Benjamin Harrison's house was especially damaged by the storm. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

We tind no official records of the elections of the township prior to the 
•year 1849. Since that dale, the officers have been as follows: 

Trustees. — L849 51, Levin Willoughby. John Foster. and 1. B. Fisher; 
1852,1. B. Fisher, Levin Willoughby and llollin Wilson: L853, Levin 
Willoughby, I. B. Fishor and Jesse Watson; 1854, Jesse Watson. Levin 
Willoughby and Seaman Baldwin; L855 57, Levin Willoughby, Jesse Wat- 
son and Seaman Baldwin; 1858, Jesse Watson, I. B. Fisher and Joseph H. 
Ohenoweth; 1859, Joseph H. Chenoweth, David McClimans and James 



740 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Hornbeck; 1860, Peter Counts. Cyrus Timmons and John Johnson; 1861, 
Peter Counts, John Johnson and L. S. Baldwin; 1862, L. S. Baldwin, Pe- 
ter Counts and Jesse Watson; L863, Peter Counts, Cyrus Timmons and 
William McClintick; 1864, Jesse M. Linson, William McClintick and L. 
S. Baldwin; 1865, J. M. Linson, William McClintick and Isaac Reeves; 
1866. Cyrus Timmons, John Johnson and Benjamin Harrison; 1867-68, 
Cyrus Timmons, John Johnson, Sr., and Benjamin Harrison; 1869, John 
Fallestine, D. C. Yates and Peter Counts; 1870, Peter Counts, Batteal 
Harrison and Cyrus Timmons; 1871-72, Cyrus Timmons, Batteal Harrison 
and John McClimans: 1873, Batteal Harrison, John Johnston, Jr., and Levin 
Blizzard; 1874-75, Batteal Harrison, John Johnston and Immer Barrett, 
1876, John F. Johnston, John Wingfield and Solomon McClimans; 1877, 
Solomon McClimans, John Kil lough and John Wingfield; 1878-79, Solo- 
mon McClimans, Immer Barrett and J. M. Johnston; 1880-81, Solomon Mc- 
Climans, W. A. Johnston and Nathan Shepherd; 1882, Solomon McCli- 
mans, W. A. Johnston and J. R. Wingfield. 

Justices of the Peace. — 1813, Burton Blizzard and William King; 
1814, James Whitesides; 1835, William Johnston; 1837, Burton Blizzard; 
1838, William Johnston; 1841-44, Thomas Baldwin; 1840, Burton Bliz- 
zard; 1843-46, Christian Selsor; 1846, William Johnston; 1849, Vincent 
Allen and W. A. Koontz; 1852, William Small and Peyton R. Chrisman; 
1853, W. A. Koontz: L854, Woodviile A. Freeman; 1856, John J. Bald- 
win; 1857, W. A. Koontz: 1859, David Haskell; 1860-63, John J. Bald- 
win: 1862. David Haskell; 1869, John Baldwin and James M. Horrell; 
1875, Theodore Kill; 1878, Theodore Hill and G H. Alkire; 1881, G. H. 
Alkire and Joshua Ross. 

Treasurers.— 1849, D. M. Jackson; 1850-61, M. Lemon; 1862-70, W. 
H. Creighton; 1871-73, C. L. Telfair; 1874, Benjamin Harrison; 1875-78, 
Levin Blizzard: 1879-82, Batteal Harrison. 

Toivnship Clerks.— 1849-51, W. A. Koontz; 1852-53, D. . C. Bench; 
1854-56, N. Baker; 1857. J. D. Reeves; 1858, Levin Willoughby; 1859, 
William Stroup; 1860, D. D. Johnson; 1863-64, J. H. McDaniel; 1865. 
W. L. Morgan; 1866, J. H. McDaniel; 1867-74, William Ellars; 1875-76, 
J. M. Stroup; 1877, P. R. Chrisman; 1878-79, J. M. Stroup: 1880-82, 
Isaac T. Housman. 

Constables. — 1849, Thomas Bethard and I. Norman: L850, J. Brock 
and L. McClimans; 1851, P. McDaniel and L. G. McClimans; 1852, L. G. 
McClimans and A. F. Wright; 1853, James Haggard and W. A. Koontz; 
1854-55, William Alspaugh and Thomas Bethard; 1856. Thomas Bethard 
and A. V. Chrisman: 1857. William Alspaugh and Thomas Bethard; 1858. 
Hugh Workman and George Housman; 1859, Thomas Bethard and Hugh 
Workman; 1800-61, William Alspaugh and J. B. Housman; 18(52-63, Will- 
iam Alspaugh and Philip .McDaniel: 1864, James Reeves and William El- 
lars; 1865, B. F. Badger and M. W. Cannon; i860, John Johnson, Jr., and 
E. C. McClimans; 1867. James tteeves and John Johnson, Jr.; 1868, Will- 
iam Corson and Moses Foster; 1869, B. F. Badger and John C. Counts; 
1870, Joshua Ross and James Reeves; L871, John W. Sells and C. P. Jeff- 
ries; 1872, John W. Sells and Hugh Gibblin; L873, Hugh Gibblin and 
D. Bragg; LSI I. Hugh Gibblin and James Reeves; 1S75. Joshua Ross and 
J. R. Stroup; 1876 77, Jacob McDaniel and Joshua Ross; 1878-82, Thomas 
W. Wright and Jacob .McDaniel. 

Assessors. L849 53, Thomas Reeves; L854, William Stroup: 1S55- 
56, Benjamin Harrison: L857, D. K. Johnson: t*5S 59, Alfred Jenkins; 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 741 

1860-61, George McClimans; 1862, P. R. Ckrisman; 1863-64, John Tim- 
mons; 1865, Levin Blizzard; 1866-71, John Timmons; 1872, D. D. John- 
son; 1873, John M. Stroup; 1874-76, William Johnston; 1877-82, James 
Reeves. 

Mayors of Midway. — 1845, James Shepherd; 1846, William Chappell; 
1848, Vincent Allen; 1850-51, Thomas Hughs; 1852-53, Vincent Tomliu- 
son; 1854, Woodville Freeman; 1858, Isaac Norman; 1859, Thomas Hughs; 
1860, W. A. Freeman; 1861, R. F. Shepherd; 1863, W. A. Koontz; 1864, 
N. R. Stanford; 1865, W. A. Koontz; 1866, B. F. Shepherd; 1868-69, 
William Ellars; 1870, W. J. Bonhain; 1872, James H. McDaniel, and 
1873-74, Theodore Hill. 




742 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township occupies the extreme northwestern~corner* of Madison 
County, and is one of the smallest of the fourteen townships compris- 
ing said county. It is also one of the most regular, in its contour and gen- 
eral form, being nearly a perfect parallelogram, while nearly all of the other 
townships of the county are remarkable for their irregularity in shape. 
Pike is bounded north by Union County, east by Darby Township, south by 
Monroe and Somerford Townships and west by Champaign County. It was 
one of the early constituted townships of the county, as upon the records at 
London we find the following account of its erection, bearing date Septem- 
ber 5, 1814: "At a meeting of the Commissioners, present Joshua Ewing 
and William Gibson, ordered, that the following bounds compose a new 
township, to be known and designated by the name of Pike. Beginning 
where the State road intersects the north boundary of Madison County and 
running from thence with said road, so as to include the same till it inter- 
sects the Urbanaroad; thence southwardly on a line half a mile east of Lit- 
tle Darby, till it intersects Jefferson Township line at Mark's survey; thence 
to Peter Paugh's, southeast corner; thence westwardly with Deer Creek 
Township line to Champaign County line, and with said county line to the 
northwest corner of Madison County, and thence with the line between 
Madison and Delaware to the beginning." In the erection of Union County 
in 1820, a portion of the above -described territory was embraced in that 
county, and consequently the north boundary line was changed and Pike made 
smaller in territory. Again, on March 4, 1889, another change was made 
in the township of Pike, as follows: " At a meeting of the Commissioners of 
Madison County, ordered that the following boundaries compose the town- 
ship of Pike (as surveyed January 24, 1839, by William B. Lwin), to wit: 
Beginning at the northwest corner of Madison County, thence running on 
the line between Madison and Union Counties, east by the variation six 
miles to an elm, corner to Darby Township, Madison County; thence with 
the line of Darby Township south three miles and 106 poles to four elms; 
thence south 80 degrees west (by the needle) six miles and thirty poles, to 
the original southeast corner uf Pike Township, in the line of Champaign 
County; thence with said line north four miles to the beginning." 

SURFACE, soil, ETC 

The surface of this township is level, except along the streams and 
small creeks, much of it being prairie and oak openings. All that portion 
between Little Darby and Barron Kun extending to the north line of the 
township, is very level and a beautiful country: also, all west of Barroa Run 
and between that stream and Spring Fork is the same. On the Little Darby 
and along Barron Kun and Spring Fork, the surface is quite uneven, and 
in a few places to some degree hilly. The soil of the level and prairie 
portions of the township consist principally of a black loam, with here and 
there a locality of clay and loam. It is very deep and rich, naturally pro- 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 748 

during an exuberahl growth of grass and vegetation. Alongthe creeks and 
streams the soil is principally clay, but very strong and productive, so that 
throughout the township wo may say the soil is very rich and fertile. 
The subsoil is clay and gravel, with usually a third stratum of blue clay and 
disintegrated limestone. The township from its first settlement lias been 
peculiarly adapted to stock raising, and that business has always received a 
large share of attention from its most wealthy citizens, and they have given 
considerable attention to the improving and raising of fine blooded stock. 
But as the lands become divided up into smaller farms, as the tendency is 
from year to year, and the soil better ditched, tiled and drained, so it be 
comes better adapted to the cultivation of all the grains. Tile factories are 
now becoming very numerous throughout this county and State, and, in 
fact, all over the country wherever the soil needs underdraining; Hie abun- 
dant uso of tile is producing remarkable results. Much of the low, flat 
prairie lands, which a few years ago was almost useless from the great sur- 
plus of water in them, and in which stock would almost mire, and which 
were never attempted to be plowed or cultivated in grain, are now by this 
process of tiling becoming some of the best wheat and corn-growing lands 
in the county. This township and this county, which, but a few years ago 
scarcely produced grain enough for the home consumption, is now export 
ing vast quantities of both wheat and corn, and the time is not far distant 
when the county will rank among the first grain-producing counties of the 
State. The forests and timber of this township are similar to those of the 
other townships and the count \ generally. On the creeks and small streams 
it was generally heavily timbered. On the creek bottoms were a consider 
able quantity of walnut, and back from the creeks and on the rolling lands 
were white, black, red and burr oak, hickory, elm. adi and some beech and 
cherry. On the level lands were the oak openings, of which the leading 
timber was burr oak. with some considerable hickory and a less amount of 
white oak, elm and a few other varieties. One noticeable and peculiar feat- 
ure of the timber of this township, which appears to be a common condition 
of most of the country composed largely of prairie and timber, where the 
general course of the streams is south, southeast, is. that - for a short dis- 
tance on the east side of the creeks, the timber was of a much heavier and 
denser growth than it was westward from the creeks. And on the east side 
of the Darby, in particular, was where the beech and a few other varieties 
were found and not much in other localities. It is quite probable the prin 
cipal reason of the limber being less heavy and dense on the west side of 
the creeks, was in consequence of the yearly fires which swept over the 
prairies, which destroyed the undergrowth and more or less checked the 
growth of the larger timber; and as these fires usually raged from west to 
east, these streams or creeks served as a barrier which the fire could not 
overleap; or, if it did, it was so checked in its power that it would burn 
with much less violence and destructive power until it would get some dis- 
tance again from the creek, when, from being fanned by the breezes and in- 
creased combustible matter, it would again sweep forward with great ve- 
locity and violence until again checked by another stream, or the want of 
combustible matter to keep up the flame. 

Although this township was not settled quite as early as some other 
portions of the county, yet we find them quite early taking possession of 
the lands along the streams where the more elevated and drier lands were 
tenable. But many of these were mere squatters; being possessed of no 
means, they never purchased any land in this locality, but remained here a 



744 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

short time and enjoyed the pleasures of hunting where there was an abun- 
dance of deer, turkeys and other game, made some improvements and quietly 
enjoyed their possessions without, any great amount of investment. Final- 
ly, as other settlers came in and purchased the lands, or as they became 
dissatisfied, they moved away to enjoy other homes and hunting-grounds. 
Some of these, though not owners of their homes, or possessed of wealth, 
yet were good, moral and religious men and women and good citizens, 
and exerted quite an influence in forming and molding the general charac- 
ter of the community. Many of these having resided here but a short time, 
jmd the older of the pioneers who at that time knew them well, having 
passed to "that bourne whence no traveler returns," leaves but little 
source for us at this late day to gain any special or exact knowledge of 
them, especially as to positive date of their settling here; but believing 
some of this class of persons to have been among the first settlers of this 
township, we shall give their names with what little we could learn con- 
cerning them, without giving the date of settlement, and will call them 

PIONEERS. 

Oliver and Harris Jaynes settled on the Little Darby, near where 
Henry King afterward settled. It is believed they were among the first who 
came into this township. Farther up the Darby, near the northeast corner 
of the township, settled a family of Keyes. Two brothers, Edsel and Sam- 
uel Carr, settled on Barron Run, near where Newton Hunt now resides. 
Samuel was quite an active man, and, it appears, a very moral and upright 
man, and a leading, active worker in the Methodist Church in its first or- 
ganization in this township. A family by the name of Whitman, the head 
of which it is believed was Solomon, settled on Barron Run, on land now 
owned by Charles Phellis. He never purchased land there, and, after a few 
years' residence, moved away. Samuel, Isaac and Daniel Allen, three 
brothers, settled on Barron Run, where they subsequently purchased small 
tracts of land. Samuel was a local preacher in the Methodist Church and 
quite a prominent man of that day. About 1830, it is supposed, they moved 
into Union County. A Mr. Burrell, a blacksmith by trade, was also a very 
early settler on Barron Run. but soon moved away. A Mr. Dockum, be- 
lieved to be a native of Canada, settled on the Aaron Weaver place, near 
the mouth of Barron Run, at a very early date, and there he resided till his 
death, and his body was interred upon the place, and was probably the first 
person buried in what is now known as the Weaver Burying -Ground. The 
following were his children: William, who married Nancy Jones, and set- 
tied adjoining the homo place, but subsequently moved West, where hw 
died; one daughter married Mason Jones, and finally settled near Califor 
nia. this county, when' she died; James married a Miss Clement, and set- 
tled in this township, thence removed to Darby Township, Union County, 
where he died; Boardman married Miss Tullis and settled in this township 
and resided till his death; and one other daughter, who married Allen 
Jones, and resided in this county several years, thence moved West. John 
Rathlxirn was an early settler on Barron Run, and was a Methodist preach 
er; also practiced as a steam doctor. It is believed he was the organizer of 
the Methodist Church thai in an early day existed on Barron Run for sev- 
eral years, of which he was a main pillar and support. He had the follow- 
ing children: Charles, who i> now a resident of the West and is a practic 
ing physician; Levi, who was for some time a oaerchr.nl in Mechanicsburg, 
thence removed West, hut on,, of his daughters is still a resident of Me- 



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srvS 



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<^7^-^ Z^L^J L^^J&&^£^ 



rx. 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 747 

chanicsburg; Nelson, who is now a minister and resides in Iowa; Abigail, 
died single; Sarah, married Luke Clemens, and settled in the south part of 
the county; and Harmon, who settled in Iowa, where lie still resides. 

John Erwin settled in the northwest corner of Pike Township aboxit 
1812. and purchased land there, for which a deed was recorded in Septem- 
ber, 1814. He came here from Southern Ohio, and was probably the first 
settler in the west part of Pike Township, and he remained here till his 
death. He followed farming and slock raising, was a man of excellent 
character, plain and unassuming in his habits, a devoted Presbyterian in 
faith, and a substantial ami worthy citizen. He had a large family of chil- 
dren, who nearly all died early in life with consumption. One sou, Amzi, 
or Amazi, settled on the home place and lived to quite an advanced age; he 
died May 11, 1^7'.*. aged eighty years. Several of his children reside ia 
this vicinity. On the building of the railroad from Springfield to Delaware 
it passed through the corner of the township and his laud, and a station was 
established called Erwin. Joseph Mitchell, a native of Vermont, emigrated 
with his family to Ohio, and settled in the southwest part of Pike Town- 
ship, on land now known as the Harrington farm, about 1812-13; he pur- 
chased 900 acres of land, became an extensive farmer and stock-raiser; he 
resided here till quite advanced in years, when he removed West, where he 
died. He was a leading, active man in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and a minister in the same during a greater part of his life, and devoted 
much of his time to itinerant work, traveling over many different States, and 
was a companion of Lorenzo Dow for several years. He was the father of 
the following children: Joseph, Newman. William and Abner: the first two 
are deceased, and William and Abner are located in the West; the latter 
served in the late war of the rebellion. 

Claudius Mitchell, a brother of Joseph, of whom we have just written. 
and a son of Ensign Mitchell, of Champaign County, settled in the town- 
ship on land known as the Henry Weaver place, about 1815 16; this situa- 
tion is on the Urbana cV. Liverpool pike, near the west line of the township. 
We have obtained quite a full ace »unt of the manner of his starting out in 
life, and the hardships and trials he endured; and as an illustration of pio 
neer life, we here give it a space in Cue history of Pike Township, that not 
only his descendants many years hence may read and know how their 
worthy ancestor lived and labored, but that all future generations may have 
the means of knowing, so far as the pen of the historian is able to portray 
it, the true picture of pioneer life. 

Claudius Mitchell was born in Vermont in 1794, of poor but respect- 
able parents, who. after a tew years, removed to the State of New York, 
thence to Pennsylvania, from there to Kentucky and thence to Southern 
Ohio, and, in L815, to Madison County. During these years of pioneer 
itineracy, he arrived at his majority, but these were years of rough, yet it 
seems pleasant, experiences, to young Claudius, and he enjoyed, with his 
favorite dog and unerring rifle, the sportsof frontier life: ever on the chase 
for, or in mortal combat with, the wounded boar or stolen cub, and often 
came to " hand and hand " with the wild buck deer of the forests, 

which then abounded widi all kinds of wild game and animals. Conse- 
quently, Claudius had no opportunities of obtaining even a common school 
education; did not even learn to read or write. The first pair of pants he 
ever wore were made by his faithful Vermont mother, who* manufactured 
them out of hair combed from their own cow in the time of she Iding in the 
spring, mixed and carded with common flax tow, all done by hand, and spun 



748 ' HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

by hand and knit into a pair of pants, all being done by her own hands. 
The first pair of shoes he ever wore was when he was ten years of age, for 
which he earned the money to pay for them by taking his ax and hand-sled 
and cut and hauled wood a distance of several miles. At the age of twelve 
years, he performed a mans work cutting cord-wood and working at the 
Kanawha Salt \Yorks. 'As stated above, in 1815 he came to Madison Coun- 
ty, and, in 1816, he married Nancy Lambert, of Brown County, On the 1st 
day of February, he took leave of liishome and parents, whom he had served 
faithfully for many years, and commenced life for himself. The first day's 
work for himself he took his ax and maul, and cut and split 350 rails, for 
which he received 25 cents per hundred, but not in cash, but in corn at 25 
cents per bushel, which gave him three and one-half bushels of corn. The 
second day he made 250 rails, and took his pay in tallow and fat meat. On 
February 7, he took a lease of land on Spring Fork, and at once commenced 
to build a cabin, with the snow then six inches deep. He soon had his cabin 
up and a roof on the same, and the next day he and his young wife moved 
into it, cleared away the snow and built a fire on the ground; then to work 
thev went in earnest to fit up the new home. At a late hour that night they 
laid down some loose clapboards on the snow, on which they spread their 
scantv bedding, and then before retiring to rest they knelt down upon the 
icy-cold ground by two blocks, their only chairs, and there offered their 
sono-s and prayers to the God of the Universe. The only utensil they had 
for cooking was an old iron pot, and their table-ware consisted of two bro- 
ken knives and forks and two old pewter spoons. He had one two-year-old 
heifer, upon which the tax was S cents, and he had more difficulty to raise 
the money and pay that 8 cent tax than any tax he has ever paid. Since 
that time, he has paid his $300 tax with perfect ease. He resided in this 
township for many years; finally, he removed with his family into Cham- 
paign County, where he has since resided. He was twice married. By his 
first wife he had seven children — Sarah, Lavinia, Elizabeth. Nancy. Alvira. 
Chandler and Joshua. Mrs. Mitchell died, and he married for his second 
wife Mary Ann Heed; by her he had one child, deceased. Mr. Mitchell 
now resides in Median icsburg, retired from all active business; is in the 
ninetieth year of his age. and has all his business matters fully settled up. 
with no temporal affairs to trouble him. He is as erect and straight as a 
vouno- man of twenty, is in comfortable health, cheerful and happy, and is 
patiently awaiting the summons of his Master that he may see the King in 
His beauty. 

George Van Ness, a native of New Jersey, married Eleanor Van Lear, 
a native of Holland: (hey emigrated to Ohio prior to its becoming a State, 
and settled in Butler County. In January, 1813-14, they removed to Madi- 
son County and settled on the Little Darby, in the northwest corner of this 
township, on the place now owned by John Van Ness, and here he resided 
until his death. March 22, 1832. He was a true pioneer and experienced 
the ron<*h side of life. Indians were his neighbors, and deer, \\ ill hogs and 
game of all kinds were in abundance. About 1820, Mr. Van Ness ejected 
a grist-mill, a three-story frame, run by water-power. The mill only ran 
about three years, when the dam washed away and was never repaired or 
used afterward. Mr. Nan Ness served through the war of the Revolution, 
and was with den. Washington at the memorable Valley Forge. He was 
the father of "the following children: John, who married Rachel Nichols. 
and settled near the same place, but subsequently moved Wesl and died in 
Iowa: Susannah, married Stacy Storer. and settled in Highland County. 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 74 M 

Ohio, where she died, aged nearly one hundred years: Catharine, married 
John Payne, first settled in this township, thence in Highland County, and 
finally in Illinois, where she died; George, married Sarah Britton, settled 
in Butler County, on the old Van Ness farm, thence removed to Seneca 
County, Ohio, thence moved West and is now a resident of Indiana; Ju- 
dith, married William Storer, and settled in Highland County, where they 
now reside; Peter, married Polly Neff, and settled in Logan Comity. Ohio, 
and died there; Cornelius, married Rebecca Bower, and settled on the old 
home place of his father, where he still remains, and has now spent seventy 
years of his life on this farm: Daniel, married Elizabeth Yearns, and re- 
sides in Logan County. Ohio: and Mary, married Henry McCumber, and 
soon moved West and settled in Illinois, where she died. 

George Jones, a native of Virginia, settled on land now owned by Mr. 
Guy, about 1815-18. He was a leading, active man in the Methodist Church ; 
was also quite a politician, and after the Morgan trouble in New York he 
became an active anti-Mason. He served in the war of the Revolution. 
His children were Elizabeth, who married Michael Roseberry; William, 
who was a miller in Mechanicsburg for many years: Mason and Allen, who 
moved West: Nancy, married William Dockum, and settled in the West; 
and Charles, who also went West. 

Henry King was a native of Pennsylvania and iirst settled near Chilli- 
cothe; thence, about L818 20, removed to the west bank of the Little Darby, 
on the farm since known as the Joseph King place: here he resided till his 
death. He was an intelligent and a well-educated man, a wheelwright by 
trade and a skillful mechanic, and to this trade and to farming he devoted 
his life; was a kind neighbor and a worthy citizen. His children were 
Joseph, who married Amanda Tarpening, and settled and died on the old 
home place: William F., who married Miss Bigelow, daughter of Dr. Bige- 
low. of Plain City, he is now deceased; one daughter died young: Hannah, 
married Daniel Brooks, settled in Darby Township and resided till the 
spring of 1882, when they removed to Kentucky; Henry J., married a daugh- 
ter of John Mitchell, and settled in Darby Township. Union County, Ohio, 
but now resides at Marysville; Benjamin, married Miss Keyes, and settled 
in Darby Township, where he died at an early age: and Sarah iv., who 
married Newton Hunt, 

George Weaver, also a native of Pennsylvania, settled on the place now 
owned by Aaron Weaver about L817-18, as 'we find his deed recorded in 
January, 1818. He was married to Elizabeth Hempleton. Their children 
were Jacob, who married Polly Nagley, and settled on the home farm where 
he resided till his death; Solomon, married Lydia N'iles, and settled near the 
home place, but subsequently removed to Illinois and settled near Clinton, 
where he now resides; one daughter married David Morris, but is now de- 
ceased: John, married Elizabeth Morse, and settled and resides in this 
township: Elizabeth, married John H. Surfns. and settled here first, but 
subsequently removed West and now resides in Illinois; George, married a 
Miss Morse, and resides in Illinois; Joseph, married a Miss Cobbler, and 
settled in the West: David, settled in the West: Mary, married John Ster- 
ritt, and settled in Monroe Township, but subsequently removed to the 
WCst. Mr. George Weaver, the father of th^s large family, was one of those 
industrious, thoroughgoing Pennsylvania!! farmers, who knew how to make 
money and how to invest all his surplus capital, and the result was that he 
became owner of 3,000 acres of tine land. 

Samuel Mann, a native of Vermont, settled in the southwest part of 



750 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the township on Land since owned by Joseph Ware, about 1814-15. He 
was a very successful farmer and a good citizen. He raised a large family 
of children and gave them a good education for that day. His children 
were Samuel, Reuben, Nancy, Benjamin, John, Alden, Lorenzo D., Leon- 
ard and Azro. Reuben and Leonard H. became physicians, both now de- 
ceased, in fact, all the children are deceased. Benjamin was quite a promi- 
nent, active man of this community, and resided the greater part of his life 
in Monroe Township, and held many of the offices of his township. 

Abraham Johnson, a native of Virginia, settled on the place now owned 
by William Guy about 1814-15, as the record shows the deed for his land 
to be recorded in June, 1815. He was a good neighbor and a reliable citi- 
zen. In those days, it was a custom to bleed people in the spring of the 
year, to take away the "bad blood," which had accumulated during the 
winter, and. although it was probable that he was neither a physician nor 
surgeon, yet he was skilled in the art of bleeding people, and many were 
accustomed to apply to him to perform this work. He married Hannah 
Roseberry, and resided here for several years, but he subsequently removed 
to Union County and died there. 

Andrew Alden was a native of New York or New England, settled 
on land near Mr. Mann, in the spring of 1817. He was a very active, in- 
dustrious man, and a good citizen. He married Elizabeth Manville, by 
whom he had the following children: Chester, Elizabeth, Sarah, Lydia, 
Stanford, George, Eli and Prince, all deceased but Stanford and Prince; 
the former settled in the West; the latter resides at Mechanicsburg. 

Levi Patrick, a native of Massachusetts, emigrated to Ohio and settled 
in Pike Township on land now owned by Lafayette Newman, on Christmas 
Day, 1817, where he resided till his death, February 22, 1855. He married 
Clarissa Patrick, also a native of Massachusetts; she died December 12, 
1868. Their children were M. Young, Eliza, Mary, Levi M., C. F., John 
P., Clarissa Ann and Olive. M. Young married Fidelia Cartmill, a native 
of Kentucky, and settled near the home place, where he resided till he lo- 
cated on his present place, in 1853, where he has since resided and has held 
nearly all the offices of his township; Eliza never married, and died in the 
spring of 1881; Mary married Nathaniel Griffin, and is now deceased; Levi 
moved to Missouri, where he married and settled, but died a few years ago; 
John P. married Emma Converse, and settled near the home place, but sub- 
sequently removed to Union County, where he died; Clarissa Ann died quite 
young; Olive married Henry Brown, and settled in Champaign County, 
where they still reside. 

Michael Roseberry, a native of Virginia, settled on Spring Fork, on 
land now owned by William H Guy, about 1822-24; here he resided about 
ten years, when he purchased 350 acres, known as the Henry Guy farm, and 
there resided till his death, about 1859. He was a prominent, active farmer 
and stock-dealer, had the confidence of the people, and filled many of the 
offices of his township. He married Elizabeth Jones, a native of Virginia; 
they had the following children: Ellen, married Ira Stacy; Permelia, de- 
ceased; Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth, is now Widow Fox; Julia, married 
and moved West; Joseph, deceased; Ebenezer, married Miss Carter; Han- 
nah, deceased; and Jane, deceased. 

Darius Burnham was born in Hampton, Conn., May 10, 1791, married 
Lucrotia Hunt September 1 '_', IS I 1 ,), emigrated to Ohio and settled in Pike 
Township, Madison County, in the fall of 1820, on land where Orlo Stod- 
dard now resides, and here he remained through life. Here he began in a 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. T. r »T 

log cabin — true pioneer style. To his first purchase of land ho subsequently 
added more from time to time, till at the time of his death he owned about 
760 acres of good land. He became the owner of the hind upon which 
Liverpool is now located, and laid out and platted the town, which was 
given the name of Liverpool and had the same recorded at London. Mr. 
Burnham was an active, stirring business man; he engaged quite largely in 
raising stock and dairy business and was a true, public spirited man, kind 
and benevolent, ever ready to aid all enterprises and improvements for the 
general public good. He served in nearly all of the offices of his township, 
and was a Justice of the Peace for many years. He died August 10, 1846. 
His wife was born February 18, 171*8. and died May 22, L878. They had 
eight children — John H. . Henry. Anna L.. Emiline S.. Darius D., Achsa 
M.. Lucius A. and Flora B., all now surviving except Achsa M.. who died 
at Plain City. 

George Fullington, a native of Vermont, born August IN. L769, mar- 
ried Eebecca Greeley, and. in 1813, they emigrated to Ohio, and settled in 
Union County, where they resided about eight years, and removed to Madi- 
son and settled on land now owned by Charles Phellis. Esq., where he re- 
sided till his death, July 24, 1835. His wife survived him several years. 
Their children were Sarah, who married Alfred Carpenter, and moved to 
Illinois, where she died; Moses, married Harriet Guy, and settled on the 
old Fullinofon place, in Union County, where he died; Clarriet, married 
William Guy, and died in 1827; Jefferson, settled in Illinois, where he 
married Eleanor English, and resided there till his death, and his body was 
brought back and interred in the Guy Cemetery; Adelaide became the sec 
ond wife of William Guy; Mary, married Truman Kimball, and raised a 
family of ten children, and is now deceased; Abigail, married Charles 
Phellis. Esq., is deceased; and Selina, married John Burnham, and now 
resides in Mechanicsburg. Mr. Fullington was a carpenter and joiner by 
trade, and still followed his trade to seme extent after settling here, but his 
main attention was given to farming and the stock business, which he car 
ried on quite extensively. He was a man of substantial character and un- 
doubted integrity, honorable in all his business transactions, kind-hearted 
and benevolent and a great friend to the poor, and to all who needed his 
aid in means or influence. 

These families of whom we have given the above history embrace the 
majority of the early settlers of Pike Township. Many others have come in 
and settled at a more ret nil date, some of whom are among the leading 
business men of the township, and who have taken a leading and active part 
in the progress and impr< \< n < nts of the township, and who are fully iden- 
tified with its interests. Among these we mention Charles Phellis, Esq.. 
who is the largest land-owner and stock-dealer in the township, a man of 
high and marked ability. wh< se honor and character stand untarnished, and 
is one of the township's 1 est and m< st worthy citizens. In the biographical 
department of this work will be found the history of many of the present 
prominent and enterprising families of Pike Township, to which we would 
refer the reader for further information. 

TOWNS AM' BUSINESS. 

There is but one town. or. more properly, village, in the township. 
But before writing of it the business interests of the past will carry us back 
to about the year 1831-32, when one Capt. Andrews, of Chillicothe, located 
on the Worthington road, just west of John "Weaver's place, where he pur- 



752 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

chased about 1,800 acres of land. He was quite wealthy, and soon after 
locating he erected a building, purchased a stock of goods and opened out a 
store, which was the hrst ever in the township. His place he named the 
Rosedale farm, taking its name, we presume, from the post office, which he 
obtained the establishment of at his place about 1832, under the name of 
Rosedale Post Office, of which he became the first Postmaster. Subsequent- 
ly, Capt. Andrews died, and he was succeeded by A. Simpkins; finally, he 
was succeeded by Fox & Snodgrass, with Mr. Fox as Postmaster. About 
1836, Darius Burnham surveyed and laid off some lots for a town; had the 
town duly platted, which was recorded at the Recorder's office in London 
Ma\ L9, L836, under the name of Liverpool. There were two small log 
houses on the ground when the town was laid out, after which Mr. Burn- 
ham erected the first frame house, a part of which was used for a dwelling 
and the other part finished up for a storeroom, into which John and David 
Snyder put in the first stock of goods and commenced trade. They contin 
ued business a few years and moved away. The next store opened here was 
by Foster Griffin, who commenced trade by putting in a small stock of 
"foods and running a moderate trade: his leading business, to which he grave 
most attention, was dealing in cheese. Finally, Mr. Henry Bnrnham en- 
tered into partnership with Mr. Griffin, but remained only a short time, 
when he withdrew, and L. D. Mann entered into partnership with Mr. 
Griffin, but in a short time Mr. Mann withdrew, and Mr. Griffin continued 
business for several years. About 1837-38, Mr. Griffin became Postmaster, 
the office being moved from the country, where it was first established, to 
Liverpool, but retaining its original name, Rosedale, and has since remained 
permanently located in the town. The first blacksmith to locate in the town 
was a Mr. Creamer. The first physician was Dr. Curl, the next, Dr. Jeremiah 
Converse; then another Dr. Converse; then Dr. William Adams, Dr. J. C. 
Kalb and then Di>. Carter. The first shoe-maker was Edsel Carr. The first 
saddle and harness shop was a branch of McGruder & Heed, of Mechanics- 
burg, Ohio. The town now contains a population of about seventy-five 
persons, with the following business houses: One general store, by J. P. 
Carter; one blacksmith, H. C. Yeazell; one shoe-maker, Andrew McBride; 
one harness and saddle shop, George Glass, and one physician, Dr. F. M. 
Carte]-. 

MILLS. 

It is believed that the first grist-mill ever erected in the township was 
in the northwest corner of the township, on the Little Darby, built by 
George Van Ness, about L820. This was a three-story frame, quite an im- 
posing structure at t li.it early day, and was, of course, run by water-power. 
Bat it continued in use <>nh about two years, when the dam was washed out 
and never rebuilt, and consequently the building was never used again for 
mill purposes. About L825, Messrs. Lockwood & Nelson erected a grist- 
mill on the Little Darby, in the northeast part of the township, on land now 
owned by Mrs. Hampshire. Subsequently, these men were succeeded in 
the* ownership of the mill by James Snodgrass. and ho again by Albert 
Lombard, who was succeeded by L. D. Mann, who 'was the last to run the 
mill, after which it stood idle and went, to decay. Aboul L830 31, George 
Weaver and his son John lmilt a saw-mill on the Little Darby, on lands 
now owned by Joseph Weaver. This saw-null was run about ten years and 
then went into decay. These appear to have been the principal early 
mills. In later yrnv^. there have been a few other mills, principally of the 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 75o 

portable kind, which have been moved from place to place as timber and 
occasion required. 

PIKES AND ROADS. 

This township is small in territory, and containing several large stock 
farms, which usually contain many " by-roads," which lead from one point 
to another and from one »oad to another, makes the number of pikes and 
gravel roads somewhat limited in number. The main pikes are the London 
road and the Mechanicsburg & Liverpool pike. The northwest corner of 
the township is crossed by the Springfield & Delaware Branch of theC, C, 
C. & I. R. R, which has a length of about one half a mile within Pike 
Township. This is the amount of her railroads. 

SCHOOLS. 

This township being small in territory does not, of course, require as 
many schoolhouses as some of the larger townships. It has four regularly 
established suhdisf nets and one joint subdistrict. Most of these have frame 
houses, the citizens generally taking a fair interest in the subjectof schools 
and education. The total school funds of last year were $1,592.67. Total 
expenditures, $1,426.28. Enumeration of the districts as follows: No. 1, 
males. 36; females, 40; total, 76. No. 2, males, 14; females, 15; total, 
29. No. 3, males. 7; females, 12; total, 19. No. 4, males, 18; females, 
9; total. 27. No. 5, males. 8; females. 6; total, 14. Total, males, 83; fe- 
males, 82: total, 165. Township Board of Education: District No. 1. 
James I'. Carter. President: No. 2. William P. Patrick; No. 3, Pearl M. 
Keyes: No. 4, •) . M. Bradley (sub-joint); No. 5, J. S. Van Ness. 

CHURCHES. 

At the presenl time we are not aware of a single church organization 
within Pike Township. This condition arises probably from various causes. 
It is not. we presume, because the people are morally so good and perfect 
that they have no need of the restraining and salutary effects of churches; 
neither is it because they are so far the reverse of this that they repel them 
from their midst. Put there is do town of any magnitude that forms a cen- 
ter and a nucleus upon which to Lay the foundation and draw from the sur- 
rounding country the necessary support, The township, as has been stated, 
contains several large farms, and hence is rather sparsely settled; and it is 
quite probable that among the scattered population there is quite a diversity 
of opinions on doctrinal points, and in consequence a limited number of any 
one faith and doctrine — too limited to secure and support a denominational 
church. Bui wefind there have been church organizations in the township, 
and it comes within our province as historians to record upon these pages 
such facts as we can glean of their history in by -gone days. 

Methodist Episcopal ('lunch. Early in the settlement on Barron Run 
the Methodists organized a class, and it is believed it was organized by 
John Rathburn. wh^, with the Aliens, the Carrs and some others, were 
probably members of the firsl class. They held their meetings for many 
years in private houses and in the schoolhouse; but about L832 33, they 
erected a frame building for church purposes, which still stands on the 
Worthington road, but in a very dilapidated condition, and, of course, un- 
used, greetings and services were held in this bouse till about L865-66. 
At one time this society was quite large and prosperous, but from death, 
moving away and from other causes, the church waned and finally became 



754 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

extinct. Among the early ministers who preached here were Rev. Morrison, 
Elder "William Raper, Elder George Walker, Rev. Chase and Rev. Webster 
Protestant Methodist Church. — About the year L840, a few persons, of 
whom John H. Surfus was the leader, caused the erection of a brick eLmrch 
in thr west part of the village of Liverpool, in which was organized a Prot- 
estant Methodist society. The class embraced the following persons: John 
H. Surfus and wife. I. YVhitcomb and wife, some of the Williams family and 
a few others. This society continued as an organization but a few years, as, 
after the death of its leader and principal support, Mr. Surfus. it dwindled 
away and the property was sold to the Catholics, who held services here 
for several years, when their organization was removed to Mechaniesburg. 
since which the church building has stood unoccupied. "We have been i?i 
formed that at quite an early day there was an organization of a Christian 
Church on Little Darby, but it lias long been extinct, and, as we failed to 
obtain any definite information of their organization, we simply give the 
above. 

CEMETERIES. 

There were several family burying-grounds in this township in an early 
day. as in other townships, and as in every early settled country. The 
principal ones of this kind were one near the Little Darby, on the Weaver 
farm, and known as the Weaver Burying-Ground; one on Barron Run, 
where Mr. Dockum and others of the early settlers of that neighborhood 
were buried; one on the land of Charles Phellis. Esq . opposite John 
Weaver's residence: but this is now, like many others, all in open pasture, 
and no mark left of its former sacredness: and one on the Guy farm, on 
Spring Creek, known as the Guy Cemetery. r lhis was first appropriated by 
Mr. Guy as a family burying-place, and was dedicated to the purpose by 
the reception of his son, Lewis F., who died November 14, 1843, after 
which it received the bodies of one or two others, when Mr. Guy deeded it 
to the Trustees of the township and their successors as a permanent ceme- 
tery for general interment of the dead. Subsequently, an addition of one- 
third of an acre was made, and the whole substantially fenced and the 
grounds ornameuted with trees and shrubbery, constituting it a tit and 
pleasant depository of the dead. 

As the records of Like Township officials from its organization up to 
about 1860 have all been either lost or destroyed, we cannot, as we usually 

rive the early officers of the township, except those who have served as 
Justices of the Peace, which we obtained from the records at London, and 
are as follows: 1 s ! :>, Nicholas Moore; then from this date up to 1835 no 
record could be found, but from that on they were as follows: 1835, Jacob 
WCaver: 1837, William Guy; 1838, Charles Phellis; IS II. William Guy 
and Charles Phellis: 1843, Matthew Y. Patrick; 1844, Charles Phellis; 1846, 
Lester Hunt and .Matthew Y. Patrick: 1848, John R. Stokes and Henry 
Burnham: 1850, Robert Guy: 1851, Henry Burnham and L. Keyes; 1854, 
L. D. Mann and Ebenezer T. Boseberry; L855 o s . Ebenezer T. Roseberry; 
L. D. Mann: 1859, John H. Burnham: I860, Benjamin Taylor; 
1861, Gilbert Farrington and L. D. Mann: 1864, L. D. Mann and J. M 
Kennedy. 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 757 



CHAPTER IX. 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 

MARCH 16, 1819. "At :i meeting of the Commissioners, present, Burton 
Blizzard, Ira Finch and Patrick McLene, on petition being presented, 

ordered that the following bounds compose a new township, to be known and 
designated by the name of Monroe: Beginning on the present line, between 
Deer Creek and Pike Townships, at the upper corner of Wallace's survey, run 
ning eastwardly, so as to cross Little Darby at the mouth of Barron Run, to 
the original line between Pike and Darby Townships; thence with the original 
line until it intersects Jefferson Township line at Mark's survey, then to Henry 
Camp's lower corner; thence northwesterly with the new road leading to Ur- 
bana, including the same as tar as to where said road crosses the London 
road; thence in a straight line to the place of beginning." In constituting 
Phelps Township (cow Canaan), in -June of the same year, and subsequently in 
enlarging Pike Township by taking a portion off of Monroe Township, its 
boundary lines were changed from the above description to its present lines and 
limits. This township, in size, is one among the smallest in the county, and 
in shape is nearly that of an obtuse triangle. It is bounded as follows: On the 
north by Pike Township, on the east by Canaan and Jefferson Townships, on the 
south and west by Deer Creek and Somerford Townships. 

SURFACE, SOTL. ETC. 

The surface of this township is very level, except along the creeks, where 
it is somewhat broken and hilly. The principal and only streams are Little 
Darby and Spring Fork. The former courses through the entire township, in 
the central eastern portion, passing in a southeastern direction into Jefferson 
Township; the latter, Spring Fork, enters Monroe Township from its northwest 
corner, and meanders in a southeastern course, nearly through the township, 
and empties into the Little Darby about one mile north of the south line of the 
township. Along Little Darb}', on both sides for a little distance from the 
creek, the surface is quite broken, and in some places quite hilly. East of the 
stream, and between the Little Darby and Spring Fork, the surface is very level, 
and after you pass westward over a little undulating portion along Spring Fork, 
then all westward is very level. In the western and central portions of the 
township, also in the southeastern part, are large farms, consisting of prairies 
and oak openings, which are most beautiful lands, and peculiarly adapted to 
grazing purposes. The soil of these portions is generally a black loam from 
one to three feet deep. It is being more or less ditched, tiled and drained and 
when this work is carried to completion it will produce a!! kinds of grain in 
abundance, and will vie in richness and productiveness with any lands in the 
State. Along the creeks where the surface is undulating, the soil is generally a 
clay, but very strong and product ive. and as a whole we may safely say that 
Monroe is one among the lust townships of the county for stock or grain raising. 
The principal productions are wheal, corn, potatoes and hay. The timber is in 
variety about as other townships in the county. On the oak openings, burr oak, 
hickory and elm are the principal varieties, the former predominating. On the 
streams are some walnut, and the uneven and hilly portions, where the clay 



758 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

soil predominates, white, black and red oak, hickory, asli and some beech 
abound. But here, as elsewhere, the timber has been of minor importance, 
except to get it off of the land so as to produce good pasturage and tillage. 

PIONEERS. 

It is probable that among the first white people to settle within the limits 
of Monroe Township were the Bradley family from Virginia. There were Jo- 
nah, David and James Bradley, and two sisters, Susan and Nancy, of whom 
we give an account. They came here about 1804-5. Jonah settled on Spring 
Creek, where Sarah Ann Bradley now resides ; he married Susan Powers, who 
was also a native of Virginia, by whom he had the following children: Alfred, 
who married Jemima Morrow, and settled in this township, she died, and he 
married a Miss Lee ; subsequently he moved to Mercer County, where he re- 
sided several years, and where his second wife died, after which he returned to 
this county, where he remained a resident till his death, although his death oc- 
curred by accidental drowning while on a visit to Mercer County. He was the 
father of six children, four grew to maturity — David, John M., Elizabeth and 
Jemima ; the latter is now deceased ; Elizabeth resides in Union County. Ohio ; 
David settled in Illinois, where he died ; and John M., married, and is still a 
resident of this township. David and John (brothers of Alfred), married, set- 
tled and spent their lives till their death in this township ; and Jonah was the 
fourth son. There were five daughters — Elizabeth, Mahala, Mary, Sarah and 
Susan — of whom Susan and Mahala now survive, and residents of Illinois. 
Mr. Bradley followed fanning and milling through life. A few years after lo- 
cating here, he erected a grist mill on Spring Fork, run by water-power, which 
was one of the first mills in this vicinity ; prior to his building this mill, they 
went to Chillicothe to do their milling and to buy their groceries. This mill 
was one of the great improvements of that day, and was a great convenience 
to the people of this new settlement. Mr. Bradley was a carpenter by trade, 
and built his mill with his own hands, and to a great extent made his own 
wagons and implements for use on his farm, thus bringing his trade and skill 
into good use in that early day, when such articles were then so difficult to ob- 
tain. Mr. Bradley died in April, 1865, aged eighty years. David Bradley, 
brother of the above, first settled near Georgesville, in Franklin County, but 
soon after moved lie re to Monroe Township, where lie resided till his death. 
He was the father of four sons — James L. and William deceased, David M. 
resides on the home place of his father, and Shelton resides in Tazewell 
County. 111.; and three daughters, Elsie and Jane, deceased, and Cassie, 
wife of Newman Mitchell, residing in Somerford Township. James Bradley, 
also brother to the above donah, settled here at same date, and remained here 
through life. He had at least tour sons — Hiram. Washington, James and 
Jonas ; but all moved away, and all are now believed to lie deceased. 

James .Marks was horn in Kentucky on February II. 1782, and married 
Nancy Van Kirk, who was limn in Virginia November :.'">. 17.^7; they were 
married September 3, L809. Mr. Marks came to Monroe Township in 1807 or 
1808, and purchased a tract of land on the cast side of the Little Darby, upon 
which he settled, and commenced in a Log cabin without any floor, door or 
chimney, and had no furniture. But they had the will, energy and strength, 
ami went to work in earnest. Success followed, their efforts, and he became 
owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land in Madison County ; also a large amount 
of Western lands. On his home place hi' made line improvements : had a 
good brick house and other good buildings, with a line fruit orchard, and 
everything comfortable and convenient around them ; quite in contrast to their 
condition when they firsl settled here. He served as Justice of the Peace 
several years. They were members of the Baptist Church. Their children 



i/" 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 7 59 

were Washington (who married Hannah Hayden), he died September 19, 1808, 
being killed by the cars; Eliza (married John Taylor); Elizabeth (married 
James L. Bradley) ; Jefferson (died in infancy) ; Sarah (married William Koos, 
and resides in Springfield) ; Lucinda (married Rev. Jesse Ferguson, is now de- 
< eased) ; Jackson (died in childhood) : Matilda (married Glustavus Koos, is now 
deceased) ; James (died young) ; and Mathias (married Jennie Long, of Lon- 
don, is now deceased). Robert Powers, a native of Virginia, settled on Spring 
Pork soon after or about the same time as Jonah Bradley, where he resided till 
his death. Ih' was married in Virginia. Their children were as follows : John, 
Joseph. Aimer. Edward, Senath, Dorcas and Fanny ; the latter married Mr. 
Harmon, and resides in Iowa : Joseph and Edward reside in Union County ; 
all the other children are deceased. Nicholas Moore, a native of Virginia, is 
believed to he one of the first settlers on Little Darby; he located on land 
which is now owned by John Weaver, Jr. About ls2n. he, with his family, 
removed to Illinois, and thence to Iowa, where he died. He married Sarah 
Downing, by whom he had the following children, born while residing here : 
William, Catharine. Hannah and Athea. John Downing, a native of Virginia, 
became one of the early settlers of Jefferson Township about 1808-10, and a 
few years after moved into Monroe Township, and settled on land just above 
J. M. Bradley, now owned by Mr. Weaver. In 182^. he removed to Logan 
County. Ohio. He married Hannah Frakes. by whom he had the following 
children : John. Josiah. Robert, James, Sarah. Hannah and Mary. Robert and 
James reside in Logan County; Mary married John Van Devender, and re- 
sides in Kansas: all the others deceased. Henry Kampf, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, settled on the Little Darby, near James Marks', about 1809-10, and 
resided here till about 185Q he removed to Illinois. He married Mary Travis, 
who died in this township. Their children were John, Mathias, Robert, Henry, 
Hannah. Sarah and Mary, all now deceased. Peter Paugh, a native of Virginia, 
settled where Arthur Bradley now resides, about 1804-0, ami remained a resi- 
dent of the county till his death. He married Mary Johnson, by whom he had 
the following children: John. Abraham. Henry, Peter, Solomon, Sarah, Mary 
and Rebecca. Henry lives in Iowa. Peter in Illinois, and Mary now Mrs. 
Dillon) resides in Indiana ; all the others are deceased. Mr. Paugh was a 
blacksmith by trade, which occupation he followed through life. 

Peter Baker, a native of Virginia, was known to be an early settler, locat- 
ing on land now owned by La Fayette Wilson, probably as early as 1812, but 
of him or his family we get no further account. We find his deed for land 
recorded in January. 1817. Three brothers, Jonas, James and -Joseph Heath, 
became settlers here about 1815 Jonas settled on Spring Fork, on the Loudon 
& Marysville road ; James settled in the forks of Little Darby and Spring 
Fork ; and Joseph settled just north ofhis brother James. Ralston Williams 
settled on Spring Fork where Joseph, his son, now lives, about 1Sl'.">. He mar- 
ried a Miss Coodin: he was a good farmer, an honest and worthy citizen. Their 
children were Joseph. Marion. Jane. Elizabeth, Evaline, Rebecca and Eliza. 
The two sons served in the war of the rebellion: Marion was killed at the 
battle of Chickamauga, and Joseph, who was a Lieutenant, was severely wounded 
at the same battle. Mr. Williams' wife died, and he married for his second 
wife the Widow Canada. Mr. Williams died at Irwin Station. Fletcher Pratt, 
was not a pioneer, but settled hereabout 1830, and resided here through the 
remainder of his life. His children were John. Sallie. Samuel. Eliza, Kb, 
Peter and Anna. John Aylor, a native of Virginia, settled on the Little, Darby, 
on the Wilson land, about 1825. lie erected a saw mill; subsequently he moved 
to Iowa. David Link , a native of Virginia, settled here same date, 1825 : he 
erected a grist mill on the Little Darby, and subsequently he removed to 
Somerford Township and purchased the Roberts Mill; thence he moved to the 



760 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

West. These mills they built on the Little Darby, did quite a large business 
for several years, but have long since gone to decay. William Winget. a native 
of Pennsylvania, married Mary Tomlinson. a Dative of Maryland. They settled 
on Spring Fork on land now owned by La Fayette Wilson, about 1828. He 
was the lather of the following children : Mahala, married R. T. Burnham, and 
settled in Champaign County, but subsequently moved to Iowa, where they 
now reside ; Mary, married Joseph McCampbell, and settled in Union County, 
thence removed to Greene County, Ohio, where they now reside ; Luther, mar- 
ried Mary Jane Reynolds, and resides in Union County ; John, married Mary 
Proctor, and settled at Kenton, Ohio, he is deceased ; William, deceased ; 
Catharine, married John C. Robinson, and is now deceased ; Elizabeth, married 
John McCloud, Esq., of London : and David C, married Mary Winget, widow 
of John Winget, deceased, and resides at Kenton, Ohio. 

James Guy was born in Vermont, November 14, 1779, married Man Watts. 
and emigrated to Ohio and settled in Union Count} in 1812. In 1S2G, removed 
to Monroe Township, this comity, and settled on the place where his son James 
now resides, and here resided till his death. September 8, 1826; his wife died 
September 6, 1842, aged sixty years. Their children were Harriet, who mar- 
ried Moses Fullington, both deceased ; Jane, married Benjamin Mann, is now 
a widow ; Sylvia, died single ;) t seventeen years of age ; William and James 
are both married and residents of this township. Mr. Guy. while young, learned 
the blacksmith trade, but alter settling in Ohio gave his attention to farming, 
stock-raising and the dairy business. He made stock-raising a specialty. This 
made it necessary for him to put up a large amount of hay. As there were no 
mowing machines in that day. all the grass was cut with scythes. On a certain 
occasion, he and one Bidwell made a wager with his mowers, that they two 
could cut eight acres of grass in one da}\ The wager was accepted, the ground 
measured, and the parties were to commence the next morning at sunrise ; and 
before sunset the entire eight acres of grass were lying in the swath, a feat 
which was perhaps never before or since performed by any two men. But in 
addition to his great physical strength and power of endurance, he performed 
a conspicuous part of usefulness among the early settlers. He was one of the 
great cattle buyers of those daj-s. There were then no means of getting cattle 
to market, except on foot; he purchased large droves of three and four year 
old cattle, annually, which were driven to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other 
eastern markets, fording creeks, swimming rivers and climbing the Alleghany 
Mountains with his drove of bullocks. It was not unfrequently the case that 
they became frightened, the formost ones turning back upon the others until the 
whole drove was on a terrible stampede, breaking down everything before them 
and no human power could stop them, the drovers making their escape the best 
way they could to save themselves from being trampled to death. Mr. Guy 
was a wry active, energetic and prosperous business man. a kind neighbor and 
a worthy citizen. 

The above constitutes the most of the pioneers and early Bettlers of Monroe 
Township. And now. as we turn in retrospeel and view the times of those 
forefathers, see their habits, modes of life, houses, household goods, and the 
rude tools and implements for farming purposes, as compared with those of 
the present, we musl be impressed with wonder and admiration at the change 
and improvement wroughl by the genius and industry of man. And while we 
can rejoice over all this progress and advancement, we would ask, how were 
the social and moral conditions then, as compared with now? Alas! we fear 
they will not*bear the same favorable results. The principal social gatherings 
of those days wi re those iii which there was an interchange of work or labor; 
in which several persons would turn out and help their neighbor to accomplish 
a certain piece or job of work: and then he. in turn, would help others. This 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 761 

enabled those in the sparsely settled condition of the country at that time to 
accomplish a heavy piece of work which could not have done alone, and for 
which there were no means to hire it done. All were then sociable; they were 
not divided into classes and grades according to their wealth, or finery in dress, 
or manner of living. Then a man of industry and good moral habits, polished 
with a reasonable intelligence and education, whether rich or poor in worldly 
possessions, was fit for any society or social position. If a man or woman is 
guilty of no greater crime than that of poverty, he or she should be treated 
with as much Christian respect and courtes}- as though they were millionaires. 
If any are morally down in our midst, lift them up; if any are suffering, com- 
fort and aid them. Lei all strive to cultivate and perpetuate the good old so- 
ciable traits of the pioneers in themselves and in their children, and thus will 
the future generations be blessed. 

schools. 
The schools and the subject of education have received the general atten- 
tion of the people of Monroe Township, perhaps up to the full average of the 
other townships of the county. Like the pioneers everywhere, they began in 
their little log schoolhouses. One of the first schools of which we gain an ac- 
count was in a little log house of the primitive kind, puncheon floor, slab seats, 
etc., located on the place where Thomas Fulk now resides, about 1815. Another 
early log schoolhouse was built on Spring Fork, on David Bradley's land, about 
L820. And so on through the different early settlements, as soon as there was 
a sufficient number of families to support a school, they endeavored to estab- 
lish these primitive schools, which served for the time. But those are now all 
things of the past in .Monroe. This township now has established four sub- 
districts and one joint subdistrict, with as many good schoolhouses. The 
enumeration of the districts is as follows: Joint Subdistrict No. 1 — males, 30; 
females, 36; total, GO. No. 2 — males, 17; females, 19; total. 36. No. 3— males, 
28; females. 25; total. 53, No. 4— males, 10; females, 10; total, 26. No. 5— 
males, 20; females, 30; total, 56. Total— males, 111; females, 126: total, 237. 
Present Township Board of Education: Joint Subdistrict No. 1, David Fitz- 
gerald: No. 2. La Fayette Wilson; No. 3, Joseph Williams; No. 4, D. 11. Lom- 
bard (President); No. 5, Calvin Bradley. 

CHURCHES. 

The people of this township were visited at quite an early day by minis- 
ters of the Gospel, and appointments made at the private houses for preaching 
and services long before there were any churches or even schoolhouses to any 
extent. One among the earliest of these preachers was Rev. Joseph Morris, 
from Clark County. Ohio, of the Baptist faith, who held services through this 
neighborhood at a very early day. But this township has been very limited in 
its number of church organizations, having no town or village within its limits, 
or any natural causes to concentrate the people, so as to tend to the organiza- 
tion of societies or churches. We find but two church organizations in the 
township, with one church edifice. We will first give a history of the organiza- 
tion known as 

Fair Plain Christian Church. — In 1872, under the auspices of several per- 
sons of the Christian faith, a Sunday school was organized at the Finley School- 
house, and from that time commenced to have occasional preaching at the said 
schoolhouse, by various volunteer ministers, till, on December 13, 1875, under 
Rev. William Webb, a church organization was effected, consisting of the fol- 
lowing thirteen members, viz.: K. Nagley. J. W. Prugh, W. A. Finley, D. W. 
Finley, John Armentrout, J. 31. Bradley, S. M. Prugh, A. Nagley, 11. J. Finley, 
N. Armentrout, C. E. Prugh, 11. Finley and S. Bradley, with" J. W. Prugh 



762 HISTORY OF MADTSON COUNTY. 

chosen as Deacon. They had preaching regularly once a month, and during 
the year 1876 several members were added to the church. Since the organiza- 
tion of the church, they have had a minister employed who preached for them 
regularly once a month, with the exception of the year 1880, during which they 
had no minister employed. At the present time, the membership is small, the 
church having been considerably reduced in numbers by death and by members 
moving away. They now have enrolled on the church book twenty-one names. 
Their present pastor is Rev. S. A. Caris. 

Methodist Episcopal Church (Wilson Chapel).— In the spring of 1873, a 
subscription was started and money was raised to erect a church edifice, which 
was built the same summer on land donated for that purpose by Washington 
Wilson, located on the Wilson & Winget pike, east of Little Darby about one- 
half mile, and the house was dedicated to service in the fall of the same year 
(1873), the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Elder I. F. King. The 
house was dedicated to service free of all debt and incumbrance. Rev. R. D. 
Anderson was appointed to administer to this church, and preached every two 
weeks the first year. In the spring of 1874, a series of meetings were held and 
several additions made to the church, and a class was organized consisting of 
the following persons : Mrs. Jennie Taylor, Daniel Anderson and wife. Isabel 
Woods and Mrs. Margaret Bradley, with Daniel Anderson as class leader. He 
was succeeded by Martin Huddle, and he by Hiram Anderson, who has con- 
tinued as leader to the present time. Rev. Anderson was succeeded as minister 
by Rev. S. S. Sears, and he by Rev. Rudisil ; then »came to the charge Rev. 
Tressenrider, then Rev. Carter, and during the past year Rev. Lewis has been* 
their minister. The church at one time reached in membership as high as 
sixty ; but by death and moving away and other causes the membership has 
been reduced' till at the present time the membership is about fifteen. The 
church has a good Sunday school, with an average attendance of sixty, with 
Hiram Anderson as Superintendent. 

CEMETERIES. 

There is not much to be written upon this subject in Monroe ; there being 
no town or village within the township, and but one church edifice, there has 
been no general public or township interest given to this subject. There are 
two or three of the early family burying-grounds, the principal of which are 
one on the John Bradley farm and one on the David M. Bradley farm. This 
latter was quite early established, being in the neighborhood where the first 
settlers of the township located, and on the land of the first pioneer family. 
Here have been interred some of the Bradley family, and many of their early 
neighbors. During the sickly years of 1822 and 1823, the plains or level por- 
tions of this country were especially afflicted with sickness and death; and 
these two or three burying-grounds received many accessions to the ranks of 
the dead. Another fatal and troublesome disease among the early settlers, 
especially on the east side of Little Darby, where it prevailed more than on the 
west side, was the " milk "sickness," which carried away by death numbers of 
those early settlers. These were some of the most dangerous and trying or- 
deals that the pioneers had to meet, and no doubt many a family became sick 
at heart, if not in body, to see their few and scattered neighbors stricken down 
with this fell destroyer, and their bodies consigned to the silent graves here in 
this wilderness. Who could chide them for wishing that they had remained 
amon«- the rock-bound hills of Virginia? But as our forefathers of the Revo- 
lutionary times won for us a gnat battle, and conquered the bitter enemy of 
America so in a later day did our forefathers, the pioneers, win for us and 
future venerations a great battle in conquering these diseases and the miasmas, 
the mortal enemy of the early settlers, and thus entailed to us one of the 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 763 

richest and most beautiful countries the sun ever shone upon. It is well that 
we may inscribe upon the pages of history a requiem for them, which shall ring 
through ages to come, long after the simple monuments with their superscrip- 
tions shall have vanished to dust ! 

PIKES AND ROADS. 

The principal roads of this township run north and south through the 
township, anil arc good gravel pikes, and extend from the Urbana pike on t lie 
south line of the township to the different points of the township northward, 
and connecting with pikes of other townships to all leading towns and villages 
of the surrounding country. Also coursing northeast, crossing Little Darby, 
is the Wilson & Winget pike, which connects with others, and runs !<> Plain 
City. The cross roads running east and west are mainly mud roads. There 
is no railroad in or touching the township. 

MILLS. 

The mills of Monroe are things of the past, there being nothing of the 
kind now within its limits unless it be one or two portable mills. But as we 
deal with the past more especially than with the present, we must carry the 
reader back to just a few years after the Bradleys settled here, perhaps about 
1812-15, and observe on Spring Fork a grist mill erected by Jonah Bradley, 
and run by water-power, which was one of the first mills of the county. As 
stated in the history of the Bradley family, this was one of the great improve 
ments of that day, and a great convenience to the settlement ; as prior to its 
erection they had to go a great distance, many going to Chillicothe to do their 
grinding and trading. There were no other mills we think necessary to men- 
tion. 

BUSINESS [NTERESTS, 

As there is no town or village within this township, we will mention the 
fact that there is one store, and only one. This is located at the fork of the 
road near the Finley Schoolhouse. The first store opened there was by a Mr. 
Thompson, about 1877 ; thence it came into the ownership of D. R. Lombard 
& Son, who were succeeded by Thomas Hunt, the present proprietor. In the 
spring of 1882, Kilmer Stephens and Klias Lombard erected a tile factory on 
land a little north of the above-mentioned store, and appear to be doing quite 
a good bnsiness, considering the short time during which they have been en- 
gaged in business. Also, on the London & Liverpool road is a tile factory, 
erected by Guy, Williams & Co., in spring of 1882. These were much needed 
in this township, and will doubtless greatly benefit the farmers 

INCIDENTS. 

Near David M. Bradley's, or rather a little east of his place, near the 
junction of Little Darby and Spring Fork, was an old camping ground of t he 
Indians. On one occasion while they were camping here, and were all peace- 
able and friendly with the settlers, one .Mr. Lappin, a citizen of Jefferson Town- 
ship, reckless in his habits, and with no sympathy in his heart, in passing near 
their camp, while all were out on a hunt but one lone Indian, who remained as 
a guard at the camp, he drew up his rifle, took aim and fired and killed the In- 
dian in his tracks, and then hurried on to his home. One or two white settlers 
saw Mr. Lappin shoot the Indian, but were powerless to prevent the deed. 
The murder was soon reported among the settlers, and great fear and conster- 
nation prevailed, fearing that the Indians, as soon as they returned, would be 
so incensed at the rash dw(\ that they would murder ail the settlers. They 
were terribly provoked, but on being informed who had done the deed, to their 
credit they refrained from doing damage to an}' of the settlers, but started in 



764 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

pursuit of the murderer who had already fled to Columbus for safety, and thus 
escaped their vengeance. But he never dared return to his home for years, 
till the Indians had taken a final leave. 

We will now give the officials of the township as far back as the records 
which are preserved will show them. We find all previous to the year 1848 
art- destroyed or lost. Since that date they are as follows: 

Trustees.— 1848, John Baker, Elisha Bidwell and David Morris; 1849, 
\V. M. Wadsworth, John Aylor and Elisha Bidwell; 1850-51, John Baker, 
David Morris and \V. M. Wadsworth; 1852, John Baker, W. M. Wadsworth, 
and D. M. Bradley; 1853, John Baker, W. M. Wadsworth and John Bradley; 
1854. John Baker. John Bradley and James Guy; 1855-56, John Baker, 
John Bradley and David Morris ; 1857-58, David Morris, John Baker and 
Ralston Williams ; 1859-60. John Baker, Ralston Williams and John H. Finlev; 
1861. J. H. Finlev. Ralston Williams and D. M. Bradley; 1862. D. M. Brad- 
ley, John Kreamer and Ralston Williams ; 1863, D. M. Bradley, John Kreamer 
and William Santbnl ; 1864, James Guv, William Sanford and D. M. Bradley; 
1865-66. D. R. Lombard, J. M. Bradley and J. W. Morris ; 1867, J. M. Brad- 
ley. Washington Marks and Joseph Williams ; 1868, J. M. Bradley, David M. 
Bradley and James Guy; 1869--72, J. M. Bradley, Henry Burnham and Charles 
L. Burnham : 1873, Henry Burnham, J. M. Bradley and Calvin Bradley; 
1874. J. M. Bradley, Calvin Bradley and La Fayette Wilson; 1875, J. M. 
Bradley. Calvin Bradley and W. A. Finley; 1876, J. M. Bradley, W: A. Fin- 
ley and Joseph Williams ; 1877, J. M. Bradle}', Jonah Woods and Joseph 
Williams; 1878, J. M. Bradley, Elisha Fisher and James Guy; 1879, D. R. 
Sanford, H. T. Finlev and Elijah Fisher ; 1880, D. R. Lombard." J. M. Bradley 
and Calvin Bradley;* 1881, J. M. Bradley, H. T. Finley and E. Webber ; 1882, 
H. Burrell, D. R. Lombard and E. Webber. 

Clerks.— 1848, J. R. Farrington ; 1849-50, Henry Winklebeck ; 1851, Horr- 
ace Sanford ; 1852-54, John if. Finley; 1855, Israel Heath ; 1856-57, J. W. 
Morris; 1858-64, John M. Bradley; 1865-70, J. H. Finley; 1871, Horace 
T. Finley; 1872 76, William F. Sanford ; 1877. F. P. Sanford ; 1878, Charles 
F. Sanford ; 1879, J. A. Smith ; 1880, Henry Baker; 1881, S. Finlev ; 1882, 
H. T. Finley. 

Treasurers.— 1848, David Link ; 1849-52, David Morris ; 1853-59, D. M. 
Bradley; 1860-62, David Morris; 1863, Horace Sanford; 1864, Henry Burn- 
ham; 1865-68, David Morris; 1869-74, James Guy; 1875-81, Henry Burn- 
ham ; 1882, Elmer Stephens. 

Justices of il« Peace. — 1836, James McMann and John Baker; 1839, 
Mathew V. Patrick and Andrew Parker; 1842, Andrew Parker; 1845, John 
Baker and Fletcher M. Pratt; 1848, James Guy and Israel Heath; 1849, 
John Baker; 1851, David Morris; 1852, John Baker; 1854. James R. Far- 
rington ; 1855, John II. Finlev and John Baker; 1858, Joseph M.Kennedy 
and Benjamin W. Mann; 1862, David Morris and Henry Burnham: 1866, 
David Morris: 1870, John Baker and David Morris; 1875. Henry C.Baker 
and Joseph Williams; 1876, W. 11. Sidebottom ; 1877. J. W. Morris; 1878, 
Arthur Smith and Charles V. Sanford : 1881; Henry C. Baker. 

Constables.— 1848, George H. Aylor and W. M. Wadsworth : 1S49. W. M. 
Wadsworth and Smith Hewett; 1850, John K. Holycrosa and William Sanford, 
L851, W. M Wadsworth and David Wooslev; 1852, R. M. Hawkins and W. M. 
Wadsworth; L853, Isaiah Heath and William Wheatlev; 1854, R. M. Hawkins 
and B. Helverson ; 1855, [srael Heath and David A. Botter ; 1856, G. H. How- 
ser and Peter Baker. 1857, Benjamin Morris; and William M. French; 1858; 
James J. Beals and Edson Scranton ; 1859, James ,1. Beals and L. B. Harvey, 
1860. William .M French and John Peters; 1861, l>. B. Lombard and Cyrus 
Guy; 1SG2. Alexander Bradley and Joseph Williams ; 1863 65 (wanting); 1866, 




Ephraim Bidwell . 

(D ECEASED] 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 



767 



H. C. Baker and Quincy Bradley; 1867, Solomon Morris; 1868, Jonathan 
Bigelow and Harvey Bradley; I860, Henderson Baker and Jonathan Bigelow; 
1870, Jonathan Bigelow; 1871-74, J. M. Willoughby; 1875, Joel Saeger and 

B. M. Lombard ; 1876, Robert Nagley and Josiah Morris ; 1877, E. W. Fisher 
and Josiah Morris ; 1878, F. P. Sanford and F. W. Sanford; 1879, Jonathan 
Bigelow; 1880, Jonathan Bigelow and E. B. Tilman ; 1881, Willis Foulk and 
E. B. Tilman ; 1882, J. Bigelow. 

Assessors. — 1849, Daniel Kent ; 1850, Israel Heath ; 1851-56, John Baker; 
1857, James M. Wilson ; 1858-59, John W. Morris ; 1860, John Baker ; 1861- 
65, J. W. Morris ; 1866-67, David Morris ; 1868, J. H. Finley; 1869-70, Rals- 
ton Williams; 1871-74, James Guy; 1875, Calvin Bradley; 1876, Joseph 
Williams; 1877, J .W. Morris ; 1878, J. M. Bradley; 1879, A. E. Osborn ; 1880, 

C. F. Sanford ; 1881, James Guy, and 18S2, L. F. Webber. 




cc 



768 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER X. 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 

IN the settlement of this portion of Ohio, the tide of emigration seemed to fol- 
low up the streams and creeks, and those of the Darby and Deer Creek, it 
appears from their position, together with the richness of their lands and 
abundance of deer, turkeys and other wild game, held out superior attractions 
to those seeking a favorable location to settle and make a home for themselves 
and their posterity. And not only this, but it appears to have been a 
favorite location with the Indians prior to the white man entering this rich 
domain, for here the white settlers rind them encamped enjoying the rich hunt- 
ing-grounds of the two Darbys and Deer Creek. But to he brief, and to enter 
at once upon the work of giving the important matters connected with Canaan 
Township, we may say its history begins in 1 7 '. • • ; , when Jonathan Alder was 
discovered residing with his Indian wife on the west hank of the Darby, by 
Benjamin Springer. These were the first white settlers known to have settled 
on the Darby, or within the limits of Madison County. Of Alder and Benja- 
min Springer, we shall here say nothing, but refer the leader to the general 
history of the county. 

Luther Cary, a native of New Jersey, marriedRhoda Leonard, and at a very 
early day emigrated to the Redstone country. Pennsylvania, thence came down 
the Ohio River, and settled at or near Marietta. Ohio; thence, in 1800, with his 
family, he moved to Madison Count}*, and located on the Big Darby, on land 
now owned by John Stallbird. just north of Amity, in Canaan Township, 
where he resided till his death. October 8, 1834, aged seventy-four years. His 
wife died May 1."). 1846, aged ninety-one years. Their children were as fol- 
lows: Benjamin, who married and settled near Wooster, Ohio, where he died; 
Luther,moved away ami settled in Miami County. Calvin, married and settled 
at Cary. Ohio, from whom that town received its name; Stephen, married Cath- 
arine Johnson, and settled in this township, where he remained till his death; 
Ephraim, married Matilda Candy, and settled in this township, ami resided 
several years, thence he removed into Union County, where he died: Jemima, 
married Jacob Johnson, and settled in Jefferson Township, when' she died, and 
subsequently Phebe, who had married John Davis, and was led a widow by his 
death, married Mr. Johnson: Lydia, married John Johnson, and settled just 
below Amity, where they resided till aboul IS.")."), when they removed West; 
Rachel, married Alexander McCullough. and settled near Amity, hut finally re- 
moved to Putnam County. Ohio, where she died: Ahijah. married Catharine 
Johnson, and soon alter settled where Jacob Millikin now lives, ami here resided 
t'll hi- death, February 21, 1 s r» i . aged seventy-three years; his wife died Feb- 
ruary l. 1851, in the sixty-fifth year of her age. « They had the following chil- 
dren: Mary, Solomon, Absolom, Sarah. Rhodaj Ahram. Rachel, Eliza ami 
Lucinda; all grew to maturity, married ami raised families, and all prosperous 
and goo.i citizensof Madison County, most of whom became members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and honored ami respected citizens of the cummunity. 
Mr. Ahijah Cary was horn March 6, 1781, and when nineteen years of age 
became a residenl of this township, where he spent a long and useful life, hav- 
ing, at his death, been a resident here over half a century. He was a man of 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 769 

remarkable industry, and [tassel through all the arduous and dangerous trials 
of the pioneer days. The farm upon whirl) he settled he purchased from the 
Government, by the original title of a patent. He was a man of firm character 
and principles, of undoubted integrity, and held the confidence of the people of 
his township, under whom lie held most of its offices. lie was fervent in the 
Presbj'terian faith, although not a member of the church. His life was devoted 
to the genera] welfare of his family and community, and gave freely of his 
means and influence for every progress and improvement which tended to the 
general public good, and died esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances. 

About ISO."), two brothers, .Jonathan and Joel Harris, natives of New 
Jersey, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Canaan Township, the former on the 
place where Luther Lane now resides, and resided there till his death. He 
married Miss Casto, by whom he had the following children : George. Amos, 
William. Joel. Rebecca and Pattie. Joel, married and soon after settled in 
Franklin County. Xahuin Kiuu'.a native of Vermont, married Sarrepta Norton, 
and settled on the land where Air. Moore subsequently located: thence he 
moved and settled below Amity. About 1837 38, he removed to .Missouri, and 
in 1S-I I to Oregon, where he died. He was one of the prominent men of this 
township during his residence here : very intelligent and we'll informed, and 
filled, to the greal satisfation of the people, many of the offices of his township. 
Of his children. John (married a Miss Barlow), Isaac. Stephen. Nahum, 
Lucretia, and one daughter who married Moses Moore, and several younger 
children whose names are not now remembered. 

John Kilgore, a native of Westmoreland County Penn., with his wife Jane 
and his family, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Loss County in 17!»7 : thence, 
about 1809, they removed to Madison County and settled on Three-Mile Run, 
about one and a half miles west of Big Darby, where he died SOOn after. Hi> 
wife subsequently moved to Union Count) 7 , where she remained till her death 
at an advanced age. Their children were as follows : Thomas, who was eighteen 
years of age when they settled in Madison County, and herein 1812 he married 
Jane Patterson, who was born in Botetourt County, Ya.. Octobers. 1792, they 
settled on the place where his son Harvey now resides, and here remained till 
his death. February 11, Ls72. aged eighty-one years. His wife died June J. 
1862. They had eleven children, six now survive. Those deceased were Will- 
iam. Eliza, Rebecca, Sarah and Lucinda ; and those living are John, who mar- 
ried Maloney Beach • William, married Mary Boyd; Harvey, married Judith 
Sherwood ; Simeon, married Elizabeth Cary, and resides in Union County, Ohio: 
Elizabeth, married Chauncey Leach, and resides in Franklin County ; and 
Rebecca, married Jacob Taylor. Mr. Thomas Kilgore lived a long ami useful 
life in Canaan Township, having at the time of his death, been a resident here 
over threescore years and on the same farm where he first settled. He was one of 
the true pioneers, and performed his full share in developing the country and 
bringing it. from its primeval state to its present beautiful condition. He was 
a man of great moral worth and integr it}* of character, and had a great influence 
in molding the general character of the community, both politically and relig- 
iously, as during his life he held most of the offices of importance and trust 
in his township, and religiously had been a devoted member of the Methodist 
Church from his young manhood, or a period of sixty years. His example 
before his family and the eommunitv. was one worthy of admiration and imita- 
tion. Andofhis consort we may add. she possessed all the many virtues of kind- 
ness and religious devotion which rendered her a true helpmeet ; and their lives 
were a true blessing to their family and community, and have left behind them 
recollections of esteem and respect not soon to be forgotten. Of the other 
children of John Kilgore. James, married and moved to Missouri, where he 



770 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

died ; Jane, married Thomas Patterson, and settled in Illinois, where they died; 
John, removed West, where he died unmarried ; and Betsey, married Judge 
Dodge, who died and she is now a widow residing at Marysville, Union County. 
Ohio. 

James Moore, it is believed, was a native of Pennsylvania, but became a 
settler on Mammouth Run, south of Jacob Millikin, as early probably as 1808- 
10 ; he married Betse} T Patterson, by whom he had the following children : 
Stephen, who married Caroline Beebe, and settled near the home place of his 
father ; subsequentlj' he moved to Illinois, where he died ; Moses married Serret- 
ta King and also settled near the home place, but subsequently moved to Illi- 
nois, where he died ; one daughter married William Frakes, and settled in the 
West. Mr. Moore was quite a leading and influential man in this community, 
and held many of the offices of the township ; but he died in the prime of life 
and in the midst of his usefulness, being cut off by death in the sickly season 
of 1822 and 1823 ; he was buried on the farm where he first settled. Ira 
Finch was a native of Vermont, but emigrated to Ohio and settled in Canaan 
township about one and a half miles west of Aniity on Mammouth Run about 
1808-10 ; he married Nancy Bull, and remained residents here till their death, 
Mr. Finch was one of this township's best citizens ; quiet and reserved, yet 
possessing the entire confidence of the people, who continually placed him in 
the best offices of trust of the township, during the greater portion of his life. 
He died about 185G. Their children were Arnienus, who died young ; Pattie 
married Thomas Kilbury ; Sarah married Thomas Harris ; Madison married 
Nancy Clark and settled here, where he resided till his death (he was a local 
preacher in the Methodist Church); Minerva married Sanford Frazell, who died 
with the cholera in 1849. and she has since remained a widow, and resides in 
Amity ; Commodore married Euiily Robey, and subsequently removed to Mis- 
souri, where he died ; John married Emily Kilbury, and settled and remained 
a resident of this township till his death ; Joshua married Catharine Crego, 
and now resides in Amity ; Thompson married Nancy Taylor, and was a resi- 
dent here till the death of his wife, after which he moved to the West, and is 
now a resident of Iowa ; and Etuhama married Silas Scribner, and moved to 
Missouri, where he died, and she is now a widow. 

In 1803, William Taylor, a native of Virginia, on the Potomac River, emi- 
grated to Ohio, and located in Darby Township, where he married. He finally 
settled in Canaan Township, on land uow owned by Harvey Kilgore. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Casto. and the place where he settled, and an adjoining farm 
which he subsequently purchased, he resided through life. He was the father 
of fourteen children — Sarah married Philip Harris, and are residents of Wash 
ington Territory ; Hannah married Henry Fuller and settled in Missouri, where 
they died ; Samuel, deceased ; Polly, deceased; Jacob married Rebecca Kil- 
gore ; Rhoda married Richard Edgar and settled in Illinois, both now deceased ; 
Margaret married Isaac Arthur, and are residents of .Missouri ; William mar- 
ried Martha Arthur, is now deceased ; Nancy married Thompson Pinch, is de- 
ceased : .Mary married James Talpniny, both deceased ; Moses, deceased, and 
three died in infancy. Mr. Taylor was a man of reserved habits, and a great 
lover of home and his family ; a man of linn principles and noble character, a 
good farmer, kin 1 neighbor, ami a muchesteeme 1 and respected citizen. 

Henry EI. Q-andy settled one mile south of Amity, about 1812 11, ami 
lived atid died hen;. He raised a large family oi' children, all believed to be 
deceased. Luke ECnapp, an Englishman by birth, emigrated to America and 
became a settler in Connecticut, where he resided several years; thence removed 
to New York, where he died. In 1812, his son. Elihu Knapp. came to Penn- 
sylvania, and in 1815 to Madison County, and sett led on land on the west side 
of Big Darby, where the cemetery is now located, and here he died in 1823, and 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 771 

his wife in 1836. His wife was Amy Anders, by whom he had three 
children— Electa, married Joshua Holtner, and settled at Worthington in 
1808, where she died soon after; Cynthia, married Solomon Norton, and 
settled in this township: subsequently they moved to Illinois, where she died ; 
and Elihu, married Kesiah Norton, and settled on the place now owned by 
Henry Kent, in Darby Township. Subsequently he purchased a farm in 
Union County, Ohio, where he lived eight years; thru in 1833, he pur- 
chased and located on the place where he now lives. In 1831, his wife 
died. By her he had five children; four grew to maturity: three now liv- 
ing — Alluivtus. Jacob and Amy. Subsequently Mr. Knapp married Polly 
Hayse. by whom he had two children, one now living— Melvin. His wife died 
and he married Hannah Patch; she died in about four years, and he married 
Mrs. Phebe Converse; she died, and he married Mrs. Jane Tarpning, by whom 
he has one child — Lolie. Mr. Knapp is now in his eighty-third year, one of 
the oldest residents of the township, having been a resident here sixty-seven 
years, and has been fully identified with the growth and improvement of the 
county; has held many of the offices of his township; and served as Justiceof 
the Peace I'm- many years. He has had his '■ ups and downs." has been very 
unfortunate in the loss of his wives, but has kept a stead}' course onward and 
upward, having sustained an unblemished character, and an undoubted integ- 
rity, and has the entire confidence of his community; has accumulated a good 
competency of this world's goods, and is a much respected citizen of Canaan 
Township. 

Richard Stanhope, with his family, settled on the William Atkinson land, 
in 1812, the only colored family in that day in the neighborhood. He was a 
very honest man and quite a good farmer, yet very illiterate, with no advan- 
tages of an education. He was nevertheless affable and good natured, with the 
politeness peculiar to his race. James Guy was then one of his nearest neigh- 
bors, and practiced a good many little jokes on Richard, one of which we will 
mention. All the early set this cultivated flax for the fiber, which was con- 
verted into clothing. This crop was always sown in a certain change of the 
moon. The following Friday after this change was the proper time, which hap- 
pened to be Good Friday. Mr. Guy informed him that Good Friday of that 
year came on Sunday. Being a religious man. Stanhope was unwilling to dese- 
crate the Sabbath, so he sowed his flax late on Saturday evening. Mr. Stan 
hope was a slave of (ien. George Washington, and w r as with him during the 
Revolutionary war. He subsequently sold his farm on the Plains ami removed 
to Urbana, in 1836, where he (lied, it is claimed at the advanced age one hun- 
dred and twenty years. He married and became the father of at least three chil- 
dren, one son and two daughters. One of the latter. Sallie, is now residing in 
Mechanicsburg, the only survivor of the family. 

Peter Strickland, a native of New England, settled on the east bank of 
Big Darb} r opposite Amity, and remained a resident of the township through 
life, lie was married four limes, and raised a large family of children, and all 
but one are residents of this township. Mr. Strickland was one of the early 
settlers, a very industrious man. a good neighbor and a well-to-do farmer. 
David Garton a native of New Jersey emigrated to this county and settled on 
Big Darby about two and a half miles south of Amity, aboul 1812 1 I. and re- 
mained a resident of the township till his death, lie married Martha Harris, 
by whom he had two sons: Hosea, married Rebecca Harris and resided here 
until his death ; and David, who settled in Missouri. Mis. Garton died, and he 
married Hannah Packman, with whom he lived till his death, and was buried in 
the family burying-ground on his own place. By his last wife he had several 
children. Mr. Garton was a man honest and upright in his life and character, 
and desired such with whom to live and transact business • and such as were 



772 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

otherwise he preferred, in the language of Scripture, to come out from among 
them, and be separate from such. He was firm in his character and principles, 
and always reliable and a trustworthy citizen. 

Isaac Fuller, a native of New York, married Lucy Warner, and settled on 
the east bank of Big Darby, about two miles south of Amity, about 1812, and 
here he erected a grist mill about 1814 or 1815, which was one of the first 
mills erected in Madison County, and though roughly and poorly constructed, 
vet it proved a great convenience to the earl}- settlers of this vicinit}'. Subse- 
quently, he attached a saw mill to it. Mr. Fuller run his mill for thirty years, 
when he sold his mill property to Mr. Byers, and moved to Iowa, where he 
died. He was the father of the following children : Arnold, married Sallie 
Green, and moved to Iowa and thence to Oregon, and while performing the last 
journey his wife died — he died in Oregon; James married, but his wife lived 
but a short time, and he subsequently married Lucinda Francis and moved to 
Missouri (subsequently he made a trip to California, and on his journey 
back was taken sick and died before reaching his home and family) ; Shubel 
married lihoda Ann Worthington, and moved to Iowa, where he died ; Henry 
married Hannah Taylor and settled in Missouri, where she died (he subse- 
quently died in Illinois) ; Olive, married William Harris, and settled in this 
township, and resided many years, an excellent citizen and a Deacon in the 
Baptist Church (finally removed to Franklin County where she died ; subse- 
quently he died in Champaign County, Ohio) ; Nancy, married George Harris, 
and settled near Fuller's mill, where he died (she subsequently removed to 
Iowa, where she now resides). These children are all by a former wife whose 
name is forgotten. By his last wife, Luc}* Warner, he had one child, Isaac, 
who married Arminta Fuller, and settled in Iowa, where the}' still reside. 
Henry liobey settled just west of Jacob Millikin, about 1816. He married a 
Miss Johnson, by whom he had no children ; she died and he married Mrs. 
Millie McDonald, by whom he had four children — Hezekiah, Henry, Nelson and 
Millie. About 1830, he removed to Hardin County, Ohio, where he resided 
till his death. He was a man of very reserved habits, never holding or desir- 
ing office, luit an excellent man and neighbor, and one of the best blacksmiths 
and mechanics of that day ; possessing great skill, he could make any kind of 
tool or manufactured article for household or farm use, and hence was a very 
useful man in this new countiy in that early day. 

Elisha Bidwell settled in the southwest part of Canaan Township, on land 
since owned by William D. Wilson, about 1816. Of his children, Esaac, deceased; 
.Nathan, now living in Jefferson Township; Uriah deceased; Ephraim, deceased; 
Addison, married and lives in Monroe Township; and Mahlon. who never married. 
Mr. Bidwell was a man of excellent character, and took a great interest in 
educational matters and the general good of the community ; but as a busi- 
ncs-, man, was not very successful, yet his children grew up and have become 
quite successful business men. Knowlton Bailey settled hereabout 1816-17, 
but resided here only a lew years and moved into Jefferson Township where 
lie died a short time previous to the late war. lie raised a large family, but all 
are now deceased but two, Margaret aud Knowlton. Samuel Beebe, a native 
of New England, became a settler of this township idtout 1815. Of his chil- 
dren were Orley, Charles, Samuel, .Judith and William. Mr. Beebe served in 
the Revolutionary war. Stephen Hallock, a native of Vermont, was another 
early settler here, probably about 1816-18. He married llhoda Leach, by 
whom he had two children. Ilyinan and Washington. Mr. Hallock died in a 
few years after settling here, in one of the sickly years of 1822-23. Lemuel 
Greene settled one mile below Amity about 1818-20. He married for his 
ond wife Rachel Brown, by whom he had a large family of children, of whom 
were As;t, Ira. Sallie, Maria, Louisa, Nancy and Cynthia. Mr. Greene was a 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. i i 3 

shoe-maker by trade, and resided here till his death. Levi Francis probably 
settled in this township about 1820 ; he raised a large family of children. 

Mathias Slyh, a native of Virginia, settled on the place where he now 
lives about 1820. He buried his first wife, and married for his second Sallie 
Patterson, with whom he still lives. By his first wife he had three chil- 
dren — John, who resides in Franklin County; Lydia married Alburtus Knapp, 
and now resides in Kansas; and Rebecca .Jane, who married and resides in 
Franklin County. By his present wife he has had Isabel, who married Daniel 
Walker and resides in Franklin County ; Betsey married William Millikin ; 
Ann married Robert Reece and resides in Franklin County ; Mary married 
William Wilson. Jr. ; Ruth married Isaac Beach and resides in Plain City; 
Robert married Sarah Smith, and Charles married Eliza Kilgore. Mr. Slyh is 
one of Canaan's good, substantial citizens ; is now eighty-three years of age, 
and has been a resident here for more than threescore years. He is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and is one of the oldest and best esteemed citizens 
of this community. Warren Fra/.ell. from the Eastern States, settled east of 
Amity about 1825, where he resided till his death. He was a preacher in the 
Methodist Church many years ; he raised a large family of children, who 
became good, respectable citizens of community. 

Richard Kilbury, a native of Vermont, married Obedience Baldwin, and 
in the fall of 18~14 emigrated to Ohio and settled in this township on land now 
owned by William Atkinson, in Survey 7386. Alter residing here a short time, 
itproved so sickly thai he moved to near Cleveland, and subsequently to the Mau- 
mee Valley. Bin after a short residence there, he returned to Madison County, 
and resided here till his death. He was a blacksmith by trade, which business 
he followed through life. He was a member of the Methodist Church ; a man 
of firm and substantial character and undoubted integrity, and held several 
offices of his township. Mrs. Kilbury died in a few years after their settling 
here. Subsequently, he married Mrs. Calhoun. By his first wife he had eight 
children -S >phia, who married a Mr. Sherwood, and resides in Wisconsin ; 
Thomas married Martha Finch she died and la' married Polly Clark) ; Rich- 
ard, deceased ; Dexter, deceased ; Asa married Ruth Clark and resides in 
Union County ; Laura married Mr. Dennich she is now a widow and resides 
in Wisconsin : Nancy married Guy Harris, both now deceased; Emily married 
John Finch he is deceased, and she is now a widow and resides in Darby 
Township . By his second wife he had one son. Alexander, who now resides in 
California. Mr. Kilbury died in May. 1854. 

Luther Lane, a native of Massachusetts, married Lodica G-reen, a native of 
Connecticut. They removed to Vermont about 1800. In 1817 they came to 
Ohio, and settled in Union County, near Milford; thence in 182!> lie removed to 
Pike Township, Madison County, where he died the same year; his wife pre- 
viously died while they were residing in Union County, in January, 182:;. They 
had the following children: Fannie married David Harrington, and settled in 
this county, when thej resided several years, where she died; Eliza married 
David Gitchel, and settled in Union County, thence removed to Illinois, but 
subsequently returned and died in Plain City; Lodica died unmarried; Eliza- 
beth married Otis William, and settled in Madison County, where she died; 
Hannah became the second wife of Otis Witham. and settled and died in this 
county; David, the youngest, married Elizabeth Cox. and settled in Union 
Comity, where they still reside : and Luther, next older than David, married 
Elizabeth Morrissou, and in 1833 settled in Canaan Township. In 1834 he 
he entered upon the mercantile trade with Dr. Lorenzo Beach, in Amity, in 
which he continued aboul eighl years. In September, 1841, he purchased and 
located upon the farm where he now reside-*. Mr. Lane has now spent nearly 
a half century in Canaan Township, and has been intimately identified with its 



774 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

general improvement and progress; has been one of its active business men 
and held many of the offices of the township, and is one of Canaan's promi- 
nent, reliable and respected citizens. He has been an earnest member of the 
Baptist Church forty-one years, and a Deacon in the same for twenty years. 
He and his companion have now traveled the journey of life together for half 
a century. 

Elisha Perkins was one of the early settlers of the Plains. He came hire 
when these prairies were nature's pasture grounds, the wild animals roaming 
unmolested, so far as the march of civilization was concerned. -Mr. Perkins 
purchased and settled on the farm now owned by his son. Eli Perkins. But 
he was not permitted to remain but a few years, for in the sickly year of 1823. 
death claimed him as his own. and he was ruthlessly snatched away from his 
family and friends. His sons were [saac, James. Eh, Horace and Dr. Hiram 
Perkins. The last mentioned was not a resident ot this part of the county. 
Eli still resides upon the old home place. Lewis Ketch, the father of Esquire 
Ketch, of Union County, settled on the Plains in 1814. He was a shoe-maker 
by trade, and worked with Nahum King in a shoe shop at his tannery on the 
Plains, now included in the farm of Joseph Atkinson. The few years allotted 
to Mr. Ketch on earth were spent at his trade, but death had marked him for 
its victim. He passed into the invisible future, leaving a dependent and help- 
less family to the cold charities of the world. His widow married Parley Con- 
verse, with whom she lived till separated by death, after which she went to live 
with her daughter and son-in-law. Caleb Converse, of Unionville. Samuel Sher- 
wood, the father of A. II. and J. C. Sherwood, in the year 1814 moved on to 
the Plains, purchased and lived on the farm known as the Calhoun farm. The 
house in which he lived was built on a high piece of ground, which subse- 
quently proved lobe a gravel bank, and was used to improve the Wilson pike 
Mr. Sherwood was an economical and industrious farmer, but he fell a victim to 
death the second sickly year. 1823. 

We have now mentioned most of the pioneers of Canaan Township ; in 
fact, have above described several families who would perhaps more properly 
be termed early settlers rather than pioneers. There still remains several per- 
sons of whom we must speak; although not pioneers, yet they were early set- 
tlers, and came here at a time when energy, wealth and ability were necessary 
to develop the growth and interests of this naturally rich and beautiful town- 
ship : and in its history we find them to have been the leading prime factors in 
all the main business interests, which set the wheels of industry moving, and 
have produced the greal results of progress and prosperity which have attend- 
ed this township in the past ; and to leave them and their life's work from these 
pages, and call it a history of Canaan Township, would beas faulty as to take 
out thi' main spring and balance wheel of a watch, and still call what was left a 
watch. This is the reason of our bringing in names of many who settled a' a 
more recent date among the early settlers. With the above remarks, we pro- 
ceed to speak of the following: 

A large family of brothers and sisters came to Madison County in the 

ear 1817, following Uri Beach, who came in 1814. The brothers constituting the 
family were : Ori, Ambrose, Amos. Lorenzo. Roswell, Obil and Oren Beach ; 

hi' last two named were twins. They were natives of Vermont. They first 
settled in Darby Township, bul subsequently most If not all of them became 
settlers of Canaan. lint of these, their marriages and families will he more 
fully written (A' in another part of this work, while here we desire to speak of 

hem or of such of them as have been intimately connected with the develop 

uieiit of the business interests and moral progress of this township and people. 

Uri, when he fust came from Vermont to Ohio in 1812, worked for a short 

time near Marietta ; thence he came to Worthington, Ohio, where he married 



H 









"':&'. 




'if- 



-■..:■ 



i 



Joseph King. 



DECEASED 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 777 

Then lie settled in Madison County, on land now owned by Solomon Cary, in 
Darby Township, residing there until 1819, when he removed to Big Darby and 
settled where Amity is now located. Like all new countries, the great majority 
of the settlers followed agricultural pursuits. But time soon developed their 
wants and necessities. Consequently, some musl turn their attention to other 
occupation.- in order to supply the demands and wants of the people. Among 
the first to make this sacrifice and labor for the good of the people in building 
up the country in which he lived was Uri Beach. The first enterprise that at- 
tracted his attention was the erection of a saw-mill. There was but one mill of 
this kind in this part of the county, which was the Saeger Mid farther above on 
the Darby, near the border of Union County. At that time, the people were 
compelled to live in houses with puncheon floors; some, however, had no floors 
except the mother earth. In view of this condition of things, he determined 
upon the erection of his mill, and though remonstrated against by his "better 
half.'' yet he proceeded, selected a site on what was called ■• finch Run," which 
crosses the lower pike just above Jacob Taylor's, and here he built the mil! 
which proved such a blessing to this community. For a further description of 
this mill and its usefulness, the reader is referred to the subject of -Mills," on 
another page. .Mr. Beach soon saw another great want, to facilitate the domes 
tic operations in clothing the families and render them comfortable during the 
winter months. Among the early settlers, the manufacture of woolen goods 
for the family was a tedious operation, especially in preparing the wool of the 
sheep for spinning. Before this latter operation could he performed, the wool 
must be carded into roils, which then had to he all performed by hand, with 
what was called a pair of ••hand cards."' This operation was exceedingly slow 
and laborious. Something to facilitate the labor of carding was the great want 
of the people. The operation of spinning and weaving was only a secondary 
consideration ; for a woman that did not know how to spin and weave was not 
considered at all qualified for matrimony. To supply this want came forward 
Uri Beach. 

Although the obstacles to overcome and the difficulties in the way wen 
great for putting up machinery of an}' kind, the principal of which was the 
great distance and the difficulty of transportation of materials necessary for 
enterprises of this kind. Mr. Beach was in possession of the Yankee 
ingenuity so peculiar to the New Englanders, which gave him some advantage 
in an undertaking like this. The site was selected for his carding machine 
just below hi- saw-mill, not for the purpose of using the water of Finch Run 
for power, hut because it was convenient to his other works .The building was 
erected, the machinery obtained, and all brought into running order. For a 
few years the machinery in operation in this establishment was a picking, 
carding and fulling machine, to which he afterward attached two small spin 
ning jacks This factory was in operation for fifteen years or more, yielding 
quite an income to the proprietor, and equally beneficial to the people of this 
community, and for the people far away, as its patrons were drawn from thirty 
to forty miles distant. It is believed that the first frame house. buill in the 
township was the one standing on the hill, at the foot of which stood the 
factory. 

About 1825, Mr. Beach erected a large frame house for his own residence. 
This house was then considered a very imposing structure and a fine residence, 
and is still standing, though not now used as a residence, and is shown on 
page 69 of Caldwell's Atlas of Madison County. In the view it stands to 
the left, opposite the residence of Jacob Taylor. Uri Beach, in company 
with his brother Lorenzo, purchased of Dr. Comstock a tract of land from 
which they laid out the town of Amity, and here Mr. Beach passed from earth 
to heaven, from works to rewards. 



77^ HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Ambrose Beach, the next son in age to Uri, purchased a farm on the 
Plains, just east of his brother, in the same year the}' came to Ohio. This 
place, for several years, was his home. He having had some experience as a 
clothier, finally consented to connect himself with his brother in the factory, 
where for several years he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. 
The weaving in this factory was all done by hand, with what was called a 
spring-shuttle loom. Subsequently he sold his farm on the Plains and pur- 
chased in Brown Township. Franklin Co., Ohio, and there he remained for 
many years, superintending the management of his farm. The industry and 
economy of his early life gave him a sufficiency in the evening of his days, 
and many years ago he passed away from earth, highly respected as a citizen 
and pioneer of the county. 

Dr. Lorenzo Beach, the fourth son of this family was born in Vermont in 
1797. and came to Ohio as early as 1813. and settled at Worthington, having 
no worldly effects other than a small bundle which he carried in his hand. His 
early education was only such as could be obtained by a farmer's bo}- of the 
Green Mountain State, where time was almost wholly taken up in a struggle 
with the sterile soil for subsistence. He studied medicine with Dr. Carter of 
I i liana, and commenced practice at Amity, about 1820, being, it is believed, 
the first practicing physician ever located in that place. During the sickly 
seasons of 1822-23, he and Dr. James Comstock, who was associated with 
him, attended nearly all the sick of the smitten district, which extended 
over many miles in extent, but the center of virulence was between the two 
Darbys, on land now owned by William D. Wilson's heirs. His field of practice 
must have been very extensive, as old people of Georgesville. fifteen miles 
distant from Amity, still speak of him as the physician of that neighborhood 
half a century ago ; and from their testimony, he was an exceedingly popular 
and successful physician. But it is believed that he lacked confidence in 
himself and in his remedies, to a degree that prevented any enthusiasm in his 
profession, and that the responsibilities attached to the life of a physician 
became to him exceedingly irksome. Hence his inclinations led him to abandon 
the profession for the more lucrative and to him agreeable life of a merchant. 

For several years subsequent to 1833. he was actively engaged in merchan- 
dising, and later in real estate operations Seeing an opportunity for the better 
employment of capital and his abilities, he removed, in 1853, to Livingston 
County. HI., where he continued to I'eside till his death. He entered largely 
into real estate operations in the West, and was successful. In person, he 
wis of medium height, and up to middle life was slight and spare. He was 
quick and active in his movements, of a remarkably cheerful disposition. 'His 

uergy in the prosecution of business was untiring, and he had a stock of 
physical and mental health that never failed him up to within two years of his 
death. lie was a thoroughly honest man. who went through life doing 
thoroughly and earnestly whatever his hands found to do. He died in Fair- 
bury, Livingston Co., [11., in August, 1878, in the eighty-first year of his age. 
His death was caused by structural disease of the heart. 

Etoswell Beach, who purchased land in Darby Township, where Solomon 
Cary now lives, observing the prosperity of his brothers in the woolen mill, 
and the population round about Amity rapidly increasing; that there was a 
growing demand for greater and more extended facilities to meet the demands 
and wants of the people, in order to meet these requirements, he, with his two 
younger twin brothers, Obil and Oren, selected and purchased a site on Big 

Darby, below Amity, on what was known as the Stone farm now owned by 

Francis Nugent. Here they built a dam and erected a building for a factory, 
purchasing the machinery of the older one o\' their brothers, also a new set of 

cards and other machinery necessary for an extensive operation in a newcoun- 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 779 

try like this. In connection with this factory, Mr. Fulton, a son-in-law of Ros- 
well Beach, put in operation a pair of buhrs for grinding corn. It was expected 
by the proprietors of this enterprise that large profits would be realized as a 
recompense lor their outlay and labor. But here was a striking illustration of 
how soon the smooth sea of life may be milled with her rolling billows, ready 
to dash in against the reefs and rocks of adversity. For a few years only was 
this factory in operation. 

Amity had greatly increased in population, and with each returning au- 
tumn the inhabitants of this little town suffered greatly from malarious dis- 
eases. It was suggested thai the stagnant water produced by the erection of 
the factory dam across the Darby was the existing cause of the sufferings of 
the inhabitants of Amity: consequently a petition was circulated and signed by 
many citizens of this place, asking the court to declare this property a public 
nuisance. Every efforl was made by these petitioners to substantiate the 
claims set forth in said petition. This was the first case; of the kind ever 
brought before our courts of justice. It was evidently a question of science, and 
the burden of proof rested upon scientific researches. There were three leading 
questions to be settled in the controversy. First, " What is malaria?" second, 
■ Will stagnant water produce malaria? " and the third. •■ What are its effects on 
the human system? After hearing all the testimony in the case, the court de- 
clared this property to be a public nuisance; consequently this obstruction 
across the Darby was torn out in the early part of the summer. The facts 
arc that during the autumn of that year there was more suffering from sickness 
than in any previous year. The effect upon the proprietors of this factory, 
'.•an well be imagined. But there were a few citizens interested in the financial 
welfare of these men. who gave them something to relieve I heir embarrassments. 
They however became disheartened and discouraged, sold their effects and re- 
moved to the West, where, by industry and frugality, they recovered from this 
financial shock. Roswell settled in Iowa: Obi] ami Oren settled in Kansas. In 
18<;:J, the latter died. 

Dr. Charles McCloud was horn in Vermont February 2, 1808, and moved 
with his father. Charles McCloud. to Delaware County, Ohio, and soon after to 
Madison County, where his father, in 1814, purchased a farm one mile east of 
Chuckery and here they settled, and here young McCloud, who was then only 
-ix years of age, was raised. Possessed of but an ordinary common school 
education, he studied medicine with Dr. Alpheus Bigelow, of Galena, Delaware 
County. Ohio, and mi the completion of his studies located in Amity. Madison 
County, Ohio. The first year of his residence here his professional duties 
evidently were light, as he engaged to teach the village; school one or more 
terms ; but in a few years his practice became very extensive, his patrons being 
scattered all through the Darby Plains, up Big Darby and on Sugar Bun in 
Union County, and in the neighborhood of Dublin in Franklin County. In 
1844, he was the Whig member of the Lower House ofthe Legislature of Ohio, 
and in 1850 a member of the convention to revise the Constitution of Ohio. In 
figure he wasslight, never weighing probably over 150 pounds, and with a slight 
Stoop ill the shoulder-. His complexion was dark. In manner he was grave 
almost to severity. This gravity was not assumed but natural to the man, and 
rarely left him even in the family circles. He was an inveterate reader, and in 
his younger days must have been a hard student in his profession, as he had a 
well worn library. Later in life, from ill health, he gave up his profession and 
entered upon merchandising, but still kept up his habit of study. At one time 
he took up the study of astronomy, and later, when past middle life, became an 
enthusiastic student of geology; so much so was he interested in the latter 
science, that he -delivered several lectures upon it, illustrated by maps of his 
own drawing. A few years before his death, his reading took another direction, 



780 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

that of fiction and poetry. He read the works of Charles Dickens with great 
interest, and was not only a great reader of Shakespeare, but became a critical 
student of the great poet. He was a good debater and a writer of more than 
ordinary force. He was in no sense a politician, and what positions of honor lie 
occupied were unsought; he was called to them and entered upon the discharge 
of his duties with clean bands. As a physician, lie was cautious and conscien- 
tious: and in his diagnosis and prognosis of disease remarkably accurate, which. 
secured to him the confidence of the people to a degree rarely equaled. Al- 
though doing a large practice, it appears he never accumulated but little means 
from his profession, as he was a poor collector and his charges astonishing 
low. Dr. McCloud, in all the relations of life, was honest, un right and pure ; 
his character was absolutely above reproach. He married Mary Jane Carpen- 
ter, by whom he has four children living — Sophronia, Rodney, Newton and 
Mary. The Doctor died of obstruction of the bowels in Plain City, April 1, 
1861, aged fifty-three years. 

William D. Wilson was the son of Valentine and Eleanor Wilson, and was 
born February 27, 1807. and was principally raised in Somerford Township, 
being but nine years of age when his father settled there on Deer Creek. Soon 
after arriving at his majority, he married Miss Nancy Moore, and purchased 
200 acres of land on the Darby Plains in Canaan Township, at 80 cents per 
acre. This purchase amounted to $160, to meet which he borrowed the money, 
his Uncle Daniel being his bondsman. Much of his purchase was under water 
nearly half of the year, but it produced an abundance of grass during the sum- 
mer and fall. He was not an early settler of Canaan Township, having located 
here about 1829-30. He at once built a cabin, and very soon entered quite largely 
upon the stock business, a- his land was better adapted to grazing at that day 
than to tillage, and from his future success it seems he was peculiarly adapted 
to dealing in stock. As a financier and a trader, he was a remarkable success 
Shrewd and careful in all his transactions, economical and industrious, and 
carefully investing his gains in more land, he soon became the owner of a vast 
amount of the best of land upon the Darby Plains, counting his acres by 
thousands and his dollars by thousands upon thousands. He died at his home- 
stead place March 25, 1S7H, aged sixty-six years. He was the father of eight 
children — Alexander, who married Martha Jane Millikin; Ellen, married Benja- 
min Morris, she died childless, December 3, 1857 ; James Monroe, married 
Achsa Burnham ; La Fa3'ette, married Sarah Temple ; William M.. married 
Mary M. Slyh ; Sarah, married John Price ; Washington, married Miss Wilson, 
of Kentucky : Taylor, married Eliza Daily, he died February 17. 1875. 

A man by name of Martin, probably a native of Penusj lvania, settled on 
land now owned by Mrs. Huber, about L812, He had the following children : 
George, Kachael, William, Benjamin, Susan and John. After several years 
residence here, they removed to Champaign County. Ohio. A Mr. Richey, of 
Irish descent, settled on land now owned by Losson Calhoun about 1810-12. 
He finally removed to Union County. Ohio, where he died. Ralph Knox set- 
tled on land now owned by the Wilsons about 1816-18. Joseph and [saac 
Bidwell settled about the same date. Among other early settlers of whom we 
learned no important history were David Harris, Paul Alder, a brother of 
Jonathan, Christian Adams, Joseph Loyd, John Johnson, David Ellis, J. Phelps 
and Patrick Johnson. 

dames Millikin, the third child of .lames and Porotha (McParland) Milli- 
kin. lie a native of [reland, and she of* Massachusetts, was bom in Washing- 
ton County. Penn., duly 12. 1782. lb' married Elizabeth Cook, and in 1830 
with his family removed to Ohio, and settled in Canaan Township. Madison 
County. Col. Millikin. as he was familiarly known, purchased 700 acres of 
land where William M. Wilson now resides, in the vear IS-Jti. and in the fall of 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 781 

1827, he brought his two oldest sons, Samuel and Daniel who were then sin- 
gle, to his land, furnishing them with team and tanning utensils. But they re- 
fused to remain, and returned with their father to their old home ; but Mr. 
Millikin was not discouraged; he sold his old homestead and came with his 
family, and built a comfortable log house out of two old squatter cabins that 
were on the place and fenced in a large pasture; he bought more hind, till in 
all he owned 2,200 acres; finally, gave each of his nine children 200 acres, 
reserving 400 acres for himself. The first purchase cost 75 cents per 
acre, and the balance |1.25 and $1.75 per acre. Mr. Millikeu was a practical 
surveyor, and surveyed and laid out the town of Jefferson and the addition to 
the town of Amity, lie served in many of the offices of his township, and 
was one of the most prominent and reliable farmers of Canaan Township. 
Their children consisted of six sons and three daughters as follows: Samuel, 
married Sarah Sutzer; in 1856, they removed to Iowa; Samuel died in 1877, 
leaving four children. Martha, the second child, married James Boyd, who died 
in 1831 ; his widow still resides here ; she had four children — Robert, living in 
London ; James and Daniel, in Plain City, and Maty, married Mr. Kilgore. 
Daniel, the third child, married Isabel Mullen, and in 1843 removed to Iowa, 
where he, his wife and two children died the same year. John, the fourth child, 
married Rachael Bane, had four children. — James B., Robert, John and Annie, 
who all reside in this county ; Mr. Milliken died in January, 18S2, aged sev- 
enty-five years. Jacob, the fifth child, married Sarah Gary, is a retired farmer, 
resident of Canaan Township, a wealthy man, with all this world's goods that 
heart need desire, with but two children, William and Sarah. Elizabeth, the 
sixth child, married Henry Alder, a son of Jonathan Alder, she died in 1874. 
Annie, the seventh child, married Solomon Cary, who died in June, 1882, and 
she is now a widow and resides in Plain City. James, the eighth child, married 
Rachael Cary in 1840, removed to Jefferson in 1879, where he is engaged 
in the hardware trade : they have six children. Andrew Milliken, the 3'oung- 
est child, married Sarah A. Armstrong, and now resides in Norwich Township, 
Franklin County, Ohio. lie is in very prosperous circumstances, with his 
children all settled around him. 

We have given above, most of the pioneers and earl} - settlers of that por- 
tion of Madison County known as Canaan Township. Some of them settled 
here several years before the erection of Madison County, and more than twen- 
ty years before this township was organized. On the records at London we 
find the following: •■June 7, lsl!). At a meeting of the Commissioners, 
present, Burton Blizzard. Ira Finch and Patrick McLene, on petition being pre- 
sented, ordered that the following bounds compose a new township, to be 
known and designated by the name of Phelps: Beginning at the northeast 
corner of Madison County, running south on the line between Franklin and 
Madison Counties live miles for a corner of Darby Township; and thence con- 
tinue south five miles further and corner for said new township ; thence west to 
the east line of the townships west, and corner ; thence north five miles and cor- 
ner for Darby, and the new township : thence east between Darby and said new 
township to the place of beginning." In a very short time the; name of Phelpa 
was changed to Canaan. Since the above erection of the township, the forma- 
tion of Pike Township and Union County took place and a change in the 
boundary of Darby and of the line between Madison and Franklin Counties 
have brought Canaan Township to its present boundaries. 

SURFACE, SOIL, ETC. 
It is probable that there is no township in Madison County that presents 
a more beautiful aspect than Canaan Township. It has but one principal 
stream, the Big Darby, which enters the township from the north about one 



782 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

:ui<l a half miles west of its eastern boundary, courses southward till it reaches 
the Franklin County line, and continues its southerly course forming the bound- 
ary line between Franklin County and this township, till it reaches the south- 
ern limits of Canaan Township. In the north part of the township it receives 
a small tributary, known as Mammouth Run, which enters the northwest corner 
of the township, takes a general easterly course entirely through the township 
till it empties into the Big Darby. In the south part of the township it re- 
ceives Three-Mile Run, which takes its rise in the southwest part of the town- 
ship, courses almost directly east till it empties into Big Darby. There are a 
few very small creeks which empty into the Darby from the west, situated be- 
tween the two mentioned above, but they are small and insignificant, and many 
of them have no names. The surface along the Big Darby is somewhat un- 
even and broken, but almost the entire township west of the Big Darby is one 
extended plain, very level, and originally, as the settlers found it, consisted of 
oak openings and prairie, much of which was covered with water several 
months of the year. 

In early days the superabundance of water was the principal hindrance to 
the successful settlement and profitable cultivation of the " Big Plains," as they 
were then known ; so extremely wet were they that it produced great sickness, 
and some of the settlers moved away, considering them as almost uninhabita- 
ble. And of those who remained, many a one found an early and premature 
grave. But time, and the prolonged struggle of the settlers in ditching, drain- 
ing and working out this surplus of water, has brought the greater portion of 
it into good grain-producing land, capable of being tilled and cultivated for all 
farming purposes; and in a few years more, with the rapid improvements being 
made, this section will be some of the finest farming land that ever the sun 
shone upon. With a rich black loam from two to three feet deep, its product- 
iveness is almost inexhaustible, and the subsoil of clay and disintegrated lime- 
stone render it almost proof against an ordinary drought. Along the Darby 
and the creeks, where the surface is more uneven, the soil is more of a clay, yet 
very strong and productive. The timber consists of the same varieties as 
found in other townships. Through the plains, burr oak predominates, with 
some hickory and elm; along the creeks some walnut, white, black and red oak. 
Maple, ash and hickory are the principal varieties. Much attention is given to 
the raising of stock and to the dairy business ; these, with the cultivation of 
wheat and corn, constitute the main productions and business of the inhabitants 
of this township. 

TOWNS AM) VILLAGES. 

As there is but one town in this township, and as the business of merchan- 
dising commenced prior to the laying-out of the town, we will revert back to 
about 1826. At this time, the woolen factory of Uri Beach was in full opera 
tion. creating a concentration of the people from a huge extent of the sur- 
rounding country, and Dr. Lorenzo Beach having decided to give up the 
practice of his profession, concluded that there was need of a store in which 
should be kept a general assortment of goods to supply the people of that 
community. Consequently, at about the above date, he opened a store and 
commenced in the mercantile trade. He did a very successful business for 
several years, and here gained his first financial foothold among the eari\ 
settlers as a good financier. Willi the extensive business of the factory and 
Dr. Beach's store, a little village began to grow up around this business as a 
nucleus, and there was quite a demand for more houses. 

In view of this demand. Iri and Dr. Lorenzo Beach purchased a tract of 
land of Dr. James Comstock. embracing that upon which the town of Amity 
nowstands, and commenced l«> lay out a town. Abijah Cary surveyed and laid 
out one tier of lots on each side of the road (now the pike), in all thirty-three 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 783 

lots. The plat was made and the same recorded at London on April 11. 1831, 
under the name of New Canaan. In November, 1834, was recorded an ad- 
dition to the town made 1)}' Dr. Lorenzo Beach and Luther Lane, the same 
being surveyed by James Millikin; and now we find the name of the 
town changed to. Amity, by which name it has since been known. In 1831 
the first hotel was kept by William J. White, and the first blacksmith, P. 
Strickland. The post office was established about 1830, prior to the laying 
out of the town, and was kept by Horatio Adams, on the Finch farm, and 
called New Canaan Post Office. The office was next kept by A. S. Stone, on 
tiie farm now owned by Henry Converse; then it was kept on the Nugenl 
farm, and from there located in Amity, where it has since remained. In is ;i 
35, Luther bane erected a distillery, which was in operation about four or live 
years. About is:;:;, a Mr. Willey erected a comb factory, in which he employed 
several persons, and did a large business lor four or five years. 

Probably about 1832, Dr. Beach was succeeded in the mercantile trade by 
Rev. Henderson Crabb, father of Judge O. P. Crabb, of London. In 1834, Dr. 
Beach and Luther Lane purchased a stock of goods and opened a store in 
another part of the town. At I his period Amity was one of the most nourish- 
ing towns in the northern part of Madison County. Here were two good 
stores, a flourishing woolen factory, a saw-mill, a distillery and :i comfc 
factory, besides a blacksmith and minor mechanical trades. Plain City- 
then did very little business compared with Amity. But alas ! her days 
of prosperity were limited. As given elsewhere in the history of the 
Beach family and oi the woolen factory, the factory dam was declared 
a nuisance, and was torn out and a quietus put upon all manufacturing 
interests in Amity. Subsequently the railroad was built through Plain City, 
and it received a great impetus to its growth and prosperity, and became the 
leading trading and business town of this section; since which. Amity has re- 
mained a quiet country village, doing a small but steady country trade; its 
mechanics, stores and post office being a convenience to the community. 
Amity now contains :i population of perhaps 1(10. and embracing the following- 
business: One general store by David Martin; one grocery by William Thomp- 
son; two blacksmiths and wagon-makers (.John McGuigon and Augustus Fra- 
zell), and one physician. Dr. William II. Jewett. In addition to the above 
business, about one and one-half miles below Amity is quite a flourishing 
general store kept by M. Worthington, who has a good brick building, situated 
on the corner, on the pike and the road leading to Fuller's mill. 

schools. 

Among the early teachers was one Phelps, who figured here quite 
prominently prior to ISl'O. Somewhat later. Dr. McCloud was a teacher at 
Amity. But as the subject and character of the primitive schools and school- 
houses have been fully treated upon in the general history of the county, and as 
the description of them there is equally a description of their character here, 
we will not repeat the matter in the history of Canaan Township. This town- 
ship is now divided into seven school districts with as many good schoolhouses 
The present Hoard of Education are: Subdistrict No. 1. C. M. Butt; No. 2. 
Lemuel Marshall; No. 3. M. Worthington, President; No. 4, -John S.Wilson; 
No. 5. A. J. G-reenbaum; No. (i, J. F. Kilbury; No. 7. Daniel Anderson, 
with G. E. Spring. Clerk. 

Last enumeration: Subdistrict No. 1., males. 2S: females. 30; total. 58. 
No. 2., males, 1 1 : females, 6; total 17. No. 3, males. 2!!; females. 21; total. 
44. No. 4, males, 20; females, 28; total, 48; No. 5, males. 9, females, 10; total. 
19. No. 0. males, 9; females. 11: total. 20. No. 7, males, 21; females, 20: 
total. 41. Total males. 121; females, 126; total. 247. Total receipts: Bal- 



784 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ance on hand September 1. L881, $3,303.10; State tax, $333.; irreducible 
school funds, $21.88; township tax for school and schoolhousu purposes, $1,682.- 
06; total, $5,340.04. Expenditures: Amount paid teachers, $1,908.90; inter- 
est and contingent funds. $1,050.01. Total. $2,958.91. Total value of school 
property, $8,000. 

CHURCHES. 

The lirsi church organization in Canaan Township, and one of the earliest 
in Madison County, was the Big Darby Baptist Church. This was constituted 
in the year 1810, bj- Elder John Thomas, or Champaign County. Ohio, who was 
a traveling minister through this then almost unbroken wilderness. He col- 
lected together a little hand of seven brothers and sisters, who first constituted 
the Big Darby Church, and Elder Thomas preached on the occasion. In 1812, 
the .Mad River Baptist Association was organized at the house of Abijah Ward. 
on Buck Creek, near Springfield, where the following churches were represented: 
Kings Creek. Little Beaver, Nettle ("reek. Antiocb and Big Darby. Ministers 
present. Elders John Thomas. James Johnson and Lemuel Cottrel. There is 
no doubt but that Elder John Thomas was the first pastor of this church. The 
church at this time had no regular settled place of meeting; sometimes they 
would hold their meeting at the house of one of the brethren, and at other 
times when two or more ministers met together, they would hold a meeting in 
i he barn of some brother. Brother Jehu (iuthridge. an Elder of the Baptist 
denomination in that early day . was the second pastor of this church, and the 
successor of Elder John Thomas. In 1813, we find his name among the list of 
ministers added to the association, only one year alter its organization. Elder 
Jehu G-uthridge was succeeded by Elder Thomas Casto, who preached for the 
church as pastor or supply, in 1828-29, Elder Miller served the church as 
pastor, and was succeeded by Elder Bess, who served the church one year 
Some tune subsequent to this, the church was served by Elder Peters. During 
the early history of the church, among the ministers who frequently visited and 
ministered to them were the following brethren: Elders William Sutton, Chand- 
ler Tuttle, T. J. Price and William Fuson. About 1834 -35, Elder Isaac Jones 
was called to take the pastoral care of the church, lie was a faithful minister 
and highly esteemed. He served the church until removed by death. In 1841, 
before the death of Elder Jones, Elder William Fuson visited this church and 
commenced to labor with them in a protracted effort. The meeting continued 
for several weeks and fifty confessed faith in Christ and were added to the 
church. 

After the death of brother -June-. Elder V. lv Bunker was called as a 
pastor of the church, lie was from New Hampshire, a man much esteemed 
for his excellent qualities of heart. During his pastorate, a period of trial was 
passed over by the church. The new members became dissatisfied with the old 
declaration of faith, and what was known as the declaration of faith of the 
Baptists of New Hampshire was introduced and adopted by them, which caused 
dissatisfaction among the old members. The difficulty was finally adjusted by 
both parties agreeing to refer the matter to two brethren — Elders Enos French 
and T. -I. I'rict — with u request thai these brethren would pay them a visit and 
furnish them a declaration of faith in which they could unite. Brother French 
not being in good health did not visit the church, but he and Brother Price 
met and agreeing upon a declaration of faith. Brother Price visited the church in 
December, 1844, and induced the church to lav aside the two sets of articles 
upon which they could not agree, and adopt those he and Brother French had 
agreed to recommend. These were unanimously adopted by the church. Thus 
through the wise and prudent advise of these brethern, discord and division 
thai threatened the lifeof the church were removed, and peace and harmon} 
restored. Elder V E. Bunker resigned the pastoral care o( the church July, 




\ 



<!WW Ou^w^ueJ^ 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 787 

1845. In September. 1845, Elder Martin, from near Dublin, Franklin County, 
was called to the church and served as pastor one year. During his pastorate, 
Brother J. B. Sutton was called to serve the church as supply once a month. 
He was then a licentiate and served them a short time, and resigned that he 
might attend school at Granville. In December. 1847, Brother -lames Simpson, 
of the Mechanicsburg church, who was serving that church half the time, paid 
the church a visit, and in February, 1848, was called by the church to preach 
for them twice a month, and to take charge of the church. In June following, 
a council was called by the Mechanicsburg church, and Brother Simpson was 
more fully set apart to the work of the Gospel ministry. Elder Enos French 
being Moderator, and Elder V. E. Bunker Clerk of the Council. Brother 
Simpson served the church as pastor for over quarter of a century. During 
this long period, the church generally prospered and continued in peace and har- 
mony, but sometimes had its disturbing elements, then again Grace would calm 
the spirits and all would move in unison. In 1866, thirty-two were dismissed 
from the church for the purpose of constituting the Bethesda Church. In 
November, 1801*. a meeting was commenced by the pastor, assisted by Brothers 
T. J. Price and W. B. Thomas. This was the most remarkable in its progress 
and the results of any meeting that was held with the church during its entire 
history. The meeting was continued seventeen days, and seventy added to the 
church. In January. 1873, Brother Simpson resigned his charge, to take effect 
the June following. Elder W. R. Thomas was called to serve the church as 
pastor one-half the time. He accepted, and served three years, closing his 
labors with them June 4, isyti From that time to January, 1S77, the church 
was without a pastor, and was visited by the following brethren : Elders John 
Kyle and E. B. Smith, Brothers Turner and W. S. Kent, when the church extend- 
ed a call to Brother Kent, who accepted and entered upon the labors as pastor. 
March 3, 1877, and he has been their pastor to the present time (1882). 

The iirst regular place of holding meetings of the church was an old log 
schoolhouse with paper windows The next was a small frame erected on the 
same lot where the present house now stands. This was used several years, 
when by the increase of the congregation the house was found too small to 
accommodate the people. And in the summer time when the weather was 
pleasant, it was quite common to hold their meetings in the grove near the 
meeting-house, and the minister would address the people from a wagon. Al 
last the pastor and people resolved to build a suitable house for church pur- 
poses, ami the building was erected. On Saturday. February 1. 1862. the first 
sermon was preached in the new house by the pastor, from Psalms. 27th chap- 
ter, 4th verse. Brothers Elder David E. Thomas and S. J. Price, who were 
present, refused positively to preach in the house till after he had preached ; 
giving as a reason that he hid Labored and travailed to see the thing accom- 
plished, and now he must be the iirst man to preach in the new house. Elder 
D. E. Thomas preached that evening; on the next day. Sabbath, Elder T. J. 
Price preached the dedicatory sermon from 2 Chronicles, 16th chapter, 18th 
verse. The house was dedicated free of all debt. The meetings were con- 
tinued several days and a number added to the church. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Amity. — About 1833-35, a tew persons, under 
the leadership of John Mann, organized a class, embracing, it is believed, the 
following persons: Henry Downing and family, Eli Douglass and family. John 
Finch and family. Obil Beach. Benjamin Willey. Lorenzo Beach. Theron East- 
man and wife, and l!ev. Henderson Crab!), and perhaps a tew others, with John 
Mann as Class Leader. About 1837-38, they erected a brick church, which 
was dnly dedicated to service, and the society continued in a very prosperous 
condition for several years, and al one time was quite large in membership. 
About 1849-50. Mr. Mann sold out all his effects, having carried on a large 

DO 



788 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

business in an ashery and became quite wealthy, and started for California un- 
der the prevailing gold excitemenl there, and from the time of his departure 
the church began to wane, and finally became extinct. 

Union Church, Amity. Aboul 1866 67, by the combined efforts of the 
citizens of the community, led by Rev. George Hathaway, who labored dili- 
gently, a sufficient sum of money was raised, and a good comfortable frame build- 
ing was erected for church purposes. This was dedicated to service the same 
year it was built. The edifice has remained as a union church, in which vari- 
ous denominations have held services. The Christian denomination at presenl 
is the principal one that has scry ice here. 

CKMKTERIKS. 

Among the old family burying-grounds, we mention one on the Joseph 
Atkinson farm; one on the Nugeut jarm, just below Amity, one on the hanks 
of Darby, further down the stream, near Henry Converse's farm, and one -till 
lower down the Parity, on James Millikin's farm. These contain the mortal 
remains of many a worthy pioneer, who. after a long and earnest struggle with 
the hardships of the new settlement, and battling with the malaria and epi- 
demics to which this country was then subjected, with their physical powers 
worn out, ".quietly laid down and wrapped the drapery of their couch about 
them, as one who lays down to pleasant dreams." And here they will rest till 
the last final trump shall sound to call both the dead and the living to the 
final judgment. Peace to their ashes! 

About the year 1860 ground for a cemetery was purchased by the 
Trustees of the Township of Luther Lane, situated just in the rear of the Bap 
tist Church, and which was dedicated to use by the reception of the bcd\ 
of Thurza Reece the same year. They have fenced in and laid it off into 
lots, and titled it up as a permanent ground for the use of the township. 
It has already received a large concourse of the dead, and has some fine mon- 
uments erected, among which is a very large and fine monument erected to the 
memory of William 1». Wilson. In 1882, a fine brick vault was erected, and is 
in charge of a board of trustees who regulate its use. and who have placed it in 
charge of Malanethon Worthington. 

EPIDEMIC AT AMITY. 
In 1849, soon after removing the mill-dam. b\ order of the court, spoken 
of in the history of Rosswell. Obil and (hen Beach, Asiatic cholera broke 
out in all its virulence ami horrors, sweeping away many of its inhabitants in 
the space of a few days, striking terror to the entire Inhabitants of Amity and 
vicinity. Among the prominent and promising that were ruthlessly torn awaj 
was Dr. Burr Carpenter, a very able and Learned young physician, who was 
actively engaged among the cholera patients in rendering all the aid that sci 
.■nee could command. Again, a few years later, this place was \isited with 
small-pox. which carried its loathsome terrors and death to its inhabitants, and 
tO-day its footprints may be seen on many a fair face throughout the surround 
ing country. We are indebted to the articles written by Dr. Jeremiah ('on 
verse for the facts relating to the cholera epidemic in this locality, as well as 
for much of the pioneer data embraced in the history of Canaan Township. 

HILLS Wl» FACTORIES. 

The first saw mill in Canaan Township was erected by Cri Beach aboul 
1820, on what was then known as " Pinch Run." It was situated on the south 
bank, west <>\' the Plain Cit\ pike, on the brow of the hill ; and traces of the 
old mill race are still visible, although tlu' mill itself has long since passed 
away, ami is now one <>{' the things of the past. The building >ii' this mill 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 789 

was one of the great enterprises of thai day, and it took the courage and en- 
ergy of such a man as Mr. Beach to accomplish such an undertaking. To 
erecl a saw mill on such a stream as this at the present day. would be consid- 
ered unpractical; bul when we consider the vast amount of territory drained 
into this run, which in those days (in consequence of the imperfect drainage) 
required months to drain land as perfectly as the same number of days would 
at the present time, one can readily see that this large amount of territory 
acted as a feeder, which gave him power sufficient to run his mill for many 
months in the year. Mr. Beach did a vast amount of sawing at this mill, for 
which the people were very grateful, and man}' a good bouse wife was made to 
feel a little proud when the old puncheon was exchanged for sawed board 
floor, and with quite as cheerful a feeling, perhaps, as the lady of the present 
day with her Brussels carpet. This mill sawed all the lumber for the first 
frame buildings erected in that part of the count} 7 , and for the National road 
bridges across the Big and Little Darby, and we may safety say that few 
persons of today, without mature reflection, can have any idea or appreciation 
of the value of this mill in producing convenience and comfort by the lumber 
it sawed for the various uses for which it was needed in this then new settle- 
ment. This saw mill, with one subsequently erected further below on the 
Darby at the grist null by Isaac Fuller, have been the principal water-power 
saw mills of the township; since their day. there have been several portable 
steam mills located here and there over the; township, as occasion required, and 
transported from (joint to point as the timber was found and lumber desired. 

About D214—15, [saac Fuller having located on the east bank of Big Darby, 
about two miles south of Amity, and right opposite on the west bank, he 
erected a grisl mill, which was one of the firsi in this part of the country. 
Although it was roughly constructed, and of course did not perform work like 
the line nulls of the present day. yet this was to the people of that day a- a 
grist mill what .Mr. Beach's mill was as a saw mill, a great convenience, and 
saved the people of this community from the nece»ity of traveling long dis- 
tances over almost impassable mud roads to distant mills to yet their grinding 
done. Mr. Fuller ran this null for thirty years, when he was succeeded by 
Mr. Byers ; he died and was succeeded by John Acton in the ownership of the 
mill, and he by Mr. J. Carter, who died, and Isaac Francis, his son-in-law be- 
came owner, and is its proprietor al the present time. 

A little below Mr. Beach's saw mill above spoken of. the same enterprising 
man, Dri Beach, soon after erecting his saw mill, built a large two-story frame 
building with a basemenl which was quite an imposing structure for that day. 
The basement was where the power was placed for driving the machinery. The 
power made use of was unique anil the wonder of the aye ; cumbersome, yet 
efficient, and fully met his expectations. It consisted of what was called 
" tread-power." .\ large tread wheel was placed in a horizontal position, or 
rather at an angle or incline of about ten degrees, and this by its revolutions 
which communicated motion to a smaller cog-wheel fitting into it. which b\ an 
upright shaft communicated the motion to machinery, above. Then upon this 
inclined tread-wheel was placed a yoke of oxen, which were tied in position and 
the wheel tended to move downward by the weight of the oxen, to the lowest 
point of the wheel, the oxen were made to keep walking up the incline of the 
wheel, which kept it in motion; and thus the machinery of the factory was kept 
in constant motion. The stopping of the machinery, at the will of the operator, 

was done by means of a heavy friction brake, let down by lever power uj 

the tread wheel. The entire arrangemenl was a curious device, but nevertheless 
effectual and powerful, propelling a large amount of machinery. This factory 
was in use for fifteen years or more, employed about forty hands, and was a 
great benefit to the people of the new settlement. It was succeeded by one 



790 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

built just below Amity, by his three brothers — Roswell, Obil and Oren Beach — 
who purchased tbe machinery of the old factory, added some new machinery, 
and made various improvements preparatory to carrying on business on a much 
larger scale, and the whole to be run by water-power ; also a pair of buhrs were 
put in for grinding corn. This mill, after being run a few years, was declared 
a nuisance, the factory dam torn away and the mill became useless. 

About 1833, Mr. Willey erected a large building in Amity for the manufact- 
ure of combs. This it appears was quite an extensive business, as he employed 
several hands to work in the factory. This ran about four or five years, then 
ceased. 

PIKES AND ROADS. 

Like Monroe Township, the principal roads and pikes run through this 
township from north to south. Through the west part of the township running 
northeast and southwest, is the Wilson pike, which is the direct pike from Lou- 
don to Plain City. The next running through the center of the township nearly 
north and south is the Middle pike. Then further east, running north and 
south through the township just west of Big Darby, is the Jefferson & 
Plain City pike. The cross roads running east and west are principally mud 
roads ; although the Columbus road, running east and west, through the center 
of the township, is now, we understand, being made a pike. The " Pan Handle 
Railroad," runs about half a mile in this township, crossing the northeast 
corner. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 

Below we give the officers of the township from its organization to the 
present time: 

Trustees — 1819, James Moore. David Garton and Richard Kilbury; 1820, 
David G-arton, Alford Nichols and Joseph Bid well; 1821-22, David Garton, 
Alford Nichols and Abijah Cary; 1823. David Harris, Alford Nichols and Abi- 
jah Cary; 1824, Abijah Cary, Isaac Fuller and Paul Alder; 1825, Henry 11. 
Gaudy, Nahum King and James Moore; 1826, Thomas Kilgore, David Garton 
and Ambrose Beach; 1827, Nahum King and David Garton; 1828, Charles 
Beebe, James Kilgore and Samuel B. Stone; 1829, Samuel B. Stone, Charles 
Beebe and Nahum King; 1830, James Calhoun, Ambrose Beach and William 
Harris; 1831, Charles Beebe, James Milliken and Samuel B. Stone; 1832, 
Nahum king, Paul Smith and James Perkins; 1833, Nahum King, Isaac Fuller 
and William Wilson; 1831, -James Millikin, James Guy and Charles McCloud; 
1835, Isaac Fuller, Elihu Knapp and James Calhoun; 1836, Elihu Knapp. James 
Calhoun and Nahum King; 1837. Thomas Kilgore, James Calhoun and Nahum 
King; 1838, James .Millikin, Ira Finch and James Guy; 1839. Elihu Knapp, 
Paul Smith and Thomas Kilgore; 1810. John Mann, William D. Wilson and A. 
S. Stone: 1841, Ira Finch, Luther Lane and Mathias Slyh; 1842, Samuel Flint. 
Asa Kilbury and Luther Lane; 1S43. James M. Hunter, Samuel Flint and 
Thomas Kilgore; 1 8 1 1. A. Harrington. J. M. Hunter and Thomas Kilgore; 1845, 
A. Harrington, James Calhoun and Luther Lane; 1846, Paul Smith. Luther 
Lane and James Calhoun; 1847, Paul Smith. Asa Kilbury and James Calhoun; 
1848, James L. Bradley, Asa Kilbury and Israel Worthington; 1849. Eli Per- 
kins. Albertus Knapp and A. S. Stone; 1S.")0. James Calhoun, Flisha B. Cutler and 
Albertus Knapp; 1851 -52, James Calhoun. Flisha B. Knapp and Henry Dom- 
inv; 1853, Roberl Boyd, Elihu Knapp and James Converse; 1854, Asa Kilbury, 
Jotham Taylor and Silas Dotniny; 1855, Asa Kilbury, Peter Paugh and S. C. 
Dominv; 1856, Thomas Kilbury, Alvin Dominy and James Converse; 1857, 
Thomas Kilbury, James Millikinand Alvin Dominv; 1858, Asa Kilbury, James 
Millikin and John VfcCullough; 1859, Thomas Kilbury, Henry Alder and John 
McCullougli; I860, Thomas Kilbury, Henry Alder and John Stevenson; 1861, 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 791 

James Millikin, Joseph Atkinson and John Stevenson: 1862, James Millikin, 
Joseph Atkinson and Alvin Dominy; 1863, Thomas Kilbury, Jotham Taylor 
and J. A. Henderson; 1864-65, Henry Alder. Alvin Hominy and Harvey Kil- 
gore; 1866, Henry Alder, Alvin Dominy and Thomas Kilbury; 1867, Luther Lane. 
Alvin Dominv and Thomas Kilbury; 1868, W. M. Atkinson. Isaac Bidwell and 
Christopher Humphrey; L869, W. M. Atkinson. Thomas Kilbury and Joseph 
Carr; 1870-71. James Millikin, .John Price and Joseph Carr; 1872; W. M. At- 
kinson, Christopher Humphrey and J. Taylor; 1S7:>. W. M. Atkinson. Wesley 
Carpenter and Jotham Taylor: 1874, Henry Alder, Wesley Carpenter and Al- 
vin Dominy; 187"). .lames .Millikin, John Price and John T. Dominy: 1876-77 
\V. M. Atkinson, Wesley Carpenter and John T. Dominy; 1878, Isaac Alder, 
Wesley Carpenter and John T. Dominv: 187'.), [saac Alder, W. M. Atkinson, 
and Cristopher Humphrey; 1880, Isaac Alder, John W. Morris and John S. 
Millkin; 1881, Isaac Alder. J. T. Dominv and Ira F. Killuirv. 

Clerks— 1819, Knowlton Bailev; 1820, Zena Kello^u ; 1821, Thomas 
Kellogg; 1822, Henry H. Gandy; 1823-24, Samuel Kin-: 1825 28, Stephen 
Moore, Jr.; 1829 31, Warren Frazell ; 1832-34, Stephen Moore: 1835, Charles 
McCloud; 1836 37, Benjamin F. Willey; 1838-39, Charles McCloud; 1840 42. 
James Port : 1843-46, A. S. Stone: 1847-48, Alvin Harrington; 1849 50, 
Roswell Beach; 1851, Albertus Knapp; 1852, H. B. Gilbert : 1853-56, A. Har- 
rington ; 1857, Thompson Finch; 1858, A. Harrington: 1859, Thompson 
Finch : I860, Lawson Bidwell ; 1861, John W. Shaw ; 1862-64, Joshua Finch: 
1865 66, Harrison Predmore ; 1807, Isaac Gary; 1808-0!), Joshua Finch; 
1870-71, IC H. Andrews: 1872-74. Joshua Finch: 1875, R. II. Andrews; 
1876 -77. Joshua Finch: 1878, M. Worthington ; 1879-80, S. P. Andrew ; 1881- 
82, C F. Spring. 

Treasurer's -1819, Paul Alder : 1820-25, Ira Finch: 1 K20 29. Paul Alder: 
L830, Samuel P.. Stone; 1831-37, A. S. Stone: 1838 41, Abijah Cary; 1842- 
52, Charles McCloud; is:,:; 7 1, John F. Ward ; 1875-82, Henry Ward. 

Justices <;/' tfa Peace — 1S1!), James Moore and Ira Finch ; ISl'.'!. David 
Ellis, Ira Finch and Thomas Kilgore : 1827, Thomas Kilgore : 1829-32, Nahum 
King : 1833, Thomas Kilgore ; 1834 37, James Guv; 1838, Charles T. Arthur; 
1839, Henry Alder and C. McCloud ; 1841, Patrick Conner and Henry Alder; 
1844, Eli hu Knapp and T. Kilgore; 1845, James M. Hunter; 1846, Thomas 
Kilgore; 1847 19, Henry Alder; 1852, E. B. Cutler and Albertus Knapp; 1849 
Luther Lane ; 1855, A. Knapp and C. T. Arthur : 1857, T. N. Worthington and 
James Converse; 1860, I. X. Worthington and Eli Perkins ; 1863, Eli Perkins 
and I. X. Worthington; 1864, C. T. Emmas; 1866, I. X. Worthington and 
Henry Alder; 1869 7."). William Kilgore and Henry Alder: 1878, Joseph 
Carr and Henry Alder. 

Overseers <>/ tin Poor.— 1819, Paul Alder and Ira Finch: 1820, Thomas 
Kilgore and Samuel Beebe ; 1821, Nahum King and Samuel Beebe ; 1822, 
Samuel Sherwood and Thomas Kilgore: 1823, Samuel Beebe and John Bur- 
dick ; 1S2I. Henry II. Gandy and Samuel Beebe; 1825, Jonathan Harris and 
Ephraim Carv; 1826, Uri Beach and Abijah Cary; 1827, Henry II. Gandy and 
James Calhoun: 1828. Thomas Kilgore and Orin (>. Beach; 1829, Abijah 
Carey and David Garten ; 1830, Charles Beebe and Amos Harris ; 1831, Abijah 
Cary and Stephen Moore; 1832, Mathias Slyh and Ambrose Beach; 1833, 
Thomas Kilgore and [ra Finch; 1834, Nahum King and S.B.Stone; 1835, 
Abijah Carv and Thomas Kilgore ; 1836, Abijah Cary and John Kilgore ; 1837, 
Abijah Cary and Arnold Fuller: 1838, C. T. Arthur and Samuel B.Stone; 
1839,'Thomas Kilgore and Elihu Knapp; 1840, Thomas Kilbury and Henry 
Alder; 1841, Charles McCloud and Abel W. Field ; L842, James Calhoun and 
Alvin Harrington; 1843, Ira Finch and I. M. Slater; 1844, Luther Lane and 
Abijah Cary. Here the office was abolished. 



792 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

Femi Viewers — 1819, Thomas Kilgore and David Harris; 1820, David 
Harris and Paul Alder; 1821, David Garton and Levi Francis ; 1822, Henry 
It. <}andy and James Comstock ; 1823, Stephen Halloek and Abijah Cary ; 
1824, William Harris and Samuel Sherwood ; 1825, Christian Adams and Jos- 
eph Loyd ; 1826, Christian Adams and Samuel Owens ; 1828, Abijah Cary and 
Jacob Francis ; 1829, John T. Acton and Joseph Loyd ; 1830, Uri Beach and 
Paul Alder; 1831, John Kilgore and Mathias Slyh ; 1832, Elisha Bidwell and 
Samuel Halloek ; 1833, James Calhoun, Nahum King and Abijah Cary ; 1834, 
William Patterson. A. Herrington and Lorenzo Beach ;' 1835, John Johnson, 
Jacob Millikin and Absalom Cary; 1836, James Millikin, Luther Lane and 
Samuel Halloek ; 1837, David Harrington, Mathias Slyh and 5. B. Stone ; 1838, 
James Calhoun, Solomon Norton and Joseph Loyd; 1839, Alexander Finch, 
Gideon Bougher and B. T. Willey ; 1840, Samuel Halloek, Samuel Harris and 
Luther Lane; 1841, John M. Slater, John Saeger and Samuel Flint; 1842, 
James M. Finch and John Saeger; 1843, J. Ellis, William Walker and Jona- 
than Morrison; 1844, J. S. Skinner, Charles McCloud and Isaac Bidwell, when 
the office was abolished. 

Assessors— 1842-43, Mathias Slyh; 1844-46, A. S. Stone; 1847-48, Luther 
Lane ; 1849-50, Iloswell Beach ; 1851-52, Albertus Knapp ; 1853, Uri Bid- 
well; 1854 .").">, James Converse; 1S56, C. T. Arthur ; 1857-65. William Kil- 
gore; 1866, James M. Wilson; 1867-68, W. Kilgore; 1869, James Kilbury , 
1870, Royal Humphrey ; 1871, William Kilgore; 1872, Isaac Bidwell; 1873-75, 
Robert Millikin ; 1876 77, James W. Kilbury ; 1878-80, Charles Slyh ; 1881, 
Henry Bidwell. 

Constables — 1820. Jemmy Phelps and Knowlton Bailey; 1821, Patrick 
Johnson and Knowlton Bailey; 1822, Patrick Johnson and John Kilgore; 1823, 
John Kilgore and Joseph Bidwell; 1824-25, Charles Beebe and John Kilgore; 
1826, Amos Harris and Charles Beebe; 1827, Charles Beebe and Warren Fra- 
zell; 1828, James Perkins ami Amos Harris; 1829, A. Eastman and James 
Perkins; 1830, Moses Moore and A. Eastman; 1831, Solomon Cary and Mathi- 
as Slyh; is:!i\ Henry Beebe and Jonathan Lock; 1833, Mathias Slyh and Henry 
Beebe; 1834, Henry McCumber and Lampson Stone; 1835, Willis Guv and 
Samuel Randall; 1836, Heman S. Halloek and Willis Guv; 1837-38, Willis 
Guy and Thomas Pinch: 1839, John T. Clark and James M. Finch; 1840, 
Thomas M, Pinch and James M. Finch; 1841, James M. Pinch and Herman 
Halloek; 1S42. Mathias Slyh and Israel Worthington; 1843, Mathias Slyh and 
Elisha C. Stevens; 1 s 1 1.' Solomon Walker and Herman Halloek; ISC. Hi, 
Lampson Stone and John McNelly; 1847, James .Millikin and William Kilgore; 
1848, William Kilgore and Solomon Walker; 1849, John Brough and Mathias 
Slyh; 1850, William Winded and James M. Finch; 1851. David Reese and 
Mathias Slyh; 1852 Josiah Fisher and A. T. Kilbury; 1853, William Thayer 
and [ra Kilbury; 1854, John Stephens and 0. P. Kilbury; 1855-56, Pleasant. 
Arthur and J. P. Kilbury; 1S.">7, Isaac Gary and Pleasant' Arthur; 1858, Pleas- 
ant A ft inn- and William Kilgore; 1859, Isaac Cary and William J. White, 

I860, Isaae Cary and Ira I'. Kilbury; lSlil. Isaac Guy and : ; 1862, 

[saac Gary and Isaac Perkins; 1863-64, Ira F. Kilbury and Isaac Gary; 1865, 
Philip Hani, and ha F. Kilbury; 1866 67, Isaac Cary and J. W. Wells; 1868, 
Philip Harris and J. W. Wells: 1869 70, in F. Kilbury and J. W. Wells: 1S71, 
R. S. Jones and J. W. Wells; 1872, J. W. Wells and Mathias Slyh; 1873, Ma 
(bias Slyh and Samuel Patterson; 1S7I 7."), Samuel Patterson and Isaac Gary; 
1876, Isaac Cary and James Kutan; IS77, Orson G. Kilbury and Charles T. 
Arthur; 1878, Joel Cutler and Robert Cary; L879, H, B. Converse and Stephen 
Cary; 1880, A. M. Caseand H. P. Converse: issi. William S. Arthur and L. G 
Alder. 



FAIRFIKLD TOWNSHIP. 793 



CHAPTER XI 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

P^HIS township occupies a position in the eastern tier of townships of 
JL Madison County, bordering- on Franklin County, and is the second 
township from the south line of the county, and is bounded as follows: On 
the north by Jefferson Township, on the east by Franklin County, on the 
south by Pleasant and Oak Pun Townships, and on the west by Oak Run 
and Union Townships. It was erected much later than most of the others 
in the county. By the records wefind the following recorded June 2, 1835: 
" At a meeting of th« Commissioners of Madison County, present Burton 
Blizzard. Thomas Jones and Jacob Garrard, on petition being presented, or- 
dered, that the following bound.- compose a new township to be known and 
designated by the name of Fairfield. Beginning at the northeast corner of 
R. Means' Survey. No. 5,046; thence to the northeast corner of John Beck's 
Survey, Nos. 11,096 and 12,141; thence to the line between Madison and 
Franklin Counties (passing ten poles south of Thomas Durfiinger's house), 
thence with said line soul h so far that, a west line will just leave Hiram 
Tipton's in Pleasant Township: thence west to Deer Creek; thence up the 
creek to the county road from Robinson's Mill to Jefferson, thence with the 
west boundary of said road to the easterly line of D. Bradford's Survey, No. 
3,973, thence with said line to the place of beginning." 

On the records, bearing date December ~i. 1841, we find the following 
change of line between Fairfield and I'nion Townships, viz. : "At a meeting 
of the Commissioners of Madison County, a petition was presented praying 
for an alteration in the line between Fairfield and Union Townships: where- 
fore, it is ordered that said line be established as follows: Beginning where 
the lower line of John Evans' Survey. Xo. 4,124, crosses Deer Creek, thence 
with said Evans' line to his southeast corner (so as to include Thomas 
Chenoweth), thence with the east line of David Bradley's Survey, No. 3,973, 
to the Jefferson road." 

From the lack of any records of Fairfield Township, we are unable to 
give any information regarding her early elections, or any record of her first 
officials, as there is not even a "tally-sheet " preserved prior to L879. 

3UR] V.CE, SOIL, ETC. 

Fairfield Township is much like Deer Creek Township and in fact much 
like the greater portion of Madison County in its surface and soil — very 
level, with slight undulations, especially along the creeks, as it has no large 
stream within its territory. In it- original state, as the first settlers found 
it. there were quite large tracts of prairie scattered here and there over its 
stirface. which was covered with a heavy sedge, which constituted quite a 
sustenance and helped to support the stock of the early settlors. The soil 
is principally deep, rich and composed mainly of loam and clay, with a 
limestone gravel as a subsoil, and being very flat and level and of a nature 
to hold water, was originally very wet and much of it, in wet seasons, cov- 



794 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ered with water; but which in later years is being ditched and drained, so 
that it constitutes excellent farms equally adapted for grass or grain. The 
timber portion of the township was never what could be called heavily tim- 
bered, consisting principally of white and burr oak and hickory. Like a great 
portion of Madison County, this township has never held great attractions 
in the line of heavy or valuable timber; hence, we would not expect to find 
any extensive business carried on here in the way of saw-mills or dealing in 
lumber, as is the case in some counties. One great attraction to the first 
Bettlers of this township and county was the prevalence of vast numbers of 
deer and other game, especially of the former, which were often seen in 
large herds, and it is said that probably no section of the State contained in 
an early day such vast numbers of deer, and held out such attractions to the 
hunter as did this couuty. Hence we find many of the first settlers here 
were " squatters," sportsmen, who located temporarily for the purpose of 
hunting and killing deer and other game, and they located along the 
creeks and streams and localities most frequented by these herds of deer, 
and there erected their rough and temporary cabins, and for a time gave 
their great attention to hunting. Finally, as game became scarce, they re- 
moved to other and fresher hunting grounds in the West, their places being- 
filled here by the permanent settler, who located to make a home and a 
farm. 

Not a hundred years ago this section of country was occupied by sav- 
ages in their paint and wigwams. Next came the hunters and trappers fol- 
lowing in their trail, with just a degree more of civilization and comfort. 
Then the pioneer settler appeared in his rude pole and log cabin, and these 
supplanted by substantial and comfortable hewed-log houses; and these 
again by good, attractive frame and brick houses. And finally, here and 
there, scattered over the now thickly populated country, and in the wealthy 
cities and their suburbs, appear the palatial mansions. What wonderful 
changes and progress in so brief a period! And not only is this progress 
and comfort exhibited in the dwellings and habitations of our people, but 
even a greater advance and progress has been made in all the arts and sci- 
ences. The invention of machinery, by which to expedite and carry on the 
work of agriculture with ease; the wonderful application of machinery to 
spinning, weaving and the manufacture of clothing and wearing apparel, 
and the astonishing result of application of steam power for manufacturing 
purposes, and in the transportation of the people and products of one sec- 
tion of the country to another. And Madison County and Fairfield Town- 
ship have experienced and exhibited in their history these vast changes and 
progress. The log cabin of the pioneer, with its clapboard roof, greased 
paper windows and latch-string door are things of the past. The old wood- 
en mold-board plow has been supplanted by the improved cast-steel and 
sulky plows. The sickle and the cradle — those implements so slow and te- 
dious, and back-ache and side-straining tools, are now supplanted with the 
easy and rapid-working reaper and self-binder — the acme of genius. 

The pioneer sold his corn at <>', to 12 cents per bushel; wheat at 25 to 
40 cents, and often hauled it many miles to market over almost impass- 
able mud roads, to get even those prices. Now, a short distance from his 
door, and that mostly over a good piked road, is the railroad station, where 
he can sell his grain, and it is shipped to distant markets in any part of the 
country, and he obtains a good price for all he has to sell: and not only his 
grain, but for all his stock and products of his farm. 

The first settlers spun, wove and made all their fabrics and clothing 




/w/sYlSvy MjjaSi^l^l Gu^r\ 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 797 

The buckskin pants of the hunter, the tow shirt of the pioneer and the lin- 
sey-woolsey for the women, all had their day and were succeeded by the finer 
and more attractive cloth and dress goods of the present generation. All 
this is well and shows the inventive genius and progress of our people. 
And as we v'ew in retrospect this wonderful progress and development of 
our country and its people, it is to be regretted that society is rapidly being 
formed into castes, each of which, possessing different degrees of intellect or 
financial ability, is becoming socially isolated one from the other, tending 
to produce an aristocracy, a mediocrity and a commonalty, which in their 
extremes tend To weaken our usefulness and progress, and produce unhap- 
piness by back bit ings and efforts to pull down the one and build up the 
other. In the days of the good old pioneers, when neighbors were few and 
far between, how warm and friendly were their greetings! They would 
then go miles through the woods to assist one another to erect their log 
cabins. They would exchange help in manual labor, or in the necessary 
provisions and commodities of life, and cheer and encourage each other in 
the arduous duties of opening out and subduing this then wilderness. 

Then the tow shirt and linsey dress were ample habiliments in which 
to mingle in worship in the house of God. The heart was satisfied; they 
loved God, and they loved each other. The eye had not learned to long for 
the gaudiness of dress, and when they met together to worship, the heart 
worshiped and not the eye. All were sociable and friendly; all were trav- 
eling the same road, with the same object in view — a home, comfort, happi- 
ness, peace and heaven. In the present age of wonderful progress, in all 
that pertains to the prosecution of the various branches of business in life, 
to acquire wealth and the comfort it brings, let the people nor forget the 
social and moral obligations they owe each to the other. And while man 
seems to be approaching Deity in inventive genius, may he advance and 
progress in a like ratio in his social, moral and religious obligations to his 
fellow-man, and let more of that true love and friendship of the worthy old 
pioneer be cultivated to the great comfort, prosperity and happiness of the 
people. 

STREAMS-. 

As mentioned above, in speaking of the surface and soil, this township 
has no large stream within its territory; yet. from the flatness of the country 
and the nature of its soil, it is generally well watered for stock purpose- 
There is very little water-power for mill or manufacturing purposes, and 
very little demand for such, as this is strictly an agricultxiral and stock 
raising township, having but comparatively little timber of value, but pos 
Bessed of a deep, rich soil, well adapted to the raising of stock and the cul- 
tivation of grain, and these have monopolized the capital and attention of 
her people. 

The largest stream is Deer Creek, which passes through the southwesl 
era corner of the township, entering the township from Oak Hun and run- 
ning in a southern or southeastern course about half a mile, thence it turns 
south and continues about one mile and enters Pleasant Township. The 
next largest si ream is Opossum Run, known in an early day as Plum Run. 
It takes its rise on the George Hume farm, and takes a general southeasl 
course to near the line of Franklin County, thence takes a southern course 
and enters Pickaway County. Its present name was given it by John Phe- 
bis and Isaac McHenry, two of the early settlers who came up the creek 
from Yankeetown, in Fayette County, seeking a location. As they were 
traveling up the stream, they were suddenly startled by a large opossum. 



798 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

with a large brood of young ones clinging to the old one; these they killed, 
and on their journey returning they came upon another which they also 
killed, from which circumstance they gave it the name Opossum Run, by 
which it has ever since been known. 

A little southwest of the last-mentioned stream is Lubbergut Creek; it 
takes its rise in the southern portion of the township, and runs in a south- 
eastern course and enters Pleasant Township. Its name originated as fol- 
lows: A large fleshy man by the name of Mantle, who weighed 480 pounds 
avoirdupois, and who lived near the creek, was accustomed to almost daily 
cross the creek on a f\>ot-log. Two neighbors thought they would have a 
little fun with the ponderous and weighty Mr. Mantle, so they sawed the 
foot-log from the under side nearly through, and the next time Mr. Mantle 
attempted to go across on the log, down went the log, Mr. Mantle and all, 
and gave him quite a wetting in the creek, since which incident the creek 
has ever been known by the euphonious name of Lubbergut Run or Creek. 
West of tins is a small stream called Tortle Run, which l'ises on or near F. 
L. Young's farm, runs southwest and enters Pleasant Township. There are 
no other streams of any size within the limits of the township. 

PIONEERS. 

Enoch Thomas cai^e from "High Knob," Va., and settled on Opossum 
Run on land now owned by John Heath, in 1807. He was a man of excel- 
lent Christian character, a great worker in the United Brethren Church, and 
was the leading active man in organizing the church, which has since been 
known as the " Thomas Chapel." . His house was ever open to their minis- 
ters and his hospitality never exhausted. He lived on the place where he 
tirst settled till his death, September 31, 1851, aged seventy-nine years. 
He married Jemima Phebis, who died June 17, 1822, aged forty-live years. 
He married for his second wife Mrs. Foster, nee Dorcas Clark. She died 
October 23, 1842, aged sixty-one years. At a very early day. Mr. Thomas 
erected a brick house, which, it is said by some, was the first built in the 
county. 

John Phebis. a native of Kentucky, who was an early settler at Yan- 
keetown. Fayette County. Ohio, from whence he came to Madison County 
and settled on the land where Judge E. O. Fitzgerald now lives, in 1807. 
Mr. Phebis was a great hunter and devoted himself principally to that occu- 
pation: was a lively, jovial man, yet a very sociable neighbor and a good 
citizen. But as this county became settled up. and the game scarce, he de- 
sired better and more extensive hunting grounds, and he removed West to 
the Ozark Mountains ni Missouri, lie subsequently, became a settler 
in Indiana, where he died, and some of his children still reside in that State. 

David Dennison. in 1807, settled on the land now owned by B. W. 
Noland, on Opossum Run. He died October 1. L823. .Jonathan Benja 
min settled on land now owned by D. D. Downing; was a native of New 
Jersey. Isaac and Daniel Long settled where W. B. Fitzgerald now lives, 
about L808; the Latter was a preacher in the New Light Church. William 
Ware came from Kentucky and settled on the tract of land now occupied by 
.he village of California, about L810 or L812. He served as Sheriff of the 
county and was quite a leading, prominent man of that day. James Blair, 
better known in Former days as " Big Jim,'' came from Kentucky and set- 
tled here about L813. He died September 20, L8 16, and his remains rest 
in the Fitzgerald Cemetery. Robert Thomas, a native of Virginia, settled 
on a tract of land just east of California, about L815; the land is stilJ in 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 799 

the possession of his descendants, and his history with a large family of 
the Thomas name is fully written in the biographical sketch of his grand 
son, Robert Thomas, in this work. Thomas Dennison settled where Will- 
iam D. Pringle now lives in 1815. Charles Henderson, a native of Vir- 
ginia, came to this county with a surveying party as a chain-carrier, and be- 
came a settler of this township very early. Richard Newland settled here 
about 1818. Joseph -Jackson came from New Jersey to Cincinnati in 1818. 
In 1819, settled near London, this county, and, in 1820, settled in Fairfield 
Township, on the land where his son Amos now lives, where he resided 
till his death, in January, 1861, aged eighty-three years. He was a sue- 
cessful hunter; knew just when and where to hunt; and yet he never let 
hunting interfere with his other business, and made hunting quite profit- 
able. He fully experienced the hardships of pioneer life. He worked for 
25 cents per day. sold corn from 10 to 12 cents per bushel, bacon for $1.25 
per hundred pounds, and chopped and split rails for 25 cents per hundred. 

William Cartnaill was a pioneer from Kentucky, and, in the spring of 
1813, came to Franklin County, Ohio, and, in 1824 or 1825, located in this 
county. John F. Chenoweth was born in Mason County, Ky. , September 
15, 1793. In 179',*. settled with his parents in Ross County, Ohio, and, in 
1800, they settled on the Big Darby, Franklin County. Ho married Mar- 
garet Furguson March 21, IS 11, and lived on his father's place till 1820; 
he purchased land in Madison County, where he has since resided. Ed- 
ward and Lewis Godfrey settled here about 1825. The former died June 
8, 1838, aged forty-seven years. The latter died June 3, 1838, aged fifty- 
two years. James Byers, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Ross County 
in 1806. In 1820, settled in the north part of Fairfield Township, Madi- 
son County. He was an excellent man, whose life and history is preserved 
in this volume. 

George Hume and his wife, Ann (Scott) Hume, settled here in 1826. 
Mr. Hume died March 20, L856. Mrs. Hume still lives and. resides with 
her daughter, .Mis. Edwards, at Lilly Chapel, now eighty-eight years of 
age; for a full history of their pioneer life, see sketch of Samuel H. Ed- 
wards. A. Q. Bennett settled about the same year with Mr. Hume. Judge 
Edward (). Fitzgerald and William B.Fitzgerald settled where they still 
reside, the former in L829 and the latter in 1828. Judge Fitzgerald is well 
and favorably known throughout Madison County and several adjoining 
counties. He has been identified with this county in its growth and prog- 
ress for more than half a century, and is one of her most honored and re- 
spected citizens. Jeremiah Johnson settled on land now owned by J. C. 
Byers in L831; lie was a native of New Jersey; in L855 or 1S5(>, he removed 
to Warren County, 111., where he now resides. Wesley Lilly settled north 
of Lilly Chapel in 1830. and has been closely identified with the growth 
and progress of the northern portion of Fairfa'eld Township 

John Shepherd was born in Virginia, and with his wife Judy came to 
Ohio soon after the war of LSI 2. and settled in Ross County. About 1831, 
came to this county and settled near California, on land now owned by 
Richard M. Johnson, and here resided till his death, August IS. 1850, aged 
sixty-five years. His wife died about 1869, aged sixty eight years. He 
was a soldier in the war of L812. He was a prosperous farmer, a worthy 
citizen and a devoted member of the M. E. Church. Daniel C. Freeman was 
born in Belmont County, Ohio. July 28, 1802, his ancestors being from Ire- 
land. In IS;!:!, he became a resident of Fairfield Township, and has been 
thorougbly identified with her growth and interests. At the organization 



800 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of the township, in 1835. he became the first Clerk. He is now eighty 
years of age, and has been a resident of this township nearly half a century. 
George Noland, a native of Virginia, settled where William Gillhain now 
lives about 1833, where his wife died October 2, 1862, aged sixty- two years; 
in 1868, he removed to Missouri, where he died, November 4, 1878, aged 
seventy-four years. J. C. Strain settled where Henry Lnse now lives in 
1834, and has remained a resident here forty-eight years; is a leading and 
honored citizen of the township. James D. Truitt, a native of Maryland, 
became a resident of Madison County in 1811, and of Fairfield Township 
in 1836, settling in the north part of the township. 

John Creath became a settler of this county with his parents, near Mt. 
Sterling, in 181 1. In 1838, he settled in Fairfield Township, where he re- 
sided till his death, January 15, 1881, an honored and worthy citizen. 
Valentine Recob settled here in 1846. William D. Pringle settled in this 
township in 1848, and he and his worthy family have been fully identified 
with her business interests, improvements and progress since, and their val- 
ued and important lives are reflected in biographies of William D. Pringle 
and J. Alfred Pringle. Daniel Thompsou settled on Opossum Run quite 
early, and built one of the first saw-mills in the township. 

CHURCHES. 

For many years there was no church edifice within the territory of what 
now comprises Fairfield Township, but the venerable pioneers here, as in 
other localities, were not long without the dispensing of the word of God in 
their midst. Probably the first place in this township where the Gospel 
was preached was at the house of the worthy pioneer, Enoch Thomas, on 
Opossum Run. He was an earnest and devoted Christian of the United 
Brethren faith, and very soon after his sottling here, in 1807, preaching 
was had at his house, and continued to be dispensed there and in the prim- 
itive log schoolhouses in the neighborhood, till, at a later day, as the coun- 
try became more thickly settled, a class was organized and a house built for 
church purposes, near Mr. Thomas 1 , but just over the county line, in Frank- 
lin County, in accomplishing which Mr. Thomas was the chief actor and 
leading support, to honor whom the church was called the Thomas Chapel. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at California. — Here, as elsewhere, 
we find the Methodists with their itinerant system early in the field, and. 
as soon as the settlements demanded it, their preachers were soon on the 
ground and held meetings, first at private houses, and thence, as soon as 
6choolhouses were built, they were used as places of worship. We find a 
class early organized at Spring Hill, about three miles northeast of Cali- 
fornia, and another class at the Bales Schoolhouse. At the latter place, 
preaching was held regularly every two weeks. These meetings were 
generally conducted by a number of Methodist preachers, one after ah 
other, as they came on to the circuit, till after the town of California was 
I aid out, when, in 1852, they decided to erect a church in that town. Rob 
ert Thomas gave and deeded them a lot. and, in the summer of the above 
mentioned year, the present frame house was erected, and they organized 
with the Eollowing members: John F. Chenoweth. Charles Henderson 
Charles Warner, Muses Ellsworth, Hezekiah Chenoweth, Andrew White, 
John Callander, Thomas Corder, Richard Johnson and their wives, Rachel 
Bales. Sabina Hume, with, perhaps, a few others, whose names are not now 
remembered. Charles Warner and Hezekiah Chenoweth were class leaders 
for many years. A.mong the first ministers were Revs. Kurd. Wolf, Smith, 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 801 

William Sutton, Stewart and Young. The church has had many precious 
seasons of revivals, and in former days seemed to possess more vitality and 
earnestness than of late years. The church building is becoming old and 
dilapidated, and a new one is very much needed. The present membership 
is nearly one hundred, with Rev. J. W. Waite as their minister. The class 
leaders are Charles Warner, Lucy Minshall and Minnie Higgins. The 
church and community are abundantly able to erect a good house, and, 
whenever the Spirit and (rod's grace shall pervade the hearts of the people, 
as it did the forefathers, she will arise in her might and strength, a new 
and beautiful house will be built, Zion will prosper, (rod honored and the 
people blessed. 

Dennison Chapel (United Brethren Church). — About the year 1849, a 
class was formed at the old log schoolhouse which stood on the farm of 
Lemuel Lawrence, with thirteen members, some of whom were as follows: 
John Creath, James Dennison, W. Estep, Elizabeth Dennison, Michael 
Robey, Jesse Timmons, with Joseph Timmons as class leader. They had 
preaching every three weeks in the schoolhouse. The first minister was 
Rev. Jesse Bright. Subsequently, they held their meetings for awhile at 
the house of William Peel, who then lived on the Lawrence farm. About 
1852 or 1858, they built a log house for church purposes, by each person 
furnishing a specified number of logs. It was built on the same lot where 
the present church stands. This house was quite large and commodious, 
and within its walls much good was done. This building was burned down 
in 1860. But they went right to work, and, in 1861, the present frame 
house was erected, and was dedicated, in the fall of 1861, by Rev. Joseph 
M. Spangler, Presiding Elder of the Winchester District, in the Scioto 
Conference. The church prospered and increased in membership quite 
rapidly under the faithful and earnest labors of Rev. William Ferguson, 
James Ross, and others, and at one time her membership was one hundred 
and forty to one hundred and fifty. Subsequently the church declined very 
much; and one among the various causes of her decrease in members was a 
large emigration West: forty three persons among the most efficient mem- 
bers moved to the State of Missouri. Her present membership is about 
sixty, with F. Reibal as their minister, and Henry Bowers and Samuel 
Watrous as Class Leaders. During the existence of this church, they have 
generally had a good and prosperous Sabbath school. James Brown is its 
Superintendent at the present time. 

Methodist Episcopal Church at Lilly Chapel. — From the best informa- 
tion we can get, this church was organized about 1828. The class em- 
braced the following persons: Philip Durflinger, Isaac Morris, George 
Bell, Amos Morris, Stephen Morris, William Tway. David Sidner, David 
Crane, Daniel Durflinger, Samuel Tway, with their wives. For many 
years, their meetings were held at private houses and in schoolhouses. 
Among their first ministers were Rev. David Kemper and William West- 
lake. The present church edifice was built about 1850. and received the 
name of Lilly Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. 

German Lutheran Church. — In 1867 a few persons of the Lutheran 
faith convened together and organized a church at Lilly Chapel, embracing 
the following persons: Louis Gierich, Charles Greassle, John Mantz, Mi- 
chael Bellman, Lawrence Miller, Charles Stark, Jacob Schwartz, Jacob 
Cowling, with their wives and some of their children, numbering twenty or 
more persons. They held their meetings in the schoolhouse, with Rev. 
Henry Horst as their minister, who continued as such about three years, 



802 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

when, from having several other appointments at other places for preaching, 
he was compelled to make his appointment for preaching at Lilly Chapel 
on a week day, and, from the pressure of work and business matters, the 
people were unable to attend services with regularity, and preaching was 
discontinued and the organization ceased. In 1878, they again re-organized, 
with the same members, except Jacob Cowling, who had moved away, with 
the following additional persons: Henry Wise, Martin Straus, Mrs. Young 
and John Grierich, with Rev. Henry Peters as minister. Services were held 
in the schoolhouse till in May, 1882, they obtained privilege to hold serv- 
ices in the M. E. Church. On December 25, 1880, a subscription was 
commenced to raise money to build a house for church purposes, and their 
efforts have been continued till they have an amount raised sufficient to jus- 
tify them to commence the erection of the house, and, July 2, 1882, is ap- 
pointed as the day to lay the corner- stone, after which the work will be 
pushed forward to completion as rapidly as possible. The church now has 
a membership of twenty eight, and it is hoped the church will prosper and 
increase in numbers and usefulness. Mr. Peters, their former minister, 
received a call to preach at Yeagerstown, Penn. . which he accepted, and 
resigned his charge here in the summer of 1881. He was succeeded here 
by Rev. W. H. Brown, who is still their minister. 

CEMETERIES. 

As the pioneers penetrated the forests and the unsettled portions of our 
country, disease, sickness and death met them everywhere, and it very so. n 
became necessary to have a place to inter their dead. And as they always 
advanced ahead of the organizations of townships and counties, there could 
be no provision made by their authority; hence with them every neighbor 
hood and often each family had to provide for their own dead. Hence we 
find in all localities, where the first settlers located, family and neighborhood 
burying-grounds, some of which have been fenced in and carefully protect- 
ed, and a few have since become the property of the townships, and enlarged 
and improved until they have become beautiful and pleasant places, fitting 
depositories for the bodies of our dead, while others again have been neg- 
lected, and all headstones and marks or inscriptions obliterated, and the 
grounds again thrown into the open fields, and the plowshares tear the 
soil, or the stock roam at will above their sleeping forms. 

The first burial-place in Fairfield Township, arid, in fact one of the first 
in Madison County, was the Fitzgerald or Opossum Run Cemetery. This 
was first used as a family and neighborhood burymg-ground, when the tract 
of land was owned by John Phebis. It was dedicated by receiving the body 
of a man, name now unknown, who came here from Chillicothe to settle. 
and, while cutting down timber to build his house, was killed by a falling 
tree. Tins it is believed occurred about 1808. The next to receive burial 
here, as shown by the tombstone, was [sane Woods, who died October 16, 
1812, aged twenty-five years. He was a soldier, and had been with the 
troops out toward Sandusky, and they were returning home, having had a 
successful and prosperous trip, were rejoicing over their successes, when he 
was .iccidenally shot and killed. Another pioneer deposited here was Jamos 
Blair, who died September 20, 1816, aged thirty-six years. Some others, 
prior to 1825, were Joannah, wife of John Clark, died May 31. 1819, agod 
thirty six years. David Dennison died October 1, 1823, and Kichard New- 
land died May 1 1. 1825, aged thirty years. From this time forward, this 
was a general burying-place for the neighborhood, and accessions to this 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 803 

" city of the dead" were frequent and numerous. After Judge E. 0. Fitz- 
gerald became the owner of this tract of land, lie set apart and fenced in 
one acre of ground devoted to burial purposes, which remained thus till 
in the spring of 1880 the Trustees of the township received and took charge 
of it and purchased three-fourths of an acre more and added 10 it, and the 
township now has a deed for one and three-fourths acres of ground, which 
is high and dry and well adapted to cemetery purpose-.. 

Dennison Chapel Cemetery. — This burying-ground immediately joins 
on the west side the lot upon which the church is built, and was appropriated 
to the burial of the dead at a much later date. It is well inclosed and pre 
served, and within its inclosure are evergreens and shrubbery, giving it an 
appearance of (-are. It has received many of the dead of this church and 
neighborhood. Tbe first person to be buried here was Cyrus Nichols. 

The Thomas Cemetery. — This is located a little east of California and 
just east of the schoolhouse, and was appropriated for this purpose by Rob 
ert Thomas, who owned that tract of land and was dedicated by the recep 
tion of his body, who died August 9, 1831, since which it has received the 
bodies of many of the early settlers and people of the neighborhood. The-..' 
embrace all the burying-places that are preserved, and now r have a visible 
existence within the territory of Fairfield Township. 



The education of the children of the early settlers of Fairfield Town 
ship received their prompt attention, and, although like all new settlements, 
they labored under great disadvantages, yet they did what they could, and 
we find them early establishing schools, and, though the first schoolhouses 
were rude structures, and the qualifications of their teachers, and the privi- 
leges generally very limited yet they served as a beginning; and the ear- 
nest efforts of the people, the sacrifices and self-denials they made in that 
early day to give their children the much needed instructions, deserve the 
admiration and gratitude of their descendants and all lovers of learning 
and progress. 

The first schoolhouse built within the limits of this township was erect 
ed in the southeast corner, on Opossum Run. It was a rude structure 
round-log cabin, puncheon floor, slab-seats and greased paper for window-.. 
This was built about 1811. The first teacher was Thomas McCafferty, who 
was crippled by one useless arm. One of his pupils was John F. Cheno- 
weth, who still survives and now resides in London. This cabin served for 
school purposes several years. About 1836, a good hew r ed-log house was 
erected twenty feet square, with shingle roof, huge and commodious, on the 
ground now embraced in the Fitzgei-ald Cemetery. There was also another 
of those primitive log schoolhouses, chinked and mudded. built very early, 
where Mrs. S. Bowers now lives, where some of the children of the early 
pioneers obtained some of the first rudiments of an education. One of the 
first teachers in this cabin was Judathan Waldo, a Yankee, who had a very 
limited ability. His qualifications would not at the present day be consid- 
ered sufficient for a Road Supervisor. These early schools were supported 
by subscriptions, and generally the teacher was paid from $8 to $10 per 
month. About 1867, the present frame schoolhouse was built, and has con 
tinued in use to the present time. This now constitutes District No. 7. 
known as the Cartmill District. The enumeration is now about forty-live 
scholars. Teachers' wages in summer, $25 to $30; in winter. $-10 to $4r 



804 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

per month. The present Board of Directors, Alfred Cartmill, Edward Fitz- 
gerald and J. W. Puckett. 

District No. 1, Byers Schoolhouse. — The first school building was a 
log of the most primitive kind, as described above, erected about 1830. 
This was succeeded by a comfortable frame house, erected about 1853. In 
1878, the present neat and comfortable brick house was erected. Enumera- 
tion, sixty scholars. Teachers' wages, summer, $30 to $33; in winter. $45 
to $50. Board of Directors, Joel M. Byers, Samuel Truitt and J. C. Byers. 
District No. 2, Bales Schoolhouse — The first house was a small frame, built 
about 1825, and the next built was the present house. District No. 3, No- 
land School, organized in the fall of 1836. First house, a hewed log, built 
by D. C. Freeman in 1837. The first school opened January 1, 1838. The 
first teacher, D. Wald; the second was D. C. Freeman. This house was 
used about twenty years, and was also used by the Methodist and Christian 
denominations for preaching. The second house was a frame, erected on 
the same ground of the first, about 1857. Then, in 1879, the present 
large brick was built. District No. 4, Lilly Chapel — The first schoolhouse 
in this vicinity was a rude log of the most primitive style, and stood on 
land now owned by William Durflinger. This was in an early day, and was 
the first schoolhouse in the northern part of the township. Tbis was suc- 
ceeded by another log bouse, erected on the ground of the present frame 
house, just east of the village of Lilly Chapel. Then this was succeeded 
by a small frame house, and this again by the present frame that is now in 
use. But by the rapid growth of the village of Lilly Chapel, and the con- 
sequent increase of the number of school children, this house soon became 
inadequate to accommodate all the scholars, and, in the fall of 1881, they 
began the erection of a good brick house just east of the frame, on the same 
lot, which is now (July, 1882) being completed. The frame house is to 
remain for the primary department, and the new brick used for the more 
advanced scholars. This district now enumerates about one hundred and 
thirty. Board of Directors, S. H. Edwards, George Durflinger and Albert 
Lilly. District No. 5, Pringle School, situated on the California & Lilly 
Chapel pike. The first schoolhouse here was a rude log house, and, being lo- 
cated near the center of the township, the first township elections were held at 
this schoolhouse. About 1850, a good comfortable frame house was built. 
Then, in 1877, the present brick house was erected. Enumeration of schol- 
ars, thirty-two. Board of Directors, A. J. Henkle, H. Gilliland and J. A Prin- 
gle. District No. 6, Dennison Chapel — First, a log house located on Lem- 
uel Lawrence's land, which was probably built about 1847. Next, about 
1858, a frame house was erected on the same lot where the church now 
stands. Then, in 1880, the present large aud commodious brick house 
was erected. Enumeration of scholars, about seventy. Teachers' wages, 
$45. Board of Directors, Allen Dennison, William Strain and Lemuel 
Lawrence. District No. 8, California — This district was formed from Dis- 
tricts No. 2 and 3, and was organized in 1854, and the same year a frame 
house was erected. * First Board of Directors were J. H. Gardner, Dr. 
Simmerman and Henry Watrous. The present brick house was built in 
IS7'.». Enumeration of scholars in the district, sixty live. Teachers' wages, 
$30 to Sir.. Present Board of Directors, Dr. C.'W. Higgins, W. H. Hill 
and George Corder. District No. — The last erected, was organized about 
1808-70, and was formed from territory taken from Districts No. 3 and 5; 
a frame building erected, which is still occupied for school purposes. Thus 
it is seen that Fairfield Township now supports nine schools, but. as stated 



FAERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 807 

above, there being no books or records of this township to be found, we are 
very much limited, in means by which to give official statistics of either po- 
litical or educational matters. The latest enumeration of scholars in pos- 
session of the Township Clerk is that of 1878, when the total of the town- 
ship was 556. Educational funds, $4,500. Tax levy in the spring of 
1882: For township purposes, 2-10 mill, $93.20; for road purposes, 1 mill, 
$807.25; for poor fund, 1-4 mill, $116.86. 



There is not now, and, we believe, never has been, a grist or flour mill 
within the boundaries of Fairfield Township, and but few saw mills. One 
of the first saw-mills we gain a record of was built by Daniel Thompson, 
on Opossum Run, located near the Thomas Chapel. This was first a sta- 
tionary mill and run by water-power. Subsecpiently, it was run by steam 
power, and finally was converted into a portable mill, and moved from place 
to place as occasion required. It is now located on Judge E. O. Fitzgerald's 
farm. There is also another portable mill on the same farm, owned by 
Dickinson & Bowers. The other mills are located at the villages of Cali 
fornia and Lilly Chapel, and are fully mentioned in the history of those 
towns. 

PIKES. 

About 1870 to 1S72, the pike from London to California and Mt. Ster- 
ling was built. This was the first pike built in this township. The next 
built was the London & Lilly Chapel pike, and the third was the Mt. Ster 
ling & Jefferson pike. These constitute the main business roads of the 
township, those upon which are the most travel and heavy hauling. They 
embrace eighteen to twenty miles, and are a valued improvement. This 
summer (1882) they are building a pike on the Jackson road, which, when 
completed, will make this township well supplied with good roads and 
thoroughfares. 

TOWNS. 

There are three villages within the limits of this township. The first 
was laid out in the spring of 1849, by Thomas Chappel, Robert Thomas and 
William D. Pringle. This was about the time of the great excitement over 
the discovery of the rich gold mines in California, and this town was laid 
out in the midst of a very rich country, possessed of an excellent soil, and 
they gave it the suggestive name of California. Near this town were the 
large prairies known as the " Big Plains," and in establishing the post 
office of this town, as there was an office elsewhere called California, they 
gave this the name of Big Plains. Dr Holmes erected the first house iu 
the place, and was the first Postmaster and also the first physician located 
in the town. Prior, however, to the laying-out of the town there was a Dr. 
Davis, a practicing physician, located about three miles northeast of Cali- 
fornia, who was, perhaps, the first physician resident in the township, al- 
though it is said that he never had a very extensive practice. Peter Trout 
is said to have built the second house. The first store was kept by James 
Parks. William Riley was the first blacksmith. This town for a time grew 
rapidly, and there was quite an extensive business carried on here. and. in 
fact, from that day to the present time, there has been an active mercantile 
trade here for a village of its size, as it is surrounded by a beautiful coun- 
try and a wealthy and thriving class of people. Jt now has three good gen- 
eral stores, three blacksmiths, three physicians, one steam tile factory and 

EE 



808 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

saw-mill combined, one church- -Methodist — a good brick schoolhouse and 
a good brick town house, erected in 1877. 

Warnersville. — At the south line of Fairfield, bordering on Pleasant 
Township, is a small village known as Warnersville. receiving such name 
from the 'fact that the tract of land was owned by Mr. Warner, where a 
cluster of eight or ten houses now stand, embracing a population of forty 
to fifty persons. About 1867. David Lane, a huckster by occupation, opened 
a small store here, which, in 1872. he sold to R. Watrous, who continued 
trade here till 1881, when, in January, of that year, he sold out to 
J. S. Bowers. He carried on business one year, and sold to William 
Watrous & Bro. , who are now conducting a general merchandise trade. In 
the fall of 1874, a post office was established here by'the same name of the 
village, with R. Watrous as Postmaster. This office existed until 1879, 
when, as it was not self-supporting, it was discontinued. But again, in the 
spring of 1881, it was re-established under the name of Kiousville, with J. 
S. Bowers as Postmaster. In January. 1882, William Watrous became 
Postmaster, and is now its present incumbent. Jesse S. Bowers built the 
first house and was the first blacksmith in the village. He was succeeded 
by Henry Bowers, who is the present incumbent. 

Grilroy or Lilly Chapel. — In 1871 and 1872. the Short-Line Railroad, 
from Springfield to Columbus, appeared in prospect, and, in the latter year, 
Mr. Thomas Durfiinger opened a store here in anticipation of the railroad 
and the establishing of a station at this point. In 1850, the Methodist 
Church was erected here on land owned by Wesley Lilly, which was given 
the name of " Lilly Chapel." In 1873, the railroad was completed and a 
station established and called Lilly Chapel. In 1874, Henry Grilroy and 
Henry Lilly laid out the town, which was named Gilroy, in honor of Mr. 
Gilroy. But as the station and locality had previously been designated as 
Lilly Chapel, in consequence of the church erected here and given that 
name, and as, in 1873, Henry Lilly originated a petition for a post office 
under the name of Lilly Chapel, which was granted by the Department on 
the establishing of a postal route over the railroad, the town has ever bees 
known and recognized by the name of Lilly Chapel. The first Postmaster 
was Thomas Horn. He was succeeded by C. L. Bales, and he by George 
Leiter, the present incumbent. Thomas Horn built the first house after the 
laying-out of the town, and engaged in mercantile trade, and was the first 
local agent of the railroad company. David Wright was the first black- 
smith; he opened a shop in a house built by Henry Lilly. The first phy- 
sician was Dr. Taggart, who located here in 1880, but remained only a few 
months. In the spring of 1881, Dr. Schofield located here, who has since 
remained the practicing physician of the place. The town now contains 
over two hundred inhabitants, ami is rapidly growing and increasing in 
business. There are now three general stores, one grocery, two blacksmith 
shops, employing four workmen, with a wagon and buggy shop combined 
with them. There are two steam saw-mills, one of which runs two engines 
and is doing a large business, saws a large amount of material for the 
manufacture of buggies and wagons. But the largest and most attract- 
ive business of the place is carried on by two grain elevators, one built by 
Pringle Bros., in the fall of 1877, and the other by the " Farmers' Associa- 
tion," which is now conducted by J. C. Byers & Co., both of which are do- 
ing a large business. In 187o, prior to the erection of these elevators, four 
farmers. Henry Lilly. -John Horn. Thomas Horn and Thomas Gorby, erected 
a corn-sheller and elevator for a neighborhood convenience, for shelling and 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 809 

shipping corn. This proved so successful and beneficial in it operations 
that it resulted in the building of the above-mentioned elevators. These 
now receive grain from a large scope of country, in some directions from 
fifteen to twenty miles distant, and are a great convenience and source of 
profit to this section of country. 

In 1878, a large tile factory run by steam power was erected, and is 
doing a large and prosperous business, and is probably one of the best in 
Madison County. This town is just in its infancy, having seen but eight 
summers since its natal day. It is the only railroad station and shipping 
point within the township, and is located in the midst of a rich and pro- 
ductive country, and must necessarily become an extensive shipping point. 

During the year 1881, the following number of full car loads of prod- 
ucts were shipped from this section, viz.: 232 cars of corn; 44 cars of hogs: 
15 cars of logs; 18 cars of cattle; 2 cars of staves; 2 cars of spokes; 1.67 cars 
of wheat; 19 cars of sheep; 11 cars of wool; 5 cars of lumber; 2 cars of 
hoop poles and 1 car of tile; total number of cars, 508. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Lilly Chapel Grange, No. 583. — Was instituted February 14, 1874, un- 
der the supervision of Mr. Creamer, Deputy Master, with the following 
twenty-six charter members: 3. Hardwick, A. Jackson, H. Lilly, T. Dur- 
flinger, T. Horn, Jr., William Sidner. James Lilly, J. Fogle, J. H. Gard- 
ner, William Cul umber, Benjamin Thacker. H. Kennedy, Calvin Durfling- 
er, John Byers, Thomas Gorby, Albert Lilly, Lewis Sidner, T. Horn, Sr., 
T. B. George, M. A. Lilly, Josie Byers, Bebecca Hardwick, William Ken- 
nedv, Mrs. A. Jackson. Catharine Sidner and Wall Moler, and were officered 
as follows: J. Hardwick, W. M.; H, Lilly, W. L. : T. Horn, Jr., W. A. 
S. ; J. Lilly, W. T. ; B. Thacker, W. G. K. ; M. A. Lilly, W. P. ; A. Jack- 
son. W. O. ; J. H. Gardner, W. S. ; T. Gorby, W. C. ; A. Lilly, W. Secre- 
tary: Bebecca Hardwick, W. C. ; W. B. Kennedy, W F., and Josie Byers, 
W. L. A. S. Tbis society continues in a good, flourishing condition, and 

now numbers members. Present officers (July 1, 1882) as follows: 

A. Durflinger. W. M. ; D. C. Postle, W. L. ; Henrv O. Bryan, W. A. S. ; 
Henry Lilly, W. T. ; Eobert Fullerton, W. G. K. : , Mary Durflinger, W. 
P.; George Durflinger, W. O. ; F. V. Durflinger, W. S.; Jennie Durfling- 
er, W. C; Jennie Fullerton, W. Secretary; Laura Sidner, W. C. ; Ella Ful- 
lerton, W. F„ and Ella Durflinger, W. L. A. S. 

Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, I. O. O. F —Was instituted July 8, 1880. by 
H. P. Gravatt, M. W. G. Master, with the following fifteen charter mem- 
bers: G. A. Ogden, George Gardner, A. Harst, C. L. Bales, T. J. Clifton, 
W. Gardner, J. Truitt, T. W. Preston, A. Jackson, D. W. Byram, W. H. 
Bailey, J. B. D. Bennett, H. Lilly, G. A. Bostwick and W. Peddicord, with 
the following officers: W. A. Ogden. N. G. ; Thomas Preston, V. G. ; G. 
A. Bostwick, Secretary, and J. B. D. Bennett, Treasurer. The lodge is in 
a flourishing condition, and now (July 1, 1882) has fifty-nine members. The 
present elective officers are: G. A. Bostwick, N. G. ; C. L. Bales, V. G. ; J. 
H. Gardner, Becording Secretary; John Shaffer, Permanent Secretary, and 
George Leiter, Treasurer. 



810 HISTORV OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XII. 



SOMERFOKD TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township is bounded on the north by Pike and Monroe Townships, 
on the east by Monroe and Deer Creek, south by Union, and on the 
west by Champaign County. March 4, 1839, " ordered, by the Commission- 
ers, that the following boundaries, which have heretofore been a part of Deer 
Creek Township, be organized as a new township, to be known and desig- 
nated by the name of Somerford, to wit: Beginning at the southwest cor- 
ner of Pike Township, in the line of Champaign County, thence with said 
line south three miles and two hundred poles to the corner between the 
county of Champaign and Clark, thence with the Clark County line south 
ten degrees west, six and a half miles to the north bank of Deer Creek, on 
Daniel Wilson's land; thence north seventy-seven degrees east, two and a 
half miles, crossing the creek and the Xenia road to a small jack oak and 
large burr oak on Chrisman's land; thence north sixty-eight degrees east, 
four miles and one hundred and eighty poles, crossing the Urbana road and 
Glade Run to two black oaks and two burr oaks near where George Frederick 
formerly lived, on A. Toland's land; thence north to the line of Monroe 
Township, on Schuyler Lewis' land: thence with the line of Monroe and 
Pike Townships north forty -six degrees west five miles to the beginning. n 
March 20, 1840, " ordered, by the Commissioners of Madison County, that 
the line between the townships of Union and Somerford be so altered as to 
include Daniel Wilson and the land upon which he now lives into Union 
Township." 

SURFACE, SOIL, ETC. 

Throughout Madison County, there is much of a uniformity in the sur- 
face and soil of the different townships, and to a great extent the descrip- 
tion of one is, with little variation, a representation of any other. Therefore, 
when we say the surface of this township is level, it is just what we have 
said of other townships The western portion of the' township possesses the 
greatest altitude, as shown by its streams or creeks all flowing toward its 
eastern border, yet even this portion is level or slightly undulating. The 
soil is very rich and productive, and suitable to the raising of all kinds of 
grains, cereals and grass, the exuberance of the latter constituting it an ex- 
cellent stock country. Along the creeks and the more flat portions of the 
township, the soil consists of a deep black loam, and the more undulating 
lands are a mixture of loam and clay. The township is well watered by the 
creeks, which are fed by great numbers of beautiful springs, which dot the 
farms from one extreme to the other of the limited domain. Deer Creek, 
with its numerous branches, penetrates nearly all portions of the territory ; 
George's Creek being the largest, which heads near the northwest cor- 
ner of tjie township, and, coursing in a southeast direction, empties into 
the main creek, near the eastern border of the township. With all these 
beautiful springs and creeks, forming an ever gushing supply of water, to- 
gether with its subsoil of clay, renders it proof against danger to its crops 
from an ordinary drought. This township, unlike many others of Madison 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 811 

County, was originally well timbered, having no prairies entirely destitute 
of trees; and it had a remarkable variety of timber, consisting of white, 
black, red and burr oak, elm, maple, locust, cherry, hickory, walniit and 
beech, of which the white and red oak were beautiful; and the cherry and 
walnut, of which, in an early day, vast quantities were cut down and burned 
in clearing up the land, if now in possession of the owners of the lands, 
would be a fortune to them. But the ruthless ax of the pioneer and the 
merciless torch have nearly obliterated those species from the face of her 
domain. It is evident, from the small streams, that we find no water power 
of value, and the mills that now exist, or have existed in this township, have 
been run by steam power, and that the great efforts and interests of the 
people, with the natural advantages they possessed as above described, have 
been in agricultural pursuits. 

PIONEERS. 

To particularize the individual who first entered the vast wilderness 
that once existed in what now comprises the territory of Somerford Town- 
ship is at this late day very difficult to do, but we have succeeded in obtain- 
ing the names of nearly fifty of the early settlers, and, as is usually the 
case in most new countries, we find they came in companies of several to- 
gether, or at least several were found settled in the same neighborhood at 
about the same time. 

The first settlement in this township was made in the eastern part, on 
or near Deer Creek, between the years of 1802 and 1805. In 1803-04, 
there came from Kentucky two brothers, Robert and John Scott, who prob- 
ably located on what is now either the Richmond or Gwynne land, but of 
them we learn but little. Also, at about the same date, and from the same 
State, came Tobias Shields and two sons, John and Andrew, and located in 
the same vicinity. There were probably more of the family than these two 
sons, but if so, of them we learn nothing. After the organization of Mad- 
ison County and of Deer Creek Township — the latter embracing a large 
scope of territory, including Somerford — we find John and Andrew Shields 
holding various offices of the township for several years. Tobias, the fa- 
ther, was a true backwoodsman, rough in his habits and nature; and was 
blind for thirty years before his death. About the same date, Charles Atch- 
ison, also from Kentucky, settled here, and proved a most worthy and use- 
ful citizen, and was probably the first Treasurer of the township after its 
erection. He also filled many other offices of the township. Daniel Ross 
was another pioneer sett fin- of the same date. He had a large family, of 
whom we find record of the following sods: Angus, David, John and Al- 
exander, who were all more or less in the various offices of the township 
until 1830. And it is believed that, about that time or soon after, they left 
this county, emigrating to the West, In 1805 came John Wilson, from 
Greenbrier County. Ya.. who. with John Arbuckle, erected a double log 
house, in which they both resided for some time. He was one of the first 
Trustees, which office he filled four years in succession. About 1808-10, 
Gabriel Markle, a native of Maryland, emigrated to Ohio and settled in this 
township, on the place now owned by George Prugh, one mile north of the 
village of Somerford, on Deer Creek. Here he remained through life, and 
died about 1825. nearly eight} years of age. He was of German descent, 
a good, industrious man and a worthy citizen. He had four sons and nine 
daughters, who grew up and became worthy citizens, but are n< >w all deceased. 
About 1811, Samuel Dickerson, a native of Virginia, settled here. He was 
a noted hunter, a good farmer and a respected citizen. 



812 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

George Prugh was bom in Maryland, but of German descent, and mar- 
ried Margaret Markle, a native of Maryland, and in 1812 emigrated to Ohio 
and settled in what was then Deer Creek Township (now Somerford), about 
one mile north of the village of Somerford, where they remained till their 
death. He died in 1841, and she in 1864. He was a very excellent citi- 
zen, and held the offices of Trustee, Ti*easurer and Justice of the Peace. 
Two of his sons, Samuel and G. W. Prugh, now quite advanced in years, 
are still residents of the township, and are most honored an i respected cit- 
izens. The former was born in Maryland in 1811, and the latter in this 
township in 1816. William Pepper a native of Maryland, settled here on 
land now owned by Charles Mitchell about 1810-12, as we find by the town- 
ship records. He was a Supervisor in 1812. John Summers, from Vir 
ginia, settled here about 1813; was a blacksmith by trade, and perhaps the 
first settled in this township. 

Shedrick Preston, from Greenbrier County, Va. , settled on the tract of 
land purchased by John Arbuckle about 1812 or 1813, as in 1814 he served 
as Township Trustee. Subsequently he removed to the Big Sandy, since 
which nothing has been known of him. Abner S. Williard was a native of 
Vermont, born in 1791. He emigrated first to Canada, thence to New 
York, and in 1812 came to Champaign County, Ohio, and in 1815 removed 
to Madison County, where he lived till his death. He married Hulda Col- 
ver, who was born on the banks of Lake Champaign, in New York, in 1796. 
They were married in Madison County in 1817. He died December 16, 
L872. She died June 3, 1861. He was a man of undoubted character, and 
esteemed and respected by all who knew him. David Colver, a native of 
Vermont, settled on land now owned by Eeason Louck about 1815-16. In 
early life he was a sailor, and followed the sea. After settling here he re- 
mained till his death. He was an active, industrious man, a good neigh- 
bor, and a firm Universalist in religious belief. He raised a large family, 
who are now all deceased. 

John Barrett, a native of Maryland, was a brother-in-law of John Ar- 
buckle, they having married sisters; came to Ohio soon after Mr. Arbuckle 
came, and settled on the same tract of land, and lived here till his death, 
dying with that prevalent yet much-dreaded disease, milk-sickness. He 
had six children, but all have moved away and sought other homes. Jacob 
Steele settled where Rev. Overt urt' now lives about 1815. Thomas Taylor 
came from Chillicothe, Ohio, and settled on Deer Cx*eek, near the grist-mill, 
about 1815, where he lived about fivo years; thence he settled on the place 
now owned by Thomas Woosley, on the old Columbus & Springfield stage 
road, and there kept a tavern in an early day. He made good improve- 
ments; was an excellent and intelligent man, and a good citizen. He raised 
a family of six children, who all became honored and worthy members of 

■ty. Late in life, he moved to the village of Somerford, where he died 
at the age of about eighty years. 

Valentine Wilson, who was born in Pennsylvania in L786, with his fa 
ther's family emigrated, in 1790, to Clark County. Ivy., where he remained 
a citizen twelve years, and, in the year 1802, emigrated to Ohio and set 
nil the head-waters of Beaver Creek, in Bath Township, county of Greene. 
In 1816, Mr. Wilson removed to Madison County and settled on the head- 
waters of Deer Creek, on land still owned by Mrs. Wilson, his widow. He 
was married three times, and was the father of nineteen children. He was 
tirst married in L806, to Eleanor Judy, by whom lie bad six children. She 
died on the 5th of Sei.ieul.ei-, ISIS. In L819, he married Mrs. Susanna 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 813 

Umble, who became the mother of four children. She died August 18, 
1825. On June 18, 1827, he married for his third wife Miss Nancy Rob- 
erts, who became the mother of nine children. Of these nineteen children, 
all but one grew to maturity; and of the eighteen who arrived at maturity, 
all but one became heads of families. Mr. Wilson died July 2, 1855, on 
the farm where he first located in 1816. From a small beginning on 160 
acres, bought of the man who had but recently entered it, with Congress 
scrip, in the thirty nine years of his after life he had accumulated nearly 
ten thousand acres of land, and died the wealthiest man in Madison County. 
It is believed he erected the first brick-yard ever iD Madison County. John 
J. Roberts settled here about 1817. He was the successor of Gabriel Mar 
kle to the grist-mill on Deer Creek. He remained in this township till his 
death. Sutton Potee, a native of Baltimore, Md., emigrated, with his wife 
and three children, in the fall of 1817, to Ohio, and settled on the farm now 
owned by his son Gabriel, near the National road, on Deer Creek, Somer- 
ford Township, and here opened out right in the woods. He rented three 
or four years, then bought the place, and remained here till his death. 
He married Hannah Markle, by whom he had six children. All grew to 
maturity, four now living. Mr. Potee was a very active, stirring man, and 
devoted his whole business life to farming. He was cautious in all busi- 
ness transactions, of firm and undoubted character, and a lifelong member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he united when a young 
man. 

William and Charles Soward, two brothers, settled on the James D. 
Statler land about 1817. The latter subsequently removed to Logan Coun- 
ty. The former remained in this township through life. They were men 
of character and good business ability. William started in life poor, but 
became quite wealthy. Amos Howard was born on Gooso Island, in the 
Connecticut River. Grafton County, N. H, April 9, 1775. He married Mi 
ran Mills, born March 18. 1774: were married March 22, 1796. In 1808. 
removed to Virginia; in 1 809, came down the Ohio River in a flat-boat and set- 
tle< i on the site where he died. Amos Howard became a settler of the northwest 
part of Somerford Township about 1817-18, and lived and died there. He 
was burned to death about 1843. He came here a poor man, but, by in- 
dustry and economy, and close application to his business, he accumulated 
a good competency. He had two daughters and one son. The daughters 
never married, but died single, and the son, Amos J., and his children, be- 
came possessed of all the property. Amos J. settled on the home place, 
and lived there through life. He died April 16, 1882. The Howard fam- 
ily have ever been known as most worthy and respected citizens. John 
Cory settled in the north part of the township about IMS, and served as a 
Justice of the Peace. Eli Williams, a native of Virginia, settled on the D. 
Ward place about 1818 20. 

Thomas Orpet. a native of Maryland, married a sister of George Pru^h, 
and settled on Deer Creek, on land now owned by William Arbuckle, about 
1818-19. Subsequently he bough! seven acres near Mr. Gabriel Pol"". 
where he died about 1861. He was of German descent, uneducated, and 
would never educate his children, believing it dangerous and injurious t<) 
become educated. Erastus Hathaway, a native of New York, and a ship 
carpenter by trade, settled with his family on land now owned by Hiram 
Richmond, about 1818-20, and lived and died here. He purchased his land 
of John Caperton. a native of Virginia, who settled here about 1814, but 
who, about 1832, returned to his native State. Mr. Hathaway was a man 



814 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

of character and ability, and served as Trustee and a Justice of the Peace. 
James and Dwyer Brown, two brothers, were natives of New York, but be- 
came residents of Somerford Township about 1818-20. James was born 
June 21, 1795. He first emigrated to Canada, and thence to Ohio. His 
wife, Mary Arm, was born in Virginia in 1803. They were married in 
Madison County. He died March 13, 1875. Dwyer Brown married a Miss 
McMullen, and subsequently' moved West. Mr. James Brown was an ex- 
cellent neighbor and citizen, a useful member of society, and was intrusted 
with many of the offices of the township. He raised a large family of chil 
dren, who became useful members of society, and whose characters are above 
reproach. 

Ansel Bates came to this township and settled just north of Tradersville, 
on land now owned by Thomas Bales, about 1818. He finally died in 
Champaign County. Of his children, we mention Asa, Ansel, Elijah, Will- 
iam, Sylvanus and Zenas. The last two mentioned were twins. These 
sons for several years were quite prominent and well known in the affairs 
of the township, but finally they all emigrated to the West. William Scott 
settled near the Charles Rigdon place about 1820. He married Betsey 
Kigdon. Subsequently, he moved to Pekin, 111., where he died. They 
were a good family and esteemed citizens. Charles Rigdon came here from 
Champaign County and settled about the same time — 1820-21. Richard 
Baldwin, it is believed, came here from Chillicothe and settled on the Rig- 
don place, in Surveys 9,285 and 10,626, about 1820, where he resided till 
about 1837 He moved to Mechanicsburg, where he resided till death. He 
was one of this township's best citizens, and served as a Justice of the Peace 
several years. Samuel Houston was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled 
here about 1820. He married Elizabeth Arbuckle. by whom he had two 
children, deceased. He was an intelligent and well-educated man. He 
taught school, and was Township Clerk, and resided here till his death. 
Michael Statler, a native of Virginia, settled where his son now lives, on 
the Urbana road, about 1824, where he died about 1842. His wife sur- 
vived him about thirty years. Mr. Statler was killed while cutting down a 
tree upon which another had lodged, which fell on him. 

Luther Newcom, a Yankee, settled here about 1820, and was among the 
first teachers. William Harber, a native of Virginia, and the only surviv- 
ing one of his father's family — who were all killed by the Indians when he 
was but a child, he having escaped by secreting himself in the tall grass — 
grew to manhood, married, and settled in the north part of this township 
about 1825. He raised a large family of children, but who, in after years. 
all moved away, since which nothing is known of them. Samuel Wilson 
came here from Paint Township, and settled in the west part of this town- 
ship, in Survey 6,078, about 1825. but remained here only five years, when 
he removed to Illinois, where he died about 1872. He was a very moral 
and worthy citizen, and. while residing in Illinois, he became a devoted 
member and worker in the Methodist Church. William Kirkley settled in 
the north portion of the township, on land owned by Thomas Bales, about 
1 825 30. He died on the farm now owned' by D. Ward. He married Mary 
Cowan, who was an excellent Christian woman. Peter Smith, a native of 
Clark County, Ohio, Bettled here aboul 1825. Subsequently he became 
quite noted as a school -teacher and as a literary man. He removed to Illinois 
about 1S42. where, in L880, he was killed by being run over by a train of 
cars. Samuel and John HL Kennedy, natives of Virginia, settled here quite 

. probably aboul 1815 20. The latter became a prominent and useful 






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SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 81 T 

citizen; was a Justice of the Peace forty years; also Probate Judge from 
1864 to 1876. 

Jonathan Markle, a brother of Gabriel Markle, it is supposed, 
came here and settled at the same time of his brother, and lived and died 
near where his son Philip now lives. Ezra Markle, of same family, was 
also an early settler, and they were all worthy citizens, and among the true 
pioneers of this township. A few others who were here prior to 1830, we 
mention the following: John Nagley, Asa Owens, George Vance, Bennett 
Warren, Benjamin Hull, Levi Umble, John Osborn, John Groves, Henry 
Groves, Noah Marsh. Newman Mitchell, Joseph Geer, James Geer and John 
Osborn. 

Still later, from 1830 to 1840. we find the following settlers, who have 
been quite prominently connected with the growth and prosperity of the 
township: Gardner Lewis and his son, Schuyler, who were natives of New 
York, but settled here in 1836. He died in 1862. Mr. Schuyler Lewis i- 
now one of the prominent and large land- owners and stock-dealers of Mad- 
ison County, and a good neighbor and respected citizen. Rev. Eli Adams, 
a native of Maryland, settled in the extreme west part of this township, 
where he died in 1870; was a most excellent man and minister of the Gos 
pel. A. J. Clingan, a native of Maryland, settled in Somerford in 1839, 
and has now resided here forty-three years; is a tailor by trade, which bus- 
iness he has followed many years. He has at different times had intrusted 
to his care all the important offices of the township, and is now a Justice of 
the Peace. John M. Houston, a native of Kentucky, emigrated to Clark 
County, Ohio, in 1814, where "he married Maria E. Cartmell, a native of 
Clark County. They settled in this township in 1837; removed to London 
in January, 1877. where he died January 29, 1879. He served as a Justice 
of the Peace and as a Trustee of the township for several years. He was 
an active member of the Methodist Church, and a Steward in the same for 
many years. 

Although the above may be an imperfect list of the pioneers or first 
settlers of Somerford Township, and some of the dates of their settlement 
may not be exact, yet we feel that, at this distant day. with the limited 
sources at hand, the above is so complete as to give to the rising genera- 
tions quite a comprehensive view in retrospect of the noble men and women 
who entered this then unbroken wilderness, braving all dangers of Indians 
and wild beasts, and the miasmas and malaria with which the atmosphere 
was then filled; baring the brawny arm to give the stroke of the ax to fell 
the mighty " kings of the forest;" living in the rude log structures called 
houses, with but little to wear and but little to eat, and that of the roughest 
kind, and enduring trials and deprivations innumerable —and all this for 
what? That their descendants might see, possess and enjoy the beautiful 
homes and fine farms of the present day. with their attendant comforts 
And yet how comparatively Eew of the present generation have a true ap- 
preciation of the toils and labors of those devoted ancestors! Aud how 
many there are who take an interest in recording upou thu pages of history 
their names and noble works, to commemorate them and save them from an 
irretrievable oblivion. 

ELECTIONS AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

It appears that all records of elections of this township from its organ 
ization in 1839 up to 1858 are either lost or destroyed. From 1858 to 1875, 
we find the following officials duly elected: 

Trustees — 1858. James W. D. Statler, Alexander West and John B. 



81b HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY 

Lauck; 1859, wanting; 1860, A. J. Kennedy, Alexander West and Wash 
ington Wilson; 1861, Alexander West. Washington Wilson and John H. 
Matkle; 1862, Washington Wilson, Henry M. Comfort and John H. Mar- 
kle; 1863, A. H. Lewis, A. J. Howard and Henry M. Comfort; L864, Wash- 
ington Wilson. William Allen and John M. Houston; 1865, Washington 
Wilson, John M. Houston and Gabriel Prugh; 1866, missing; 1867, Isaac 
Fox, John B. Lauck and G. M. Potee; 1868, W. Wilson, John B. Lauck 
and S. Kennedy; 1870. J. M. Williard, M. V. Fox and S. H. Markle; 1873, 
J. B. Lauck. J. ME. Markle and G-eorge Prugh; 1874, George Prugh, G. 
Bales and J. \Y. Cartzdafner; 1882. William Soward, J. Potee and T. F. 
Lauck. 

Assessors — 1858, John H Kennedy; 1859. A. H. Lewis; 1860, J. M. 
Kirklev; 1861, Laban Guthrie; 1862, j! M. Kirkley; 1863, A. J. Kennedy; 
1864, Laban J. Guthrie; 1865, N. M. Lauck; 1866, S. F. Saunders; 1867, 
T. J. Guthrie; 1868. V. H. Prugh; 1870, Laban J. Guthrie; 1871, James 
Ar buckle; 18<4, James Williard; 1875, Laban J. Guthrie; 1882, Harris P. 
Markle. 

Treasurers — 1858, A. H. Lewis; 1859, Clinton Taylor; 1860, George 
W. Prugh; 1863, J. V. Melvin; 1864, George W. Prugh; 1866. Washing- 
ton Prugh; 1868. George W. Prugh; 1870, V. H. Prugh; and 1882, pres- 
ent incumbent, William Clingan. 

Clerks— 1858, A. S. Clingan; 1859, Elijah Hull; 1863, J. W. D. 
Statler; 1864, A. J. Clingan; 1870, James Arbuckle; 1872, Etherial Wil- 
son; and 1882, D. W. Coberly, present incumbent. 

Justices of the Peace— 1859, Alexander West; 1860, E. Hull; 1861, 
A. J. Kennedy; 1864, Hamilton Wilson; 1867, A. J. Clingan; 1870, A. J. 
Clingan; 1871, Isaac Fox; 1873, William Soward; and 1882, A. J. Cling- 
an. the present official. 

Constables — James H. Palmer and Eli Williams, 1858; James H. Pal- 
mer and Argus W. Kirkley, 1859; A. W. Kirkley and J. D. Henderson, 
1860; James H. Guthrie and J. D. Hendeson, 1862; J. W. Geer and John 
West, 1863; John West and Sutton Potee, 1864; James H. Guthrie and A. 
J. Clingan, 1865; A. J. Clingan and Charles Yardly, 1866; Charles Yardly 
and F. M. Candler, 1867; Charles Yardly and John D. Henderson, 1868; 
George McCorkle and Jasper Candler, 1870; John Bigelow and David 
Lamplin, 1871; Jasper Candler and John Bigelow, 1S72; James Dillow 
and John Bigelow. 1873; Andrew J. Clingan, 1875; and the present in- 
cumbent, George Barber and John Neer. for 1SS2. 

SCHOOLS. 

Che e;iri\ settlers of Somerford Township to a greal extent were from 
Virginia and Kentucky, having been raised in those States, where slavery 
was ,i Legal institution, and where there was no free school system and no 
encouragement or support given by their governments to the work of edu- 
cation; hence the masses of the people were generally uneducated, and 
among this class of honest, yet illiterate people were many who were dis 
satisfied with the institution of slavery and its incubus of ignorance, and 
were anxious to free their children and their posterity of their baneful effect. 
They learned of the rich and fertile soil of Ohio and its freedom from slav- 
ery, and a flood of emigration set in. and these then Western wilds were rap- 
idly peopled by these sturdy yeomanry, and Madison County and Somerford 
Township were the recipients of a goodly number of them. Here was the 
untutored savage, and the primitive wildness of all his surroundings, and 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 819 

the white settler here stood as " master of the field." He felt the responsi- 
bility that rested upon him in the work before him, of preparing homes and 
creating political institutions, whose benign influences should bless his pos- 
terity for ages to come; and he fully realized his lack of education to till 
intelligently the various political offices of this new yet rapidly growing 
country. Hence we find them early taking steps for the education of their 
children. There were no schoolhouses, and the first settlers were generally 
poor, and it was about as much as they could do at first to keep " body and 
soul together." But as soon as was possible, a few neighbors would unite 
in their efforts, by each subscribing a certain amount toward hiring a teacher 
to hold school in one of their houses, a rude log cabin, where he would re- 
ceive the children of said subscribers, and from the most primitive books 
teach them the first rudiments of an education. These first teachers were 
usually paid from $8 to $12 per month, and " boarded around." For many 
years schools were supported entirely by subscription, till finally the peo- 
ple saw a necessity of a public and general provision for educating the 
masses. As by the first process of supporting schools by subscription, 
many were too poor to contribute, and others were too ignorant or penu- 
rious, and hence the children of such were deprived of all advantages of 
schooling. So, through the legislative power of the State, laws were enact- 
ed, and, from time to time, provisions made, until the present free school 
system of Ohio has been reached, and now no child is debarred from the 
privilege of attending school from six to twenty-one years of age. 

It is believed that the first school ever held in what is now Somerford 
T< unship was in the Arbuckle neighborhood. The first house erected for 
school pui-poses was about 1818, when a round-log house was built on the 
place now owned by C. Arbuckle. This was of the most primitive kind, 
with greased paper for windows. This house was succeeded by several 
others, each a little better constructed than its predecessor, till about 1850 
a neat and comfortable frame house was erected near where the present 
house stands. This frame house was occupied till about 1872 when the present 
brick house was erected. This is known as District No. 3. It now enumer- 
ates thirty-six scholars. Present Board of Directors: Martin Gowens, M. 

Goodyear and Gardner. Another early established school was the one 

in Mr. Potee's neighborhood. The first session of school held here was 
about the year 1828, which was in an old round- log house, built by Mr. 
Umble for a dwelling. About L825, a good hewed-log house was erected on 
the northwest corner of Valentine Wilson's farm, for school purposes, which 
remained in use for at least fifteen years, when it was burned down. Then 
another hewed-log house was erected on the same farm, which had been 
built for the purpose of a church, but was never used but little as such, and 
was appropriated for school purposes, and remained in use as such till 
L859, when a frame house was erected on Mr. Potee's land, which was used 
till 1873, when the present neat brick house was erected. The present 
Board of Directors are James Prugh, William Tingly and Philip Markle. 

The above schools in Districts No. '■'> and 4 are an illustration of the 
beginning and progress of the schools of the township from its first settle- 
ment down to the present time. Now the township has six good school - 
housos — four brick and two frame. The schoolhouse at Somerford is a two- 
story brick, having one room above and one below. It was erected in 1S72. 
This had been preceded by two frame houses, the last of which was built in 
J 870. and, in two years after, caught fire and burned down, and then the 



820 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

above-mentioned brick house was erected. Present Board of Directors are 
Dr. E. G. KiefFer, M. V. Fauver and James Ar buckle, 

This township can now compare favorably with any other in the county 
in the quality of her schoolhouses, and in the condition and progress of her 
schools. And what a contrast in the school privileges of to-day and those 
of seventy-five years ago! It would be useless to attempt to portray it: 
language is inadequate to express it, and the minds of the rising genera- 
tion can but imperfectly realize it. Then the child had to go miles 
through the woods, and over almost impassable mud roads; enter a rough 
log schoolhouse; sit upon a slab seat; warm before a fire-place which occu- 
pied all one end of the house, where were piled logs which it took two or 
three big boys to roll in; learn what little he could from the simple and 
primitive books of that day: all that was his privilege, just for a few days 
in the winter, when his father had nothing for him to do at home, or when 
the weather was so bad and inclement that it was impossible to work out of 
doors. And further, if in participating in the above the child's conduct 
or behavior did not come up to the standard which the teacher thought it 
ought to, he had the sure privilege of a thorough application of a good 
hickory switch, which were then very plentiful, and in the dextrous use of 
which the schoolmaster of that day was very proficient. The child of to- 
day has a fine brick schoolhouse near his father's fine residence, or but a 
short distance from it, over a solid gravel road, where he enters and enjoys 
the finest of furniture, and the room heated by a good coal stove to any de- 
gree of comfort: has the best improved books, from which the lessons are 
explained and illustrated by charts, maps, globes and other apparatus to 
elucidate and make clear to the mind of each child the subject of the les- 
son. And not only this, but these privileges are extended to him from six 
to nine months every year. The rod is seldom used by the teacher of to- 
day. He studies the mind of his pupil, understands his nature, gains his 
confidence and controls him by love. Truly, the child of to-day, as com- 
pared with that of seventy-five years ago, lives in a golden age. 

CHURCHES. 

The political philosopher recognizes our schools and free school system 
as the bulwark of the nation, but the young mind, as well as the more ma- 
ture, must be molded and tempered by the Divine Instructor, in order that 
the great power given by the acquired intelligence obtained by our grand 
educational institutions may be rightly directed, so as to promote the great- 
est interests of our people and nation, to make them truly great and happy. 
And from the earliest dawn of our nation, created by the wisdom, courage 
and intellect of our forefathers, has been recognized the value and impera- 
tive necessity of churches, that their benign power and influence may go 
hand in hand with all intelligence and progress; being to the intellect as 
the governor to an engine, or the rudder to the vessel, to direct and con- 
trol. The pioneers of this township realized this fact, and they early pro- 
ceeded to organize churches. 

The first church organized in this township was by the Methodists, 
about L828, at the house of Charles Soward, by Kev. James B. Austin, with 
the following members: Sutton Potee, Charles Soward, Joshua Davis and 
Samuel Wilson, with their wives, with Sutton Potee as Class-Leader 
About 1834, the organization changed the place of holding their meetings 
to Somerford. and their services were held in private houses and in the 
schoolhouses till about JM:'> 11. when a brick house was erected in the east 



SOMEKFORD TOWNSHIP. 821 

part of the town. There services were held till in the fall of 1873 when they 
tore down the church, and the brick were used to help build the present 
houSe, which is located in the western part of the village, at a cost of about 
$1,700. This house was dedicated to service by Rev. Granville Moody on 
October 25, 1874. This church has had its times of prosperity and its 
times of waning. At the present time it is enjoying a fair degree of pros- 
perity, and the prospects for its future growth and usefulness are quite 
promising. The membership is now about lifty, with Rev. J. F. Lewis as 
their minister, and Mr. Hughs as Class-Leader. 

Fletcher East or Tradersville M. E. Church was organized in the 
schoolhouse it is believed about 1838. Among the first members who or- 
ganized a class were Moses Bales, Rev. Eli Adams, Mr. Geer, Isaac New- 
man, Charles Rigdon, William Davidson, and their wives; also Edwin West 
and his wife, Margaret, and daughter. About 1843-44, they erected a frame 
house, in which services were held for many years. In 1873, the present 
house — frame — was erected, at a cost of about $2,200. The church at one 
time was quite large in membership, and prosperous, but in later years has 
decreased very much by many moving away, and others by death. Its 
membership now numbers about seventeen, with Reason Lauck as Class- 
Leader, and J. H. Davis as minister. Some of the first or early ministers 
of this church were Revs Eli Adams, George Boucher, Cherry, Conrey, 
Ellsworth, Williams, Keck, Jackson, Fiddler, Hull, Havens and Smith. 

The Christian Church at Somerford. — This church was organized May 
1, 1847, by Daniel Summers and John Simmerman, with six members, as fol- 
lows: Daniel Sommers and his wife, Rachel Sommers ;. John Simmerman 
and his wife. Martha Simmerman; John Bradley and his wife, Judy Brad- 
ley — who covenanted to take the Holy Scriptures as a sufficient rule of faith 
and practice, and Christian as the only name for the followers of Christ. 
The church, since its organization, has been administered to by the follow- 
ing ministers: Daniel Sommers and John Simmerman officiated jointly for 
two years, with but three additions to the church. The eecond to fill the 
pastoral office was Samuel Wilson, who filled the pulpit for four years, and 
under whose service's there were added to the church sixty-five members 
The third to preach to this people was C. A. Morse, who labored three years, 
and received thirty-five members. Daniel Griffin was the fourth pastor, 
who served the church eight years, during which period were added to the 
church 12-">. The next to administer to the ehurcb was William S. Man- 
ville, who filled the pulpit two years, and added forty-two. The sixth and 
last, who has faithfully labored for a period of sixteen years to shed abroad 
the light of the Gospel to this people is Rev. W. M. Overturf, and who has 
during this time been permitted to extend the hand of fellowship to 320, 
and welcome them to the household of faith. Thus, since the organization 
of the clmrch, there have been added about six hundred members. Al- 
though the church, when organized, was weak in numbers, and for two or 
three years labored under discouraging circumstances, having no place to 
meet but in the schoolhouse, yet their faith was strong, believing the prom- 
ise of the Divine Master that " where two or three are gathered together in 
my name, there will I be in the midst of them." The promise was veri- 
fied. In 1850, their church edifice was erected, and the little band had a 
home and a place to worship. The light of divine truth began to prevail, 
and, under the earnest labors of Rev. Samuel Wilson, many were added to 
the church ; and since that time the lights and shades have come and gone, 
and, like all organizations, they have had their seasons of prosperity and 



822 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

discouragements, but its growth has been steady and substantial, and at the 
present time (1882) the church has enrolled 135 members. 

CEMETERIES. 

Most of the trarying-placea of this township are old family grounds for 
interment, established by the first settlers, some of which have been fenced 
in and carefully preserved, while some have become entirely obliterated, 
the grounds now being in the open pasture field, and not a mark or vestige of 
anything 1 left to inform the passer-by that there, underneath the sod, lie the 
remains of all that was mortal of many a noble sire. 

One early burying-ground. and perhaps the first place in the township 
used for interring tin- dead, is situated on the old Arbuckle place, where 
their family and many of the neighborhood, probably several hundred bod- 
ies, have been placed in their silent graves. This cemetery is well fenced, 
and will remain cared for and preserved as long as the descendants of the 
Arbuckle family reside in the vicinity. Another burying-place of the early 
settlers was located on the Gwynne land, but it is now all in open pasture. 
There is one located on the Stateler farm, one near the grist-mill, and one 
at Somerford. Although there were some other places scattered here and 
there over the township in early days, yet those noted above appear to have 
been the principal places of burial. 

MILLS. 

There have been but few mills of any permanency in Somerford Town- 
ship. Although in early times there were a few rudely constructed saw- 
mills, run by water from the small creeks, which only remained in existence 
a short time; and later, some portable steam mills have been in use, and 
moved from point to point as temporary necessity required, yet there has 
been and is but one mill of any permanency, and that is the one now owned 
by John Cartzdafner, situated about three -quarters of a mile northwest of 
Somerford. At this place, about 1N14, Gabriel Markle erected a saw-mill 
run by water, and, a year or two later, he erected a grist-mill. This mill 
he continued to run about ten years, when he was succeeded by John Rob- 
erts, who conducted business there several years, since which it was in the 
ownership of several different persons. It was finally destroyed by tire while 
in the ownership of -lames Smith, who again rebuilt it. At one time, this 
mill did quite an extensive business, and was a great convenience to this 
neigh berhood, as prior to its erection the people were compelled to go many 
miles, over almost impassable mud roads, to have grinding done. Soon 
after the war of the rebellion, this mill was purchased by John Cartzdafner. 
who has continued to run the mill to the present time. 



In 1836-37 was constructed, by the General Government of the United 
States, one of the greatest improvements of that day and age — the National 
road. This road passed through the southern portion of Somerford 
Township, from east to west, and here, as in Deer Creek Township 
and elsewhere all along its line, from the immense travel and business 
over it, sprang up almost innumerable hotels or places of public entertain- 
ment. There was prior to the commencement of this road, no town or vil- 
lage within the territory now embraced in Somerford Township. In 1836, 
Joseph Chrisman surveyed and laid off some lots and started a town, which 
was named Somerford. Mr. Chrisman kept the first tavern, and also opened 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 823 

the first store. The first Postmaster was William Eaton. Mr. Weeds was 
the first toll-gate keeper, just below Somerford. and then Mr. Smith, at 
Somerford, received the office. The first physicians were Drs. Putnam and 
Crann. The town is now a pretty country village, with the following busi- 
ness places: W. L. Clingan, dealer in dry goods: M. Y. Fauver, grocer 
ies; J. A. Evans, groceries; Henry Bunton, blacksmith; John Neer, black- 
smith; W. M. Evans, hotel; E. G. Keiffer, physician; and M. -L. Sprague. 
physician. It has two churches, one schoolhouse. brick, with two rooms <>r 
apartments, and a brick town hall, erected in 1877 at a cost of $2,<>0t). 
About five miles north of Somerford is located a small hamlet known as 
Tradersville. This contains about half a dozen houses, with one small stor< 
and one church. These comprise the towns of Somerford Township. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

On May 10, 1871, the Grand Lodge I. O.O. F. of the State of Ohio grant- 
ed a warrant and dispensation to the following persons and their successors, 
legallv and duly elected to constitute a lodge to be known by the tit I 
Somerford Lodge. No. 481, I. O. O. F. : V. H. Prugh, T. F. Prugh, James W. 
D. Statler, H. P. Markle, H. H. Harris, William Harris. A. T. Prugh. Pat- 
rick Powers. Newton Potee, David Bales. I'. M. Candler, S. F. Saunders, 
Jackson Wilson and Alexander Wilson. On July 15, L871, the lodge wa- 
duly instituted by Kodney Foos. !'. G., Special Deputy, with the fol- 
lowing charter members: Y. H. Prugh. Jackson Wilson, T. F. Prugh, 
Alexander Wilson, Patrick Powers, A. T. Prugh. William Harris. H. 
I'. Markle, H. H. Harris, J. W. D. Stateler, David Bales, F. M Cand 
ler, Newton Potee. S. F. Saunders. John Furrow, Oscar Dickison 
and Joseph Ward: with the following officers duly elected and in- 
stalled: James AY D. Statler. N. G. : Y. H. Prugh. Y. G. ; H. P. Markle, 
Secretary; A. T. Prugh, Permanent Secretary: David Bales, Treasure]-. 
The present membership (October, 1882) is seventy-six, officered as follows. 
Thomas Cornwell, N. G. ; George Barber, Y. G. : C. G. Markle, Secretary: 
C. E. Arbuckle, Permanent Secretary: W. L. Clingan. Treasurer. 

Somerford Division. No. 89, Sons of Temperance, was duly instituted 
October 21, 1881. with the following charter members: Delia Arbuckle. 
Emma Eckles, Hamilton Orpitt, M. C. Sprague, S. T. Holland, Anna Faw 
ver, Charles Prugh, Emma Stanford, Annie Snediker, John Turner, Mrs. 
Josie Prugh, Francis Stanley. Mrs. R. Dayton, S. A. Holland. Claudius 
Potee, Charles Wilson. N. B. Wilson, Mrs. Jane Overturf, A. G. Cartzdaf- 
ner, Hannah Geer, Jennie Potee, Mary Arbuckle, Addie Cartzdafner, O. A. 
McCauley, Avrill Potee, Minnie Payne, S. M. Holland, Mary McCauley, 
Granville Potee, W. L. Clingan. Jonathan Geer. Elmer Overturf, Elmer Rodg- 
ers, Jacob Wilson, Joseph Eckles and Amanda Holland. E. J. Morris. I < 
S. : J. P. Wintermule, G. W. P. The following officers were elected: M 
C. Sprague. W. P.; Emma Eckles. T. \\ . P.; Delia Arbuckle. W. A.: Silas 
Holland, R. S. ; Addie Snediker, A. R. S.; A. G. Cartzdafner. F. S. : W. 
L. Clingan, Treasurer; S. M. Holland. C. : Minnie Payne A. C. : Addie 
Cartzdafner, I. S. ; and Hamilton Orpitt, O. S. 

The present membership (October, 1882) is fifty-six, officered as fol- 
lows: A. G. Cartzdafner, W. P. : D. W. Coberly, P. W. P. ; Ida Snediker. 
W. A.; James H. Clingan. R. S. ; Addie Cartzdafner, A. R. S. ; Byron 
Cartzdafner. F. S. ; W. L. Clingan. Treasurer; Hannah Overturf. Chap 
lain: M. C. Sprague, Conductor; Delia Arbuckle. A. C. ; A. Potee, I. S. : 
and K. T. Markle, O. S. 



824 HISTORY OF MAJUlSON COUNTY 



CHAPTER XIII. 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township occupies a position in the western tier of the townships 
of Madison County, and is bounded on the north by Union Township, 
on the east by Union and Range, on the south by Range and Stokes, and ol 
the west by the county of Clark. The surface is generally very level, and 
contained, in its original state, as the first settlers found it, large and ex- 
tensive prairies and oak openings; the western, southern and central por- 
tions possessing but little heavy timbered land in its primitive state. Bor 
dering on Walnut Run, in the northern part, and along the eastern portion 
of the township, the surface is more undulating, with here and there por- 
tions approach a slightly hilly condition, the most of which was heavily 
timbered. The principal species of the trees of the forests were white, 
black and red oak, hickory, walnut, elm and maple. In the oak openings, 
the prevailing timber was burr oak. The township is well watered by Wal- 
nut Run and Paint Creek and their numerous tributaries. The former 
crosses from west to east through the entire northern portion of the town- 
ship, while Paint Creek consists of two forks, the West and East Fork. 
The former rises in Clark Count}', and enters Paint Township near its north- 
east corner, takes a southeast course, and unites with the East Fork in the 
south central portion of the township, then flows south into Stokes Town- 
ship. The East Fork rises in the northern part of the township, on the 
Addison S. Jones farm, flows southeast to the center of the township, thence 
turns to a southwest course and unites with the West Fork as above men- 
tioned. The soil is exceedingly rich and fertile, the oak openings and 
prairies possessing a deep black loam, while the more undulating portions of 
the north and eastern parts of the township are a mixture of loam and clay, 
and underneath these is a stratum of blue clay mixed with limestone, and 
through this we reach a bed of gravel, the structure and composition being 
favorable to the retention of moisture and its protection from long-contin- 
ued droughts. It is a very strong, productive soil, and well adapted to the 
growth of grass or grains. In an early day, these prairies produced for the 
early settlers an abundance of pasturage for their stock, and many of them 
entered largely, and some exclusively, into the stock business, the sedge on 
these prairies often reaching the wonderful growth of six to eight feet in 
height Right in the center and heart of this township and of this beanti 
fill prairie settled a young Virginian about 1810, and, entering upon the 
stock business, finally fenced in a large scope of this fine pasturage, increas- 
ing his business from year to year; became a rich and wealthy man, own- 
ing his thousands of acres of this beautiful and rich country. By a fail- 
degree of business tact and shrewd financiering, this man's coffers were almost 
spontaneously filled to overflowing. And this is only one of many, who, in 
greater or less degree, have become wealthy in Madison County by entering 
upon the stock business in an early day, and reaping the fruits of these 
natural advantages afforded by these great and productive prairies. 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 827 

A country possessing such natural resources could not long escape the 
observation of those pioneers and frontiersmen who were so rapidly push- 
ing from the rising toward the setting sun. To those men from the rock 
bound hills of Virginia and other States in the East, such a country as this 
held out attractions they could not resist, and we early find the domains of 
Paint being occupied by the white man. Fromtho best sources of informa- 
tion we have been able to obtain, it appears that the first pioneer of Paint 
Township was Andrew Si frit, who was born near Winchester, Va. , in 1750. 
When but a young man, at the first call for troops in the commencement 
of the war of the Revolution, he enlisted as a private soldier, and served 
for eight lon»- years. For these services he subsequently obtained a war- 
rant for 2(H) acres of laud. He was married to Susan Shrock, by whom he 
had nine children. Mrs. Sifrit died, and he married for his second wife 
Miss Hannah Morrills, a native of Virginia, by whom he had twelve chil- 
dren. Thus he was the father of twenty-one children. In 1803, he, with 
his family, emigrated to Ross County. Ohio, where they remained one year, 
and in 1804 came to Madison Couuty, settling in Paint Township, on land 
now owned by John Paulin, on what is called Sifrit Run. This, it is be- 
lieved, was the first white settler in Paint Township, as it is now known, 
but at that date was Darby Township, in Franklin County. 

Let the reader of the rising generation imagine the surroundings of 
this pioneer family. Not more than half a dozen families as neighbors (if 
you may term them such) within a scope of fifteen miles; nothing in the 
daytime but the sound of the ax and its distant echo to cheer their lonely 
lives, as he fell the giants of the forest preparatory to erecting a log cab- 
in for a dwelling place for his large family; at night, their slumbers dis 
turbed by the howl of the wolves and the mingled cry of other beasts of 
prey; and the whole intensified by the fear of the savages, who were then 
in plentiful numbers all throuo-h the country! Do you wonder that it took 
bone and muscle, and, more than all, a great degree of fortitude and moral 
courage to go through all this? To purchase goods or get milling done 
they had to go forty miles to Chillicothe, and much of the way over terrible 
mud roads, and some of the distance no road at all, only as they cut and made 
it.. But here, with such surroundings. Mr. Sifrit and his family began. 
They erected a double log cabin and commenced to make a farm andahome. 
They had willing hands and hearts, and knew how to labor; and from year 

ear their conveniences and comforts began to appear, neighbors were 
settling all around them, and everything began to wear a more pleasing as- 
pect; and before Mr. Sifrit's death, he was permitted to see the opening 
up of a magnificent country, and the future prosperity of his children 
fully assured. He died in 1817. at the advanced age of nearly ninety-eight 
years. 

Of Mr. Sifrit's children by his first wife, five came with him to this 
county — Catharine, James, Mary. Elizabeth and John. James, the elder 
son, was a young lad when they came to this county, and was able to ren- 
der his father and family great assistance in their first labors here. He 
married Elizabeth Higgins, by whom he had six children, three now living 
Nathan, John and Lovinia. Mr. James Sifrit spent his life as a farmer 
and stock -raiser; was quite prosperous, and at his death owned between 300 
and 400 acres of land. He died in April, 1881, aged eighty live 
John, the youngest son, married Harriet Chapman, by whom he had eleven 
children; two only survive — Joseph and Jacob. In L835, John, with his 
family, removed to Marion County, Ohio, where he died about 1849, just in 

FF 



828 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

the prime oi life. He was quite an energetic, active business man, and 
had acquired between 400 and 500 acres of land. He served as a Justice of 
the Peace several years. Of Mr. Andrew Sifrit's children by his second 
wife, seven now survive — Susan, now Widow Earl, residing in Seneca 
County. Ohio; Nancy, wife of Daniel Kingery, and resides in Illinois; Ju- 
lia Ann, now "Widow Roe, residing in Minnesota; Jacob, a resident of Lon- 
don; Lawrence \V., residing in Franklin County, Ohio; Maria, now Widow 
Hamm, residing in Iowa, and Michael, also a resident of Iowa. 

Peter P. Helphenstine, a native of Virginia, was a Major in the war of 
the Revolution, for which services he received land grants for a large 
amount of land. In October. 1805, he started for Ohio, and, arriving at 
Chillicothe, he became acquainted with Col. Elias Langham, who was go- 
ing up into the " Barrens " to lay some warrants. David Watson had ac- 
companied Mr. Helphenstine from Virginia to Ohio, and now they associat- 
ed with Col. Langham and came up to Madison County to locate and lay 
and survey their lands. They finished their work about February It. and 
returned to Chillicothe. Mr. Helphenstine and Mr. Watson remained there 
till in September. 1806. They returned to Virginia and at once made 
preparations to remove to Ohio. Mr. Helphenstine and family. Jonathan 
Minshall and family and Walter Watson and family, with their connec- 
tions, to the number of thirty -nine persons, with six or seven wagons, staited 
for their new home in tho wilds of Ohio. They arrived at Chillicothe the 
last of October, 1806. There they left their families, while Mr. Watson, 
with his family, located upon a place which his sou David had previously 
rented for him, and Mr. Helphenstine proceeded to his land, and, with the 
assistance of David Watson ami others, erected a cabin, and, in January, 
1S07, moved his family from Chillicothe into the cabin, in his new and per- 
manent home, ami here Mr. Helphenstine remained through life, being, it 
is believed, the second settler in Paint Township. He was an excellent 
neighbor and citizen, a devoted Christian, and lived and died highly es- 
teemed and respected by all who knew him. Some years later, Henry Help 
henstine, a brother of the above, became a settler of Paint Township. 

David Watson was born in Maryland October 17, 1783, and. with his 
father, Walter Watson, and his family, became settlers of Ohio in ISO)), and 
in 1807, with Mr. Helphenstine and family, David came to Paint Township, 
and here was married to Mary Helphenstine, for whom he formed a special 
attachment when she was but ten years of age. while residing in Virginia. 
They commenced in life with nothing, as poor as any person ever started out 
in life. But we will not here devote space to portray a history of this val- 
uable citizen's life, as it is fully given in another part of this work. Suf- 
fice it here to say that Paint Township may well be proud of having been 
the place of residence of one whose lite was so full of activity, success and 
usefulness. George Blougher, of German descent, came with or about the 
same time as Robert Hume, in 1804. He worked one year for him, clear- 
ing his land, for which services .Mr. Hume deeded him 100 acres of land, 
upon which he settled and remained through life. He was a very honora- 
ble man, a good neighbor and a worthj citizen. About 1810—12, a Mr. 
Harpole settled on the Hume land, and became owner of quite a large 
amount of land, bu! of him and his we know but little. 

James Withrow, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Madison County 
and located in Paint Township, on Walnut linn, in 1X07, and. one year 
later, brought his family to his new home. Hore he took up 250 acres .of 
land. All the country around was a vast wilderness, iu which he had but 



I'M NT TOWNS HII". 829 

three neighbors — David Watson, Jonathan Minshall and Peter P. Helphen 
stine. Indians were still here, and were frequent visitors at their house. 
They were generally friendly and peaceable, but frequently too free or offi- 
cious, and would borrow or take things out of the house, such as cooking- 
utensils, sometimes keeping them a long time, but would generally return 
them. They would frequently borrow corn-meal and provisions of various 
kinds. Corn-meal in that day was an item of sonic value, when they had to 
go forty-five miles to Chillicothe to get grinding done. Sometimes they 
would have their supply of meal nearly exhausted, and they would hide it 
in the straw tick in the bed. On one occasion. Indians searched the 
house all over, and even the bed. but did not happen to find it. Mr. 
With row never allowed them to bring their guns in the house, but had them 
leave them outside. At one time, Mr. Withrow having gone to Chillicothe 
to mill, the Indians came and wanted to bring their guns inside the house, 
but Mrs. Withrow required them to leave them outside. They came in and 
sat by the fire. Mrs. Withrow was spinning, and she observed them talk- 
ing with each other, and apparently displeased about something. By their 
motions she could understand that they were talking about scalping her. 
With all the courage she could command, she instantly ordered them out, of 
the house, and by continued firmness finally succeeded in getting them 
away. Such trials of their courage and fortitude were quite frequent in 
that early dny, and it sterns those noble pioneer women were peculiarly 
fitted for the occasions they had to meet. Mr. Withrow was quite a military 
man, and was a Major in the militia for many years. He, in later years, 
after his farm began to produce wheat, hauled it. to CJrbana over the then 
terrible mud roads, and sold it at 87 cents per bushel. The last hat he pur- 
chased lor himself he bought at Urbana, for which he gave fourteen bush- 
els of wheat. He erected a saw mill on Walnut Run about 1815, which 
was the fust mill in this vicinity, and one of the first in the county. This 
mill was run by water, and remained in use about ten or twelve years. Mr. 
Withrow was no office-seeker, and desired no notoriety in that way, but was 
an active, industrious man, and devoted his life to his farm interests. His 
character and integrity were beyond reproach, and was a devoted member of 
the Presbyterian Church, having brought with him, when he came here, a 
letter of his membership in the church where he lived in Pennsylvania, 
bearing date L803, and connected himself with the church at London, iu 
which church he was an Elder many years. 

Of their family of seven ehildi'en, Ann, the eldest, married Abraham 
Phifer. She died about 1ST;!. Margaret died unmarried. David married 
Mary Harvey, and settled in Paint Township, where he died without issue. 
Isabel married John Stroup, by whom she had five children; is now a wid- 
ow and resides in London. One of her daughters is the wife of Mr. Mc- 
Laughlin, proprietor of the Phifer House. Another of her daughters, Re- 
becca, married Joseph Foos, emigrated to California, and was said to be the 
first woman who ever went through on the overland route. She is now a 
resident of Australia. Robert married Ann Carr; resides in London; was 
formerly Sheriff of the county, but is now retired from all active business. 
Washington married Catharine Truman and settled on the home place. 
Then he purchased a farm, which, a few years after, he sold, and in 1842 
purchased the Robert Hume land, upon which he resided till, in 1878, he 
removed to his present place of residence, in Newport, where he has since 
resided, retired from all active business. His life has been devoted to 
farming and dealing in stock. From 1836 to 1853, he gave his special at- 



830 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

tention to buying stock through the Western States, and driving them over 
the mountains to the Eastern markets, and during this business of seven- 
teen years' duration, there was but one year in which he did a losing bus- 
iness; the sixteen years were successful, and yielded him good profits. His 
business life has been one of activity, crowned with success, having accu- 
mulated a large amount of property. His principal fault in life has been 
in being too kind-hearted and accommodating for his o wn financial good, as 
he has paid over $40,000 security money. But, notwithstanding these mis- 
fortunes, he has an ample competency left, and a clear conscience that he 
has faithfully discharged all obligations, no matter how unjust some of them 
may have been. Mr. Withrow has been employed to settle up a great many 
estates in his community, and has filled many of the important offices of his 
county and township, and is one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Newport, of which he has been a member since the winter of 
1854, and has filled most of the important offices of the church. Samuel, 
the youngest child of Mr. James Withrow, married Charlotte Rankin and 
reside? in London; is engaged in farming, which has been his principal 
business through life. 

John Stroup was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled on the Buffen- 
berger land about 1810, where he remained through life. He devoted his 
life to farming; had a family of five sons and two daughters; one now sur- 
vives, and is a resident of Range Township, now Widow Nancy Timmons. 

John Phifer, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Madison County about 
1810, and located on Paint Creek, on what is now known as the Buffenber- 
ger land. He was a blacksmith by trade, which business he followed, in 
connection with farming, through life. He had a family of three sons and 
four daughters, all now deceased. Mr. Phifer was an exceptional man 
for honesty, integrity and uprightness of life. Industrious and faithful in 
business, kind hearted and liberal, ever ready with his means and influence 
to aid in every moral progress and improvement, and died at a good old 
age, loved and respected by all who knew him. 

George Phifer, son of the above, married Tabitha Dean; was also a 
blacksmith by trade, which business he followed several years. After his 
marriage, he located at London and became one of the active business men 
of that place. He erected the Phifer House; also the block on the opposite 
side of High street now occupied by Wolf's clothing store and others. 
During this time, he was carrying on an active business as a farmer and 
stock-dealer, and was also for several years engaged in the tanning busi- 
ness — in all which enterprises he was remarkably successful, and died pos- 
sessed of a largo amount of property. Abraham, son of John and brother 
of George Phifer. married Ann Withrow and settled near his father; de- 
voted his life to farming; was very prosperous, and at his death owned 000 
acres of land and several thousand dollars in money. John, the third son, 
died when young. The daughters were named Dolly, Clara, Betsey and 
Nancy. All married and had families, and became prosperous and good 
citizens. 

Peter Buffenberger a native of Virginia, while a young single man, 
emigrated to Madison County, Ohio, and in 1810 located on Paint Creek, 
in this township, and entered at once largely into the stock business on the 
prairio, and was very successful. About 1816, he fenced in a large tract of 
these prairies. H> accumulated a large estate, and when, at the advanced 
age of seventy-five years, married a young lady. Miss Angeline Hutson, by 
whom he had two children — Eugeue and May. The former married a Mr. 



FAINT TOWNSHIP. 831 

Crawford, of New York. Mr. Buffenberger died a fewyeaxs after his mar- 
riage, leaving his family 4,200 acres of fine land, besides 700 acres which 
he had previously deeded in fee simple to his wife. His wife subsequently 
married for her second husband Mr. Colburn, and they now reside in New 
Jersey, and Mary, her youngest daughter by her first marriage, who is un- 
married, resides with them. About 1810, George Linson, a native of Vir- 
ginia, settled on Paint Creek, just below the Buffenberger tract of land. 
He was married in Virginia, and came here in very limited circumstances; 
entered upon the stock business; was very successful and made money rap- 
idly, becoming the owner of over two thousand acres of excellent land. He 
was the father of five sons and two daughters, of whom two now survive — 
Margaret, now Mrs. Shough; and Jesse. The former resides in Pleasant 
Township, this county; the latter in Fayette County. 

George Chappell settled near Walnut Bun about 1810, and remained 
a resident of this township till death. He was a native of Virginia; mar- 
ried Margaret Green; Lad four sons and two daughters, all deceased but 
two — Thomas and Charles, who are now residents of Illinois. Mr. Chap- 
pell served as a Justice, of the Peace for many years, and while in that office 
used his best efforts to get parties to compromise, and thus avoid all 
litigation, if possible; was a most excellent man and faithful officer. John 
C. Jones, though not an early settler of Paint Township, having settled 
here in 1844, yet he was born in East Tennessee in 1817. came to Ohio in 
1821, grew to manhood, and has been prominently identified with the growth 
and progress of the county from a very early day. He has served as Direct- 
or of the County Infirmary, as a Justice of the Peace, as Township Trustee 
and other minor offices. He is now quite advanced in years, having spent 
a long and useful life, devoted to the interests of his county and the com- 
munity in which he has lived. Bev. William Sutton, a minister in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, was, it is believed, born in Virginia, but be- 
came a settler of Paint Township about 1810, locating on the Hume land. 
He married Hannah Coberly; resided here but a few years, when, as a 
Methodist minister, he had to adopt the itinerant life they live; but the greater 
portion of his life was spent in the service of the ministry within Madison 
County. He died at Mt. Sterling, although his home and residence at the 
time of his death was in London, and there his body was taken for inter- 
ment. He was an excellent man and faithful Christian minister Lewis 
Higgins. a native of Virginia, settled on the Hume tract of land about 1811. 

Reuben Gregg, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Chillicothe in L8l0, 
and to Madison County in 1811, and located in Paint Township, about half 
a mile below where the village of Newport is now situated. He married 
Phoebe Harpole, and remained a resident here till his death. Thomas Coberly, 
a native of Virginia, emigrated to Ohio and purchased 100 acres of land in 
Paint Township about 1810, upon which he located, and where he resided till 
death. He was an industrious, hard-working pioneer, and raised a family of 
four sons and three daughters. Of these, Willi am served in the war of 181 2, and 
subsequently became an extensive farmer and trader, which occupations he 
followed through life. James Chapman was born in Frederick County, Va., 
in 1801. In 1816, he became a settlerof Paint Township, and subsequently 
married Ann Chapman, a native of Virginia, by whom he had nine children; 
three now survive. Mr. Chapman i^ now eighty-one years of age, is hale • 
and hearty, with good eyesight, and is now one of the few early pioneers 
yet surviving. 



832 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

ERECTION OF PAINT TOWNSHIP. 

Although the territory which now comprises Paint Township began to 
be settled up as early as 1804, yet it was the last township but one to be 
erected. On the records at the court house we find the following: June 
7. 1853 — " A petition was presented to the Commissioners, asking for a new 
township, to be called Paint Township, to be composed of parts of the town- 
ships of Stokes and Union. Beginning at the county line near Peter 
Slaughter's, thence running an easterly direction to the line of Range Town- 
ship; thence a northerly direction with the original township line to the 
corner of Stokes and Union Townships; thence northeast so as to include 
Baskerville's, and to continue in that direction far enough to include Rob- 
ert Reed, or some point, so as to get enough territory; thence a northwest- 
erly direction to the line of Clark and Madison Counties at some point north 
of William T. Jones'; thence a southern direction with the county line to 
the beginning. Therefore, it is hereby ordered by the Commissioners of 
Madison County, that the foregoing described territory, or as near as may 
be deemed proper, be. and is, established a township, which shall be known 
by the name of Paint; and be it further ordered that Henry Alder, Survey- 
or for the county of Madison, and John T. Maxey, proceed to survey and 
establish the lines and boundaries of said township, erecting proper monu- 
ments at the several corners thereof. Ordered by the Commissioners that 
the legal voters within the territory heretofore described meet at the resi- 
dence of James Phifer, on Saturday, the 25th day of June, 1853, and there 
and then proceed as provided by statute in such cases, to elect all necessary 
officers for said township." 

June 0, 1855 — "A number of citizens of Union Township presented a 
petition that the line dividing the townships of Union and Paint be so 
changed that they may be included within the boundaries of Paint Town- 
ship, to wit: Beginning at the angle in said line between the residence of 
Washington Withrow and H. Langham; thence north so as to include John 
Ham, Sr., John C. Jones and Job Coberly, Sr. , in Paint Township; thence 
near a straight course to the junction of the Midway & London Turnpike 
road and the old Xenia road, that being the Paint Township line, or near 
that place where the Paint Township line strikes the old Xenia road. " The 
petition was granted, and Nelson Baker appointed to survey the line. 

OFFICIALS OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

There appear to be no records preserved until 18(54. Since that date, 
the following have Berved as Township Trustees: 1864, J. W. Each us, Jo- 
seph Plowman and Benjamin Tyler; 1805, J. C. Jones. David Stroup, Jr., 
and John Stone"; L8Gf>, Robert Reed, John C. Jones and David Stroup, Jr.; 
L867, Robert Reed, E. T. Linson and David Watson, Jr.; 1868, E. T. 

in, Washington Withrow and S. W. Bonner; 1869, W. Withrow, J. 
W. Eachus and David Watson, Jr.; L870, Steel Douglass, David Watson 
and J. W. Eachus; L871, David Watson, R. A. Niel and Steel Douglass; 
L872, ,J. W. Eachus, David Watsou and R. Samuel Niel; 1873, David 
Watson, Edmond Hill and William Cilgore; L874, John C. Jones, M. A 
Baskerville and William Kilgore; L875, William Kilgore, M. A. Baskerville 
and David Watson; 1876, ML A. Baskerville, David Watson and Benjamin 
F. Tyler; L877, Joseph Ploughman, John Eachus and ML A. Baskerville; 
1878, John W. Eachus, John T Vent and Joseph Ploughman; 1 S7D. Rob- 
ert Watkius, George Bodkin and John Paulin; L880, John T. Vent, N C. 
Rice and S. Bonnor; L881, Austin Htitson, N. C. Rice and J. O. Sifrit; 



I'M XT TOWNSHIP. «33 

1882, present incumbents are Washington Withrow, John C. Jones and 
Austin Hutson. 

Township Clerks— 1865, Steel Douglass; 1866, Henry McCann; 1867- 
68, Henry McCann; 1869. Henry Tyler; .1870, C. M. Evans; 1871, Henry 
Tyler; 1872, Henry Tyler; 1873-74, James 8. Cleeland; 1875, G. B. Can- 
non; 1876. Elam Blaugher; 1877. Thomas Durkee; 1878-79, T. C. Durkefe; 
1880, Marion Jones; 1881-82, Samuel Vent. 

Justices of the Peace 1854, Stephen Maxey and William B. Basker- 
ville; 1857, Job Coberly, John Correll and Stephen Maxey; 1858, William 
B. Baskerville; 1860, Steel Douglass; 1861, John T. Maxey; 1863, Jesse 
Coberlv; L864, John T. Maxey; L866, Steel Douglass and Franklin Tyler; 
1867, Jesse Coberly; 1870, H. W. Rowland and George Bodkin; 1873, 
Steel Douglass and George W. Bodkin: 1876. George Schuxr and G. W. 
Coberly; L880, William Keever and George W. Bodkin; 1881, James S. 
Cleeland. 

Treasurers— 1865, S. H. Watson: 1866-73, S. H. Watson; 1874-78, 
V. L. Buel; L879, Gideon Peck: 1880, E. A. Blaugher; 1881, C. Durkee; 
1882. C. Durkee. 

Assessors— 1866, Benjamin Liuson; 1867, E. R. Florence; 1868-69, 
E. R. Florence; 1870, Benjamin Linson: 1871, E. R. Florence; 1872, John 
T. Hutson: 187:?. Benjamin Tyler; 1874-75, John Crawford; 1876. A. E. 
Osborn; 1877, A. E. Osborn; 1878, John F. Armstrong; 1879. Frank 
Mitchell: 1880, Edward Florence: ISM 82, W infield Coberlv. 

Constables 1865 66, -laiues Jewell and Adam Rider;" 1867, V. L. 
Buel; 1868, William Clevenger and Washington Coberly; 1869, S. White 
and M. W. Cannon: 1870, W. T. Bethards and S. White; 1871, J. Schick 
dants and W. T. Bethards; 1872, George Hull and S. O. McColum; 1873, 
George Hill and Peter S. Hill; 1874. Thomas Bethards and Jonathan Car- 
ter; 1875, Peter S. Hill and William Clevenger; 1876, Peter S. Hill and 
George Miller; 1877, E. A. Blaugher and Stephen Maxey; 1878, Daniel 
Kulp and George Hull; 1879, J. W. Osborn and E. C. Duff; 1880. George 
Hull and David Sutherland; 1881, George Hull and William Yeath; 1882, 
William Yeath and A. C. Bodkin. 

CHURCHES. 

One of the firs! organized churches in Madison County, if not the first, 
is the Methodist Episcopal Church now located at Newport, this township. 
In 1807. at the house of Jonathan Minshall, a class was organized by Rev. 
Mr. Lakin. with three members — Jonathan Minshall and wife and David 
Watson, with the former as Class- Leader. Meetings were held and preach- 
ing occasionally had at the house of Jonathan Minshall till, in 1809. David 
Watson's father having located near David's place, meetings were held at 
his place until in 1822, when David's mother died, after which the meet- 
ings were held at David's house. As the neighborhood became settled up, 
the class grew and increased in numbers. Between the years 1816 and 
1820, there was held eacli year, for two or three years, a camp-meeting in 
this neighborhood, which was probably the first of the kind ever held in 
Maidson County. People came to these meetings from many miles dis 
tant, and camped in tents, and had many very enjoyable meetings. At one 
evening meeting, twenty-four persons joined tho church, under the preach- 
ing of Rev. Alexander Morrow. The church held their meetings in pi'ivate 
houses until the building of a public schoolhouse. about 1831-32, when the 
services were held in the schoolhouse. which was erected where the ceme- 
tery is now located. Here the church contimied to hold their services till 



H 1 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

about 1850, when the society erected a church edifice about one mile east, 
at Newport. They erected a good, substantial frame building, at a cost of 
about $700. This building served the society until about L872, when the 
present brick house 56x32 feet, was erected, at a cost of about $4,500, and 
is a verj aeal and comfortable house of worship, well finished and well fur- 
nished. Ai the time of the erection of the tirst church building, the society 
numbered about twenty persons. Since that time, the church has been 
Berved by the following ministers: Rev. Mr. Smith. John Stewart. Joseph 
Brown. Mr. Orum, Archibald Fleming, Mr. Spahr, Samuel Tibitt, J. T. 
Miller. Mr. Pitzer, A. Alexander, Mr. Beath, Mr. Vananda, A. R. Miller, 
I. Bradrick, Mr. Kino; and Rev. Mr. Mackey, who are now the present pas- 
tors. In November. lST'J. the new church was dedicated. Joseph Trimble 
preaching the dedicatory sermon. The membership is now about one hun- 
dred. Trustees, Samuel Coberly, William Withrow, John Paul in, William 
Clevenger, David Watson ami "Washington Withrow . Stewards are Wash- 
ington Withrow and David Watson: (Mass Leaders. Samuel Coberly and 
W. Withrow. In connection with the church. the\ have had a good, flour- 
ishing Sunday school since the erection of the first church edifice. It 
now numbers about sixty scholars, with James Buell as Superintendent. 

Protestant Methodist Church — In 1850, a few persons met at the school- 
house, then located where the cemetery now stands, and. under Rev. Rameth 
Husse\. were organized into a class, consisting of the following persons: 
Prewley Rains, wife, three sonts and one daughter: Jame - Jewell ami 
Elias Forbis and wife; Joseph Stroup and wife: Gideon Peck and wife; 
[sabel Stroup, Josie "Watson, Sarah Jones, Polly "Wagoner and Elizabeth Sif- 
r it; and perhaps one or two others whose names are not now remembered 
Elias Forbis was Class-Leader. The society held their meetings at the 
Bchoolhouse for three or four years. In lSel 55, they erected their pr is 
ent frame h"use iu Newport, which was completed and dedicated to service 
the same year, and it is believed that Rev. A. H. Trumbo delivered the 
dedicator} sermon. The membership is now about twenty live, with Rev. 
T. D. Howe as their minister, and Amos Gregg as Class-Leader, who ha^ 
served as such more than twenty years. Trustees, James Evans, John W 
Vent, Singleton Yates. Amos Gregg and Uriah Thornburg. 

CEMETERIES. 

For many years the early settlers had their family or neighborhood 
burying grounds. One of these was on the John Phifer farm, where sev 
eral of the Phifer family and many of the people of that neighborhood 
found their final resting place: but no.\ nothing remains to show that there 
was ever a grave made there, the ground being used and cultivated for 
grain. Another was <n\ the Hume land. Some bodies, however, have been 
removed from here and deposited in more permanent and well-preserved 
cemeteries. This ground is, however, st 11 inclosed by a fence, but no more 
persons are being buried there. The only one which has become a perma- 
nent burial-place is the Withrow Cemetery. This was first established as a 
family burying place of the Withrow family, and was probably tirst opened 
by the reception of a body of a child of William Crider, after which it be- 
came the general burying place for the neighborhood, and thus continued 
till about L870, when it became the property of the township. Originally 
there was but one acre of ground fenced in. The Trustees then purchased 
>f Davi I Wats in and ad Led to it, so that it ow contains - 
and is well fenced in. and laid out in walks, with good graveled roads 




^A ■ &a\i~itiax- 



0WN8HIP. 

and walks around'them, with good shade and ornamenta] iking it a 

very pretty rural cemetery, and a fit depository and g place for the 

dead. 

The 6rs1 school, it is believed, in Painl To vnship, was held in a cabin 
on Jonathan Minshall's land. Samnel Flarvey being the first, or one of the 
first, teachers the 3chool, like all e ools, being supported by sub 

scription. The teacher received aboui 115 per month for hie labors. The 
lir-t schoolhoi t the pioneer, primitive kind— round logs, puncheon 

floor, slab ed paper windows. The first public Bchoolhouse 

was erected on the ground now embraced in the cemetery. This .. 
hewed-log house, ■■ nd was then considered quite neat and comfortable. This 
house ded by a frame one, erected on the same ground about 

1847. This house was used for school purposes til] about 1872, when the 
present brick was erected, at a ■' 11,500. This is now known 

. District No. 2. The township now has nine Bubdistricts, and all have 
good brick h< from $1,500, to $2,000, except in Subdistrict 

No. 8, which is a good frame house. The schoolhouses and the schools are 
perhaps in this township equal to if >f other town 

of Madison Com 

This township contains but one malJ village within it borders, In 1849, 
the land where Newport now stands was owned by Ephraim Freshour, and 
in that year he laid off some lots for the town, and donated one lot for school 
purposes. Jam"- Coberly erected the first bouse, in which he lived till his 
death. '1 milt by Eliae Forbes as a dwelling fur himself. 

The first blacksmith was James Jewell. He wa- succeeded by Henry Ro- 
land. About 1851 52, John Coberly built a stei mill in the town, 
with the old kind of i w. which, after some yeai npplanted 
with a circular -aw. and is now owned by Jackson Coberly. Elias Forbes 
was the first wagon-maker. The first store was opened by Napoleon Moore, 
who erected a building and put in a general stock of good- in 1854. The 
post office wa- established in 1856 b% with James Gossard as Postmaster. 
The present Postmaster is Thomas Durkee. The village now contains 
about one hundred and fifty inhabitant-: ha- one general store, one grocery, 
two blacksmiths, one wagon-maker, one carriage painter; and contains two 
churches, and one schoolhouse with two departmei I for the small 
He for the larger scholars. 

ko.'.n- \ n j > PIKES, 
mpplied with good roads and free turnpikes, pa 
through it and 1< □ all directions to the important towns in other 

township- and counties. Through the northwest corner of the township 
' j,e Jefferson, S >v Kenia Turnpike; runni 1 gj 

in a northeast and southwesi direction through the township, a little west 
of the center, is the old London A: Kenia road; then further east is the 
Madison & Fayette Turnpike, the London & Bloomingburg road, and the 
Yankeetown road, the latter forming the boundary line between Paint and 
Union J - ' for two to three mile-. Through the northwest part of 

the township, and running nearl) parallel with the Jel South Charles- 

ton A: Kenia Turnpike, passes the 1' h, Cincinnati & St. Louis Rail- 

road, and. although there is no town on its line within Paint Township, 
yet they have a way station called J 



838 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 

THIS was the last township erected in Madison County, and is one of the 
smallest in territory and the most irregular in its contour and boundary 
lines, and another peculiarity it has is in not possessing a single town or 
village within its limits; hence it is purely a rural township. On March 
5, 1856, a petition was presented to the Commissioners of Madison County, 
signed by Robert C. Amos and others, asking for the erection of a new 
township to be composed of parts of the townships of Range, Pleasant, 
Fairfield and Union: " Beginning at the southeast corner of the land of 
John Dun, in Pleasant Township; thence northeasterly with his line cross- 
ing Deer Creek to his corner; thence with his northerly boundaries to the 
James Innis Surveys, thence with the James Innis Surveys to Deer Creek; 
thence up Deer Creek with the Fairfield Township line to the north line of 
the land formerly owned by John Harrison, deceased; thence westerly with 
the line of said Harrison to the John Jones road; thence westerly with said 
road to the La Fayette road; from thence a southwesterly course to north- 
westerly corner of Je3se Rea's land and corner with Maxwell Murray; from 
thence southwesterly with Jesse Rea's line crossing the land of Robert Arm- 
strong to Levi Springer's northeast corner; thence with Springer's south- 
east line to the Yankeetown road; thence southeasterly with said road to the 
southeast line of the lands of David and Isaac McClimans, and with the 
west line of Joseph Morgan's; from thence to the beginning. Wherefore, 
it is hereby ordered by the Commissioners of Madison County that the fore- 
going described territory be and is hereby established a township, which 
shall be known by the name of Oak Run Township; and be it further or- 
dered that Henry Alder, Surveyor of the county of Madison, and Edward 
Fitzgerald, meet at said Fitzgerald's on March 24. 1856, and proceed to 
survey and establish the lines and boundaries of said township, erecting 
monuments at the several corners thereof. Ordered by the Commissioners 
that the legal voters within the territory heretofore described, meet at Har- 
vey's Mills on Monday, tho 7th day of April next, that being the first Mon- 
day of said month, and then and there proceed as provided by the statutes 
in such cases to elect all necessary officers for such township. 

On June 2, L856, a petition by citizens of Oak Run Township was pre- 
sented to and granted by the Commissioners, changing the west line of Oak 
Run Township as follows: "Down the London & Yankeetown road to the 
line of William Johnson, Sr., aiul William Johnson, Jr.; thence with their 
line to a branch of Bradford's; thence with the meanderings of said branch 
to the line of Thomas Foster, and thence with the line of him and James 
McClimans to the west line of John Foster, bounding with I. and W. Mc 
Clim.ns; thence with their line to John Foster's southwest corner, being two 
black oaks; thence in a direct line to tho northwest corner of James W. Rob- 
inson and corner to land bought of said Robinson by I. and D. McClimans, 
near Bradford's Run; thence with the lino of s.iid Robinson and I. and D. 
McClimans to their corner in the line of Joseph Morgan." 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 839 

Oak Run Township, April 17, 1856: " In pursuanceof notice the quali- 
fied electors of Oak Run Township, Madison County, Ohio, met and organ- 
ized by calling Jonathan Harvey to the chair, and Jeremiah Rea as Secre- 
tary, and then viva voce declaring Jeremiah Thomas, Jonathan Harvey and 
Robert C. Amos, Judges of Election; Jeremiah Rea and Mitchel Lane, 
Clerks of Election. The above officers being qualified according to law, 
the poll-book was then opened, and the electors of said township proceeded 
to elect by ballot the following officers, to wit: John Foster, Jonathan Har- 
vey and Robert C. Amos, Trustees; Jeremiah Thomas, Treasurer; Jeremiah 
Rea. Clerk; David Lewis, Constable; Mitchell Lane and Jonathan Farrar, 
Supervisors, and Dr. D. Warner, Justice of the Peace. The township was 
now in complete working order; the boundary lines of its territory definitely 
and satisfactorily established, and all necessary officers duly elected and 
qualified for the duties that might devolve upon them during the year 1856. 
The above election was, in accordance with the orders of the Commissioners, 
held at Harvey's Mills. From the record books of the township we find 
elections have been regularly held each year since 1850, at Harvey's Mills, 
until 1881, when they had erected a good township house at the corner of 
Robert Rea's land, where the Harvey Mill road strikes the London & Mt. 
Sterling pike, since which the elections have been held at the township 
house. 

The following is a record of the officers who have been elected and 
served in the various offices respectively since 1856, commencing with the 
office of Township Trustees: 1857, John Foster, Jonathan Harvey and R. 
C. Amos; 1858-59, Robert C. Amos, Mitchell Lane and Jeremiah Thomas; 
1860, Jesse Rea, Jeremiah Thomas and Joseph Bell; 1861-62, Jeremiah 
Thomas, Matthew Rea and Mitchell Lane; 1863-66, William Bell, B. D. 
Thomas and .Joseph Rea; 1867, Mitchell Lane, A. C. Moorman and Jo- 
seph Rea; 1868, Mitchell Lane, Cephas Pancake and A. C. Moorman; 
1869, -J. C. Smith, Cephas Pancake and Joseph Bell ; 1870, Joseph 
Bell, J. C. Smith and Daniel B. Foster ; 1871, J. C. Smith, D. B. 
Foster and Joseph Bell; 1872, D. B. Foster, J. C. Smith and Joseph Bell; 
1873, Jeremiah Rea. Cephas Pancake and Thomas Wheeler; 1874, Elijah 
Chenoweth, Jeremiah Rea and John Farrar; 1875, D. B. Foster, Andrew 
S. Bell and Jeremiah Rea; 1876, Andrew S. Bell, John Pancake and Thomas 
Wheeler; 1877. John Martin, John Pancake and Thomas Rea; 1878, M. S. 
Roby, Joseph Bell and A. C. Moorman; 1879, A. C. Moorman, M. S. Roby 
and Thomas Wheeler: 1 880, A. C. Moorman, A. S. Bell and John T. Wal- 
ters; 1881, C. E. Gregg, M. S. Roby and A. S. Bell, and 1882, M. L. Rea, 
Joseph Pancake and James Wall. 

Treasurers — 1857, Jeremiah Thomas; 1S5S. Owen Thomas; 1859, Jere- 
miah Thomas: 1860 66, W. \\. Fellows; 1867, William Bell; 1868, Will- 
iam Bell; 1869, Henry Farrar; 1870, Robert Rea; 1871-/3, Henry Farrar; 
1874-77, Jeremiah Rea; L878, J. C. Smith; 1879, John Pancake; 1880, 
K. M. Harvey, and 1881 -82, John Pancake. 

Clerks— 1857-68, Jeremiah Rea; 1869-70, William Bell; 1871, John 
Foster was elected, but gave no bond, and William Bell continued to act; 
1872-80, William Bell; 1881, Joseph Bell, and 1882, Joseph M. Lewis. 

Assessors— 1857 58, Henry Farrar; 1859-60, E. Chenoweth; 1861, 
Joseph Bell; 1862, Henry Farrar; 1863, Robert Rea; 1864, F. M. Cheno- 
weth; 1865, B. D. Thomas; L866 71, F. M. Harvey; 1872, John Foster; 
1873, F. M. Harvey; 1871, John Pancake; 1875,* F. M. Harvey; 1876, 
Wallace Peddicord; L877, F. M. Harvey; 1878. F. M. Harvey; 1879, Jo- 



840 HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

seph Pancake; 1880, Wallace Peddicord; 1881, Joseph Pancake, and 1882, 
Joseph Bell. 

Justices of the Peace — 1857. David Lewis and William Bell; 1858, A. 
V. Chrisman; 1859, William Douglass: I860, J. C. Smith; 1861, Rosell M. 
Thomas; 1866, B. D. Thomas. During the years of lS04-t55. there was no 
Justice in office, and, since ISCiT. there has been no Justice elected. 

Supervisors — 1857, M. Rea; 1858, Benjamin Bell and Jeremiah Rea; 
1859, Jeremiah Rea and Mitchell Lane; 1860, Owen Thomas and Jeremiah 
Kea; 18ol, J. C. Smith and Robert Rea; L862, Elijah Chenoweth and 
miah Thomas; 1863, William Bell and Jeremiah Rea; 1864, Jeremiah Rea 
and Benjamin Bell; L865, William Bell and Jeremiah Rea; 1866, C. E. Gregg 
and Jeremiah Rea; 1868, C. Pancake and Robert Rea; 1869, Abraham Miller 
andC. Pancake; 1870, Elijah Chenoweth and Thomas H Robv; 1871, .M.Lane 
and William Deffenbaugh; 1872. J. C. Smith an1 Thomas Wheeler; 1873, 
John Van Skoy and C. E. Gregg; 18 < 4, M. Lane and John Van Skoy; 1875, 
A. S. Bell and John Fleming: 1876, John Macken and J. C. Smith; 1877. 
John Van Skoy and J. C. Smith; 1878, William Vandyke and C. E. Gregg; 
1879, William H. Laird and Thomas Higgins; 1880, A. J Harvey, William 
King and John Macken; 1881. A. J. Harvey, T. H. Roby and Thomas Hig 
gins, and, 1882, Thomas Roby, J. W. Harvey and Thomas Morrissey. 

Constables — 1857. Mitchell Lane and F. M. Chenoweth; 1858, Thomas 
Peddicord and Robert Rea; 1850-60. Martin Parker and Mitchell Lane: 
1861, Joseph Rea and F. M. Harvey: L862, there were none sworn into 
office; 1863-67, Joseph Rea; 1868, Abraham Busick; 1860. Abraham Bu- 
sick, but did not give bond and consequently did not serve, and since that 
date they have elected no Constables. This township thus gives an illus- 
tration of getting through several years without a Constable or a Justice of 
the Peace; and, as far as is apparent, suffers very little inconvenience from 
the want of them. There is no town or village within the township, and 
no saloons, stores or other places to attract or keep loafers or idlers, and 
is a farmiug community, settled up with a class of industrious, law-abiding 
citizens, whose quiet and peaceable lives may well stand forth as beacon 
lights among the townships of Madison County. 

SURFACE, SOIL AND STREAMS . 

The surface is generally level; the western and southern portions being 
particularly flat and uniform, while the northern and eastern portions are 
undulating, and in some localities, along the creeks, is quite hilly. The 
principal streams are Deer Creek and Oak Run and Bradford's Fork, with 
their tributaries; the former passes through the northeast portion of the 
township, in a southeasterly course, entering the township from Union 
Township by passing through the farm of Joseph Bell and striking in its 
course the boundary lino of Fah'field Township, there takes a south course 
and for some distance forms the boundary line between Oak Run and Fair- 
field, then again enters Oak Run Township through the Chenoweth farm 
and reaching the north line of Jesse Rea's farm, turns east, reaching the 
Dun tract of land again takes a south course and passes into Pleasant Town- 
ship. In its course through this township, it receives its first tributary in 
what is called Nigger Run; then it receives on the Cephas Pancake farm, 
Glade Run, which enters the northeast corner of the township, pa 
through four or live farms, and empties into Deer Creek as above mentioned 
Next it receives, on the Chenoweth farm, Oak Run, which enters the town 
ship through the Dock Williams farm and flows southeasterly, receiving in 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 841 

its course through the Chrisman laud Walnut Run, which courses through 
the Jesse and Robert Rea farms and a part of said Chrisman land, and 
empties, as stated, into Oak Run. A little below where it empties into 
Deer Creek, the latter receives on the Jerry Rea land, Turkey Run. In the 
south part of the township and forming for a considerable distance the 
boundary line between Oak Run and Range Townships is Bradford's Fork, 
the main stream having a general southeastern direction, receiving on the 
D. B. Foster farm its North Fork, and farther down, on the Gwynne land, 
receives Barron Run. These numerous streams and their tributaries furnish 
an abundant supply of water to all portions of the township. The west and 
south portions of the township possess a very deep, rich soil, principally a 
black loam, and as originally found by the frst settlers, consisted mainly 
of oak openings and prairies, upon much of which grew a sedge so tall that 
a man riding through it on horseback could take the grass from either side 
and tie the tops together over his horses' back. The northern and 
eastern portions and along the creeks, where the surface is undulating 
and hilly, possesses principally a loam and clay soil, and, although some 
small portions of it is a thin soil, yet the most of it is strong and productive, 
and is excellent for either grass or grain. 



The first settler that we have been able to gain any account of within 
the precincts of Oak Run Township was William Jamison, who came to his 
county from Kentucky and located just south of the mouth uf Glade Run, 
about 1805. He purchased 200 acres of land, upon which he resided till his 
death. He became quite a prominent and prosperous farmer of that day. 
He married Ann Brown, of Brown County, Ohio, by whom he had three 
sons and three daughters— Ira, the oldest son, became a minister in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in Hancock County, Ohio. The 
second son died young. William, the youngest son, arriving at manhood, 
emigrated West and is now a resident of Ml Pleasant, Iowa. The three 
daughters were named Zelah, who married a man by the name of Ferguson; 
Cynthia married Levi Poulston, and the third daughter (name forgotten) 
married a man by the nunc of Foster; all three of the daughters are now 
deceased. 

John Simpkins, a native of Maryland, came to this county about the 
same time as the Gwynnes, it is believed as early as 1808; he purchased 
land in this township on Walnut and Oak Run, which new is owned by Mrs. 
Eliza Chrisman, and here settled and made some improvement and became 
a leading active man in the secular affairs of the county; served as Treas- 
urer of the county in 1816; Collector in 1817; was an Associate Judge and 
also a Justice of the Peace; the latter office he rilled for many years. He 
finally moved to Missouri, remaining but a short time, when he returned to 
this county, entered upon the mercantile trade, which he followed through 
the greater part of the remainder of his life. He had two brothers. James 
and Thomas; the latter was stabbed and killed on the streets of London; 
the former subsequently returned to his native State. Maryland. 

Two brothers, Elias and Van De Lashmut, natives of Maryland, came 
to Madison County, it is believed, as early as 1810, and purchased land on 
Deer Creek, on the boundary line between Fairfield and Oak Run Town- 
ships. At about the same time came John De Lashmut, a cousin of the 
above; also two brothers, Otho a>nd Nelson De Lashmut. also cousins of 
the former; the latter was a brick-maker by trade. Elias was the principal 






842 ' HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. 

active man among them; was Sheriff of Franklin County in 1807-09, and 
it appears owned the greater part of the land they purchased, and after a 
few years entered upon the mercantile trade, and was one of the early 
merchants of London, where he carried on business for many years. John 
DeLashmut subsequently moved West, and settled somewhere on Red River. 

John Jones came from Franklin County and settled on Oak Run, one 
mile above its mouth, about 1808; resided here some eight or ten years, and 
opened out the farm and made considerable improvements, then moved away. 
Thomas Nash, a native of Kentucky, settled near the month of Oak Run 
about 1812; after residing there a few years, he removed to Indiana. Will- 
iam Sly settled on Turkey Run, on Surveys 10,904 and 12,304, at an early 
day, and was becoming somewhat prominent as an active, energetic man, 
but finally moved to Sandusky, where he died. John Linsey, a Virginian, 
settled on Oak Run, one mile above its mouth, on the land first settled and 
improved by John Jones, mentioned above, about 1818. He resided here 
about six or eight years; was quite active and energetic, gained some 
wealth and moved to near Sandusky, where he purchased land and died 
there, leaving a large estate. 

Montgomery Wilson was one of the early settlers of this township, of 
whom but little is known, except that he was a blacksmith by trade, and lo- 
cated temporarily wherever his business or inclination led him. 

Joseph Rea was born in Pennsylvania in 1754; he married Elizabeth 
Conn, who was born January 27, 1762; they were married January 10, 
1783. They emigrated to Virginia; thence, in 1810, to Ross County, Ohio; 
and thence to Madison County, about 1818. and settled on Oak Run, where 
they died about 1829. They had a family of nine children; all grew to 
maturity, but are now deceased. Of their children, Mathew was born in 
Rockbridge County, Va. , in 1793; he became a resident of London in 1818. 
and married Ann Amos, who was born in Maryland November 15, 1802; 
they were married in London by Patrick McLene, Esq., and, in 1835, set- 
tled in Oak Run Township, where he became a very successful farmer and 
stock-raiser, and accumulated a good property. She died in 1857, and he 
in 1873. They had seven children; three now survive; Robert and Jerry, 
two of the surviving children, are large land-owners in Oak Run Township, 
and -are among the most respected citizens of the county. 

James Foster came from Ross County and settled on the north side of 
Bradford's Fork, about 1820; a few years later, his brother John came and 
settled near him; they married two sisters by the name of Bough er. They 
became prosperous farmers and large land-owners; they were active busi- 
ness men and filled many offices of the county and township. .James served 
as County Commissioner. 

Jonathan Farrar was a native of England but became a settler in Oak 
Run Township, on land now owned by Mr. Chenoweth, about 1825. Mr. 
Farrar was as excellent man and quite a judge and admirer of fine stuck. 
He. with Charles Phellis, Esq., and Mr. Browning, were appointed a com- 
mittee by the Stock Breeders' Association of Madison County to go to En 
gland and purchase a quantity of fine blooded stock. John C. Robisun, 
an Englishman by birth, possessed of a good education and a teacher in his 
younger days, came from Pennsylvania to Madison County, and about L831 
32, located in Oak Run Township and erected a saw and grist mill on Oak 
Run, since known as the Harvey Mills and the Oregg Mill. He sold the 
mill to Jonathan Harvey, and thence removed to Kentucky, where he en- 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 843 

tered upon teaching, and while engaged in this profession was stabbed and 
killed by one of his scho'ars. 

MILLS. 

The number of mills in this township have been few, and most of those 
only temporary. As to saw-mills, of course the demand for them in any 
country depends upon the amount and value of its timber, and, as much of 
this township was a prairie and without timber.it would be self-evident that 
mills would here have a limited business. The first saw-mill we receive, 
an account of was erected on Deer Creek, near Christian Smith's farm, 
about 1830-32, by John C. Robison. This was run by water conducted in 
a race from the river above, and then into the river below the mill. Uris 
at, first was only a saw mill, but soon a set of buhrs was attached for grind- 
ing. After a short period, Mi\ Robison sold out to Mr. Gosley, and he 
to Joseph Chrisinau; then it came into the ownership of Jonathan Har- 
vey, who put in an engine and run it by steam. He died and the mill 
was purchased by Hannah & Wood, and while in their ownership was 
burned down. Then it was rebuilt as a water-mill by William Harvey. 
About 1865, Mr. Gregg purchased the property, and has since continued to 
run the mill. A saw-mill had been kept up and run in connection with the 
grist-mill till within a few years, when it had fallen into a very dilapidated 
condition, and they ceased using it. Mr. Gregg, however, has a portable 
saw-mill, located on Turkey Run near the schoolhouse. About 1835, Jona 
than Farrar erected a saw-mill near the mouth of Oak Rue, and subsequent 
ly erected a grist-mill attached to it; just how long this mill continued in 
operation we did not definitely ascertain, but suffice it to say it has lone; 
since passed out of use. On Deer Creek, about half-way between the 
Gregg and the Farrar Mills was a saw-mill, erected by a Mr. Deffeubaugh. 
but which has also long since disappeared. 

SCHOOLS. 

The educational system of this township compares favorably, we thi nk 
with those of other townships. And taking into consideration the fact that 
this township was erected so late as 1850, and many portions of it for many 
years quite sparsely settled, we think the present good condition of its 
schools speaks well for the moral standing and enterprise of its citizens. 
The township is divided in five subdistricts, as follows: District No. 1 has 
a good new house erected on the London & California pike, on The north- 
east corner of the Chrisman land. The enumeration of scholai's in this 
district, in October, 1880, was 48; District No. 2, on Turkey Run, was 37; 
District No. 3, in the Higgins neighborhood, 71; District No. 4, in the Fos- 
ter neighborhood. 40; District No. 5, on the Jesse Rea farm, 23; total enu- 
meration, 219. Total receipts of all funds on hand for school purposes, 
September 1, 1879. $3,920.39; total paid teachers and for expenses, $2,084.- 
71; balance on hand, September 1. 1880, $1,835.68. 




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PART V. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

PRESTON ADAIR, farmer and stock raiser. P. O. London. His an- 
cestry can be traced back to Ireland. John Adair, Sr., enlisted in the Brit- 
ish Army, and when the American colonies threw off the yoke of tyranny, 
he accompanied Gen. Cornwallis to America. After the war. he settled in 
Augusta County. Va., where he married Jane Ross. Tbey were the parents 
of seven children. One son, John Adair, Jr., the father of our subject, was 
born near Stanton, Va. . November 11, 1783. His mother dying young, he 
was taken to raise by an uncle. In 1808, when twenty-five years of age, he 
accompanied his father to Ohio, stopping at Chillicothe and remaining 
there as guests of Gen. IN re Arthur for some days. They then came to Madi 
son County, where John. Sr.. purchased a tract of land, about one mile north 
of the present site of La Fayette, where he resided till his death, in L815. 
John Adair then married, and purchased a tract of land from Gen. McAr- 
thur, located on the "Upper Glade," in Deer Creek Township, and consist- 
ing of eighty acres. He married Jane Ross, a native of Virginia, and the 
result of this union was the birth of twelve children. Seven of these grew 
to mature years, and six are now living. Mrs. Adair died in June, 1837, 
and Mr. Adair married for his second wife, in 1840, Miss B. Plymell. No 
children were given them. Mr. Adair died January 1'.), 1859, and his widow 
resided with our subject until the date of her death, in April. 1876. John 
Adair. Sr., was an extensive stock-dealer of that time; in political life a 
Whig, but entertaining a strong dislike for office-holding. He was an ear- 
nest Christian, and a pioneer Methodist of that community. The first 
Methodist Episcopal " class meeting" in that vicinity was held in a " squat- 
ter's cabin," on his land. Preston Adair, his son and our subject, was born 
on the old homestead June 11, 182 ( J. He was there reared, receiving only 
a limited education. His mother died, and his older brothers had all left 
home, so, from the time he was twelve years of age until thirty, he remained 
with his father and step-mother, carrying on the farm. He w;is married, 
September 20, I85 ( .t. to Hannah Street, a native of Knox County. Ohio. 
daughter of John and Ann (Robison) Street, who came from England to 
Rose County. Ohio, in 1840. After marriage, Mr. Adair carried on the 
home farm for three years, and, in April, 1864, removed to his present 
comfortable residence, on East High street, London. Upon the death of 
his parents, he purchased the old homestead, and has since added to it, un- 
til at present it consists of 400 acres of valuable land. Mr. Adair is a thor- 
ough Republican in political views, and, in the fall of 1880, was elected 
Infirmary Director for a term of three years. He has been a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal denomination since a boy of twelve years, and at 
present is a Steward and class leader in the church at London. He is also 
connected with the Masonic Lodge and Council. Five children have been 
given to Mr. and Mrs. Adair, four living — Nettie; John W., in attendance at 



850 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio; Bruce, who has been blind for the 
past two years and is being educated at the Ohio State Blind Asylum, at 
Columbus; and Byers. Mrs. Adair and the two elder children are also mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas Robison, grandfather 
of Mrs. Adair, resides at Mount Vernon, Ohio, aged eighty-seven years. 

FULTON ARMSTRONG, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. London, was 
born in Union Township January 31, 1825. He is a son of Robert and 
Elizabeth (Earl) Armstrong, natives of Ohio, where they spent their lives. 
His father was an extensive farmer and stock-dealer, and at one time owned 
3,500 acres of land in this county. His people were among the very early 
settlers in this vicinity. Our subject received a limited education in the 
schools of his native county, and early in life adopted the occupation of 
farming. He commenced life by farming and stock-dealing in Vermillion 
County, 111., where he spent eighteen years. He owns 1,000 acres of very 
fine land in the county, in addition to which he rents about 50u acres to 
increase his facilities for his extensive stock operations. He usually keeps 
about 200 head of cattle on his place, in addition to his stock cattle, and 
now has 350 head. He married Mary Rankin, who died in 1808. She was 
the mother of four children, all now deceased. In 1869, he married Eliza- 
beth (Truitt) McMillan, widow of George McMillan, deceased. She is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Armstrong is a Repub- 
lican in politics, but he has neither desired or accepted any offices. 

Fd) WARD -ARMSTRONG, of Armstrong & Minshall. dealers in fur- 
niture and queensware. London, was born on the " Old Bradford farm," in 
Union Township, this county, January 1, 1850. His father was Robert 
Armstrong, a native of Chillicothe. Ross County, Ohio. He was twice 
married. His second wife, and the mother of our subject, was Mrs. Maria 
(Cowling) Cover, a sister of Maj. Cowling, so favorably known throughout 
Madison County, and a native of England. There were born to this union 
five children, four living. Mi". Armstrong was the father of fifteen children 
by both marriages, and his wife, beiug also twice married, was the mother 
of eleven chilcfren. The father died in 1865, and the mother in 1873. 
Our subject was the fourth child of this union, and grew to manhood on the 
farm. When fifteen years of age, he came to Londou, and entered the pub- 
lic schools. In 1869, he entered the drug store of Dr. Caldwell, of Cedar - 
ville. Greene County. Ohio, as a clerk with him altogether about 
tw<> years. He then returned to London and engaged in the drug business 
with Dr. J. T. Houston, the firm doing business for seven years. Mr. Arm- 
strong then formed a partnership with E. J. Robinson in the same business. 
and. three years later, in January, 1880, sold his interest to Dr. Piatt King. 
In June, 1882, he formed a partnership with Leon Minshall, in his present 
business, and, on the 23d day of the month, the firm opened out with an 
elegant assortment of plain and faDcy furniture, queensware, etc. Their 
trade has exceeded their most sanguine expectations. Mr. Armstrong is a 
member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, Masonic, the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, ami. politically, is a strong Republican. He was married, October 
12, 1876, to Alice, daughter of H. W. Richman, a prominent citizen of Lon- 
dou. Mr-. Armstrong is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JONATHAN ARNETT, surveyor and civil engineer. London. w;i> 
born in Ross County. Ohio, August 30, L819. His father, William D. Ar- 
nett, was a native of Eastern Maryland, and a farmer by occupation. He 
came to Ohio in 1S17. Locating in Ross County, where he resided twelve 
pears. He then removed to Jefferson Township of this county, and lived 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 851 

there till his death, in 1859. He married Margaret Vickers, also a native 

of Maryland. They had twelve children, six now living. Mrs. Arnett de- 
parted this life December 30, 1874. Jonathan Arnett was the sixth child 
of this large family, and grew to manhood on the home farm. His early 
educational facilities were those of pioneer days, and rather limited. He 
was engaged in farming until twenty-two years of age, and then attended 
what was termed the " Ohio Conference High School.'' at Springfield, Clark 
County, remaining there two years. He then taught school in this and ad- 
joining counties i'or about ten years. During this time, he spent his leisure 
moments in studying his present profession, and finally engaged in that 
occupation. From 1 S ~> I to L864, he was engaged in mercantile transactions 
in this and adjoining counties. He was Acting Chief Engineer of the 
Dayton A: Michigan Railroad for eight years, surveying the line from 
Springfield to Troy, Ohio, and subsequently to Union City, Ind. He has 
•been a resident of London since 1866, and during this period has devoted 
the daytime to his labor, and the evenings to the study of his profession. 
He was Surveyor of Madison County two terms; has been School Examiner 
of Madison County for sixteen years: of Union School. London, same 
length of time, and was a member of the London School Board for nine 
years. Mr. Arnett is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, Masonic, and 
a Master Mason. Politically, he has always held the views adopted by the 
Democratic party, but on local questions votes for the man and not for or 
with the party. He has never been an aspirant for office. Mr. Arnett was 
married in March, 1847, to Esther M. Fellows, a native of Hanover, N. H. 
Two children were born to them, one living — Delia A., wife of Clinton 
.Muse. County Surveyor. They have one daughter — Edna. Mrs. Arnett 
was a member of the M. E. Church, and died in that faith. August '25. 1871. 
Mr. A. was again married, April 22.1874, to Mrs. Permelia Morse, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Colliver, of Jefferson, Ohio. She is a native of Kentucky 
and a member of the Baptist Church. 

VALENTINE BAUER, merchant tailor, London, was born at Gerbach, 
Rhine Bavaiia. Germany, April 14, 1838. His father. Peter Bauer, came 
to America in 184 ( J. He located in Columbus, Ohio, where he was engaged 
in keeping tavern, and died in 1808. He married Catherine Bauer, also a 
native of Germany. Of their eight children, four are now living — two sons 
and two daughters — and only two residents of Madison County. Mrs. Bauer 
departed this lift' in Germany, January 12. 1848. Our subject was fourteen 
years of age when his lather removed to Columbus, and he resided in that 
city eight years. He there finished learning his trade, which he had pre- 
viously commenced in Germany. On October 9, I860, he came to London, 
and for eleven years was superintendent of the merchant tailoring department 
in the house of J. M. Winchester. On June 25, 1871, he commenced busi- 
ness for himself. Although having met with some reverses. Mr. Bauer still 
presses forward, and now enjoys a good patronage. He is a member of 
Chandler Lodge. No. 138, Chapter No. 73 (Masonic), Madison Lodge, No. 
70 (Odd Fellows), of London, and Palestine Commandery. No. 33, Knights 
Templar, of. Springfield, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Bauer is Republican, and 
has served several terms as member of the City Council. He was once the 
Republican nominee for Treasurer of London and defeated by only thir- 
teen votes. He was married, April 23, 1859, to Eva Michel, a native of 
Stahlberg, Rhine Bavaria, ( ierman v. Ten children have been born to them, 
six living— Emma. Frank. Clara, Edward, Eva and Robert. Mrs. Bauer is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. 



852 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

NATHAN BOND BLAIR, retired merchant, London, was born in Lon- 
don on the present site of Houston & Burnharn's hardware store, June 24, 
1824. He is a son of John and Jency Blair, of Scotch and Irish descent. 
John Blair was an early pioneer of this county, and a moderate land-holder. 
He was also an early resident of London. He traded his town property 
for a small farm, on what is known as the " Lower Grlade, " five miles south 
of London, to which he removed when our subject was but nine years of 
age. There the latter's time was occupied in tilling the soil and attending 
school. When he had secured such an education as the schools of those 
days afforded, he returned to London, being eighteen years of age. He 
served a three years' apprenticeship as carpenter and joiner, receiving, dur- 
ing this time, the munificent wages of $3 per month. After serving his ap- 
prenticeship, he commenced jour work, being recognized as a skillful car- 
penter and builder. In 1847, he whs married to Mary Penny. To this 
union was born one son — Henry C. Mrs. Blair died in the spring of 1849, 
and the son the following fall. In the fall of 1850, Mr. Blair was again 
married, to Mrs. E. A. Lamb, who had one son — Oscar E. They have 
three children — Anna M., Amanda and Harry Nathan, all of whom are liv- 
ing. The latter is managing editor of the London Enterprise. At the time 
of his second union, Mr. Blair was engaged in milling at Blairtown (named 
after a member of the family who owned large tracts of land near there), 
but subsequently returned to London and resumed work at his trade. He 
was engaged at that for the next seven years, employing from ten to fifteen 
men. He again bought the saw-mill at Blairtown, and operated it for seven 
years. He then went to Jefferson and engaged in the furniture and 
undertaking business in connection with his brother, J. C. Blair. After 
M>me time, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Blair continued the busi- 
ness until the spring of 1877, when he removed his stock to Londou. He 
there carried on the same business for two years, and then disposed of his 
stock and trade to Lohr & Son. Mr. Blair united with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Chiu'ch when seventeen years of age. He is a charter member of 
Jefferson Lodge, No. 412 (I. O. O. F.), and the Republican party. He is 
an honest, upright citizen, an. I highly esteemed by all. 

A. J. BLUE, farmer, P. O. London, was born in this State October 31, 
1849. He is a son of Harvey A. and Emily (Bowman) Blue, of German de- 
scent, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Our subject 
attended the district schools of his native county and the National Normal 
University at Lebanon, Ohio, graduating from the latter in 1871. He then 
chose milling for an occupation, and accordingly purchased a grist-mill in 
London. He followed farming until January 31, 1877, when he married 
Carrie A. Rankin, a daughter of Albert ami Margaret (Withlow) Rankin. 
She fell heir to 100 acres of land near London, on which they now reside. 
They have two children, viz., Harford and Emily A. Mr. Blue is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Methodist. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics. His Father was born in 1816, and is still living. His 
mother was born in 1826, and died in 1881. 

l\ J. BOLDS, the oldest boot and shoe merchant in London, and prob- 
ably of Madison County, was born in Maryland October 20, L828. His 
father, Thomas Bolds, was also a native of Maryland, and a shoe-maker by 
trade. He came to London in 1851, and resided there till his death, in 
1864, at which time he was the senior member of the hoot and shoe firm of 
T. Bolds & Son. He married Louisa Jarman. a native of Maryland. They 
were the parents of eight children, two now living. Mis. Rachel L 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 853 

Haynes, of Jefferson, and our subject. Mrs. Bolds departed this life 
February 19, 1837. Our subject was the fourth child of this family, and 
has been engaged in his present business all his life. He was a member of 
the firm of T. Bolds & Son, at the time of his father's death, and has since 
continued the business alone. Mr. Bolds is one of the oldest and most 
prominent merchants and citizens of London, and a man well respected by 
the entire community. He is a Republican in politics. He was married, 
July 18, 1865, to Amanda F. Bryan, a sister of M L. Bryan, of the Madison 
County Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Bolds are members of the Episcopal 
Church. 

ROBERT BOYD, farmer and stock-raiser, and President of the Lon- 
don Exchange Bank, residence, West High street, London, was born in 
Washington County. Penn., October 9, 1824. He is a son of James Boyd, 
also a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. He came to 
Madison County, Ohio, in September, 1830, locating in Canaan Township. 
Col. James Milliken had located 2,200 acres of land in this county, in 1829, 
and divided it equally among his nine children. One daughter, Martha, was 
the wife of James Boyd, and it was upon her portion of the estate (20' * acres) 
that they settled. They were the parents of four children, all living, and resi - 
dents of this county — two sons at Plain City. Darby Township; a daughter, 
wife of Squire William Kilgore, of Canaan Township, and our subject. 
James Boyd was about thirty-three years of age at the time of his death. His 
widow is still living and in her eightieth year. Robert Boyd was the oldest 
child and grew to manhood on Darby Plains. Canaan Township. H 
listed his mother on the farm till the date of his marriage, October 18, IS \'.i. 
when lie was married to Caroline M., daughter of Valentine and Nancy 
(Roberts) Wilson. /" They came to Ohio about 1810, and now reside in Som- 
erford Township. After marriage, Mr. Boyd engaged in farming for him- 
self, on 145 acres of the home farm, He then sold his land and purchased 
4ti" acres in Jefferson Township (now a farm of 420 acres), where he resid- 
ed rive years. He then removed to his present residence in London. When 
quite young. Mr. Boyd commenced dealing in stock, and has since contin- 
ued in that business. He is a member of the firm of Boyd & Byers, prob- 
ably the largest grazers and dealers in stock in Madison County. Mr. Boyd 
has been very successful in life, now owning 1,380 acres of land. 113 of 
which is in the corporate limits ^\' London, and 110 acres constituting the 
home farm. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a 
Trustee hi that body. His political views are Prohibition-Republican. 
He was one of the firsl Directors of the Madison County Infirmary; has 
been Township Trustee, and served six terms in the Village Council. Mr. 
and Mrs. Boyd have been blessed with five children — Nancy, wife of J. W. 
s, of Boyd iV Byers; Martha A., wife of A. G\ Carpenter, an attorney 
w, of Cleveland. Ohio; Albert W., who married Myrtie L. Fowler, of 
Wyandot County, Ohio: Caroline M. and Robert \V.. the two latter grad- 
uates of the London High School. 

.). C. BRIDGMAN, auctioneer, London, can trace back his ancestry 
out the time of Oliver Cromwell, in England. He has in his posses- 
sion a wood-cut. engraved about that time, and bearing the following in- 
scription: "Charlotte Lady Middleton, daughter of the Right Hon. Sir Or- 
lando Bridgman. Knight and Baronet, Lord-Keeper of ye Great Seale of 
England, and Lady Dowager of Sir Thomas Middleton, Chirkcastle, in 
Denbighshire, Baronet for ye advancement of this work, contributed this 
Plate to whose Patronage it is Huuiblv dedicated \>v R. Blome." It was in 



all probability Bridgman, who cauie to America in 1640, 

Fathers ** stock. He settled at Hartford, Conn., the 
r, thence moved to Springfield, Mass., and subsequently to North 
ton, N. H. John, his only son. had six sons John, born in I 
rn in lb', v. born in. 16*80; Lbono.or. bom in 1686; CI 

rn in L688, and Orlando, born in 1701, John, the eldest son. h 
ban. wh» q in Connection! He afterward moved to a - 

on Moose Mountain, in the Leming neighborhood, and Dear Hanover, H 
H. He had six sons l n Alvl. Gideon and Orlando 

These sons novo all ministers of denomination, and when 

hem, Alvl. died, another brother, Isaac preached the fui 
wad the four remaining brothers aoted as pall beare] 
son, Abol. previously mentioned, married a Miss Fowler, a oousin of 
S Fowler, the great phrenologisl of Now York city. He w 
laborious worker, and died at the comparatively early age of forty 
His widow subsequently married a Mr. Bass. Abel's son. Eri 

rer, N. H., in 1796, and there resided during his life, 11 
■nor through life and died in 1874, at the age of seventy eight j i 
He i Mary Flagg, ;>. native oi Mass ts, and a daughto 

Dr Bazaiele Flagg, a great lover of, and indulger in, praotioal jokes 
They were the parents of seven children, three daughters and four sons, 
three living Mary Frances, John C. (our subject) and Nathan C, Adeline 
Charles, Augusta and Mendal are deceased. Mrs. Bridgman departed 
life in the summer of i s oS. and both parents are buried near Hanover, N 
". the old cemetery near the brick church where Abol Bridgman' s ser 
was preached. Our subject, the fifth ohildand second son >>f this 
ily. was born at Hanover, N. II.. March 24, 1831, and was there reared 
Ho obtained a fair oommon-school eduoation, and part of an academic 
\{c was married, January 19, 1858, to Luoy B Pelton, and. on April 18, 
dgman and wife arrived at London, this county, Mr. B 
ired a position as clerk Us W. W. Follows, in the dry goods lino, 
and remained with him six months. Wo then secured a similar position 

Samael Tenny, and subsequently was with Shaw A Poland one j 
Ho then purchased a half interest in the grocery trade of William Smith, and 
the firm put out the following sign over their place of business: u Smith \ 
Bridgman, Genius and Capital Combined " Either the former quality v>t 
latter necessity failed, for the firm carried on the husiuoss but a few 
months. After engaging a short time in other enterprises, Mr Bridgman 
commenced at London in his present business This was in 1856, at tho be 
ginning of the stock sales in Madison County. Since that time, Mr. Bridg 

devoted nearly all his time to this occupation, and his smvoss as an auc 

tioneer is beyond doubt, and doos not need any word from us. " Jack 

Bridgman,* 1 as ho is familiarly oalled, is well known all over this and ad- 

■ ing oounties, and his jovial manners, free and ready wit, and common- 

qualities have won for him tho friendship of ail. When his father's 

settled up. ho generously relinquished his claim to an j 
:«' a younger brother who had stayed at homo and taken care of tho 
old f> - Mr. Bridgman commenced life in Madison Count] without a 
dollar in money, and has succeeded in life beyond his anticipations. His 
a >f every description during tho year 1882 amounted to $850,000. \i^ 
Royal and S M. sonry, and oonneoted with all tho Crater 

nity Iso a member of the Methodist Epis 

iroh M d had Beven children given theni, 




'.Ut.3). 



(JNH -Mil*. 857 

four living — Marion Francos, wife of William Chrisman, of Lon 

I . w ;i ii Jennings, I ord 

chant fci; Mary S. and Ollie. M., Flora and Orlando are 

deceased. Mr. Bridgman lr a director in the Madison National B 

Mrs. Bridgman is a lady of education and refine 

manners as her husband. She is a daughter of David M. Pelton, who was 

born in Lyme, X. EL, November 26, 1804. Ee wi 

ton, Sr., also a native of Lyme, X. H. He was a cattle dr died 

in 1818. He married Lucy Stone, and his widow 

New York State, and married the father of Millard Fillmore, thus I 

step-mother to the President of the Dnil David M. Pelton, Jr.. 

the father of Mrs. Bridgmi ally Ross, who was born in Ear 

N. H. They were the parents of fiv<> children- -Lucy Ji.. born Maj ! 

Isabel J-'., born August '■'>. 1840; David ('.. born June 26, L843; 

born Augusl d Franklin R., born Augusl 2U, L852. Lucy B 

Bridgman and David 0. are the two living. Mr. Pelton died April h*. I 

aged sixty-eight years, and his wife February 8, 1871. -Mrs. Bridgman's 

maternal grandfather was Thon . who enlisted in the Colonial army 

during the Revolutionary war, at. eighteen years of age, and subsequently 

died at Hanover, X. H. 

BENJAMIN BROBST, with Houston & Burnham, hardware, Loj 

born in Pickaway County, Ohio, 'January 21. 1842. He is a son of 
Peter Brobst, a native of Berks Comity. Penn., and a farmer by occupation 
Ee accompanied his father, Jacob Brobst, to Ohio in ISO' - ,, the latter lo 
eating in Fairfield, near Pickaway County. Peter Brobsl is yet living and 
is in I nty-seventh year, lie married Elizabeth Fellers, a native of 

Fairfield County. They w>tc the parents of ten children, seven now living, 
our subject the only one in this county. Mrs. Brobst departed this life in 
1879. Our subject was reared on the home farm in Pickaway County, and 
in early life " farmed it" for three years. In the fall of L865, he <-ame to 
Madison County, locating at Jefferson. He there engaged in mer< 
tile pursuits for four years. He then sold his stock and removed to 
London, engaging in the sewing-machine business. Ee remained at that 

■ven years, and then clerked for P. C. Cowling for four years. Since 
L880, lie has been connected with Houston & Burnham. Mr. Brobst is an 
influential member <>( St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Dei 
and Clerk of the official hoard. Politically, he is Democratic. Mr. Brobsl 
was married, April 7. L862, to Loraine Culp, a native of Pickaway Coi 
Ohio. They have three children Ernest E., Sarah E. and Anna F. Mrs 
Brobst is also a member of the Lutheran Church. 

MABCELLI'h L. BRYAN, editor and publisher of the Madison Den , . 
ocrat, was born at Batavia, Clermont Co., Ohio. March 29, 1 s 'j!:'>. His 
grandfather, David C. Bryan, who died July 31, L829, w, s bom on Long 
Island in 1771, and, in L792, married Ruth Bryan. In 1800, he moved to 
New Jersey, in 1803 to Williamsburg, this county, and, in lH'Zo, to Bata- 
via. He was elected ;i I ;. | tresental i ve in the Legislature in L806, but his 
seal was contested and given to Thomas Morris, and served as State Senator 
from 1807 to 1810, when he resigned to become Clerk of the Courts, which 
place he ably filled until his death, a period of nineteen years. His son, 
Malancthon A., was then Clerk for some two years. He was born Septem- 
ber 26, L803, and died March 27, L832. George S.. another son. was born 
September 3, L792, and died November 28, \^->'l. and his wife Mary died 
July L6, L844, aged forty-seven years. Our subject's father, whose name 



858 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH l',s : 

l 
was also David C, was born on Long Island, and was quite young when 
brought to Batavia by his parents. In 1828, when only nineteen years of 
age, he married Miss Mary M. Moore, youngest daughter of Capt. Charles 
Moore, an ex-Captain of the war of 1812, and an early settler of Clermont 
County, from Philadelphia. To this union eight children were born, viz., 
Marcellus L. ; Francis, wife of T. J. Bolds, of London; Charles M., of 
California; Beulah C. , wife of Joseph Kewley, of Richmond, Ind. ; Dr. A. 
S. , of Point Pleasant, Clermont County; Rose, wife of Mr. Patterson, of 
Point Pleasant; Eva. wife of Allen Armacost, of Wayne County, Ind. ; 
Learner L.. a printer in Chicago; and two daughters that died in infancy. 
The father was a man of prominence in his community, and at the time of 
his death was serving as Auditor of Clermont County. He was an Old-Line 
Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he became a 
Democrat. He was held in high esteem by the people and for many years 
occupied the office of Justice of the Peace. He died in 1867 from the 
effects of sunstroke received about a year previous. His wife still survives, 
at the age of seventy-three years. Our subject remained at home until nine- 
teen years of age, when he went to Columbus and engaged as a type setter 
on the Ohio Statesman. Before leaving home, he had learned the printer's 
trade under Andrew Oest, in the Clermont Courier office. After remaining 
in Columbus one year, Mr. Bryan went to Circleville. but after a year's resi- 
dence there returned to Columbus, where he married Miss Martha S. Mas 
terson, a uative of Ireland and a daughter of Prof. John O. Masterson. 
After his marriage, he went to Circleville, where he operated the Circleville 
Herald one year. He then returned to Columbus and remained there one 
year, after which he and John A. Kissinger came to London and took pos- 
session of the National Democrat, of which Mr. Bryan soon became sole 
proprietor, changing the name of the paper to the Madison Democrat, under 
which title he has since continued its publication. While in Columbus, he 
and four other journeymen printers established the Daibj Reveille, and in 
this office the great humorist, Artemus Ward (Charles Brown) was employed 
for some time. Mr. Bryan withdrew from the Reveille company one year 
after its organization, and six months before it was discontinued Of his 
family of eight children, seven survive, viz., Mary L., Ormand M. , Chester 
E., Charles M. , Mattie T., Marcellus and Addison. Annie O., the next to 
the youngest, is deceased. Mr. Bryan has been a Democrat ever since he 
cast his tirst vote. He served as Mayor of the village of London two terms 
and as County Recorder one term. 

L. W. BURNHAM, of Houston & Burnham, hardware merchants, Lon- 
don, was born in Pike Township, Madison County. December 12, 1852. He 
is a -mi of Henry Burnham. a native of this county and a farmer by occu- 
pation. He married Eveline Williams, a native of this county. L. W 
Burnham is tin- elder of five children, and when a young man accepted the 
position of Teller of the Trader's Hank of Mechanicsburg, Champaign Co., 
Ohio. He remained in this position three years, and then came to London 
to accept a similar one in the Central Bank of that city. After three years 
he resigned that position, and engaged in his present business with T. J. 
Houston, under the linn name of Houston & Burnham. Mr. Burnham is a 
member of the M. E. Chmrch, and Republican politically. He was married, 
October ."). L875, to Ella M. Houston, a sister of his present partner. She 

a member of the M.. E. Church and departed this life June <>, 1880. 

JOHN W. BYERS, deceased. The first of this name of whom any 
definite account can be given was Thomas Byers, who. with his son James, 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 859 

both natives of Scotland, emigrated from their native country to escape the 

persecutions their people were subjected to in that country, and made their 
home in Ireland, where they suffered in the siege of Londonderry. James, 
with his three sons, Thomas, Andrew and Samuel, emigrated to America at 
an early day, with other Scotch-Irish Covenanters. Andrew settled in 
Pennsylvania in 1791 or 1792, where he raised a family of children, of 
whom one son, James, married in Fayette County, Penn., and had four 
children, one son and three daughters. His wife died, and he was married 
the second time, to Elizabeth Watson, by whom he had seven children, live 
girls and two sons, John and Moses. In 1807, he moved to Ross County, 
Ohio, where he lived nine years. He then purchased land in Fayette 
County, and, four years later, finding his title defective, he was persuaded 
to relinquish this land, receiving 300 acres in the wilds of Madison County 
as an inducement to peaceably give up possession. He located in Madison 
County in 1820. His son, John W., was born near Uniontown, Fayette 
Co., Penn., May 9, L800, and. in 1825, married Matilda Hunter, by whom 
he had three children, of whom one survives— Matilda, wife of Samuel 
Truitt. Mrs. Byers died in 1831, and, in the fall of 1833, be married Sarah 
Painter, by whom he had ten children — Mary R., wife of N. P. Gardner; 
Louisa J., wife of Thomas Price; Missouri, deceased, wife of George Truitt; 
Joel M., who married Louisa Fitzgerald; James W., whose sketch appears 
elsewhere; John 0., who married Josephine Rickabaugh; Andrew, who 
married Ida Bidwell; Mary E. , deceased, and Laura and Kate, at home. 
Mr. Byers retired from active life nine years before his death and, after 
six weeks' illness, died, February 2, 1881, his remains being interred in 
Kirkwood Cemetery. Mrs. Byers' grandparents McGrew emigrated from 
Virginia to AYestinoreland County, Penn., at a very early day, but the In- 
dians were so hostile that they were obliged to bury their possessions and 
return to Virginia several times, until finally they resorted to block-houses 
for safety. He was a surveyor in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. They had 
seven children, three sons and four daughters. The youngest, Rossanna, 
was Mrs. Byers' mother. Thomas Painter, Mrs. Byers' grandfather, had 
three sons and seven daughters. Of these, Joel, her father, was born in 
1787, and moved to Pennsylvania from Harper's Ferry, Va., when he was 
quite small. In 1809, he married Rosanna McGrew, and had four sons and 
two daughters. Of the latter, Sarah was born in IS 13, and when eleven 
years of age her mother died. In 1825, her father married Jemima Allen. 
On March 21. 1826 or L82 7, they started for Cincinnati on a family fiat- 
boat, arriving April 12, L832. They then went to Dayton on a canal boat. 
Soon after, they returned to Cincinnati, and from there Mrs. Byers 
went to Jefferson in a stage. Mrs. Byers was married to Mr. Byers 
November 28. 1833, by Rev. Allen. They lived on a farm, one mile 
from Lilly Chapel, thirty-eight years, and moved to London in March, 
1872. She joined the Presbyterian Church in 1832. While at Brownsville, 
she saw the first steamboat launched on the Ohio River. It was called the 
Reindeer, and was built by Robert Fulton, and was sent to Pittsburgh. 
Mrs. Byers is descended from an old family of Quakers who lived in Vir- 
ginia many years. The subject of this sketch united with the Presbyterian 
Church in 1829, being one of the original members in the organization of 
that church at London. For over fifty-one years, he continued a faithful, 
consistent member of the same church, with the exception of a few years, 
when he removed his membership to Jefferson to aid in organizing a 
church there. As a citizen and business man, the integrity, loyalty and 



860 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

generosity of his spirit were unquestioned. As a husband and father, he 
was affectionate and self-sacrificing to the last degree. He loved life and 
often expressed his gratitude to God that He had spared him to live so long, 
but with great composure and assurance he awaited the invitation to higher 
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. G. Paterson at the 
family residence. 

J. W. BYERS, of Boyd & Byers, stock-raisers and dealers, London, 
was born in Fairfield Township, this county, May 26, 1841. His grand- 
father, James Byers. was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an 
early day. He first located in Ross County, and subsequently in Fairfield 
Township, this county. One son, John \V. Byers. was also a native of 
Pennsylvania, and was twelve years of age when his father came to Ohio. 
He was a farmer through life, and died February 2, 1881. He married 
Matilda Hunter, a native of Franklin County, Ohio. Two children were 
born to this union, one now living. Mr. Byers' second wife was Sarah J. 
Painter, also a native of the Keystone State. Ten children were given to 
them, eight living. Mrs. Byers is still living, and resides in London. Our 
subject was one of a pair of twins, and resided in Fairfield Township until 
twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in the grocery trade in London, 
remaining in that business fifteen years. At the expiration of this time he 
engaged in the cattle business with Robert Boyd (in 1879), and the firm are 
one of the most extensive in their line of trade in the county. Mr. Byers is 
a member of the Masonic Lodge and Council and the Presbyterian Church. 
He is Republican in politics, and one year served as Assessor of Union 
Township. He was married. January 31, 1871, to Nannie E., daughter of 
Robert Boyd. They have three living children — R. Boyd, Alice L. and 
John W. Mrs. Byers is a member of the M. E. Church 

S. H. CARTZDAFXFIL London, a prominent grocer, was born in 
Frederick County. Md.. April 14. 1826. He is a son of Michael Cartzdaf- 
ner, a native of that State, and there reared. He was a miller by trade, 
and came to Ohio in 1854. He located at Georgesville, in Franklin Coun- 
ty, and in this county a year later. He came to London in I860, and there 
died in the spring of 1862. Mr. Cartzdafner married Maria Connelly, a 
native of Montgomery County, Md. They were the parents of ten children, 
six of whom are living. Mother died in April, 1881, and sleeps beside her 
husband, in Oak Hill Cemetery, east of London. Our subject was the sec- 
ond child and son of this family, and, when nineteen years of age, went to 
Virginia, where he learned milling. He worked at his trade six or seven 
years, in Jefferson County, that State, principally at Harper's Ferry. In 
L852, he came to Columbus, and soon after to Madison County, being first 
employed by J. C. Smith in the " Old Chrisman Mill," in Oak Run Town- 
ship. He was in the Georgesville Mill two years; three years in the Rob- 
ert's Mill, three miles west of London, and soou after located permanently 
in London. He became associated in the grocery trade with John Jones, the 
partnership being dissolved two and a half year later. Since that time Mr. 
Cartzdafner has been in business alone, and has met with fair success in 
his mercantile transactions. He became connected with Virginia Lodge, 
No. 1 (Odd Fellows), of Harper's Ferry, in 1N4U. and since his residence 
in London ha> been ;< member of Madison Lodge, No. 70, and the Encamp- 
ment of the same fraternity. His political views are decidedly Democratic, 
and he has been a member of both the Council and Board of Education of 
London. He was united in marriage. June 25, 1850, to Mary S. Jones, a 
native of Pennsylvania, then residing it Harper's Ferry, Va. Eleven chil- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 861 

dren have been o-iven them, four living — Anna, wife of Will H. Chandler. 
■Jr., an enterprising business man of London: Maria, William and Fannie. 
Mrs Cartzdafner is a member of the M. E. denomination. 

J. W. CHANCE, a rising and popular young dentist of this city 
was born in Clark County, Ohio, August 29, 1848. His ancestry can lie traced 
back in the following: Jeremiah Chance was an Englishman by birth, and 
came to America between 1780 and 1740. locating in Maryland, where he 
lived till his death. One son, John Chance, was born near Baltimore about 
1762. He married Martha Watkins. One son of this union, Samuel 
Chance, was born in Maryland, eighteen miles from Baltimore, in 1784. 
He was a wagon-maker by trade, and married Mary Smallwood, a native of 
A'irginia, and daughter of Dean Smallwood. and niece of Brig. Geil. Small 
wood, of Revolutionary fame. They were the parents of ten children, only 
three living. Tho father died near Catawba. Clark Co., Ohio, October 21, 
1838, and the mother in Catawba March 1, 1870, a^ed eighty-one years. 
One of their three living children is William Chance, the father of our sub- 
ject. He was born in Pleasant Township, Clark County. Ohio. July 14, 
1815, and is now a resident of Champaign County. He married Henrietta 
Jones, born in Champaign County, Ohio. February 21, 1827, and daughter 
of Joseph and Sarah (Wooley) Jones. The latter was the daughter of Ste- 
phen Wooley, of Revolutionary fame, who was the son of William Wooley. 
This latter married Margaret Brown, a grand-daughter of Walford Weber, 
grandson of King William IV, of Holland. He came to America in 1649, 
and purchased a goodly portion of Manhattan Island, now the site of New 
York City. His sister, Aneke Jans, left an estate embracing 192 acres of 
land in the heart of New York City, and for which the heirs now lay claim. 
It will thus be seen that William Chance's wife, the mother of our subject, 
■s of royal blood, sixth in line from King William IV, of Holland. She 

Meen the mother of eight children, five living, and two residing in Lon- 
don, this county, subject and brother, John S., his assistant. The subject 
> this notice was reared on a farm, obtaining a very fair education. He 
vas engaged in teaching school in Champaign County for two years, and 
■< i- live years in Jefferson and Deer Creek Townships, of this county. About 
1870, he commenced the practical study of dentistry, at Columbus, with Dr. 
J i. G. Warner, of that city, a former resident of London. He remained 
with him one year and then came to London. He immediately formed a 
partnership with Dr. Carter, which was dissolved by the hitter's death, in 
1878. Dr. Chance then took charge of the entire business, and has steadily 
increased it until at present he has one of the finest offices in Central Ohio, 
and a practice large and remunerative. He is an indefatigable worker, and 
well merits the' success that has followed his every effort. He is connected 
by membership with the Ohio State Dental Association, the M. E Church, 
and is a true believer in the principles of the Republican party. Dr. Chance 

married, November 30, 187'). to Allie.E. Snyder, a native of Madison 
County, and daughter of John and Drusilla (Ellsworth) Snyder. They have 
two children — Paul A. and Ethel. Mrs. Chance is also a consistent mem- 
ber of the M. E. denomination. 

WILLIAM H. CHANDLER, Si;., a prominent retired merchant. Lon- 
don, was born at Hanover, N. H, April 1 ( J, 1814. His father, Henry H. 
i 'handler, was born in Pomfret, Conn. , June 1 1. 1 786. In early life he learned 
the trade of a wool-carder, and subsequently that of a cabinet-maker. He 
married Anne Wright, born at Hanover, N. H. May 20. 1790. The former 
died November 20, 1869, aged eighty-three years, and the latter May 1, 



862 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; 

1875. aged eighty-live years. W. H. Chandler was the second child and 
first son of a family of six children, three yet living, and received only a 
limited education. When twenty-one years of age, he secured a situation 
as a clerk in a retail store, and two years later went to Charlestown, now a 
suburb of Boston, Mass., securing a position as keeper in the McLane In- 
sane Asvlum, which he filled for three years. He then went to East Cam- 
bridge, not far distant, and again engaged as clerk. In 1839, he came to 
Columbus. Ohio, obtaining a situation as clerk in a drug house. He was 
subsequently employed as keeper in the Ohio Insane Asylum, remaining in 
that position until 1843. He then came to London, and after clerking for 
some time, started in the grocery business on West High street, opposite 
the court house, but shortly after sold out to "Uncle Ben Tinder." During 
the succeeding year, he was engaged in farming, and May 2, 1844, married 
Isabella Fellows, born in Hanover, N. H. , Fobruary 5, 1816. Some time 
after marriage, he went to Washington C. H., Fayette Co., Ohio, and, with 
Nathan Blodgett, was engaged in mercantile pursuits for three years, under the 
firm name of Chandler & Blodgett. He then sold his interest to his partner, 
and upon his return to London formed a partnership with W. W. Fellows, 
the firm continuing business for seven years. At the expiration of this 
time. Mr. C. a^ain sold his individual interest in the business. Subse- 
quently, with Jeriah Swetland, he engaged in business at Mt. Sterling, in 
Pleasant Township, this county. Three years later the stock was sold 
to Benjamin Leach, and the firm of Swetland & Chandler removed to 
London, and there continued business until both agreed to retire. 
The partnership is yet to be dissolved. Mr. Chandler was a merchant for 
twenty-one years, and gained quite a competence. He is the owner of 
sixty-eight acres of land in the corporate limits of London, and resides in 
the northeastern part of the village. He has been a Democrat in politic-. 
and for two terms served as County Treasurer. He has also held the offices 
of Councilman and member of the School Board in the village. He is 
connected by membership with Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), and the 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have three children — Anna. 
William H., Jr., and Harvey F. Mrs. Chandler is a member of the M. E. 
Church. Will H. Chandler, Jr., the oldest son, was born in London No- 
vemper 4, 1848. He grew to manhood in his native place, receiving a good 
English editcation. In early life he was a clerk for his father and Jeriah 
Swetland, remaining with them till they sold out. On March 1, 1873, he 
purchased the stock and trade of Z. T. Graham, book seller, and has since 
conducted that business, meeting with fair success. Mr. Chandler is one 
of London's most enterprising business men. and a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. He has always been an active Democrat. He was Trustee of 
Union Township three or four terms, has been Treasurer of London corpora- 
tion six years, and is a member of the County Democratic Central Commit- 
tee. Mr. Chandler was married to Annie, daughter of S. H. Uartzdafner, 
grocer, of London. Of their six children two are Living •- Edward W. and 
Wright. Mrs. Chandler is a member uf the Presbyterian Church. Harvey 
F. Chandler, the youngest son of William H, was born in London August 
6, L854 Like his brother, he grew up in London, being educated in its 
public schools. When nineteen years of age, he went to Enfield, N. H., 
and was there employed by Dodge, Davis & Co., woolen manufacturers. 
He remained one year, and then returned to London, where he soon after 
accepted a position with John Kinney, dry goods. He remained in this 
business about sixteen months, and then came to his present position, with 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 863 

his brother Will, in the book store. He was married. December 21, L881, 
to Emma, daughter of John Jones, a retired grocer of London. 

F. M. CHAPMAN, undertaker, London, was born in Union (now a por- 
tion of Paint) Township, this county, February 8, 1836. His father, James 
Chapman, is a native of Frederick County, Va. , and his occupation in life 
has been that of a farmer. He came to this county in IS 16, locating on 
some land in Union Township which he had purchased while at Winchester, 
Va. He was born July L6, 1801, and is now eighty one years of age, en- 
joying good health. He married Mary A. Chapman, also a native of " Old 
Dominion." They are the parents of nine children, three living — our sub- 
ject, and a brother and sister, residing in Illinois. F. M. Chapman was the 
third child and lirst son of these parents, and resided on the farm in Paint 
Township until sixteen years of age. He then came to London, and learned 
the carpenter's trade with Calvin Newcomb, serving a three years' appren- 
ticeship, and subsequently working for him two years longer. In the fall 
of 1862, he purchased his present business. Mr. Chapman is at present the 
pioneer in his line of business, and has met with very fair success. In 
1873, he suffered the loss of his entire stock by tire, but immediately erected 
his present building, at a cost of $1,500. He is connected by membership 
with the following organizations: Funeral Directors' Association of Colum- 
bus; Masonic Lodge and Chapter, Knights of Pythias and American Legion 
of Honor, of London. He was married, October 15, 1804, to Mrs. Rebecca 
J. Newcomb, a native of London, and a sister of Clinton D. Rayburn, gro 
cer. They have one child — Bertie. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are membere 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

JOHN F. CHENOWETH, retired farmer, P. O. London. The parents 
of our subject were Elijah and Rachel (Foster) Chenoweth, he a native ol 
Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia. They were married in Virginia, and about 
1700 emigrated to Kentucky, and settled in .Mason County: thence, about 
^OOT^they came to Ross County, Ohio, and the next year, 1800. they located 
in Franklin County, on the Big Darby, where his wife died about 1820. He 
died in 1880. They had five sons and four daughters, all deceased but two 
— John F. and Elijah. They were among the early pioneers of Franklin 
County, as they had been prior of Mason County, Ky., where John F.. our 
subject, was born September 15, 1793. He was a child of about six years 
when brought to Ohio, where he grew to manhood fully inured to the wild- 
est and roughest of pioneer life, where he says he had many a race and 
wrestle with the Indians, who were then in plentiful numbers in this vicin- 
ity. He was married, March 21, 1811, to Margaret Fergurson. by Rev. Simon 
Cochran. They settled on his father's place and lived until about 1820, 
when he located in Madison County, where he purchased 133 acres of land, 
which is now embraced in the tract of land owned by his son Elijah. He 
says that at the time he purchased that tract of land, he thought if he could 
succeed in paying for it, he should feel satisfied: but before that was paid 
for, he saw another piece he desired, and he bought it. He early engaged 
in stock-raising, and soon was largely engaged in buying and driving -tod 
over the mountains to the Eastern markets. In this trade he prospered, and 
from time to time purchased more land, till finally he owned about 8.000 
acres, all in one body, extending from California westward for two and one 
half miles, constituting him one of the largest land-holders in Madison 
County; and all this was accomplished through his industry, energy and 
financial ability. He not only raised from poverty to wealth and affluence, 
but was also placed by the people into many public offices of trust. He 



served in t ho Legislature in the 9e 3 unis 

sioner twelve years or istioe of the Peaoe about the - 

\ of time, besides filling the offioes of his township, in his 

od days, his sohool privileges were of the most meager kind; whim 

Franklin County, there were no schools there, but In going 

to Chillioothe, - County, he obtained Borne of the tirsl radimenl 

an edu finally a round-log sohoolhouse was built in M 1 sonGounty, 

on Opossum Run, near the Franklia Count) line, and here he finished his 

education. Such was the beginning of this worth) old pioneer, who .. 

to wealth and distinction by his own unaided efforts. Mr Ohenoweth and 

had fourteen children, of whom six now survive Rachel, wife of 

as; Hezakiah, Elijah. Franois, Marion, and Mary, wife of Dr 

Dennis Warner. This worthy couple were not onl) pioneers in the Becular 

affairs of this country, but most truly pioneers of the ohurch, joining the 

Moth >al Church while young, ho about L809 and ahe about 

thus ho has spout a life of labor in the church of threescore and ton 

. the allotted period of man's life. A tow years ago Mr Ohenoweth 

bought property in London, where in Ids advanoing years no has retired 

from the farm and aotive business life, and where ho can bo convenient to 

church and the moans oi grace, desiring to Bpend the remainder of his days 

in quiet and rest. Ho is now ninetj rears of age, and en ! general 

health. 

DENNIS CLARK, London, proprietor London Woolen Milt-. 
in Fairfield County, Ohio. April 8, 1827. His father, Ralph Clark, 
was a native of Maryland, and a farmer by oooupation. Wo oame to Ohio 
in 1813, whoa eighteen years of age, locating in Fairfield County, and re 
siding there until IS38. He then removed to the " Sandusky Plains." near 
Upper Sandusky, and ton years later to northern part of Greene County. In 
ls62, ho oame to London, where ho died February 8, 1872, in his seventy 
seventh year. He married Man Rose, also a native of Maryland. The) 
were married in Ohio, and the parents of ten children, four living, Mrs 
Clark died in January, 1879, aged eighty-three years Our subject is the 
only one of the family in this oounty. and learned his present trade when 
seventeen years y^ age, at Springfield, Ohio. Ho completed his trade in 
Dayton, and m the spring o( isr>0. oame to London. Ho wont into the 
woolen mill of C. EL Slagle, one mile north of London, on the Somerford 
pike, and soon after the mill was romod to a man named Fish, Two o- 
or three years later, Mr. Clark rented the mill, and ran it a few years. He 
thou purchased it. and operated it till January 28, 1864, when it was burned 
down. Thou, with others, ho formed a stock oompany, and built and opei 
ated the woolen mill on the sit" o( the present London Flouring Mill. 
I860 till 1871, it being consumed by fire in the latter year, In i^T'J, ho 
erected his present mill, and has operated it to the present time with 
suocess Mr. Clark is a member >'( the Odd Fellows Lodge and Enoamp- 
mont. and the Methodist Episoopal Churoh, all of London, Wo was for 
merry a Republican in politios. but of late years has been an earnest Prohi 
bitionist. He was united in marriage, Februar) 8, 1852, to Virgini \ 
daughter of 0. EL Slagel (deoeased) Of their ton ohildren, >i\ are living 
Wilbur 1\. married Virginia Blizzard, and resides in London; alioe 
M y, wife of John R. Manning, of London; Gteorge W., Mary F., Albert 
S. and Nellie MoOlimans, Mrs Clark is also a member of the Moth 
Episoopal Churoh. 






'^**% %**r%; 



1 

I 1 



***■ 





John Roberts 



DEC: 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 867 

JOB J. CLARK, insurance agent, London, was born in that city Jul/ 
15, 1851. He is a son of Judge B. F. C'ark, Cashier in the Madison Nat- 
ional Bank, whose sketch appears in this record. Our subject was reared 
in his native village and educated in its public schools. He embarked in 
the boot and shoe business, with his brother Quinn, remaining with him till 
the latter' s death, September 10, 1878. He soon after sold his stock and 
trade to Leon Minshall, and then engaged in his present business. He had 
been made an agent of the Security of New York, in 1870, and the Hart- 
ford in 1871. To these two he has added the agency of the/^tna. Phoenix, 
Putnam, Queen of Liverpool, American of Philadelphia. Insurance of North 
America, Franklin of Columbus, Ohio, and National of Hartford. These 
companies are among the very best in existence, and Mr. Clark has sue 
ceeded in issuing many thousand policies throughout Madison County. 
Mr. Clark is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Chapter-— Enoch Grand 
Lodge of Perfection, Franklin Council Princes of Jerusalem, Columbus 
Chapter Rose Croix, being A. A. S. R. Orient of Ohio Valley of Columbus, 
American Legion of Honor, Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias, of Lon- 
don, and Mt. Vernon Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, of Columbus 
He is also connected with the Presbyterian Church, and is Democratic in 
political matters. He was married, November 14, 1872, to Minnie, daugh- 
ter of L. P. Wildman. Thev have three children — Myrtle, Franklin and 
Burt. 

JOSEPH CORNS, ornamental painter, London, was born at Wolver- 
hampton, Staffordshire, England. May 13, JS28. He is a son of Abraham 
Corns, a native of England, and a gunlocksmith by trade. He came to 
America in 1853, locating in Lancaster County, Penn. , and there died in 
December, 1861. He married Sally Robinson, a native of England, who 
died there of the cholera in 1849. They only had two children — a son and 
daughter, the latter now deceased. Our subject learned ornamental japan- 
ning, on waiters, etc., in England, and has in his possession a piece of such 
work executed by himself when but eleven years of age. He was twenty 
five years old when he accompanied his parents to America, and. after a 
nine years' residence in Lancaster County, Penn. , went to Harmony, Clark 
Co., Ohio, and from thence to London about the close of the war. He has 
since been engaged at his trade, and that of house-painting and frescoing 
In the latter line he was employed in decorating the walls and ceilings of 
the different houses of worship, and the schoolhouse of London. Mr. Coins 
is connected by membership with Madison Lodge, No. 70, London Encamp - 
ment, No. 126, L O. O. F., and Chandler Lodge, No. 138, Masonic. He 
was married, March 2, 1850, to Anna Bracknell. Six children have been 
born to them, four living — Annie S., widow of O. C. Smith, deceased. 
and present wife of D wight Olds, of Springfield; Mary, wife of "Cad" 
Peterson, a farmer of Union Township, this county; William and Harry. 

ADDISON CORNWELL, farmer, P. O. London. This old and re- 
spected farmer and pioneer school-teacher was born in Virginia September 
19, 1819. He was the son of George and Sarah (Fleming) Cornwell. na- 
tives of the Old Dominion, of English, Scotch and Welsh descent, They 
settled in Union Township in 1840. Our subject was educated in the sub- 
Bcripton schools and at Washington College. He was married, in 1839, to 
Tabitha Trussell, and raised a family of eleven children, of whom eight — 
five boys and three girls — survive. His wife died in 1870. The children 
are all married and doing well. Mr. Cornwell owns a farm of 137 acres 



- - BIOGRAPHICA] SKETCHES : 

H< a a Republican, a great reader, and one of the best posted men of the 

count v. 

SlA-i. RICHARD COWLING, deceased, was born in Cornwall, En- 
gland, July 7. 1 TUT. His parents were Richard and Man- (Parnell) Cowl- 
ing, who accompanied our subject to this country in the year 1818. They 
landed at the oitj of Baltimore, but soon went to Chambersburg, Penn. , 
where Richard, Sr.. died shortly after their removal. Our subject and 
mother remained here Beveral years, then removed to Pittsburgh, in the same 
State, and subsequently to Urbana, Ohio. At these places, Mr. Cowling was 
engaged in the butchering and mercantile pursuits. The mother died iu 
London, Ohio, in the year 1850. Our subject settled in Madison County in 
1883, residing on a faun some eight or nine miles distant Erom London 
In 1840, he removed to London, and, on the 1st day of May, L849, was 
united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Lemuel and Ann (Holmes) Brush, 
and Bister to Judge Benry Brush, cf Chilli oothe, who subsequently settled 
in Madison County. No children were born to this anion. Mr. Cowling 
was engaged in active business in Madison County until just prior to the 
la te war. when ho retired, having dealt largely and principally, during this 
period, in stock, and, by natural shrewdness and close application to busi- 
ness, he amassed a large fortune. He gave liberally of his wealth to 
eral public enterprises, such as building of the Presbyterian Church, to 
which he subsequently donated $5,000 by will. He also supplied the 
pie with a town clock at his own expense. He donated the land for Oak 
Hill Cemetery, ami built a beautiful soldiers' monument therein. Ho built 

Madison, formerly Cowling House, and erected some twenty or more 
tenant houses in London. In Ids will, among the public bequests are the 
donation of the old homestead at the north end of Main street, together 
with about four and a half acres of Land, to the town of London as a pub- 
lic park. Between sixty and eighty acres adjoining Oak Hill Cemetery 
■t apart as an extension of the grounds for perpetual use. For years 
Mr. Cowling was a large shareholder and Director in the old Franklin Bank 
of Columbus; as one of the original starters of the first bank in London, 
which afterward became the First National Bank Although peculiar and 
eccentric, he had many personal friends, and whom he never forsook. He 
did much good with his money, and was closely identified with the growth 
of London. The title of Major was simply one given him by his o;. I 

quaintanoes and friends. Maj. Cowling was not identified With any church. 
His death occurred October 3, 1873, and that o\' Mrs. Cowling March 11, 
L873. 

FRANK T. CREAMER, one of the youngest and most enterprising 
grocers t)( London, was born at Columbus. Franklin Co., Ohio. October 11, 
1855. His father, 'Thomas Creamer, was born in Ireland, and came to 

rioa in 1848, Locating in .Massachusetts, and. five years later, at Colum- 
bus, where he remained until L866. He then settled in London, where he 
has since remained, and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. He mar- 
ried Lorimla. daughter of James Walcott, one of the oldest and most prom- 
inent citizens of Franklin County. He wa8 a native of Virginia; married 
Tolly Legg, a daughter nf Mason, of Kentucky, and located in Frank 

lin County before Columbus was settled. He died about L877. Mr. and 
Mrs Creamer are both living, and are the parents of seven children, six 
living. Our subject was reared in his native county, and educated in 
the public schools of Columbus and London. In early life he was a 
clerk in Howard's grocery at Columbus, and later was employed as I 



;<>•■ TOWNSHIP. 

keeper for the Capitol Nursery of the if' then went to 

Rochester, X. V'.. and was in the □ ort time. In 

187-0. he canu to London and engaged in the grocery I* 1 th his fa- 

ondei the firm name of Creamer & Son. In Aug • the iirm 

>lved partnership, and our subject started hi* pr< ire. Cn May. 

1881. he purchased his fat! ; and removed it to his present quart 

He ha had far bettei in business thai i. and en- 

joys probably the l,< -t retail trade in the city. Hi- employee aumber eight, 
and two wagons are constantly deli verity ad fruit, tohif 

Mr. Creamer i- a member and Treasurer of the London Driving Park 
ciation He takes a greal interest in literary matters, and po >ne of 

fche most complete libraries; of standardworks in the city. If'- ■■■■■,- married, 
79, to Katy. daughter of Levi E. Wilson, of Columbus, 
Ohio. Mi ,i<-r died December 29 of the same < i con- 

r;t member of the [Jniversalist Church. 

WILLIAM CRUDER, farmer, P. 0. London, wa« 11, 

1814, on the farm where henow lives, and on which he hae lived all his 
life, with the exception of thr< He is a eon of Philip and N 

(McClintick) Cryder, native- of Virginia, the former of German and t}, 
rer of Scotch Irisl I to this county in L806, and in 

1807 settled on the farm where William no* lives. The father was a prom- 
inent farmer through life, and ;*t his death i »f land. Oux 
subject I ed his life to farming. He now own-, land, 
afl of which he has made by his own industry and economy. He wat mar- 
December L3, 1836, to Susan Carr, a native of Ohio a 
A chael Carr. Mr i born October L3, 1816, and by her Mr. 
Cryder has had eleven children, eight surviving, nameh M 
Danii Creamer; Albert, Elizabeth, James B., 
Ellen E., William and Bertha Mrs. Cryder is a member of the Methodist 
copal Church. Mr. Cryder i- a Republican. He is a natural median- 
time carried on wagon-making in rnship, hi 
when ed the m< lanufactory in the 

I. S. DALBEY, farmer and stock-dealer, P.O. London >rn in 

State 4\\. 13. He is a son of Rev. Joseph Dalbey and Emeline 

L. (Kiger) Dalbey, a native of Virginia, of Scotch and Englisl . and 

a grand daughter of Gen. Kiger, of Revolutionary fame. J Ibey 

native - . of English and German descent, and a Captain in 

the war of 1812. Our subject I a good education, completing his 

studies in \\ y, Delaware, Ohio. When fifto 

aection with his Wroth';]'-, in the formation 
of a firm engaged in buying and selling live stock. T, en- 

d Mr. Dalbey'e attention for I and in 1876 he turned his 

attention to farming. He owns _M7 acres of land in tl hi|>. In 

he married Matilda B., a daughter of William Fitzgerald, an early 
settler of this county. Four children have, blest this union, viz.. J. Jo 
William. Hannah May and Charles Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Dalbey are 
members of the Meth< jcopal Church, in which he has been Class- 

Leader for a number of years. His father was a preacher from the age of 
e Tl to the age of eighty-four years. 
HON. JAMES A. DUN, I ad stock-raiser, P. 0. London, was 

born in thin State Aug 324 He is the son of Robert and Lucy W. 

(Agnes) Dun. of S< and the latter a native of Virginia. Our 

subject reached his majority working on a farm, after which he dealt in 



B70 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

stock for six years. 1m L352, be went to California, .uul Eor six years wan 
engaged in mining. In L858, he moved to Missouri and engaged in mer 
oantile pursuits and in dealing in town lots, being a partner of William 
James, with whom be Laid out the town of St. James in L862. In the lattei 
year be went to Nevada, and, until L868, speculated in mining stook, after 
which be worked a silver mine Eor one year. In l^ii 1 .'. be again wont to 
San Franoisco and acted Eor R. G. Dun & Co.'s mercantile agenoy. Ho 
afterward engaged in the iron mint's of Missouri until L876, and in the 
silver mines of Colorado until L881, when he returned to Ohio and pur- 
chased the Judge Thomas farm of 200 aores, Eour miles west of London 

Mr Dun is a Republican in politics. llo was Assistant Provost Marsluu 

in Missouri during the war, was a member of the First Nevada Legislature 
in isr>l lh> has experienced all the vicissitudes of a miner's life, and 
has undergone all the hardships of Western travel in the early days • 
the mining craze. He was married, January 28, L871, to (.'destine Bou 
ner. a daughter of Matthew Bonner, of Clark County. 

J. \Y. DIXON, an enterprising and well known citizen of London, 
member of the firm of J. W. Dixon & Co., dealers in dry goods, notions, 
etc., was hern in Loudoun County. Va., June '1. l^ld. He is a son of W. 
H. Dixon, a native of and now residing in Maryland. He has been engage 
in the milling business through life, and now, at the age of sixty-four years, 
has retired from active business on account o\' Eeeble health. He married 
Elizabeth Feller, a native of Loudoun County, Ya.. and yet living, at the 
age of si\t\ three years. Our subjeot is the oldest of nine children, Beve 
liviue;. and obtained a ^<od common school education in his native State 
He subsequently attended Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, and in 186$ 
embarked in the mercantile trade at Lime Kiln, Md.. in company with a 
Mr. Grove, and two years later the firm divided stock. Mr. Dixon going t< 
Baltimore. From L868 to 1^71. ho traveled Eor a wholesale house, and ii 
September of the latter year be married Mrs. M. M Bradfield, and sooi 
after engaged again in the mercantile trade in Loudoun County, Va. He 
remained then' two years, and. after closing out his business, went to Den 

ver. Colo. He remained in thatciH three years, but, Owing to the ill health 

of himself and wife, returned Bast, suffering the loss of his wife in Virgin 
ia. March '_!<>, |S;n. He soon after went to Philadelphia, and was employee. 
in the well-known bouse of John Wanamaker for a period ^f six sear- 
He came to London in September, L877, and clerked Eor Dakin & Cowling 
until June, L878, when be was united in marriage to Miss E. 1 Morgan, 
born near Harrisburg, Ohio, and daughter of Mrs. Martha Morgan, whos 
famih i< well known throughout Madison County, and closely related to th 
Posters, Chenoweths, Pancakes, Johnsons and others. Pbe November fol 
Lowing this union. Mr. Dixon engaged in his present business, in the Swet 
land A:. Dixon Bl >ok, on the corner of d ain and High streets. In L881, bo 
ereoted his present hand- line block, and removed his stock there in F< 
ary, L882, Dbe building is of brick, three -tones high, with a stone Eronl 
It is 1 1 ^ k '_' _' feet in size, with sixteen Eool ceilings, and ereoted ai a cost oi 
about $12,000. Mr. Dixon oarries r large stook of Ar\ goods, notions and 
carpets, and. although in business here but a short time, be has built up a 
very fine trade employing five clerks, and with sales averaging $30,000 pet 
annum. Mr. Dix the d isonic fraternity, Lmerioan Le 

gion of Honor, is EJuperi the Methodist ESpisoopal Sunday 

School, and Presided of the Madison Bib 3 liety. Politically, 

he is a Prohibition Republican. 



UNTO] MIC. ^71 

JOHN DUDDY, London, of Dudi >uddy, dealers in dry good , 

notions, etc., was born in Philadelphia Penn., February II. L842. He ie 
<»!' .John Duddy, a native of [reland, and a farmer by occupation. He 
came to Ohio who] I;" 1 five Cin- 

cinnati, and subsequently in Logan County, Ohio, where In* died ■ 

Jl<- married Ali< 
wai- to Margarel Space. Mr Duddy waf the mother of ah children, three 
living and one in Indiana. Our subject early 

learned carriage-painting, and came to London in 1864. II" worked al his 
trade till I86i and then wenl to Indiana, where h< remained fi He 

returned to London, and with Hi chard Acton, commenced the manufacture 
of carriage* and bu He engaged in hin present bu ' 78, in 

•any with William Kinney, and, in Augi 0, the pa p wuh 

dissolved. \ brother, James, then became a full partner, and the firm of 

Duddj enjoysagood, steady trade. Mr. Dud 
Mi onic fraternity and the Knights of Honor. H<- it Democratic in poli 
tics, but ba* never been an aspiranl for office. He was married, in L867, 
to Sallie Betl . a native of this county. On phael 

Mrs. Duddy departed this life in Mi and Mr. Duddy was a 

ed, in June, 1 876, to Marj E., daughter of Wilson Dungan. Mrs. 
Duddj i a member of th< Methodist Epi copal Chn 

NATHAN DUNCAN, farmer, P. 0. London, wai born in Deer ' 
Township November L8, 1S2S. Heisason of Samuel and Susannah (Moore) 

can, natives of Vermont,of Erisl descent. Our sub j eel hi 
long farmer. \\ hi be worked bj the month and 

later, he began renting, and finall} he bought forty-five 
where he dow lives II< tried, in 1859, toCaroline Loofbour- 

a daughter of Thomaf and -Sarah (Glaize) Loofbourrow, native 
county, of Grerman descent. Mrs. Duncan j- a member of the Lj 
terian Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and ha been a School Di- 
town hip fourteei 
WILSON DUNGAN, an old and honored citizen of London 
orn in Pennsylvania August L6, 1807. His father, Jesse Dungan, was 
ed on a farm about nine milee from Philadelphia, and 
tied the trade cutter at the latter city. If- married Jane 

Wilson, proprietress of the Red Horse Tavern, Philadelphia. Thej came 
to Madison County in September, L809, locating on 320 acres of land in 
/'• Township, six miles south of London. He had purchased this land 
Philadelphia at $13 pei acre. I!" resided there during life, arid died 
August 16, 1823. Of their eight children, five are living, our subject the 
! of the latter. Mrs. Dun equently married Joseph Laj, 

tive of Virginia and a residenl of this county. Mr. i died Sep 

tember 15, L853, and i m able wife, the mother of our subject, July 

30, 1863. Wilson Dungan wa I on the old homestead, living there 

eventeen He then came to London and learned the cab 

and lion anufacturing furniture, etc., for about 

twenty-two years, andbeii ed in both trades almosl forty four 3 

,n all. About l K 77. be sold out hi retired from active 

On one occasion di I ie period, mo 

1 de furniture and traded if f< 10 cents 

bushel. !!• 1 1 per bushel (a lo 

2 cents a 1 to himself) the cash, which In- then 

led I' ' •• during th< 



872 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

was never out of dried venison. Mr. Dungan has been a faithful and con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over half a century. 
He was formerly a Whi<^. but of late years has been a Republican. He 
once served as Marshal of the village. Mr. Dungan was married, in S 
tember, 1831, to Sarah Groves, a native of this county, and a daugh- 
ter of David Groves. They had six children born to them, three 
living — Amanda, wife of William Kayburn. of Bloomington, McLean Co., 
111.; David M., a leading undertaker of Monmouth. Warren Co., 111., for 
the past twenty-six years; and Mary E., wife of John Duddy, a prominent 
dry goods merchant of London. Mrs. Dungan departed this lib* in the 
winter of 1S72-73. Our subject resides in London, with his daughter and 
her husband. 

JOHN DUNGAN, one of the oldest and most respected merchants a' 
London, was born on Bradford Creek, in Range Township. August 3, 1814. 
He was a son of Jesse Dungan, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed his 
family to Madison County, Ohio, in September, 1809. He was a farmer 
through life, ami died on the old homestead, in Range Township. August 
L6, 1823. He married -I a m i Wilson at Philadelphia, Penn., who bore him 
eight children. Five of these children are now living. Mrs. Dungan sub 
sequently married Joseph Pancake, a native of Virginia, but residing here 
.Mr. Pancake died September L5, L853, and the mother of our subject July 
30. L863. John Dungan remained on the old homestead till sixteen years 
of age. His educational facilities were those of pioneer days, and rather 
limited. At sixeen years of age, he went to Midway and there learned the 
tinner's trade. He remained there a few years, and, on May 1, L834, mar- 
ried Susan Blue, a native of Ross County, Ohio. On June 5, L835, he 
eame to London and opened a shop for the manufacture of tinware. He 
subsequently commenced dealing in stoves, and afterward general hardware. 
His trade increased slowly but Bteadily, and for thirty-one years he enjoyed 
a large and remunerative trade. He had commenced life poor, his only 
capital being two willing hands, good health and a Large stock of tireless 
energy. At the expiration of his thirty-one years of mercantile life, he had 
accumulated means sufficient for old age and its attending wants, and sold 
out to his son, James M. Dungan, and P. C. Cowling, with the intention of 
retiring from the business cares of life. A desire to assist his other son-, 
induced him to engage in the furniture trade. He sold out to one of them 
two years later, and subsequently engaged in his present, business. In this 
latter enterprise he has also met with fair success. Mr. Dungan has been 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty years— half a century 
— and is at present a Trustee in that body. K % is amemberof the Masonic 
fraternity and the Republican party. lie served two years as member of 
the Village Council. Ten children have beep born to himself and wife 
living Elmira, wife of Stephen Watson, President of the Madison Na 
tional Bank of London; -lames ME., engaged in mercantile pursuits at Lima, 
Ohio-, Martin W ". . dealer in Furniture, London; Elizabeth; LeRoj 
with his father in business; and Eliza, wife of Franklin X. Bebee, of Co 
lumbus. Mr. Dungan's oldest Bon and child, Jesse \V.. enlisted in Company 
A, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was 
wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain June 27, 1863. One leg was 
subsequently amputated, from the effeotsof which he died on the Eol lowing 
anniversary of the nation's independence. Mrs. Dungan is also a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. John Duugan has been a Life- 
long resilient of Madison County, and an exemplary Christian in all his 



IJMoN TOWNSHIP. 873 

acts, both in mercantile aud social life. His integritj and sincerity in all 
business matters 1ms never been questioned, and liis influence has over been 
asserted for the right. He has always taken an active interest in the wel- 
fare of this city, and is an enterprising citizen. 

MARTIN \V. DTJNGAN, London, the oldesl dealer in furniture, was 
born in that city December 25, 1843. He is a son of John Dungan, whose 
sketch can lie found elsewhere in this volume. His mother's maiden name 
was Susan nine. Our subject was reared in London, and has always resid 
ed there. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Fortieth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer [nfantry, Col. Crainor,of Darke County, commanding, and served 
two years. He then re enlisted in (he One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, 
serving a like term, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. During 
this latter period of service, he participated in the battle of the Wilderness; 
witnessed Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, ami came very near 
Hoeine; Johnston's surrender He returned home and assisted his father in 
the hardware trade until 1874, when he purchased the Furniture stuck and 
trade of his two brothers, Le Roy and Jehial (the latter now deceased), and 
was a partner of his father until L878, since which time the (inn has been 
Dungan & Watson, the latter member being Algiers Watson, Cashier of the 

London Exchange Bank, The linn have met with very good success. Mr. 
Dungan is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Chapter and Council of Lon- 
don, ami Mt. Vernon Commandery, No. I. Knights Templar, of Columbus. 
He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and its Board of 
Stewards, and connected with the American Legion of Honor. Mr. Dun 
gan was married, Augusl 12, lStiT, to Mary, daughter of George W. Lohr. 
Of their live children, four are living Minnie. Emmett, Bessie and Prazia. 
M Dungan is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. 
Mr Dungan is Republican in politics, and at presenl oneof the Trustei 
Union Tow oship. 

A. DUNKIN, farmer, and stock raiser, residence, London, was born in 
the village of London, Novembers. L830. His father. David Dunkin, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Madison County, Ohio, about iSL'D 
He located in London and engaged in the dr} goods business. He was a 
pioneer merchant of the then small village, and his mercantile operations 
were verv profitable. In after years, he was engaged in loaning money 
He was a Whig in politics, and later a Republican, and for many years was 
Coroner of the county. David Dunkin married Nanc\ Turner, a native of 
London. and daughter of William Turner, They were the parents of throe 
children. Our subjecl the only survivor. Mrs. Dunkin departed this life in 
1835, and Mr. Dunkin afterward married Jeanette E. ChenOweth, a native 
of Bourbon County, K \ . Three children were born to this onion, only one 
living— Mrs. R. B. Cowling. Mr. Dunkin died in July, I StVJ. Our sub- 
ject was reared in London, and has resided there during life, the greater 

part of which he has i )( . ( ngaged in Earmingand stock raising. He owns 

a farm in Range Township of 1,500 acres, and one of 237 acres in Den 
('red. Township. For eight or nine years he was proprietor and landlord 
of the Madison House. London. He is Republican in politics, and once 
d as a member of the Village Council, lie was married, July 11, 
IMS. to Sarah, daughter of Simon Kenton, the lattej of whom was a neph- 
ew of old Simon Kenton, the Kentucky pioneer hunter and trapper. Thir- 
children have been bom to Mr. ami Mrs. Dunkin, nine living S. Ken- 
ton; Nannie, wife of B. H. Lewis, an attorney at law of London; William 
B., proprietor Madison House, London; Fannie, wife of S. 1). Kumler, »f 



874 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

London; McCloud, David Tod. Clara May, Nellie and Sarah. Mrs. Dun 
kin's father, Simon Kenton, was one of the largest stock-dealers in Madison 
l !< iinty, his principal operations extending from 1834 to 1844,. He was a 
., ive ol Kentucky. Mrs. Dun kin was born in 1832. 

JAMES DWYER, merchant. London, was born in the town of Cahir, 
County Tipperary, Ireland, October 25, L834. His parents were William 
and Johanna (Roach) Dwyer, living in Ireland till their death. The for- 

died in 1870, and the In Iter when our subject was hut ten years old. 

rew up in Ireland, and. when but sixteen years of age, came to Amer- 
ica. He had previously worked some ;ti tailoring, and located in Philadel- 
phia, where he remained two years and finished his trade. He then came 
to Xenia, Ohio, and remained there till 1856, when he located in Spring- 
field, Claris County. He was working at his trade there for abc ut three 
years, and then lived in Vienna, same county, cne year. After six mouths' 
residence again in Springfield, in April, 1800, he came to London. He im- 
mediately opened a shop. and. by perseverance and energy, succeeded in 
building up a fine trade, and gradually worked himself into general mer- 
chandising He erected a portion of his present building in INTO, and fin- 
ished it in 1879. It is a two story brick, containing four rooms, with sizes 
as follows: 22x80, 17x65, 16x45 and L6x25. The building was erected at 

si of $10,000 to $12,000, and the larger portion of it is filled with a 
general stock, embracing dry goods, boots, shoes and clothing. Mr. Dwyer 
enjoys a very good trade, and has been fairly successful during his business 
life. He is one of the more prominent members of the Catholic Church of 
London, and is Democratic in state and national politics, but in local affairs 
voting for the man who will best subserve the interests of the people. He 
was married, while residing at Xenia. December 80. IS, "Hi, by the Rev. 
Thomas Blake, to Margaret Anderson, also a native of Ireland. Of their 
ten children, eight are living — Johanna, wife of Thomas Maddigan. an as- 
sistant in the Central Ohio Insane Asylum at Columbus: Will, traveling 
salesman with R. W. Linen, of Columbus; John. Edmund. Walter, Joseph, 
Emmet and Robert. Mary and Edward are deceased. Mrs. Dwyer and 
family are also members of the Catholic Church. 

E. R. EBNER, London, boot and shoe manufacturer and dealer, was 

horn in the Province of Saxony. Germany, February 24, 1840. His father, 

Charles August Elmer, was also a native of Saxony, and during life has 

a manufacturer of violins. He still resides in Germany, and is 

seventy-three years of age. He was united in marriage to W'ilhemina 

... who is still living, and in her sixty-eighth year. They are the 

i arente ol eight children, live living. Our subject is the fourth child, the 

; living one and the only one of the family in America. He learned 

his present trade in Germany, when but fourteen years of age, and when 

twenty-six years old came in America, and direct to London, having been 

tainted with, and worked lor William Stahl. brother of John Stahl. in 

many. He obtained employment with John Stahl, and remained with 
him two or three years, and in 1869 went to Midway. Range Township, 
v, here he opened a shop. I l'e returned to London in 1871, ami in L873 es- 
tablished his present business. lie first commenced dealing in boots and 

- in May. 1881, and has had fair success in both branches of the busi- 

Mr. Ebner i- a member of the Democratic party, lb- was married 

October II. 1869, to Dorotha Young, a native of Germany. Of the four 

them, two are living Annie and Otto. Mr. Ebner and 

familv are members- of St. Join's Evangelical Lutheran Church of London. 





■ ' 



BENJAMIN THOMAS. 
[deceased] 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 877 

R. H. EDWARDS, proprietor Empire Livery, and a prominent grain 
dealer of London and Central Ohio, was born in Fayette County. Ohio. 
January 16. 1844. He is a son of James P. Edwards, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and a member of the Society of Friends. He came to Ohio about 
fifty years ago, locating in Jeffersonville, where he was a pioneer merchant. 
He subsequently removed to Charleston, Clark County, where he died in 
October, 1872. He married Susan, daughter of Col. Robert Hill, of 
Virginia, and a pioneer of Clark County. Ohio. Mrs. Edwards passed away 
from earth, in December. 1879. Our subject is the oldest of four children, 
ihree living, and two residents of Madison County. He was mostly reared 
in Charleston, Clark County, and when young assisted his father in the 
mercantile trade. He subsequently traveled for Erhart & Beeson, wholesale 
grocers of Columbus, remaining with them six years In 1862, he enlisted 
m Company C. One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infan- 
try, but officiated as Private Secretary to Gen. Milroy. during his two years' 
services. After leaving the army, he traveled some, and finally located at 
Detroit, where he became a member of the firm L. W. Linker & Co., whole- 
sale grocers and tea dealers. He was engaged in this business eight or nine 
years, and in 1879 came back to Ohio, locating in London. In April. L880, 
Mr. Edwards purchased the Empire Livery Stable, where he has met with 
good success. He first commenced buying grain in L878, and has 
I >urchased and shipped for Eastern parties since. He buys all over Cen 
ual and Southern Ohio, his yearly trade averaging 1.000 to 1,200 cars. Mr. 
■klwards was one of the organizers, and is now a Director and Secretary of 
the London Driving Park Association. He is Unitarian in religious belief 
md Republican in politics. He was married January 10, 1869, to Fannie 
. Thomas, of Delaware County, Penn. Mrs. Edwards died of consump- 
'ion in October, 1876, while in attendance at the Centennial Exhibition, at 
Philadelphia. He was again married, October 2, 1878. to Lydia M. Leach, 
a native of Fayette County. Ohio, a sister of Mrs. Jeremiah Rea. of Lon- 
don, and daughter of Benjamin Leach, a pioneer of Fayette County. Ohio. 
They have a son and daughter — Pierrepont and Wanah. 

'WILLIAM A. EVANS, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Clark 
County, Ohio, April 25, 1846. He is the son of William B. and Sarah 
(Bowen) Evans, the former a native of Virginia, of Welsh descent, and the 
latter a native of New York, of German and English descent. His father 
died when our subject was eighteen years old. and the burden of supporting 
the family devolved largely on him. He took charge of the farm and 
operated it successfully. He is a natural machinist, and can set up or use 
almost any piece of machinery. He was married, in 1869, to Victoria P. 
Orcutt, born in Greene County. January 11, 1848, and a daughter Henry 
< >rcutt. They have had two children, viz.: P. B., born November 3, 1870, 
and Carrie E., born May 21, L873. Mr. Evans is a Republican, and is now 
serving his third term as Trustee. He has served as a delegate to the Ohio 
State Convention. He has been an Odd Fellow twelve years. 

WILLIAM FARRAR. London, Cashier of the Central Bank, was born 
at the mouth of Oak Run, in what is now Oak Run Township, this county 
November 26, 1882. His father. Jonathan Farrar, was born in Yorkshire, 
England, in August, 1790. He was there reared, and in April. 1820, came 

merica. locating near Lawronceburg, Ind., where he remained three 
years. He then went to Cincinnati, and two years later to Columbus. Two 
years subsequently, he located on what is no>v the "Gwynne land." in both 
Pleasant and Oak Run Townships. He resided there two and a half or 



878 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH KS: 

three years, and then on Deer Creek, a short distance away. He bought a 
large amount of land, having at one time 1,300 or 1,400 acres in different 
farms throughout the county. He remained in Oak Run Township several 
years, and after a short residence at Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, located at 
London, where he died July 22, 1874, aged eighty- four years. He married 
Mary Kilby, a native of England, and daughter of Henry Kilby, one of the 
better class of farmers of Great Britain. They had born to them eleven 
children — six now living, and four residents of Madison County. Mrs 
Farrar died about 1852. aged fifty-nine years. Jonathan Farrar was a 
great reader, and well read in Bible history. In early and middle life, he 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but at the time of his 
death, of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was an honest, industrious 
man, fond of intelligent company, and when he hired a man to labor for him, 
the contract was made on the basis that the employe was to use no profane 
language while working for his employer. Mrs. Farrar was a very pious 
woman, and both were highly honored and respected. On one occasion 
(after his wife's death), Mr. Farrar, in company with Benjamin Browning 
and Charles Phellis, made a trip to England, for the Madison County Im- 
porting Company, and returned with a herd of fine cattle. At the time of 
his death, he was very comfortably fixed, financially and otherwise. William 
Farrar was reared on the home farm, receiving a common school edu- 
cation. In early life, he went to Dayton, Wis., and for a year was 
engaged' in shipping grain and flour to Chicago. He then returned to 
Madison County, and on January 1, 1859, he, in company with his brother 
John, purchased the business now owned by Jones Bros., and soon after the 
property. He also bought wool, and was engaged there until January 1 , 
1876, when he, in company with his brother John, Robert Rea and others, 
organized the Central Bank, and was made Cashier, which position he still 
holds. He continued the wool business two years, and is now engaged 
in the grain trade with Thomas Wood, under the firm name of Farrar & 
Wood. The firm own the large elevator on the Pan-Handle Railroad, and 
have an office on Center street. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and for the past eight or nine years has been a Trustee in that, 
body. He is a strong iiopublican, and has served as Trustee of Union 
Township, member of Council and Clerk of the Village. Mr. Farrar was 
married. February 8, 18(H). to Harriet S. Thomas, a native of Genese-' 
County, N. Y. They have five children — Ida, Jessie, Colbttrn, Wade and 
Morton. Mrs. Farrar and the three eldest children are also members of the 
Methodist Episcopal denomination. 

FRANK FATH, London, retail dealer in wines, liquors and cigars. 
was born in Bavaria. Germany, August 2, 1845. He is a son of Jacob 
Fath, who came to America in 1851. He was a miller by trade, and located 
at Miamisburg, in Montgomery County, Ohio, ten miles from Dayton 
where he died in 1875. He married Phebe Mayer, also a native of Bavaria, 
and who bore him eight children, four now living. Mrs. Fath resides ir. 
Dayton, and is sixty four years of age. Our subject was the second child 
of this union, and was six years old when he accompanied his parents to 
America. In early life, he was in the butcher business, and subsequently 
learned the printer's trade. He came to London in the spring of 1875, and 
worked at his trade the greater part of the time for the succeeding five 
years. He then engaged in bis present business. In March, 1882, he 
refurnished his place of business, al ;i cost of over $3,000. His rooms are 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 879 

fitted up id magnificent Btfcyle, and his trade is of tho best. Mr. Fath is 
Democratic in politics. 

E. R. FLORENCE. ex-Treasurer of Madison County, London, was 
born in Paint Township September 7,1837. His father, Robinson Florence, is 
a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and came to Madison County about 
1831 or L832. He located in Paint Township, where he still resides, and 
is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He married Elizabeth Williams, 
a native of this county. This union has been blessed with ten children, 
seven of whom are living. Our subject is a second child and son, and ob- 
tained a very thorough English education at a private school. He was en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising on the old home farm until January, 
1873, when he was elected Sheriff of Madison County, on tho Democratic 
ticket. He served four years in this position, and during that period was 
further honored by being nominated and elected to the position of Treasurer 
of Madison County. He took possession of the latter office in September, 
1S7S. and was subsequently re-elected in 1879. His second term expired 
1882. Mi*. Florence was an able and efficient public official and well 
esteemed by all. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Presby 
terian Church, and has ever been Democratic in political matters. He was 
united in marriage in the spring of 1879, to Mary E. Cover, a native of 
Madison County. They have no children. Mrs. Florence is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

A. W. GARDNER, of Gardner & Lohr, the popular clothing mer 
chants of London, was born in Adams County, Penn., November 17, 1846. 
His father, Daniel Gardner, was also a native of the Keystone State and a 
lime burner by occupation. He died in 1863, aged fifty-two years. Mr. Gard ■ 
ner marrie.l Harriet Arnold, a native of Pennsylvania, who became the 
mother of four children, one daughter and three sons, the former now de- 
ceased Mrs. Gardner is living in her native State, at the good age of six- 
ty-eight years. One son. J. M. Gardner, formerly of Gardner & Miles, re- 
sided in" London from 1870 to 1877. Our subject's paternal grandfather 
was Jacob Gardner, and the maternal one Dr. Arnold. He was reared in 
old Pennsylvania, receiving a good common-school education, and subse- 
quently attending a college for two years. He taught school for six 
months, subsequently cultivating tobacco for one year. He was then em- 
ployed as a clerk live or six years, and in the spring of 1870 came to Lon- 
don, securing like employment from Gardner & Miles, with whom here 
mained two years. Then, in connection with William Ronemus, he pur 
chased the stock and trade of his employer, and the firm enjoyed a good 
trade for six years, when Mr. Gardner purchased the half- interest of Mr 
Ronemus. and subsequently sold a third interest to William F. Lohr, the 
new firm being the present one of Gardner & Lohr. They have met with 
fine success and enjoy a rapidly increasing trade. A merchant tailoring 
department is connected with the house, with Charles C. Corey as cutter, 
and employs from twelve to fifteen hands. Mr. Gardner is a charter mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of London, and connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and the Republican party. He was united 
in m arri a ge, October 10, L872, to Florence, daughter of George YV. Lohr, a 
pioneer citizen of London. They have three children — Frank W. and How- 
ard L., twins, and George D. Mrs. Gardner is also a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

F. C. G1LLETT, dealer in coal, London, was born in Clark County, 
Ohio, July 17. L852. His father. Dr. J. H. Gillett, is a native of Medford, 



880 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Mass., and a physician by profession. He came to Ohio about 1840, 
and located at Springfield, Clark County, where he was engaged in attend- 
ing a large and lucrative practice until his death. He was one of the oldest 
and most prominent physicians of Clark County, and died at Springfield 
October 16, 1881. He married Leonora Vickery, a native of one of the South- 
ern States. They were the parents of four children, all living, and resi- 
dents of Clark County except our subject. Mrs. Gillett is still living and 
resides in Clark County. Our subject was the youngest child, and was sent 
to Wittenberg College, Springfield, where he was in attendance only a short 
time. He left school to accept employment as clerk in a bookstore, and 
was engaged in that capacity four or five years. He then purchased a like 
business at Tiffin, Ohio, whore he was in business three or four years. In 
1880, he came to London and started a tobacco store. He then established 
his present business, in which he has an excellent trade and is meeting 
with increased success. Mr. Gillett is Republican in politics. He was 
married, October 16, 1877, to Hattie, daughter of Washington Wilson, a re- 
tired farmer of Springfield. Mrs. Gillett is a member of the Presbyter- 
ian Church. 

JOHN GILLILAND, a well-known citizen of Madison County, and a 
merchant of London, was born in what is now Fairfield Township, July 25, 
1812. His father, Andrew Gilliland, was a native of Virginia, and came to 
Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1807 or 1808. He removed to Logan County, 
but subsequently back to Pickaway County, where be died in August, 1832. 
He was a son of Samuel Gilliland and Elizabeth Smith. He married Mary, 
daughter of John Williams, and a native of Maryland. Of their nine chil- 
dren, six are living — three daughters and three sons. Our subject was the 
second child of this family, and was reared in Pickaway County. He has 
been engaged in farming nearly all his life, and resided in Fairfield Town- 
ship, where he now owns sixty-five acres of land. In March, 1874, became 
to London, entering into the boot and shoe trade. He has gradually drifted 
into general merchandise, and his success has been fair. He was formerly 
a Democrat, but is now Republican in politics. He was married November 
3, 1836, to Palmyra, daughter of Shubal and Esther Crippen Waldo, na- 
tives of the Eastern States. Of their ten children, six survive— all daugh- 
ters. Mrs. Gilliland is a member of the Christian Church. 

E. J. GOULD, of E. J. Gould & Co.. proprietors of planing mill and 
lumber yard, London, was born in Essex County, N. J., January 6. 1828. He 
is a son of J. N. Gould, also a native of New Jersey, and came to Ohio in 1841. 
He located in Pleasant Township, this county, and resided there for ten 
years. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister, hut also carried on a farm, 
with the aid of his sons. He sold the farm about 1851, and removed to 
London, where he re?ided till his death, about twenty years ago. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Reeve, a native of New Jersey. There weir born to them 
five sons — three living. Mrs. Gould died about 1S7 ( .>. Our subject is the 
only son in this county (other two residing in Newark, N. J.), and was 
reared to manhood in Pleasant Township. He was a farmer in early life, 
but accompanied bis father when the latter removed to London. Mr. 
Gould then engaged in the lumber business,- in company with his brother 
William. They were also carpentors and builders, and remained together 
two or three years. Mr. Gould was in Oregon four years, building saw- 
mills, but still carried on his business in London. In the spring of 1875, 
Gerald Fitsgibbons became associated in business with Mr. Gould, and the 
firm of E. J. Gould & Co. cany <>n the most extensive business in their line 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 881 

of trade in Madison County. Mr. Gould is a conservative Democrat, and 
while a resident of Oregon represented Coose and Curry Counties in the 
State Legislature. He has had fair success in his business operations. Mr. 
Gould was married October 5, 1864, to Anna G. Kollogg, a native of Georgia, 
and daughter of the Rev. Ezra Kellogg, D. D., an Episcopal minister 
Seven children have been born to them, six living — Theodore, Florence, 
Anna, Stephen, Donald and Cecil. Mrs. Gould is a member of Trinity 
Episcopal Church of London, and Mr. Gould is a regular attendant on its 
services. 

THOMAS GRAGG, farmer, P. O. London, was born in this township 
February 2, 1823. He is a son of Reuben and Phobe (Harpolo) Gragg, 
natives of Virginia, of Dutch descent, who came to Ohio in 1810, and, after 
one year's residence in Chillicotho, settled in Union Township, where the 
father died in 1828. His wife still survives, at the age of eighty-six years 
Our subject was the second child of a family of six children. His father 
died when he was a child, preventing him from obtaining more than a lim 
ited education. He early began the work of a farmer, and has since fol- 
lowed that avocation, now owning 125 acres of land. He commenced work 
ing by the month at the age of fourteen years, soon after rented a place, 
and finally purchased a small farm. He was married, in 1851, to Hannah 
E. Wagoner, a native of Paint Township, and a daughter of James Wagoner 
They havo seven children — Stephen D., Mary Elizabeth, Josephine M , 
Rhoda M., Emma, Grant W. and Lucy Lucinda. Mr. and Mrs. Gragg, 
and the four eldest children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, with which he has been connected twenty five years. He is a Re 
publican in politics. 

JOHN M. GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Pleasant 
Township July 19, 1836, and is a son of John and Lydia (Alkire) Graham, 
the former a native of Kentucky, of Irish descent, and the latter a native of 
Virginia, of German descent. Our subject attended school at London, and 
remained on the farm until seventeen years of age, when his father moved 
to London and opened a store, and John became a clerk, in which capacity 
he continued five years. He was married, in 1859, to Gertrude, a daughter 
of John Smith, and by her he had seven children — John K, Anna S. , A. 
L., Lydia J., Gertrude. Milton and James S. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are 
members of the Christian Church. He is a Republican, and owns a well 
improved and highly cultivated farm. 

CHARLES GULCHER, baker and confectioner, London, was born in 
Rhine Bavaria, Germany, November 30, 1837; his father was Charles 
Gulcher, a native and farmer of Germany; he married Mary Weber, also o: 
Germany. The former died about 1875 or 1876. The latter is still living 
in Germany, and is about sixty-five years of age. Thoy have four living 
children, three in America. Our subject is the only one of the family in 
Madison County; he learned the baker's trade in the old country, and in 
July, 1855, came to America, locating in New York City. He there learned 
the confectioner's trade, and then came to Ohio; he worked at Waynesville, 
Warren County, two years, and then came to London. He was employed 
by his uncle, Peter Weber, for some time, and then returned to Waynes 
ville. He came back to London again in April, 1861, and was once more 
employed by his uncle. About 1867, he commencod business for himself, 
and has succeeded very well; he has a nice restaurant in connection, and 
enjoys a fine trade. Mr. Weber visited the Paris Exposition in 1878, and 
Centennial exhibition in 1876; he was Chief of the London Fire Depart- 



882 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ment for five y ears, and with Philip Speasmaker purchased its first engine 
(one worked by hand), from Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Gulcher is a member 
of Madison Lodge and Hiawatha Encampment (I. O. O. F.); Presbyterian 
in religious belief, and a " Jackson Democrat " in politics. He was mar- 
ried January 16, 1859, to Miss R. K. Giegley, a native of Baden, Germany. 
Of their eight children six are living, three daughters and three sons — 
Mollie, wife of Joseph Rea, a farmer of Oak Run Township; Barbara, Will- 
iam, Harry, Edward and Matilda. Mrs. Gulcher is also a believer in the 
religion taught by the Presbyterian denomination. 

TIMOTHY HALEY, London, Deputy U. S. Marshal of the Eighth 
Ohio District, and U. S. Railway Postal Clerk, residence, London, was born 
in Ireland April 6, 1842. His father, Michael Haley, was a native of 
County Ki Harney, and came to America when our subject was seven years 
old; he located at Springfield, Ohio, and subsequently went to Mattoon, 
111., where he died. Mrs. Haley died in Ireland. Our subject came to 
London when but nine years of age; he was adopted by Mrs. Mary Free- 
man, and resided with her till of age; for two or three years, he was en- 
gaged in traveling over the Southern States. In 1861, he enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Company C, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. 
Acton, and served the three months' term of the regiment. He then re- 
enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment; was in the Army of 
the Citinberland, and with Sherman marched down to the sea; witnessed 
the destruction of Raleigh, N. C. , and participated in the grand review at 
Washington, D. C. ; mustered out of the army as First Lieutenant of his com- 
pany. After returning to London, in company with S. E. Freeman, he en- 
gaged in the grocery business, under the firm name of Freeman & Haley. 
Three years later the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Haley then conducted the 
business alone; he subsequently went to Paulding County, Ohio, remaining 
a short time. In December, 1880, he was appointed Deputy U. S. Marshal 
of the Eighth Ohio District, by Col. Ullery, of Cincinnati. In September, 
1882, he was appointed U. S. Railway Postal Clerk. Mr. Haley is Adju- 
tant of Lyons Post, G. A. R., of London, a member of the Lodge and En- 
campment (I. O. O. F.), and Republican in politics. He was married, Octo- 
ber 25, 1880, to Ellen Holland, a native of Louisville, Ky. They have one 
daughter — Florence. 

JAMES HAMILTON, dealer and shipper of grain, London, was born in 
Livingston County, N. Y. , March 150, 1836. His father, James Hamilton, Sr. . 
was a native of Scotland, and there reared. He came to America about 
1881, locating in Livingston County. N. Y., where he died in 1878. He 
was a farmer by occupation, and married Grace Marvin, also a native of 
Scotland. They had eight children, six now living, James being the only 
one in Ohio. Mrs. Hamilton departed this life in 1875. Our subject was 
reared and educated in New York, and in early life was a school teacher. 
He located in Clark County, Ohio, in 1850, and taught school there for 
seven years. He was in the mercantile trade one year at Selma, that coun- 
ty, and next engaged in general merchandising at Plattsbuxg. He was 
there in business for nine years, and then sold his stock. He removed to 
Newark, Ohio, and resided there two years, being exclusively engaged in 
the grain trade. He came to London in the spring of 1870, and at present 
is probably the largest grain dealer in the county. He handles about 1,000,- 
000 Imshels of grain per year, buying and shipping from London and nine 
other points in Ohio. He employs an average force of twenty-five men 
during the grain season, and has the personal supervision of the entire 



ONION TOWNSHIP. 883 

business. Ou June 16, 1879, Mr. Hamilton suffered the loss, by lire, of his 
warehouse at London, containing 2,000 bushels of wheat, and 400 bushels 
of corn — total loss, over insurance, about $4,000. Mr. Hamilton is a reg- 
ular attendant on the services of the Presbyterian Church, and a Trustee 
in the official board. His politics are Republican, but he uever aspired to 
office. Mr. Hamilton was married. March N. L866, to Addie Chamberlain, 
a native of Ohio. They have four children — Ralph, Grace. William L. 
and Mabel. 

ROBERT M. HANSON (deceased), late United States Consul to Bre- 
men, was born in Madison County, Ohio, on the 14th of April. 1837, being 
the youngest son in a family of four brothers and three sisters. He was left 
an orphan at an early age by the death of his parents. In his boyhood days. 
he was distinguished among his fellows and playmates as a boy of more 
than common energy and determination. On arriving near the years of 
maturity, and foreseeing the necessity of it, he determined to avail himself 
of the advantages of a more thorough education than the facilities of his 
neighborhood supplied. Having prepared himself, he entered the Miami 
University at Oxford, Ohio. The path of knowledge to him was no "flow- 
ery path of ease," he being obliged to earn the means to pay for his tuition. 
This he accomplished by teaching part of the time, and attending his stud-. 
ies the remainder. Having accomplished his studies, he chose the profession 
of law, and began reading in the office of Hon. H. W. Smith, of this 
place. Here again stern necessity held him back, and he returned to teach- 
ing to procure means. This life was a laborious one, for as soon as school 
hours were over, he was reading Kent and Blackstone. He was admitted to 
the bar late in the winter of 1860-61. Before he could locate himself, the 
distant mutter ings of thai storm of civil war that for four years deluged 
our land with blood was heard, and when, on the memorable 14th of April 
the wires flashed the news to us of the fall of Fort Sumter, and then the 
immediate call for 75,000 men -the formation of the first company of Mad- 
ison County's quota- -the enlistment of the Madison Guards— their depar- 
ture for the front — the wild enthusiasm that pervaded the community — all 
these incidents are still fresh in the memory of most of us. Capt. Hanson 
was among the first to enlist under this call. His feelings and comprehen- 
sion of the work before him can be better shown by quoting from his own 
correspondence with the writer, dated at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Ohio, 
May 2. 1861. Referring to some of his comrades who wished to return 
home, he says: "As for myself, I feel in duty bound, by my oath, to stand 
by that flag, and that only, and I will do so at all hazards und all sacrifices, 
and as long as there is a pulse in my arm I will be seen under her wide 
folds." And again, when en route for the front, he writes from Parkers- 
burg, Va., June 24, 1801 : "I have been sick for two or three days, but now 
feel better, and will go on with the regiment, live or die on the way. This 
war. my friend, will be no fool'splay; thousands are entering the devouring 
jaws of death. *' How well and truly he carried out these assertions, the result 
lies before you. The Eagle Guards were mustered in under Capt. Acton as 
Company C, Seventeenth Regiment, and served their three months in "West Vir- 
ginia, and were discharged from service at the expiration of that time. The sec- 
ond call for troops was made soon afterward, and the Military Commission of 
the county appointed him Captain and gave him permission to recruit a 
company for service for three years. This was speedily done, and the com- 
pany was mustered at Camp Chase, by Gov. Tod, on the 19th of August, 
1802, as Company B, Ninety-fifth Regiment, and immediately started for 



884 BIOGRAPHIC \! SKETCHES: 

the front. On the 30th of August, at Richmond, Ky., our army met the 
rebel forces under Kirby Smith, and the battle of Richmond was fought, 
resulting disastrously to our forces. Most of the Ninety-fifth were capt- 
ured, paroled and sent to Camp Chase. In December following, they were 
exchanged, re equipped and arrived at Memphis, Tenn.. about the 20th of 
January, 1803; from thence, about April 1 to Vicksburg, thence back with 
other regiments into the interior, and on the 12th of May fought the battle 
of Jackson Court House. Here, Company B, under Cupt. Hanson, took an 
active part, and distinguished themselves by capturing three pieces of artii 
lery. Again they went back to the trenches at Vicksburg, and participated 
in that long, terrible siege that was followed by the fall of Vicksburg on 
the 4th of July. The regiment again went back to Jackson C. H, which 
bad been re-occupied by the rebels and fortified, and after a siege of nine 
days again captured the town. From thence, they were sent out on the 
Charleston & Memphis Railway, to guard against the raids of Forrest, and 
were thus employed from October to the 1st of May, when a raid was nunl^ 
by our forces to a point near Ripley, Miss. A second raid was started from 
Memphis the 1st of June, of which the Ninety-fifth was a part, and on the 
10th of June, near Guntown, Miss., they met Forrest with an overwhelm 
ing force; a severe engagement ensued, our army was driven back fighting 
over the ground, foot by foot. About 3 o'clock P. M., Capt. Hanson fell, ter 
ribly wounded, being struck by a minie ball in the left breast near the 
heart, the ball lodging under the lower point of the shoulder blade. He 
was carried back by his own men a mile and, placed in an ambulance, an ! 
taken about six miles, when the driver, supposing him dead, cut the harness 
loose from the ambulance and fled, leaving him to be captured. The next 
morning about daylight he returned to consciousness, and about 10 o'clock 
was taken as prisoner a short distance to a cabin. Here the rebel surgeons 
removed the ball, and dressed the wounds. He lay at the cabin some two 
weeks, and was then taken to Catawba Prison, near Selma, on the Alabama 
River, where he was nursed by the Sisters of Charity until he was able to 
be paroled, about the 20th of November. All this time his friends sup- 
posed him dead. He returned North about the 1st of December, when his 
wound opened again, and for nearly three months it was very doubtful if he 
would ever recover. Having sufficiently recovered, he was placed in the 
Reserve Corps, and ordered as Judge Advocate to report at Milwaukee, Wis 
Here he remained until his term of enlistment expired, and he was honors 
bly discharged. Again we quote from his correspondence, dated July 
1865. He says: " On last Thursday I was made a citizen again. Con 
gratulate me, for I am free to think and act for myself, and truly, my dear 
friend, after almost four years' service, it is no small gratification to be 
thus placed in this independent position. Knowing that I have faithfully 
labored for my Government, this people and the people yet to come after me, 
and that I can reflect on the past without scruple and without sorrow, only 
that I could not have done more." In the fall of 1805, after his return, he 
was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature, and represented the county 
in the sessions of 1866-67, with credit to himself and the county. After 
the election of Gen. Grant as President in 1808, he received the appoint- 
ment of Consul to Bremen, and arrived there in June, 1869. His strength 
had almost returned from the long weakening influence of his wound. Un- 
der the effect of the cool summers he rapidly recuperated, and was much 
elated, thinking the climate would make his recovery complete. But the 
long, northern winter began, and the piercing, chilly winds of the North 



* 








\ 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 38 

Sea were more than his weak lungs could endure. In the spring, hemor- 
rhage set in. We again quote his own language. He says: " On May 28, 
I went to Hanover, to visit some American friends, and to tear myself away 
from business and relieve the mental exertions under which I had been la- 
boring for weeks. In the afternoon, we visited Herren Hausen, and other 
places of sight-seeing. Having walked several miles, we returned, and feel- 
ing fatigued, I retired early and slept soundly all night. I awoke about 
7 o'clock in the morning, and arose, feeling perfectly well and natural. I 
was immediately attacked by a hard cough, and the first I knew of anything 
like hemorrhage, the blood tlew splattering over the mirror and wash-stand 
before me. I was not frightened, for I had seen blood before, and from the 
same source. It continued for near half an hour, and at first was so rapid 
that it almost produced strangulation. What was, and always will be, 
strange to me. this spell of bleeding was a repetition of Guntown to me, in 
feeling. All the horrors of that day were emblazoned before my vision in 
a burning light, which produced a feeling as if I were again in the midst 
of the commingled reality. Artillery deafened my ears— powder burnt in 
my face — the din and smell of battle filled my nostrils, and oh ! horrible ! 
the skrieks of the wounded and dying paralyzed my very soul; and all the 
while I sat "'gulping' out blood. I shall never be able to account for this 
strange turning back into the midst of one of the active scenes of my life. 
The hemorrhage returned again about G P. M , and lasted near forty min- 
utes. This attack was followed by a chill and fever, and was the climax of 
my case, and on my back! laid for thirteen days, and in my room for twen- 
ty-one days. This attack brought me near the valley, where I could look 
over and see the 'dark shadows. 'once beneath the shadow of which you are 
lost from the sight of all things earthly forever. The sighs, and love, and 
friendship of those whom one leaves behind may go out faintly across that 
vale of immortality and futurity, but the departed never returns, and we 
close our eyes, enshrouded with his memory around us that he was once 
among us, loved, but the still, deep, dead silence which comes back to us 
from the departed, says ' never to return ' " From this attack, he never 
recovered his strength, and fearing to stay another winter in Bremen, h- 
returned in December to the United States. On the '29th of February fol- 
lowing, he was married to Miss Kate Williams, and with renewed hope and 
energy sailed again for Bremen on the 21st of March. From this time 
until his return, it was a gradual wasting away of life. He was advised 
by his physician to ^o to Meran, in the Tyrol Valley, among the Alps 
From there they went to the Island of Sicily, and in early spring returned 
to Naples, Italy, where they remained until they embarked, on the 20th of 
August, 1873, for New York. He was then so weak that he had to be car- 
ried aboard the steamer, but he started with the strong hope of being able 
to reach home. A few days after the vessel sailed, the old wound opened 
again, externally, and from that time he sank rapidly. On September 14, 
while the bright sunshine of the calm Sabbath morn was throwing its first 
rays over the iron steamer, far oul on the deep, rolling ocean — there, in 
the midst of that grand scene of beauty and holiness, with none but the 
faithful, grief-stricken wife kneeling by his side — the vail of man's immor- 
tal destiny was lifted, and long suffering and sorrow was with him no 
more. The officers of the steamer were very kind to the deeply-afflicted 
widow in her grief and loneliness, and did all they coiild with the means 
at hand. There was nothing aboard the steamer by which the body could 
be preserved. The carpenter made a coffin of pine, and it was placed on 



888 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the upper deck to get the sea breeze, which was fortunately cool. On Tues- 
day evening at 6 o'clock P. M. the vessel arrived at her dock in New York. 
The remains were brought to this county and interred in Paint Township 
Cemetery. 

CYRUS HORNBECK, deceased, was born west of Midway in this 
county January 27, 1823. At the age of twenty-one years, he married 
Elizabeth Miliner, daughter of John Miliner, of Highland County, Ohio. 
Mr. Miliner was born in Halifax County, Va., August 25, 1800. With his 
father, moved to Highland County, Ohio in 1807, where he married Mary 
Slaughter when twenty-one years of age. He settled on a farm three miles 
from Leesburg, where he has followed the occupation of farming and mill- 
ing ever since. His wife died three years after marriage leaving Elizabeth, 
who was the only child. She was taken when one year old, by her aunt, 
Elizabeth Slaughter, who cared for her until her marriage. Mr. Hornbeck 
started in life as a poor boy, but one year after marriage bought a farm of 
200 acres, two and a half miles from London, on the Springfield road, which, 
by hard labor, he succeeded in paying for. He took great delight in raising 
fine stock, was of a cheerful disposition, kind to all, and at his death owned 
400 acres of land. He died July 23, 1863, at the age of forty years. He 
was the father of four sons and three daughters, four surviving, viz. : Mary 
E.. Cyrus R. , Sidney E. and Isaac W. Cyrus was married at the age of 

•teen to Rolla Parker: he is a farmer, and also studied theology at Union 
Christian College. He is a member of the Christian Church, and the 
father of one child — Roscoe Garfield. Sidney E. is the wife of Jackson 
Hays, and the mother of two children, one deceased. Isaac W.. left the 
farm at the age sixteen, went, to Colorado, and in two years came back to 
London, where he is engaged in photographing. John Q. Hornbeck, Cyrus 
Hornbeck's eldest child, married Cornelia Watson, and was the father of two 
children, one, Owen Edgar, surviving; John enlisted in the Fourth Ohio 
Cavalry for three years, but was only in the service one month, when he 

"ned and died at Nashville, Tenn. , at the age of twenty years, another 
martyr to freedom. He sacrificed wife, children and life for his flag. 

T. J. HOUSTON, of Houston & Burnham, dealers in hardware and 
agricultural implements, London, was born in Somerford Township, this 
county, April 24. 1842. His grandfather, Joseph Houston, was a native of 
K-eetwefcy, and located on Buck Creek, in Clark County, Ohio, in an early 
day. He subsequently removed to Charleston, same county. One son, J. 
M. Houston, the fathei of our subject, was born in Kentucky, being only 
two years of age, when his parents came to Ohio. He was reared near 
Springfield, Clark County, and married Maria Cartmill, a native of Clark 
County, and daughter of Nathaniel Cartmill, shortly after he removed to a 
farm in Somerford Township, this county, where he resided some years 
He died June 30, 1879. He was tin* father of ten children, only two living 
— our subject ami sister, Mary Iv. both residents of London. Mrs. Houston 
is Mill living, at the age of sixty seven years. T. J. Houston was the fourth 
child of this family, and his early life was passed on the home farm in 
Somerford Township. He received only a common school education, and 

n young was engaged in trading and handling stock for a period of ten 
years. He then came t<> London, and, in connection with L. P. Burnham, 
purchased the hardware Mock and trade of P. C. Cowling, the new firm 
heing known as Houston & Burnham. They have been very successful for 
the short time they have been engaged in this business. Mr. Houston 
- Republican in politics. He was married, November 11. 1875, to Kate 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 889 

Locke, a sister of the Hon. John F. Locke. Of their three children, two are 
living — Eva and John L. 

A. A. HUME, ex-Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, London, was 
born in Paint Township, this county, September 30, 1809. His parents were 
Robert and Isabella S. (Davis) Hume, natives of Virginia, and pioneers of 
Madison County. The subject of this sketch was about two years of age 
when his parents removed to London, and he has since resided there, with 
the exception of four or five years in Kentucky. He enjoyed but limited 
educational facilities in early life, and when quite young was employed as 
a clerk. He soon after established himself in business on the northeast 
corner of Main and High streets, remaining in mercantile circles about 
four years. He subsequently engaged in bringing cattle into Madison 
County from the West, and in the business of hotel keeping. In 1841, he 
was appointed Clerk of the Courts of Madison County, and served in that 
position the remarkably long period of nearly forty -two years in succession, 
a case without parallel in the history of the Stale, and probably in the 
Union. He has now retired from public life, and is the oldest officer (that 
has served or is serving) in the county. Mr. Hume is a member of Madison 
Lodge. No. 70, and London Encampment, No. 36 (I. O. O. F. ). In early 
life, he was a member of the Whig party, and of late years has been identi- 
fied with the Republicans. He has several times served as Councilman in 
the village of London. He was united in marriage in June, 1852, to Rachel 
Groves, a native of this county and a daughter of David (troves. Two 
children were sent to bless this union — a daughter and a son; the former is 
deceased, and the latter is a stockbroker at Quincy, 111. Mrs. Hume died 
in 1860, and Mr. Hume's second marriage occurred in 1868, when he was 
united to Mrs. Matilda (Harpole) Cheney, widow of Jonathan Cheney. Mr. 
Hume's first wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the 
present wife of the Presbyterian denomination. Mr. Hume's son, James R., 
enlisted in Company K, Twenty- sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
and was siibsequently appointed Captain of another company in the same 
regiment. He was elected First Lieutenant of Company K, and was sub- 
sequently made an aid to Brig. Gen. Haskell. He served about three 
years altogether. A. A. Hume has been a resident of Madison County for 
seventy-three years, and his actions, in both public and social life, are well 
known to the present generation. The long term in which he held public 
office was a high appreciation of his sterling integrity and clerical qualifi- 
cations. He is a quiet, unostentatious citizen, and a pioneer of Madison 
Count v. 

WILLIAM M. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Vir- 
ginia. February 29, L820. He is a sen of William and Nancy (Rea) Jackson, 
the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, and the latter a native 
of Maryland, of Welsh descent. Our subject's education was limited to the 
subscription schools in the old log schoolbouses. He came to Madison 
County with his parents in L828, and here grew up to farm life, which he 
still follows. He was married in 1851 to Melinda Peterson, daughter of 
Michael and Susan (Buffenbargei i Peterson, and has two children — Filmore 
and Eudora. Mr. Jackson is a Democrat, and he has served his county as 
a member of the board of Infirmary Directors. 

JOHN F. JOHNSTON, London. Sheriff of Madison County, was born 
in Range Township, this county, June 15, 1844. His father, John Johnston, 
is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. He came to 
this county with his parents. W/illiain and Margaret (McClimans) Johnston. 



890 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

They located in Range Township, where they reared a family of eight or 
nine children, and lived till death called them away from earth. Seven of 
this family of children are yet living. John Johnston has resided in Range. 
Township all of his life. He married Elizabeth Mathers, a native of Ross 
County, Ohio. Our subject is the seventh child and second son of a family 
of eleven children, ten of whom are living. He obtained a good English 
education in early life, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until the 
fall of 1881, when he was elected Sheriff of Madison County, on the Demo- 
cratic ticket, for the*term of two years, being the only man elected on that 
ticket. He took possession of his office January 2, 1882. Mr. Johnston is 
a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, of the Masonic fraternity, and has 
always taken a great interest in church matters. He was married, March 
19, 1872, to Ella, daughter of William and Massey Warner. Of their five 
children, the following four are living -Myrtle, Eva, Howard and Florence. 
Pryor died at the age of six years. Mrs. Johnston is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

WILLIS D. JOHNSTON, farmer and machinist, P. O. London, wa, 
born in Oak Run Township, August 15, 1853. He is the son of William 
and Felicity (Hall) Johnston, natives of Ohio, of Dutch, Irish and English 
descent. Our subject attended the common schools of his township, and th • 
graded school of London, after which he took up the occupation of farming. 
He has a natural inclination for machinery, operated a self-binder an 
steam thrasher, and is a good engineer of stationary engines, with which 
he has had a good deal of experience. He was married in 1879 to Mary K 
Hust, by whom he has three children — Irene and Inez (twins), and Wilso:: 
Cooper. Mr. Johnston's father is a prominent and wealthy farmer of Oak 
Run Township. 

DR. TOLA.ND JONES, physician and surgeon, London, was born four 
miles west of London, in Union Township, Madison County, Ohio, January 
10, 1820. His father, Thomas Jonas, was a native of Worcester Count) 
Md. , a farmer by occupation, and came of English parents on both sides. \ 
His great-grandfather, on his father's side, was among the early English 
settlers of Maryland. His mother, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Dr. Ed- 
ward Cropper, who also came from England. Thomas Jones, father of the 
subject of this sketch, becoming disgusted with the institution of slavery, 
and wanting more room for an increasing family, emigrated to Ohio in 
1M6, locating first in Ross, bnt soon moved to what is now known as Union 
Township, Madison County, Ohio. Here he purchased a small tract of land 
which was afterward increased to 1,000 acres. Thomas Jones resided in 
Madison until his death at the old homestead in 1859. He was an Old-Line 
Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when his interest in the 
latter became as intense as it had previously been in the former. He took 
an active interest in politics, and under the old constitution served as Ajss 
ciate Judge from 1841 to 1851 inclusive, and was also a member o* the 
Board of County Commissioners for many years. He was a charitable, 
warm-hearted man, and an enthusiastic partisan. He married Mary P.- — 
Truitt, a native of Eastern Maryland, who died in L865. Their childre 
seven boys and one girl, all grew to maturity, and five are now living. Dr. 
Jones was reared on the home farm, where he remained until twenty years 
of age, obtaining only a limited education. He then came to London, and 
three months later went to Springfield, where he remained three months. 
Leaving Springfield he entered the preparatory department of Granville 
College, in which two terms completed his literary education. Delicate 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 891 

health and inability to do farm work were perhaps the main reasons for his 
being sent away to school. He was named after Dr. Aquila Toland, of 
London, with whom he read medicine three years, and in 1847-48, attended 
one course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati. Scarcity 
of money precluded graduation, but the degree of M. D. was subsequently 
conferred by the Cleveland Medical College for the first successful amputa- 
tion of the leg at the hip joint, in this State. After leaving college he 
commenced practice in London, ostensibly alone, but really under the tute- 
lage of Dr. Toland. In 1802, he left a lucrative practice to enlist as a pri- 
vate in a company then forming in London, to assist in putting down the 
rebellion. He was, however, elected Captain of his company by unanimous 
choice. This was afterward Company A, of One Hundred and Thirteenth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This position he continued to till up to 1864, 
when he succeeded to the command of the regiment at the battle of the 
Kenesaw Mountain, and in this position continued to command it through 
all its fortunes, bivouacs, skirmishes and battles. His regiment belonged to 
that brigade which was always in the front — the Second Brigade of the 
Second Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps. At the battle of Jonesboro, 
it led the brigade that captured everything before it. Col. Jones halted 
his regiment within sixty yards of the enemy's works under a terrific fire, 
dressed it up for a final dash, and carried all before it. Gen. Goran, of the 
rebel army, surrendered in person to him on his own breastworks, with all 
his headquarters, papers, etc. The spoils of the day were many prisoners, 
two cannon, one battle flag, etc. He marched with Sherman to the sea and 
back through the Carolinas, and was in the last grand battle of Sherman's 
army, at Bentonville. where his regiment fought front and rear from both 
sides of its breastworks, capturing many prisoners. It was complimented 
by the Division Commander, in a general order with the remainder of the 
division, for saving the army on that day. His term of service lasted until 
July 6, 1865, when he and his regiment were mustered out at Louisville, 
Ky. Col. Jones returned to London, and engaged in the practice of his 
profession. In 1878, he purchased the drug store of Dr. A. H. Underwood, 
and has since been engaged in that business, in connection with the prac- 
tice of medicine. He owns Toland Block, in London, and about sixty acres 
of land within the corporate limits. He is a member of the Ohio Medical 
Society, Central Ohio Medical Society, Madison County Medical Society and 
the Masonic Fraternity. He has been President of the Madison County 
Medical Society, and has undoubtedly performed more surgery than any 
other physician who has ever lived in this county. Politically, he is a Re- 
publican, and has served as member of the board of the City Council of 
London, and of the board of Public Schools. In 1866-68, Dr. Jones was 
a member of the Ohio State Senate, from Madison, Clark and Champaign 
Counties. Dr. Jones was married March 19, 1846, to Frances Ann, daughter 
of his preceptor, Dr. Aquila Toland. They have four children living, viz.: 
Imogene, wife of E. K. Stewart, of Columbus; Eva, widow of Z. T. Graham, 
and now the wife of W. B. Hamilton, of London; William Pitt, and Bessie 
Mary, wife of John Biley. of London. Dr. Jones is a man of much natural 
ability, and considerable culture, firm in his convictions and Justin his deal- 
ings with his fellows. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of his town 
and county, lends his assistance freely to any enterprise tending to the good 
of the people, and is always found ready and willing to make any reasonable 
sacrifice for the upbuilding of the moral condition of the community. His 



892 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

military record, of which he may be justly proud, is one far above the 
average. 

JOHN JONES, a well-known retired merchant of London, was born in that 
village October 31, 1818, and is probably the oldest native -born resident in it. 
His father, William Jones, was born and reared near Knoxville, Tenn. 
He accompanied his father, Solomon Jones, to Ohio, at a very early day. 
William Jones was a blacksmith and a pioneer in that trade in London, 
where he settled in November, 1814. He was also engaged in various oc- 
cupations through life, such as buying property, dealing in grain, buying 
and selling goods, etc., and became very wealthy. He was a very liberal 
man, giving a great deal of money to assist those who needed financial 
help and for various charitable purposes. He was familiarly known as "Dad 
Jones," and was " everybody's friend." He suffered severely in the " crash 
of 1837, " by paying security debts, and removed to his farm. A. few years later, 
he died at London. John Jones was reared in the village of London, an.l 
the entire period he attended school would probably not exceed two years 
He assisted his father in the store till of age, and was then employed v.+ 
clerk in the store of William Warner, remaining in that position two years. 
In February, 1841, he married Jane H. , daughter of John and Sarah Mel 
vin, and a native of this county. After marriage, he rented a piece of land 
near London, where he farmed that following summer. The same fall, 
William Warner was elected Sheriff of Madison County, "and Mr. Jones was 
made his Deputy, removing to town, and serving in that position for four 
years. He was then elected Sheriff of the county on the Whig ticket, and 
served one term of two years. He refused a re-nomination, and since then 
has retired from official life, with the exception of serving twelve years as 
Justice of the Peace. Mr. Jones, like his 'father, has engaged in various 
occupations, and has accumulated a good property. He purchased a stock 
of groceries and started his three sons in business, and about 1875 retired 
from active business labor. He took charge of a younger brother, sent him 
to school, started him in business and subsequently studying law, and he 
is now a resident of Champaign, 111. Mr. Jones was once a member of the 
Sons of Temperance, and on September IS, 1846, became a charter member 
of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), of London. Six children have 
been born to himself and wife, four living — Frank, Horace, Dollie (wifeof 
V. H. Wilson, of Lafayette), and Emma, wife of Harvey Chandler, of 
London. Frank, of Jones Brothers, wholesale and retail grocers, was born 
in London, February 26, 1847. Ho obtained a good education in the pub 
lie schools of his native village, and in early life was engaged in farming 
He then entered the employ of his father as a clerk, and subsequently 
farmed one year in Illinois. Upon the completion of the Union Pacific 
Railroad, he made a trip to California, being absent eight or nine months 
in 1ST I. with his elder brother, Lucien, he purchased his father's stock 
and trade, and they remained together until the death of Lucien, in 1876. 
A younger brother, Horace, then became a partner, the firm name still re- 
maining " Jones Bros." The brothers have built up a very Large trade, and 
no firm in London stand higher in the estimation of its citizens than they. 
Mr. Jones is a member of .Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. (). 0. F. ), and is Re- 
publican in politics. He was married, September 30, L875, to Lizzie K 
ler, a native of Champaign County. 111. They have one child — Nina K. 
Horace, the junior member of the firm, w;is born in London, September 6, 
1852. He received a good education, and early in life was employed in his 
father's grocery. He subsequently clerked for his brothers, Lucien and 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 893 

Frank, and upon the death of the former became a member of the present 
firm. He resides in a neat and pleasant frame cottage on East High street. 
Mr. Jones is connected by membership with Mystic Lodge, No. 36, Knights 
of Pythias, and Madison Lodge, No. 70 I. (). <). F. His political views 
are decidedly Republican. He was united in marriage, September 10, 
1879, to Lizzie, only daughter of Dr. J. T. Houston, of London. 

COL. WILLIAM JONES. ex-Sheriff of Madison County, London, 
is a life-resident of the county. He was born in Jefferson Township, No 
vember L3, L832 Eis father, Isaac Jones, was a farmer and miller by oc- 
cupation. He laid out the village of Jefferson; was its founder and 
principal citizen for some years. He was a minister of the Baptist denom 
ination, and discoursed upon the views of that church whenever opportu- 
nity afforded. He married Eliza, daughter of "Old John Mills," who built 
a mill on Darby Creek in an early day, probably the first mill in that town- 
ship. Our subject was reared in Jefferson Township, and was about ten 
years of age at the time of his father's death. He resided with his mother 
on the old homestead until the fall of L877, when he was elected Sheriff of 
Madison County, on the Republican ticket. He took possession of the office 
in January. 1S7S. and served two terms, giving way to his successor, John 
F. Johnston, in January, L882. Mr. Jones, in L861, took out an order from 
headquarters to raise Company A., Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer In 
fantry. The order was speedily obeyed, and Mr. Jones made Captain. In 
the latter part of 1862, he was elected Major of the regiment, and the fol- 
lowing February or March was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He 
served in the latter position until April, 1864, when the regiment was mus- 
tered out of service. Col. Jones was married, January 1, 1858, to Jenni i 
Hukill, a native of Columbus, Ohio, but reared in this county. They have 
seven living children — Alta. Albert, Fannie (wife of Frank Speasmaker), 
Foster, Zura, Truman and Loraine. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Bap- 
tist Church. 

B. JUDY, manufacturer of wagons, carriages and buggies. London, 
was born in Clark County, Ohio, February 5, L827. His father, John Judy, 
was a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Clark County about 181*2. 
resided in the eastern part of that county about fifty years, being em_ 
in farming and stock dealing. He subsequently moved to Springfield, and 
later, to Lawrence County, 111., where he died in 1878, aired eighty-three 
years. He was twice married. His first wife was Lydia Hull, who bore him 
one son Amaziah, now a resident of Plattsburg, Clark Co., Ohio. She 
died about 1824. His second wife was Ann Hull, a native of Pennsylva- 
nia They were the parents of nine children, all living. Mrs. Judy de 
parted this life at Sumner, Lawrence Co., ill., in l s s<). aged sevent) -eight 
years. Our subject was the oldest child, and in early life received a good 
common school education. Soon after arriving al hi- majority, he went to 
Springfield, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then went to Plat ts 
burg, in the same county, and there erected a grain warehouse and other 
buildings, and resided there four years. He then removed to Lawrence 
County, 111., and " farmed if 1 for four years. He then removed to Marion, 
Ind.. the seat of the Christian Union College, for the purpose of better ed- 
ucating his three children. He was married in February, 1841), to Rosanna 
Markley. a native of this county. She died in Marion in bS08. Mr. Judy 
then returned to Sumner. 111., ami engaged in mercantile pursuits for three 
years. He then located at Yellow' Springs, Ohio, remaining there three 
years. After another three years' residence at Plattsburg, he came to Lon- 



894 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

don (March, lS77j. He then established his present business, in which he 
ias met with good success. He is a member of Yellow Springs Lodge, No. 
329 (Masonic), and the Knights of Honor. He is also a member of the 
Christian Church, and the Republican party. Mr. Judy has been twice mar- 
ried. Three children were born to the first union— Laurette, wife of W. 
W. Shepherd, of Sunnier. 111. ; Charles C. . who married Caroline Burgett, 
and Arthur M. The latter attended Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio, 

subsequently prepared for the ministry at the Theological Seminary at 
Cambridge. Mass. Mr. Judy's second marriage was to Kate Miller, and oc- 
curred in 1870. She was ;i native of Clark County, and is the mother of 
three children, two living — Charity and Herbert B. Both wives were mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. 

I. C. KEMP, farmer and stockman. P. O. London, was born in Mary- 
land June 18, 182 { .I. He is the son of Jacob and Julia (Button ) Kemp, na- 
tives of Maryland, oi Dutch descent. He received a common school edu- 
cation, and since then has followed various occupations. His early life was 
spent with his parents. In 1855, he came to London, and for twenty years 
was engaged in the grocery business. In 1867, he began farming, and has 
since followed that avocation with good success, now being the owner of 
202 acres of good, well-improved land. He married Ellen Fullerton, by 
whom he had one child — Albert, now living at Xenia. Mrs. Kemp died in 
1862, and in 1866 he married Mrs. Margaret (Witherow) Rankin, by whom 
he had four children, viz. : Fulton, Findley, Charles and George. Mr. 
and Mrs. Kemp are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 
he is a class-leader. He is an earnest advocate of total abstinence princi- 
ples, and votes the Prohibition ticket. He is the proprietor of the London 
stock yards, situated on the Little Miami Railroad, near London. These 
yards are conveniently situated, well watered, and furnished with ample 
accommodations for any amount of stock that may be consigned to him. 
The proprietor is an experienced stockman, and attends promptly to all or- 
ders. He keeps annually an average of 7,000 head of cattle, which are 
shipped to him to be sold at the London stock sales. 

" HENRY KILGORE. farmer. P. O. London, was born in Madison 
County, Ohio, September 14. 1828. He is a son of James and Sarah (Hut- 
son i Kilgore, natives of Kentucky, the former of Scotch and the latter of 
Euglish descent. The former was a Captain in the war of 1812. Our sub- 
jecl was reared on a farm and received a limited education. In 1864, he 
enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
served until the close of the war. He has followed farming during life, and 
now owns 116 acres of good land. He was married in 1872 to Martha 
Ellsworth, by whom he has two children — Simon G. and Charles H. Mr. 
and Mrs. Kilgore are members of the Christian Church. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics. We append herewith a sketch of his mother, written by a 
member of the family: * * * Sarah Kilgore was born 

in Bourbon Count \. Kv.. in the year L789, and was married to Jonathan 
Denton in the year L806. During the few years they were permitted to 
iive together, their lives were full of suffering and danger, they finally being 
driven by the Indians from their home to the fort. Here she romained, and 
at the risk of her life, rode home each day to attend to the stock they were 
obliged to leave behind. I Jut a short time elapsed until her husband was 

d in a skirmish with tin [ndians, and with her.three Bma II children she 
was forced to flee to her parental roof. In the year 1814, she was married 
to James Kilgore, who still survives her. She departed this life 



■ 




■: 



■O' 



^/JAaJ^L^ 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 897 

November 2, 1872. in her eighty-fourth year, leaving behind a family of 
eight children, thirty -eight grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchildren 
and one of the fifth generation. She united with the Methodist Church at 
the early age of sixteen years, and the prayer and class meeting, in which 
she assisted as leader for many years, were her delight. When she united 
with the church there was no house of worship but the cabin of the early 
settler. The cares of domestic life, and the privations of the pioneer did 
not cause her to falter in the path of duty. With a cheerful and brave 
neart she did what she could, and her children rise up and called her 
blessed, and though her family and friends mourn her absence hen 
they rejoice in the prospect of a re-union on the evergreen shore. 

THOMAS LANGEN, Jr., farmer, P. O. London, was born in New 
York State in 1846, and is the son of Thomas and Ellen (JVIcCarty) Langen, 
natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1832. In 1846, they came 
to Ohio, settling in Fayette County, where they remained until 1868, when 
they came to this township. The father died in 1873, leaving an encum- 
bered estate, and making his son Thomas his executor. Thomas soon 
released the land from its encumbrances, made additions to it, but has 
recently sold it all with the intention of purchasing a larger tract. The 
family consisted of four children — Thomas, Francis, James and George 
Thomas married Mary Mahan. of Claivk County, in 1876, and h;is two chil- 
dren — Charles F. and William. George, who is assisting Thomas on the home 
I' arm, was born in Fayette County, June 28, 1860, and now owns 127 acres 
< £ land. These boys are all energetic, steady, industrious farmers, who look 
well to the interest of themselves, and of their community. 

B. W. LAWSON. photographic artist, London, was born at Baltimore, 
Md., March 14. 1844. He is a son of Alexander Lawson, also a native of 
laryland, and a farmer by occupation. He died in 1877. He married 
Susan, daughter of Harrison Gould. Eleven children were born to this 
union, eight now living. Mrs. Lawson resides in Monongalia County, 
VV. Va.. aged about seventy years. When our subject was ten years of age, 
• ids father removed to W est Virginia, and he there remained till the war 
commencod. He then enlisted in the Third A'irginia Cavalry, and served 
three years as a private. After the war closed, he went to St. Louis, Mo., 
and there" learned his present trade. For the past eight or nine years, he 
lias been located in Ohio, and came to London August 18, 1880. He has 
succeeded in establishing a very fine trade, and a far better one than antici- 
pated. Mr. Lawson is a member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F). 
"tie was married, in 1875, to Anna Gronauer, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind. , 
and a daughter of Joseph Gronauer, who located at Fort Wayne when it 
• ontained but five houses. One son born to this union died in infancy. 
Mrs. Lawson studied ornamental painting, at St. Mary's-of the- Woods 
Academy, four miles west of Terre Haute, Ind., and portrait painting at 
St. Louis, Mo. She works in water colors, oil and crayon, and teacher 
several classes. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

SAMUEL LENHART. manufacturer of buggies and spring wagons, 
London, was born in York County. Penn., April 27. 1840. His father, 
George Lenhart, is a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. 
He now resides at Dover, Penn., in his sixty-seventh year. He was united 
in marriage to Elizabeth Gerber, a native of Pennsylvania, who became the 
mother of four children, three sons living. Mrs. Lenhart is still living, at 
about the same age as her husband. The subject of this notice resided in 



898 P. I OGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Pennsylvania until twenty years of age. When seventeen years of age, he 
learned the blacksmith trade, and worked at it three years. He then came 
to London (in I860) and worked at his trade for one year. In April, 1861. 
soon after the call for troops by President Lincoln, he enlisted in Company 
C Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served during the 
three months term of the regiment. He re-enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at the battle 
of Antietam was wounded through the left arm and body by a rifle ball. 
He was discharged on that account, and returned to London. He afterward 
went to Montana Territory, where he worked at his trade till 1868. He re- 
turned to London again, and in the fall of that year purchased his present 
shop of a Mr. Knapper, where he has since been engaged in business. 
Mr. Lenhart is a member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.). Demo 
cratic in politics, and has served as Councilman of the village. He was 
married March 11, 1869, to Isabella Crawford, a native of Paint Township. 
They have three sons — Eddie, Charlie and Samuel Glenn. 

J AMES LILLY (deceased), was the youngest of his parents' nine chil 
dren; he was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 4, 1816. His paternal 
grandparents were William and Elizabeth (Pollet) Lilly, the former a de- 
scendant of English ancestors, and the latter a native of France. They re- 
sided in Fluvanna County, Va. Mr. Lilly's father, Thomas Lilly, was 
born in 1771. in Virginia, where he married Theodosia Riley, who was 
born in New Jersey in 1773. They came to Ohio in 1809, with five chil- 
dren, and located in Ross County, where the father died in 1823. In 1830, 
Mrs. Lilly and family came to Madison County, and located in Fairfield 
Township, near the present site of Lilly Chapel, where the mother died 
February I. 1839, aged sixty-six years. Their family consisted of nine 
children, four daughters and five sons; two died single, and five are now 
living; of the latter, two reside in this county. James Lilly was fourteen 
years of age when his mother removed to this county, and grew to manhood 
on the farm near Lilly Chapel. Previous to and during the war he was 
largely engaged in the grazing, trading and shipping of stock. He subse- 
quently dealt extensively in land, and at the time of his death owned sev- 
eral large tracts. In 1866, he removed to London, and two years later re- 
moved to the " Judge Jones farm," four miles west of London. After a 
two years' residence on this farm, he returned to London, and there died of 
typhoid fever October 10. 1874. He was twice married, his first wife beinj; 
Matilda Anderson, a native of Virginia, and a resident of this county, whom 
he married in 1843. By her he had seven children, four living, viz. : Emma, 
wife of J. B. Young, of Lexington, Iowa: Mary E., wife of J. S. Gardner. 
of Franklin County; George W, who graduated nt Wesleyan University, 
Delaware, in L879, with the degree of A. B., and at Michigan University in 
1881, with the degree of C. E., since which he has been engaged as a civil 
engineer; and Eugene A. One son, William, enlisted when but seventeen 

■a of age, in the Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died ii 
a hospital in Kentucky. Mrs. Lilly died in L859, aged thirty-six years, and in 

1 Mr. Lilly married Mrs. Susan (Melvin) Davidson, widow of George W. 
Davidson, deceased. Of their three children, two are living, viz.: Ella, a stu- 
dent at Wellesley (Mass.) College; and John W. A., who lives with his mother 
on East High street. London. James Lilly united with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church when quite young, and in after years donated the site of the pres- 
ent church to that denomination, the new building taking the name of Lilly 
Chapel, and the village is now known by the same name. He was a Republican 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 899 

in politics, and at the time of his death was senior County Commissioner, serv- 
ing a term of three years. He owned property in the village of London, and 
laid out James Lilly's Subdivision of that town. Honest and upright, firm in 
character and decision, full of benevolence and charity, and a shrewd busi 
ness man. he accumulated a considerable fortune, and occupied a prominent 
and influential position in the community. Few men were more useful to 
the town in which they lived, and but few men contributed more to the 
moral and material prosperity oJP the county than he. Eugene A. Lilly, 
dealer in real estate, London, was born on a farm in Fairfield Township 
(now the site of Lilly Chapel), May 9, 1858. He came to London when 
eight years of age. and was there reared. He took a course of study at th-> 
Ohio Wesleyan University, and subsequently attended the University of 
Michigan, graduating from the latter in the class of 1880, with the degr ■ 
of Pharmaceutical Chemist He then went to Chicago, where for a short 
time he was assistant to Prof. Wheoler, of the University of Chicago. He 
then returned to London, where he has since resided, with the intention, 
however, of resuming his work in chemistry in the future. He is still a 
young man, but so far in life has met with good success in his business 
transactions. He ic> a member of the Masonic Lodge, Chapter and Council, 
and a Republican in politics. 

GEORGE W. LOHR, London, a resident of Madison County over 
sixty-two years, and the oldest liveryman in the business in the county, was 
born in Rockingham County, Va., December 24, 1813. His father, Michael 
Lohr, was a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. He married 
Catherine Miller, also a native of the Old Dominion, who bore him four 
children — two daughters and two sons, three living in this and one in Fay 
ette County, Ohio. Mr. Lohr died about 1818; Mrs. Lohr married for her 
second husband Samuel Messmore, a native of Pennsylvania. Of the three 
children given them, two are living. George W. Lohr accompanied his 
mother and step-father to Madison County in 1820, coming the entire dis- 
tance from Virginia in a one-horse wagon. They located on the present site 
of the Kreider farm. South Charleston pike, three miles from London, and 
subsequently moved to Paint Creek. Mr. Lohr was apprenticed to George 
Phifer, to learn the saddler's trade, and finished it with William H. Squires. 
He then started in business, in partnership with James Q. Lotspeich, on the 
present site of the storeroom now occupied by Gardner & Lohr. The firm 
was known as Lotspeich & Lohr; a year later the firm was dissolved, and 
Mr. Lohr commenced business alone, on his present property (fall of 1837), 
making saddles, and carrying on the business for fifteen years. During the 
latter five years of this time, he had been running a livery on a small scale, 
and finally concluded to go iuto the business. This was 1840 or 1842, and 
since that time. Mr. Lohr has attended to the wants of his customers to 
" anything on wheels." He has been in the undertaking business with his 
son, J. M. Lohr, for the past two years, and has been very successful in all 
his business operations; ho owns a business block or two, and some other 
city property. Mr. Loin's political views are Republican; he has served 
an unexpired term as Coroner of the county, and some time as Councilman 
of London; he was united in marriage, February 12, 1837, to Sarah F. 
Reeder, a native of Clark County, Ohio. Of their eight children, five are 
living — James M., who married Molly K. Pringle, of Clark County, Ohio; 
Josephine; Mary H, wife of Martin Dungan, a merchant of London; Flor- 
ence, wife of Arnold W. Gardner, of Gardner & Lohr, and William H, Jr., 
member of the latter firm; Irvin, George and Fannie are deceased. Mrs. 



900 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Lohr departed this life December 3, 1875, aged fifty -eight years six mouths 
and twenty-two days; she was a faithful Christian, a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and a lady well respected by all. 

JOHN LOHR, London, was born in Shenandoah County, "Va., April 
1, 1816. His father died when he was but three years old. His 
mother afterward married Samuel Messmore, and the family moved 
to Madison County, Ohio, and settled within two miles of London, 
in 1820. Until eighteen years of age. M/. Lohr worked on a farm, after 
which with the consent of his mother and step- father he learned the sad- 
dler's trade; was engaged at this trade about twelve years, and was travel- 
ing part of the time. Coming to the conclusion " that a l-olling stone gath- 
ers no moss," he settled in business in London. In 1844, was united in- 
marriage with Ann Noteman. This lady was the fortunate possessor of an 
interest in a farm, and Mr. Lohr thinking to better himself by returning to 
agricultural pursuits, purchased his brother-in-law's interest in the farm, 
and selling his property in town moved to the farm in 1847, which is situ- 
ated only five miles distant from where he first settled in this county, and 
where he* at present resides. Mr. Lohr has been the father of ten children, 
eiaht of whom are now living. When these children were growing up, Mr. 
and Mrs. Lohr realized that other and higher duties should claim their at- 
tention, and they united with the First Presbyterian Church at London. 
We here will quote whatMr. Lohr writes regarding this change. " This was 
one of the best steps of my life. In our Presbytery and Synod the question 
has often been discussed. What is the best mode of getting children to at- 
tend church ? My experience is to go yourself and take the children with 
you; the result is, my family all belong to the church but one. A short 
time after I united with the church, I was elected one of the ruling mem- 
bers." 

JAMES Q. LOTSPEICH (deceased) was born in Ross County, Ohio, 
May 30, 1809. His father, Ralph Lotspeich, was a native of Tennessee, 
and located at Chillicothe, Ohio, in an early day. He was a minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal denomination, and a pioneer in the missionary work in 
the State of Ohio. He was an able and earnest advocate of the religion of 
Christ, and possessing a remarkably tender heart, could never mention the 
name of his Master, or tell of His sufferings on the cross, without shedding 
tears of sympathy. In fact, it was seldom he preached without crying, and 
this gained for him the title of "the Weeping Pro) >het," and by that name 
he was generally known. When twenty-four years of age he married Ame- 
lia Rigby. who bore him one daughter and three sons, two now living. He 
died at the early age of thirty-two years. Our subje it was the oldest child, 
and came to Madison County about 1830, or perhaps a little earlier. He was 
a saddler by trade, and located in London, where he was engaged in busi- 
ness until 1874, a period of forty-three years, with the exception of two 
years. He was an honorable, and upright citizen, and a man highly re- 
spected. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of London, and one of the Board of Directors of the Jeffer- 
son, South Charleston & Xenia Turnpike until it was sold to the county of 
Madison. In early life he was a Whig; later a I Republican, and served as 
Justice of the Peace a number of years. Mr. Lotspeich married Sallie, 
daughter of William Jones, and a sister of John Jones, a retired grocer of 
London. They were the parents >f two daughters and four sons, all living 
but one, and four in this county. Mr. Lotspeich died in February,' 1875, 
aged sixty six years Mrs. Lotspeich is yet living, and in fair health. She 
is sixty-nine years old. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 901 

W. RALPH LOTSPEICH, saddler and harness maker,London, was born 
in London June 8,1834. He was the oldest child, and received a faireduca 
tion. At fourteen years of age he learned his present trade with his father, 
and in 1866 went to Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until 1873. 
He then returned to London, and in 1874 purchased the stock and trade of 
his father. He has since conducted the business with moderate success. Mr. 
Lotspeich is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Knights of 
Honor, and a Prohibition Republican in politics. He was married, Novem 
ber 13, 1859, to Ellen Melvin, a" native of Union Township, this county, 
and daughter of Joseph B. Melvin and Elizabeth Gardner. Her grandfather 
was a pioneer of Georgesville, Franklin Co., Ohio. Two children have 
been given them — Leon and Joseph Edgar. Mrs. Lotspeich and her young 
est son are also members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHNE. LOTSPIECH, with John Kinney, dry goods, and chief of the 
London Fire Department, was born in London September 12, 1837. He 
grew to manhood in his native place, and when quite young served as mes 
senger in the Ohio House of Representatives, session of 1855 56, and 1856 
-57. He next entered the employ of Addison Shauklin, in the dry goods line, 
London, remaining with him four or five years. He then went to Spring- 
field, but subsequently returned to London, and for the past thirteen years 
has been connected with John Kinney in the dry goods business. Mr. Lots 
piech has been a member of the London Fire Department since its purchase 
of a steamer, and in 1880 was elected to his present position. He has mad^ 
an efficient officer, and takes an active interest in his business. He is a mem 
ber of the American Legion of Honor, and Republican in politics. He was 
united in marriage, May 23, 1866, to Mary L. Davidson, a native of Madi- 
son, Ind. They have four children — Howard, Annie, William, and Robert. 
Mrs. Lotspiech is a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. 

J. W. MACKINNON, Superintendent of the London Public Schools, 
London, was born in Logan Comity, Ohio, February 13, 1850. His grand 
father, William MacKinnon, located in Logan County in an early day, and 
there became an Associate Judge of the Courts. One son, Daniel W., the 
father of our subject, was born in Clark County, and was a farmer and stock- 
raiser through life. He died at a son's house in Auglaize County, Ohio. 
March 16, 1864. He was united in marriage to Phebe Hogge, a native of 
Clark Comity, and daughter of John Hogge, a native of Ireland. Mr- 
MacKinnon still reside- in Logan County, is fifty-three years of age, and in 
the enjoyment of good health. Our subject is the elder of five children, 
four living. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and when nineteen 
years of age entered Wittenberg College, Springfield. Ohio, where he re 
mained five years, and graduated in June, 1ST J. Soon after he was mad« 
Principal of the Bellefontaine High School, holding that position three 
years. He then came to London to accept his present position, tendered him 
by the School Board of the latter place. Prof. MacKinnon has had charge 
of the London schools for six years, and their high standing among the 
graded schools of the State is due in a great measure to his energetic and 
tireless energy in their behalf. Mr. MacKinnon is a member of and Secre- 
tary of each of the Ohio State Teachers' Associations and the Central Ohio 
Teachers' Association. He is also a member of the Madison County Teach 
ers' Association, the Knights of Honor, American Legion of Honor, and the 
Presbyterian Church. Previous to coming to London, Prof. MacKinnon was 
a member of the Logan County Board of School Examiners, and since his 
residence here has held a like position in Madison County for the past five 



902 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years. He was married, July 23, 1874, to Clara E. Wallace, a native of Lo- 
gan County, Ohio, and daughter of Dr. John P. andEmeline (Hover) Wal- 
lace, of that county, both now deceased. They are the parents of one son 
— Lee. Mrs. MacKinnon is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JACOB MARCH, dealer in foreign and domestic marbles, and 
proprietor of the London Marble and Granite Works, London, 
was born in Pennsylvania February 25, 1839. He is a son of Daniel 
March, also a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer in early life, and subse- 
quently a merchant. He lived in Pennsylvania until his death, about seven 
years ago. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Sparh, also a native of 
Pennsylvania, who became the mother of ten children. Four of these are 
now living, and two residents of Madison County. Mrs. March died over 
thirty years ago. Mr. March was reared in his native State, and after his 
mother's death went to live with a drover, remaining with him over two 
years, and assisting in driving stock to Baltimore. He then learned the 
drug trade at East Berlin, Penn. , where he was employed for four years. In 
1858, he came to London, and learned the marble cutter's trade with Sam- 
uel Menter, remaining with him until his death, in September, 1861. He 
then carried on the business for his employer's widow until 1862, when he 
enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, Col. Wilcox commanding. He was in the service three 
years, serving as a private the greater part of the time, and was honorably 
discharged July 11, 1865. Upon coming back to Ohio, he engaged in busi- 
ness at Springfield until June, 1866, when he returned to London, and 
bought a half interest in the marble trade of M. M. Hutchinson. He be- 
came sole proprietor a year later, and has remained such, with the exception 
of six months, when his brother Levi was a partner. Mr. March is an enter- 
prising business man, and has succeeded in building up a good trade. He 
is a member of all the organizations in London pertaining to the Masonic 
and Odd Fellow fraternities, the American Legion of Honor, and is a mem- 
i>er of and Treasurer of the Board of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. March 
;s also Treasurer of the Homestead Aid Association, of London. Politically, 
he is Democratic. He was married, November 27, 1867, to Katy Crawford, 
a native of this county. Of their five children, four are living — Arabell, 
Ida May, Kittie Z. and Algeraus C. Mrs. March and daughter Arabell are 
also members of the Presbyterian denomination. 

JACOB MARTIN, superannuated minister of the Methodist Episco- 
pal denomination, was born near Marietta. Washington Co., Ohio, April 3, 
1806. His father was Charles H. Mai'tin, a native of England, who came 
to America previous to the Revolutionary war. He served in the Colonial 
army, and subsequently drew a pension for services rendered. He was a 
single man, and in 1789 removed to Marietta, Ohio, one year after its first 
settlement, and where he met and afterward married Mary M. Gayler, a 
native of Pennsylvania. The date of their marriage was 1797. Soon after 
their union, they located on the Muskingum River, about six miles above 
Marietta, and in 1815, to Licking County, Ohio, where both passed the re- 
mainder of life. The father was a member of the Seoeder Church in early life, 
but subsequently let his thoughts turn to things of a more worldly nature. He 
was again converted through the ministration of his own son, and joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in August, 1833, and died in the full faith 
of a blissful immortality, in November, 1838, aged eighty years. His wife 
became a member of the Baptist Church in 1821 or 1822, but for conven- 
ience, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1848, living in that faith 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 903 

till her death. December 8. 1860. She was born March 31, 1777. Jacob 
Martin, born 1806, was in his tenth year when his parents in 1815, re- 
moved to Licking County. His educational facilities, like those or all " pi- 
oneer boys," were limited, he receiving only fifteen months' schooling in all 
his life (outside of his theological studies), and that at scattered intervals, 
between the ages of five and twenty years. He remained with his father 
until he entered the university. He first thought of taking the step when 
twenty-one years of age. and in 1831 joined the Ohio Conference when 
twenty-five years of age. He was first assigned to the Wilmington (Clin- 
ton County) Circuit, and his subsequent locations are as follows: In 1832 , 
to the Tiffin Circuit; in 1833, to Fort Defiance, and thence to Logan County, 
W. Va. , one year, his circuit covering 600 miles; thence to Gallipolis; in 
L836, to London Circuit; next to Franklinton Circuit, one year; Granville 
Circuit, a like period. At close of that year, superannuated on account of 
failing health, and removed to Range Township, in this county, and was 
there engaged in farming for fourteen years. He then returned to the reg- 
ular ministry again,and, in 1853, was assigned to the Dublin Circuit; thence to 
Groveport two years, and two years later to Worthington. where he had 
formerly bought property; two years later, was assigned to the Darby 
ville Circuit, in Westport, Franklin County, while family remained 
at Worthington; was there one year; thence to Mount Sterling, this 
county, and then to Johnston, Licking Co.. two years: Baltimore, 
Fairfield Co., one year; thence, again to Mount Sterling, one year; Bloorn- 
ingburg, Fayette Co., one year: Frankfort, Ross County, two years, and fi- 
nally, in 1867, again superannuated, and purchased his present property in 
London, where he has since resided. Rev. Mr. Martin has been an able 
and efficient worker in the Lord's vineyard, having traveled a great deal in 
the State of Michigan, doing missionary work, and prior to his entering the 
regular ministry. In the latter, he has labored over a period of twenty-two 
years, averaging over 3,000 miles traversed each year, and probably a grand 
total of 75,000 miles, or three times the circuit of the globe. He is now 
resting from his labors, amid pleasant surroundings and hosts of admiring 
friends. Before long his bark will pass over the river to the great beyond, 
and where a crown of righteousness awaits him at the last day. Mr. Mai- 
tin was married in March. 1836, to Johanna C. Leonard, a native of the 
District of Columbia, now a portion of Fairfax County, Va. Three sons 
were sent to bless this union, two living. The elder, James D., has been 
in Washington, D. C, in a dry goods house, part of the time as partner. 
Near the end of the rebellion, he was sent to Savannah. Ga.. as Post Office 
Agent; thence to Charleston, S. C, where he remained in charge some six 
months, after which he returned to Washington. • He was then appointed 
one of the "Tax Commissioners" of the South, with headquarters at Beau- 
fort, S. C. At the end of eighteen months, he returned to Washington, D. 
C, where he still is, in single blessedness. The younger son, Joseph S., is 
a farmer and stock-raiser of Range Township, where he was born and 
reared. He married Isabel, daughter of Benjamin Harrison (deceased). 
They have three children — Janus I\, Benjamin H. and Joseph S. The 
youngest son of Jacob Martin, John Wayland, died September 23, L845, 
aged fourteen months. Mrs. Martin is still living, aged seventy-three 
years. Like her husband, she has also been a faithful worker, and with 
her husband, will enjoy the Gospel sweets of "the great eternity. 

WILLIAM McCABE McCLOUD, London, the oldest son and oldest liv- 
ing child of J. C. McCloud. is the junior member of the firm of J. C. & Mac 



P04 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

McCloud, druggists. He was born at Milford Center, Union Co., Ohio. June 
25, 1855. He was but a year old when his parents removed to Madison 
County, and was reared and educated here. In early life, he was employed as 
clerk in the grocer trade, and, in 1875, entered the employ of Abram Smith, 
a prominent druggist of London. He remained in this position for five 
years, and then, in company with his father, established his present busi 
ness, August 7. 1880. His trade has slowly increased, and his business 
proven profitable. He is a member of the Republican party. Mr. McCloud 
was married, September 22, 1877, to Josie B., daughter of William ( r. 
Jones (deceased). 

L. O. McCOLLUM (deceased), formerly of Squires & MeCollum, 
grocers, was born at Marysville, Union Co., Ohio, March 17, 1840. His 
father, John MeCollum, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and came to 
Ainerica in 1812. He was a pioneer of Clark County, and there resided a 
number of years. He subsequently lived in both Union and Madison 
Counties, but now resides at South Charleston. Clark County, in his 
seventy- fourth year. He was a cabinet-maker, and later a carpenter, 
through active life. He married Margaret Irven, a native of London. 
They are the parents of thirteen children, all living but two. Mrs. McCol 
lum is still living, and is seventy-two years of age. The subject of this 
notice was the fourth child, and was reared mostly in Clark County. He 
learned telegraphy when quite young, and worked at it eight years. On 
August 22, 1865, he came to London in the employ of the Western Union 
Telegraph Company, and took charge of their office, remaining in that 
position four years. He was then engaged in agricultural pursuits for two 
years, and when the C. S. & C. (now the I., B. & W.) Railway was opened 
to G-eorgesville, Franklin County, he was put in charge of the office. He 
was subsequently employed for Fitch & McCorry, coal dealers, two years, 
and then accepted a position as passenger conductor on the C, S. & C. Rail 
road, which he held for nine years. On May 9, 1882, in company with 
W. S. Squires, he purchased stock and trade of Isaac G. Peetrey, grocer, 
London, and was a member of the firm of Squires & MeCollum until it was 
dissolved, August 26, 1882. He died September 9, 1882, and is buried in 
Oak Hill Cemetery, near London. He was a member of the Odd Fellow 
fraternity, a Thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Mount Vernon Com 
mandery. No. 1, Knights Templar, of Columbus, also connected with the 
Railroad Conductors' Union and the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was 

iblican in politics. Mr. MeCollum was married, June 13, 18(57, to Laura 
B. Squires, daughter of W. H. and Catherine (Phifer) Squires. There were 
three children given them — Louise Gr., Reed S. and Harry K. Mrs. McCol - 
lum and the two oldest children are also members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

ERNEST MoCORMACK, London, Clerk of the Courts of Madison 
County, was born in London, December 31, 1853. His father, Edwin McCor- 
mack, was born in this county in 1819, and resided here during life. He 
was Deputy Assessor of Internal Revenue of this district for many year-. 
and once Berved asSheriffof Madison County. He died in L875, agedfifty- 
six years. He married Adelia Webb, a native of Connecticut, who bore him 
six children. Two of these yel Burvive — our subject and brother Edward, a 
clerk in Jordan's coal office, London. Mrs. McCormack is still living and 

les in London. Ernest McCormack attended the public schools of his 
native place, and subsequently the Commercial College of Dayton, Ohio. 
Upon leaving the Latter institution, he secured a position as book-keeper for 







DECEASED 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

I. G. Peetrey in the mercantile trade. He remained there five years, and 
wan then appointed Recorder of .Madison County, to fill an unexpired term 
of six months. Upon the expiration of this time, he entered the Auditor's 
office as a clerk, remaining- there one year, [n the fall of L881, he was the 
Republican candidate for Clerk of the Courts of this county, and was electe 1 
for a term of three years, commencing February 9, L882. Mr. McCorrnack 
is connected by membership with Mystic Lodge. No. 36, Knights of Pythias, 
of London. 

W. H. C. McCOY, London, a life resident of Madison County, and a 
resident of London, was born in Deer Creek Township August JO, 1828. 
A sketch of his father is well worth a place in our work. William McCoy 
(deceased), was born in Washington County, Penn., January 30, L785; his 
father, Daniel McCoy, emigrated to Kentucky in 1787, and there resided 
till L806. He then removed to Clark County, Ohio; he departed this life 
in Highland County. He married a Miss Sutherland; on March 10, 1815, 
William McCoy came to Madison County, locating in Deer Creek Township, 
one and a half miles east of the present site of La Fayette; he was a fanner 
and stock-raiser through life, and took great interest in the breeding and 
raising of horses. He owned 800 acres of land at the time of his death. 
He was a soldier in the war of 1812; a Whig in early life, subsequently a 
stanch Republican, and for many years was a Justice of the Peace in Deer 
Creek Township; he was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church of 
London, and among its firsf Elders. He died September 3, 1869, aged 
eighty-four yeai-s eight months and three days. His wife was Ann Tweed 
Fielding, who was born in Washington County, Penn., January 17, 1793; 
they were the parents of nine children, six daughters and three sons, two 
now living— Mrs. M. M. Davidson, of London, and our subject. Mrs. Mc 
Coy departed this life March 28, 1854. Both parents were buried in the 
cemetery, two and a half miles east of La Fayette. Our subject was the 
eighth child, and grew to mature years on the old home farm. In early 
life he walked two and a half miles to district school, and subsequently at- 
tended an academy at Jefferson; he has been engaged in farming the 
most of his life, having inherited 100 acres of the home farm, and after- 
ward buying the other 200 acres, and then adding 140 more to it; he came 
to London February 23, L873, and sold his farm in December, L879; since 
his removal to London, he has been working at the carpenter's trade, winch 
he learned about 1855. Mr. McCoy is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 
138 (Masonic). Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F. ), and has been a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal denomination for twenty eight years; he 
was class leader of the church at La Fayette, and has held the same position 
in the church of London: lie is Republican in politics, and has served as 
Justice of the Peace of Deer Creek Township. He was united in marriage, 
March 0, 1853, to Elizabeth Simpson, a native of Nottingham, Eng., who 
came to America when but ten years of age. Four children were horn to 
this union, three living— William, in A.. T. A: S. Fi Land Office, Topeka, 
Kan., who married Jennie McCoy; Henry C. and Celestia B. ; Lydia T, 
the oldest child is deceased. Mrs. McCoy departed this life February 7, 
1880; she was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
full name of our subject is William Henry Clay, and the manner in which 
it was given him will be of interest. When his parents lived in Kentucky, 
they were well acquainted with Henry Clay, and when our subject was 
born, ho was named for the Kentucky statesman. When he had attained 
the age of two and a half years, Henry Clay stopped at the Gwynne farm. 



908 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and sent word to the parents to bring bis namesake over. He then pre- 
sented the child with a five dollar gold piece. This money was taken 
charge of by an elder brother, and used in the purchase of calves. At the 
time of the latter's death, the sum amounted to $200. This money was put 
on interest for two or three years, and then the father saw a chance to buy 
forty-one acres of land adjoining the homestead, which he purchased. 
When our subject grew of age, he was presented this piece of land, and 
kept it till he finally disposed of the whole farm. 

GEORGE G. McDONALD, London, is a retired farmer, and has 
been a resident of Madison County for three-quarters of a century. He 
was born in Washington County, Tenn., on Christmas Day of 1803. He is 
a son of James McDonald, a native of Botetourt County, Va. He left his 
native State when quite young, and emigrated to Tennessee, where he mar- 
ried Nancy Cook, a native of New Jersey. They came to Ross County, 
Ohio, in the winter of 1806-7, and the following spring came to Madison 
County. He located on a farm ' in Union Township, six miles from the 
present site of London, and on the Georgesville pike. He was a farmer by 
occupation, and a pioneer of that part of Madison County. There was only 
one house in what is now the village of London when he came to this 
county, and Indians and wild beasts were entirely too plentiful for comfort. 
Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, six living, and their 
ages are as follows: daughter, eighty-one; our subject, seventy-eight; 
daughter, seventy-six; daughter, seventy-four; daughter, seventy-two; and 
8on°nfty-nine, an average of over seventy-three years each. This is prob- 
ably the highest average of any family in Madison County. Our subject 
was the third child and second son. and in early life assisted his father in 
the general duties of the farm. He was accustomed to clearing land, and 
burning up the walnut timber to get it out of the way. His mother was 
a good scholar, and taught him what early education he possessed. He 
married Melinda Ferguson, a native of Lexington, Ky., and a resident of 
Franklin County, Ohio. He remained with his father three years after 
marriage, and then purchased 335 acres of land in Deer Creek Township, 
where he resided until 1878. In the meantime, he had increased his farm 
to 623 acres. His original farm he gave to his daughter, and now owns 
and farms the remainder, 288 acres. In 1878, he removed to London, where 
he now resides. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal de- 
nomination fifty-five years, probably as long as any present resident of 
Madison County. He was formerly a Whig, but became a charter member 
of the Republican party on the date of its organization. He has always 
enjoyed perfect health, and to use his own language — " When I am a 
little indisposed, I don't take any medicine, but just starve the sickness 
away. I find that the best plan." Thirteen children have been given to 
him, only one living— Mary A., wife of "Judge" Robert C. Fulton, of 
Columbus. " Uncle George," as he is familiarly known to the greater part 
of our readers, possesses a most remarkable memory. He can relate many 
stories of " days gone by," when the little band of pioneers in this county 
had all they could do to keep body and soul together, and wait for the day 
when the white settlers would predominate. He has been a " tiller of the 
soil" for three-quarters of a century, honest in every action, and enjoys the 
true esteem and respect of every citizen in the county. 

\Y . H. McKINNON, London, is a member of the firm of McKinnon & 
Watts, the well-known saddlers and harness-makers. He is a native of 
Lisbon, Clark County, Ohio, and a son of Theophilus McKinnon, who came 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 909 

to Ohio in 1802. He was born in Harrison County, Ky., in November, 17,74. 
His father came to Ohio with his family in 1802, and settled on Buck Creek, 
a few miles north of Springfield, Ohio, he being the first settler on that stream 
above the site of Lagonda. He also planted the first apple-orchard in that 
part of the country. At tbe time the family settled in Ohio, this entire region 
of the State was inhabited by many Indians. Mr. McKinnon, in his younger 
days, witnessed a number of councils of Indians, at which the "pipe of peace" 
figured prominently. He once heard the famous Indian chief and warrior, 
Tecumseh, make a speech at a council in Springfield. He was married to 
Pricilla Houston, sister of Dr. J. T. Houston, of London, January 2, 1823. 
Mrs. McKinnon departed this life July 24, 1872. Nine children were born to 
them, all of whom lived to the years of maturity, and six of them are now 
living — Mrs. Reed Marquart and Mr. J. Q. McKinnon, of Atlanta, 111.; 
Mr. J. T. McKinnon, of Washington Territory; Hon. J. H. McKinnon, of 
Ashland, Neb.; Mrs. E. R. Watts and W. H. McKinnon, of London. For 
almost thirty years Mr. McK. was a resident of Madison County, with the 
exception of a short time of residence at Xenia, spending the last fourteen 
years of his life in London. Mr. McK. possessed a remarkable memory, 
and, with his mind stored with the numerable facts gained from many years 
of diligent reading, he was a veritable living history of Madison County. 
Always interested in the affairs of the nation, he kept himself posted upon 
all subjects of importance, so that it was a pleasure to hear from him 
through his knowledge of affairs seventy and seventy-five years ago. Luring 
the last thirteen years of his life, he was blind, and it seemed to be true in 
his case, that the loss of one of the powers strengthens the remaining, for 
up to within a short time of his death his mind remained perfectly clear 
and ready, and his memory surprisingly accurate. During the years of his 
blindness, he was kept informed upon all matters of interest by friends 
reading to him, and he continued to manifest a great interest in matters of 
daily concern. For nearly sixty years, he was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal denomination, having been converted while a resident of Lisbon, 
Clark County, Ohio. He was active in his church relations, and made his 
house a home for ministers, delighting to entertain and keep them with him. 
His days of life reached from the days of George Washington to the present. 
He lived under every administration since the organization of our present 
government. His first Presidential vote was cast for James Monroe, in 
1820. after whom he voted for President at every election for that office, 
making in all, for him, sixteen such votes. He said that he had crossed the 
Alleghany Mountains twelve times on horseback, a feat that few would care 
about performing at the present day. He was a grandson of Maj. Harrison 
and a great-grandson of Col. Crawford, both of whom were tortured to death 
by the Indians, the former having been " squibbed " to death with powder, 
at a place near the present site of Zanesfield, Logan County, Ohio, and the 
latter having been burned to death at a stake, near Upper Sandusky, Wyan- 
dot County, Ohio. Mr. McKinnon passed away from earth the evening 
of Friday before Easter Sunday, in 1882, aged eighty-eight years, being, 
with possibly two exceptions, the oldest man in the community. Ho sleeps 
the sleep that knows no awakening in Oak Hill Cemetery, east of London. 
W. H. McKinnon was reared in Clark and Madison Counties, and served >V 
a four years' apprenticeship at his present trade with an uncle, Thomas — ^J 
Houston, of South Charleston, Ohio He worked at his trade in Logan 
County, 111., for two years, and then returned to South Charleston. After 
a short time, he went to Catawba, Clark County, and subsequently to 



910 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Jefferson, in this county. In 1865, he came to London with his uncle, and 
three or four months later the present partnership of McKinnon & Watts 
was formed. They are among the oldest merchants in the village, have met 
with very good success, and both members of the firm are highly esteemed. 
Mr. McKinnon is Republican in politics, and once served two years as a 
member of the County Central Committee. 

ABRAM MILLER, of Lohr & Miller, undertakers, London, was born 
in Virginia January 24, 1817. He is a son of John Miller, a native of that 
State, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Ohio about 1822, locating 
near New Lancaster. He resided there a year or two, and then, becoming 
dissatisfied, went back to Virginia, where he died about 1831. He married 
Mary Groves, also a native of Virginia, and daughter of John Groves. They 
were blessed with eight children, three living. Mrs. Miller subsequently 
married Thomas Lang, but there were no children born to this union. She 
died about 1862. Our subject was the third child of the first union, and the 
only one residing in this county. He lived in Virginia until twenty-one 
years of age, and in April following came to Urbana, Champaign County, 
where he learned the wagon-maker's trade. He worked at it there for ten 
years, and in 1848 came to Madison County, locating at Midway, Range 
Township. He still worked at his trade, but about 1862, commenced keep- 
ing hotel, which latter business he followed for ten years. During a portion 
of this time, he worked at his trade. In 1869, he came to London, and was 
landlord of the old Miller House for nine years. In September, 1879, ho 
became associated in business with George W. and James Lohr, in his pres- 
ent business. Mr. Miller is a good undertaker, and thoroughly understands 
the embalming process. The firm has met with good success in business. 
Mr. Miller is a Prohibition-Democrat in politics. He was married, in Oc- 
tober, 1841, to Harriet Minshall, a native of Madison County. Of their 
three children, two are living — Ella, wife of Robert Morris, and Theodore 
W. Mrs. Miller departed this life in January, 1848. He was again mar- 
ried, November 2, 1848, to Sophronia Chappell, daughter of William P. 
Chappell, who was born in Virginia January 28, 1804. He accompanied 
his father, George Chappell, to this county, when quite a small boy. Five 
children were born to this second marriage, four living— Leora A., wife of 
Isaac N. Fisher, of Midway, Range Township; Fannie, wife of W. H. H. 
Williamson, of Danville, Madison County; Amanda B. and Vincent C. 
Cordelia J. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

JAMES Q. MINSHALL (deceased) was born in Paint Township, this 
county, March 7, 1815, and died in London August 28, L878. His parents. 
Jonathan and Eleanor Minshall, came from Virginia to Ross County, Ohio, 
in 1806, and moved from there to Paint Township, Madison County, one 
year later. James Quinn Minshall began life for himself at twenty-one years 
of age, by accepting a position with a Mr. Anderson, who kept a stage sta- 
tion near, and subsequently a hotel at La Fayette, in this county. After re 
maining three years with Mr. Anderson, during which time he accumulated 
about $300, he engaged in farming and stock-dealing, renting the John 
Creamer farm in Range Township, in connection with Jesse Watson. In this 
business he continued until his death, accumulating property which, clear 
of all indebtedness, was worth not less than $200,000. During his lifetime. 
he paid, interost included, not less than $70,1)! )l) ;t s security for others. He 
was the owner of botwoen thirty- four ami thirty-five hundred acres of land 
in Range, Paint and Union Township-, and WBP a Large stock owner in the 



ONION TOWNSHIP. 911 

Madison National Bank, of which ho was I 'resident for a long time prior to 
and until his death. He was married to Hannah Watson, daughter of Sam- 
uel Watson, and by her had live children, viz., Wyatt, Clarestine (de- 
ceased), Leon, Sarah and Ada. Mrs. Minshall died in -June, 1866, after 
twenty-seven years of happily married life, and in April. L867, Mr. Min- 
shall man ied Lydia Powell, by whom he had no children. Mr. Minshall 
was one of the best known, most influential and wealthy citizens of Madison 
County. From a penniless hoy, he gained his high position in the world 
by his own personal efforts, and though ho lost a great deal of money, dur- 
ing his life, his business ability and untiring energj enabled him to over- 
come all reverses, and to reach a position of the highest honor in the com-. 
munity. Some time before the beginning of his residence in London, in 
L865, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was ever afterward a 
steadfast, working Christian. Tireless in doing good, and unbounded in 
his charity, with a warm heart and sympathetic nature, lie never turned a 
deaf ear to the cry of want, but always stood ready to help the deserving 
po< »r. In his death the community mourned the loss of one of its most noble 
members. 

LEON MINSHALL, of Armstrong & Minshall, dealers in furniture 
and queens ware, London. He was born near Midway. Range Township, 
April 7. IM7, and is a son of -lames Q. Minshall and Hannah Watson. 
Our subject, was reared and educated in Madison County, and in 1866 
located in London. He was first engaged in the grocery business with 
Watson, Cowling & Co., and in INTO, went to Bloomington. 111., where he 
was engaged in the transfer business with William Armstrong, the firm be- 
ing known as Armstrong & Minshall. He continued there in business for 
two years, and then returned to Ohio. His next step was taking a course of 
study at Dickison College, Carlisle, Penn. In 1878, he engaged in the boot 
and shoe trade, and three years later, November I, 1881, eold out to William 
lionemus. In Juno, 1882, he formed a partnership with Edward Armstrong, 
in his present business, and the lirmhaveso far secured a very substantial and 
encouraging trade. Mr. Minshall is Republican in politics. He was mar- 
ried March 15, 1877, to Mary Ganlin, a native of England. They have two 
children — Imo and Elsie. Mr. and Mrs. Minshall are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

CHARLES MINSHALL, with W. S. Squires & Co.. grocers, was born 
in Range Town-hip. Madison County, Ohio, July 30, 1859. His grand- 
father, Jonathan Minshall, was a native of Maryland, and camo to Madison 
County about 1805 or L8o6. He was an early and honored pioneer of this 
county, and a very successful man in business. He died at the age of 
eighty-eight years. One son, W. W. Minshall (deceased), the father of our 
subject, was born in Paint Township, on the farm now owned by David 
Watson, December 25, IMO. He was a stock-dealer through life, and late 
in life removed to London, where he died, October 18, 1873, aged sixty- 
three years. He was probably the first white child boxn in Madison County. 
He was twice married, his first wife bearing him six children, all of whom 
are living. His second wife was Mrs. Hannah (Littleton) Beers, daughter 
of Thomas and Sarah Littleton, natives of Virginia and Maryland. They 
had three children, our subject the oldest and only one living. Mrs. Min- 
shall is still living, resides in London, at the age of sixty two years, and in 
the enjoyment of splendid health. Charles Minshall lived in this county 
till fourteen years of age, and then spent three or four years in the States 
of Missouri, Texas and Iowa, being engaged during this period in the 



912 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

stock business. He then came back to Madison County, and since March 
17, 1882, has been engaged in his present business. He was united in mar- 
riage, February 7, 1882, to Florence, daughter of Seth McCollum, grocer, of 
South Charleston. 

ELISHA MOORE (deceased) was a native of Virginia, born near 
Winchester in 1797. His father, John Moore, was also a native of the 
"Old Dominion," and came to Ohio about 1811. He located in Ross 
County, and a year later came to Madison County, settling on 300 acres of 
land belonging to the Littler family, in Union Township. He was a farmer 
by occupation, a quiet and unobtrusive citizen, and a great lover of fun 
He was a " Jackson Democrat " until 1840, then joined the Whig party and 
remained that way till his death. He was twice married. His first wife 
was a Miss Smith, who bore him two children, both now deceased. His 
second wife was Sarah Littler. They were the parents of nine children, 
probably two now living. Our subject was about fifteen years of age when 
he accompanied his parents to this county. He farmed two or three years 
in early life, in Ross County, raising wheat and floating it down to New 
Orleans to market, on a flatboat. He then located on his father's land, in 
Union Township, and resided there till 1840. He then removed his family 
to Noble County, Indiana, and there departed this life in 1801. He was 
also twice married. His first wife was Annie Cooms, a native of Virginia 
or Maryland, and daughter of Jacob Cooms. They had four children, three 
living. Mrs. Moore died in the fall of 1830, and Mr. Moore married for 
his second wife Nancy Scott, a native of Madison or Clark County, and 
daughter of Robert Scott. No children were born to this union. Mrs. 
Moore is still living, and resides at Pearson, Kosciusko Co., Ind. Politic- 
ally, Mr. Moore was a Whig, a "Know Nothing," and subsequently a Re- 
publican. Robert Moore, a carpenter of London, and the only member of 
the family now residing in this county, was born on the old home farm, in 
Union Township, April 17, 1828. When twelve years of age, he went to 
Noble County, Ind., with his parents, and assisted in "clearing up" a large 
" patch of timber" which then covered the farm. Wild beasts and Indians 
were very plentiful then, and Mr. Moore remembers a day when his father 
killed three deer and brought them home. Wolves and wild turkeys were 
numerous, and the former were so bold as to steal close to the log cabin, attack 
and kill the dog which stood on guard. Mr. Moore's father was in rather poor 
health after going to Indiana, and his two sons were engaged in doing all 
the work of the farm. At twenty-two years of age, Robert Moore left the 
old fireside, and that summer assisted on another farm in the same county. 
The following winter he came to this county, and the next summer worked 
in a saw-mill. He was then employed to drive 100 head of cattle from Lou- 
don over the mountains to Philadelphia. He returned to London, and then 
to his father's. He rented the homo farm, remained there two years, and 
then returned to London again. He was then engaged in different occupa- 
tions, visiting both the East and the West, for some time, but was princi- 
pally employed in working at his trade in London and Madison County. 
Failing health has caused a cessation of active Labor Tor the past seven or 
eight years, Mr. Moore united with the Mas inic fraternity in L856 or 1850, 
and is a member or ('handler Lodge, No. I 3S, of London. He is a stanch 
Republican, but has never been an office-holder. He was married in the 
last week of L863 I > Thoressa Lohr, a native of London, and daughter of 
John Lohr. Of their five children, three are living — Annie, Mary and 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 91o 

Clara. Mrs. Moore is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lon- 
don, and Mr. Moore is a regular attendant on its services. 

MAJ. WILLIAM ALLEN NEIL, stock-dealer and farmer, residence 
London, was born at Columbus, Ohio, January 28, 1836. His father, Rob- 
ert Neil, is a native of Clark County, Ky., and in early life was proprietor 
and manager of a line of stage running between Washington, D. C., and 
Lexington, Ky. In 1811, ho removed to Ohio, locating at Urbana, Cham- 
paign County, and there resided during the war of 1812. He subsequent- 
ly went back to his native State, and afterward came to Ohio again, this 
time locating at Franklinton, now Columbus, the capital of the 
Buckeye State. He now resides there, and is probably the oldest living 
pioneer resident. He was one of the early Presidents of the Little Miami 
Railroad, and its principal executive officer for many years. He married 
Mary M. Hoge, daughter of Rev. James Hoge, one of the first settlers in 
Franklinton, Ohio, and by profession a ministor of the Presbyterian 
denomination. He preached one of the first sermons of that body in the 
new village, arid was pastor of the Presbyterian Church there for over fifty 
years. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Neil, seven of whom yet 
survive, and two are residents of Madison County. William A. Neil was 
reared on the old homestead fai*m (now within the limits of the city of Co- 
lumbus, and cut in parts by three railroads), and educated in the high 
school of the town. In early life, he was employed as clerk in a dry goods 
house, and also learned the jewelry trade. Indoor life proving disastrous 
to his health, ho resolved to try farming, and to further that purpose, on 
April 14, 1850, he came to Madison County, locating a farm of 1,030 acres 
on the Midway pike in Union Township. At this time, there were but two 
pikes in Madison County, and the Major, seeing the necessity for good 
roads for travel during the rainy seasons, was largely instrumental in bet- 
tering the condition of the roads, and in building the "Midway pike," con- 
sidered one of the best in the county. He greatly improved his farm by 
drainage, etc., and subsequently sold 230 acres, until at present it embraces 
800 acres of the best farming land in the county. Maj. Neil also took an 
active interest in the breeding, rearing and handling of fine stock, and de- 
serves great credit for his efforts in behalf of the farmers and stockmen in the 
county. In 1870, he removed to the city of London, taking up his residence 
in the fine mansion on South Main street, erected by Jesse Watson, late Presi 
dent of the Madison National Bank. Maj. Neil is a member of the Lodge, 
Chapter and Council (Masonic) of London, and of Mount Vernon Cominandery 
No. 1, Knights Templar, of Columbus, Ohio. He is also a member of Lyons 
Post, G. A. R. , of London. He is Republican in politics, a Councilman, and 
Chairman of the Committee on Streets. On May 4, 1864, Mr. Neil enlisted in 
Company B, One Hundred Fifty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and 
accompanied them to Camp Dennison, and was mustered into duty on the 0th 
of the month as First Lieutenant. * Through the kindness of the Governor, 
he obtained a furlough, came home, and on the 12th was married to Sarah 
E. Chrisman, daughter of Jacob Chrisman, a native of Virginia, and a 
large land-owner in Madison County. Leaving his bride at home, he re- 
joined his company in West Virginia. While here, he was brevetted a 
Lieutenant Colonel, and soon after returned to his home, having served about 
four months. Maj. Neil and wite have three children — Louise, Robert Al- 
lan and Grace His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. 

*He was subsequently elected Captain and Major while at Camp Dennison. 



914 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

S. B. NORRIS. Principal of the Colored Schools of London, was born 
at Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Penn.. November 17, 1838. His father 
was Zaccheus Norris, a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. 
He resided in his native State till his death, in 1838. He married Nancy 
Batch, also a native of the Keystone State. Our subject was the only 
child of their union. Mrs. Norris subsequently married George Myles, a 
widower, with two children. There were three children born to this latter 
tmion, all living, but none residents of Madison County. Mrs. Myles de- 
parted this life in Pennsylvania, in 1879. S. B. Norris grew to manhood 
in the old "Keystone State," obtaining a good common school education. 
At twenty-two years of age, he came to Ohio, and entered Iberia College, 
located at Morrow, then under the management of the Free Presbyterian 
Church (now Jefferson College, of the United Presbyterian faith). Mr. 
Norris remained there the greater part of three years, taking a scientific 
course, and graduating in 1807. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Com- 
pany A, One hundred and Twenty-seventh United States Colored Troops, of 
Ohio, at Pittsburgh, Penn.. and was re-organized at Camp William, near 
Philadelphia. It became a part of the Twenty-fifth Corps, Army of the 
Potomac. The regiment went out late in the war. participating in the bat 
ties of Big Bottoms, on the James River, Fort Harrison, Hatcher's Run, 
witnessed the evacuation of Petersburg, and the pursuit and surrender of 
Gen. Lee and the Confederate forces at Appomattox Court House. The 
regiment was then transferred to Brazos Santiago, Texas, arriving there 
June 1, and being mustered out of service September 12, 1865. Mr. Nor- 
ris was Quartermaster Sergeant of regiment, and was subsequently de- 
tained there as Forage Master under the Post Quartermaster Sergeant. He 
remained in that position until January 28, 1866, when he was honorably 
discharged. He then returned to Ohio, and was placed in charge of the 
colored schools of Delaware for two years. He came to London in the fall 
of 1871, and in September of that year accepted his present position. The 
fact of his having been kept in this position ever since shows the high es- 
teem in which his professional services are held, by both races of people. 
Mr. Norris has been an indefatigable worker in the cause of education, and 
to him is due the praise for the high standing of the London colored schools, 
and the fine school building in which they are located. Mr. Norris is a 
member of the Colored M. E. Church of London, and Trustee in that body. 
He is connected with the Widows' Sons Lodge, No. 4 (colored Masons), of 
Philadelphia, and a thorough Republican. He was married, March 21, 1866, 
to Elmora Osborn, a native of Delaware, Ohio. Of their five children, the 
following are living: Mary E., Jesse and William H Birny O. and 
James B. are deceased. 

HENRY ORCUTT, farmer, P. O. London, son of B. and Mary A. 
(Miller) Orcutt, who came to Ohio in L820, was born in Greene County, 
Ohio, February V), 1821. Ho was reared on the farm, and in 1852 came 
to this county, where he engaged with his brothers in operating a saw 
mill; he was married, in 1848, to Maria F. Little, a native of Virginia, of 
Gorman descent, and a daughter of John Little, of Greene County. They 
have had three children — Rufinia Almira, Victoria P., wife of William 
Evans, and Mary Elizabeth, wife of James W. B. Evans; Mrs. Orcutt died 
March 21, 1882. Mr. Orcutt has retired from active life and only works 
when he thinks it would be beneficial to his health. He started in life as a 
poor man, but now has a comfortable home and a nice farm; he is a moral. 




1 







Ynd . M \OUtt*rlC 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 917 

conscientious man, who carries his principles into politics, voting for the 
man and not for the party. 

DANIEL ORCUTT, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. London, was born 
in Greene County, Ohio, January 2, 1831. He is the son of B. and Mary 
Ann (Miller) Orcutt, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject received a com- 
mon school education in Greene County, and remained on the farm until 
twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in milling. He operated a saw 
mill in this township in connection with his brother, for twenty years. He 
was married, in L859, to Mary E. Cryder, a native of this county, and a 
daughter of William Cryder, whose biography appears in this work. By 
his marriage, Mr. Orcutt has had two children — Louella F. and J. H. Mr. 
Orcutt is a Republican in politics; he owns 120 acres of land, having 
turned his attention entirely to farming. 

JACKSON ORCUTT, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Ross Town- 
ship, Greene Co., Ohio. He is a son of B. and Mary A. (Miller) Or- 
cutt. who came to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Greene County, where they 
remained until their death, he May 27, 1871,. in his seventy -fourth year. 
and she January 2, IS 1(5, in ber forty-eighth year. The father was a very 
religious man, and took great delight in his Bible, which was his constant 
companion, and a source of much pleasure and comfort to him. His opin- 
ions were always founded on the truth as found in the Gospel, and they 
were so sound in theory as to be seldom questioned. His walk through his 
long and eventful life may well serve as an example to his posterity, and 
Ihe true Christian spirit manifested by him will ever shine as a beacon 
light to guide them in the path of rectitude and morality. He died in the 
lull hope of a complete salvation, without aught to regret in his well -spent 
life. Our subject received an ordinary education in Greene County, and has 
passed one-third of his life in a saw mill with his brother, the rest of his 
life having been devoted to farming. He was married to Ruth Wat- 
son, a daughter of Samuel Watson, by whom he has had a family of 
live children — Leroy, Clinton, Olive, Edgar and Viola. Mr. Orcutt started 
in life with $1 in money: he now owns 100 acres of good land, well im- 
proved and under a high state of cultivation. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

SAMUEL PAINE, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Ross County, 
Ohio, January 20', L820, and is the son of Jesse and Ann (Griffith) Paine, 
natives of Maryland, the former of English and the latter of German de- 
scent, who came to this county in the latter part of 1820, and settled seven 
miles southeast of London. Our subject was married, in 1858, to Sarah 
Black, by whom he has one child — -William, born in 1859. Mrs. Paine is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mr. Paine is a life long farmer. 
He began life as a poor boy, working by the month for three years, and has 
given his attention to anything by which he could turn an honest penny; he 
has driven cattle from here to the Eastern market at Philadelphia, and 
now, though over threescore years of age, he is full of vigor, and is capa- 
ble of doing a hard day's work at anything. 

SAMUEL T. PEARCE, London, is one of the oldest residents of 
London and vicinity. He was born in Fleming County, Ky. , June 24, 
1798, and is therefore in his eighty-fifth year. His grandfather was 
a native of Virginia, and located in Tennessee at an early day. He subse- 
quently settled in Kentucky, and afterward removed to Clark and Cham- 
paign Counties, Ohio, passing away from earth in the latter county. His 
son, Joseph Pearce, father of Samuel T. , was also born in Virginia, and 



918 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

worked at the carpenter's trade at Harper's Ferry. He was there married to 
Martha Taylor, who sacrificed her life in giving birth to our subject. In 
1801, Mr. Pearce married Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. John Hubbard, 
of Virginia. The same year he visited Ohio with his wife and son (our 
subject), going to see his father, in either Clark or Champaign County. On 
this journey they camped one evening about the present site of Somerford. 
in this county. Samuel T. Pearce, although but then three years of age, 
told the writer he distinctly remembered this camping-out episode. Our 
subject was subsequently put in charge of his mother's brother, Judge 
Samuel Reed, near Portsmouth, Ohio/ and four years later his father took 
him to his home in Ross County. The latter died at Mechanicsburg, Cham 
paign Co., Ohio, in 1836, and his wife about 1866. In 1812, Mr. Pearce 
went to Ohillicothe, Ohio, and served an apprenticeship at the saddler's 
trade. He then returned to Chillicothe, commenced business for himself, 
but in 1831 came to London and opened a shop. Three or four years later, 
he purchased 385 acres of land in Jefferson Township, and there resided, 
with the exception of two years in business at Jefferson, until March, 
1880, when he retired from active labor, and purchased a residence prop- 
erty in London. Mr. Pearce owns 335 acres of his first purchase, and in 
connection with a son has another farm of 258 acres, lying in Jefferson and 
Deer Creek Townships. Mr. Pearce was married, in June, 1825, to Eliza- 
beth, daughter of John McDonald, who planted his first crop in Madisou 
County in 1808. They had ten children, five living — Mary, wife of A. A. 
Gregg, of Jefferson Township; Sarah Jane, wife of E. B. Haynes, a farmer 
Jefferson Township; Thomas, who married Sarah McCollum, and resides on 
George G. McDonald's farm in Union Township; Harriet, first married 
Vesuvius McCollum, and now the wife of John Gilbert, and Lemuel, prob- 
ably a resident of Texas. Mrs. Pearce departed this life, December 1, 1848, 
and Mr. Pearce was again married April 23, 1850, to Mrs. Mary (Lilly) 
Durflinger, widow of Philip Durflinger, by whom she had two sons — Philip 
S., residing on the home farm in Jefferson Township, and S. W., attornev at 
law, of London. They have one child--Theodosia, wife of John Silvers. Mr. 
Pearce has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church sixty-seven 
years, and is probably the oldest church member of that denomination in 
Madison County. Mrs. Pearce is seventy-two years of age, and has been con 
nected with the church for half a century. Mr. Pearce became a Whig in 
1824; since 1854, he has been a member of the Republican party, until 
recently, when he joined the ranks of the Prohibition party. 

L. C. PECK, farmer, P. O. London, was born in the Buckeye State 
August 12,1804, and came to this county in 1828. He is the son of George 
and Mary (Lancisco) Pock, natives of Germany. Our subject was reared on 
a farm, and received a district school education. He has made farming the 
occupation of his life, and has passed through the routine of a poor boy, 
who by industry and perseverance became a well t<> <1<> farmer. He owns a 
good farm of 213 acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. On 
December 28, 1829, he married Mary Melvin, a daughter of Benjamin and 
Ruhamia (Crabtree) Melvin, who came to this county in L800. By this 
union, six children were born, viz. : Amanda, Henry, John, Jane, Francis 
and Ann. These children are all married and doing well. 

PETER PEETREY, an old and respected pioneer of London, was 
born near Boonesboro, Washington Co. , Md., February 6. 1810. His father 
was Ludwick Peetrey, a native of Maryland, and of German ancestry. 
He was a pattern -maker by trade, and worked at that through life. He 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 919 

owned a mill in Maryland, run by water-power. In the winter of 1810-11, 
he was cutting away the ice from the over-shot wheel, and caught cold. This 
proved a fatal ending, and he passed away from earth at the age of forty- 
two. He married Elizabeth Summers, a native of Maryland, who was the 
mother of six children, three daughters, and a like number of sons. Mrs. 
Peetrey died in 1812, seven months after the death of her husband, leaving 
our subject an infant of eighteen months' age. He was reared by an uncle, 
Jacob Summers, and resided with him until fourteen years of age He 
then learned double coverlet and figured weaving and dyeing, remaining at 
that occupation till obtaining his majority, a period of seven yoars. He then 
went to Lexington, Ky., and learned jeans weaving. Returning home, he 
remained but a short time, and in the summer of 1831 went to Dayton, 
Montgomery Co., Ohio. In December of the same year, he came to Lon- 
don, and after a short time engaged in weaving, purchased 115 acres of 
land, where he resided five years. At the expiration of this time he removed 
to his present residence on East High street, where he has since resided. 
Mr. Peetrey cast his first vote for a Democrat; was subsequently a Whig, 
and lately a Republican. He was Treasurer of London Village for two years, 
during this time handling large sums of money with no loss either to the 
town or himself. Mr. Peetrey was formerly a member of the Good Tern 
plars and Odd-Fellow fraternities, but at present is not connected with any 
secret organization. He was married, June 13, 1833, to Jane, daughter of 
William and Jane (Burris) Patterson, and a native of Pittsburgh, Penn. 
Of the eight children born to this union, only two are living — Jacob, a gen 
eral insurance agent, and Isaac O., just retired from a sixteen years' mercan- 
tile trade. The latter enlisted as a Sergeant in Company B, Ninety-fifth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was a prisoner nine months, and mus- 
tered out as First Lieutenant. The former, on account of ill health was 
refused admission to the service. 

JACOB PEETREY, prominently identified with the insurance business 
of Ohio and Madison County, residence, London, was born in London Feb- 
ruary 14. 1837. He is a son of Peter Peetrey, an old and honored citizen 
of this county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Peetrey 
received a fair common school education, and from 1853 to 1856, was en 
gaged as a clerk in a dry goods house of London. He was a year in the 
" Great West," and was employed a like time in the Franklin Branch of the 
State Bank of Ohio at Columbus. In 1800, he was appointed Postmaster 
of London by President Buchanan, serving about one year. The same year, 
he was made local agent of the Phoenix Insurance Company of Brooklyn, 
N. Y. He was elected Auditor of Madison County in the fall of L862, on 
the Democratic ticket, and served from March, 1S03. to March, 1805. He then 
engaged in the dry goods trade. In 1808, he was made a special agent of 
the Home Insurance Company of Columbus, and a year later, was made gen- 
eral agent. In 1872. he was elected Secretary of the company, holding that 
position one and a half years. He was then appointed supervising agent of 
the National Board of Fire Underwriters. A year and a half later, he was 
appointed manager of the Southern Department of the Franklin Fire In- 
surance Company of Philadelphia, Penn. He resided at Philadelphia dur- 
ing the time he held the two latter positions. In February, 1879, Mr. Peet- 
rey returned to London, and since that period has been special agent of the 
following Insurance Companies: Shawmut of Boston, Mass.; New York 
Alliance of New York, and is now State agent for Ohio and West Virginia 
of the Queen Insurance Company of Liverpool, England, with headquar- 



920 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ters at London. Ohio. Mr. Peetrey was married September 11, 1861, to Fan- 
nie Vethake. a native of New York City, and a nfece of Col. Henry Brush, 
a prominent Mason and politician of the Empire State. They have one child 
—Henrietta. Mrs. Peetrey and danghter are members of Trinity Episco- 
pal Church, of London. 

ISAAC G. PEETREY, retired grocer, London, born in London Janu- 
ary 27, 1839. A sketch of his parents will be found in this work. Our 
subject was reared and educated in London, and in early life assisted his 
father on the farm. When sixteen years of age, he commenced active busi- 
ness as a clerk for John M. Smith, a pioneer merchant of London, in the 
dry goods line. He remained with him till his death, in the spring of 1858. 
Mr. Peetrey continued as a clerk until the war broke out. Then, with 
three others, including Charles L. Cover, of London, he went to Spring- 
field, Ohio, and enlisted in Company F., Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, "ninety-days men." He accompanied the regiment to Washing- 
ton, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. At the expiration of 
the ninety days, he was mustered out, but immediately re-enlisted in the 
Twenty -seventh Regiment, but six weeks later, came home. In August, 
1862, he again re-enlisted, this time in Company B, Ninety-fifth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in 1863 was made Second Lieutenant 
of the company. The following year (1864) he was promoted to First 
Lieutenant and Adjutant. He accompanied Sherman, when the latter 
" marched down to the sea, " but was captured, in June, 1864, at Guntown, 
Miss., and was in the rebel prisons at Macon and Savannah, Oa. ; was 
thence transported to those at Charleston and Columbia, S. C, and ex- 
changed at Wilmington, N. O, March 5, 1865, after nine months' impris- 
onment. He then returned home on a short furlough, but was soon ordered 
to report for duty at Mobile, Ala. He was finally mustered out in August, 
L865. For two months, he was Provost Marshal of a war district in Mis- 
sissippi, with headcpiarters at Enterprise, in that State. After his return 
to London, he purchased the interest owned by James M. Warner, of Wild- 
man & Warnor, grocers, and was in that business till May, 1882, a period 
of seventeen years. He then disposed of his stock to W. S. Squires and L. 
G. McCoDum. Mr. Peetrey is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Chapter 
and Council, of London, Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar, of 
Springfield, and Lyons Post, G. A. R., and American Legion of Honor, also 
of London. Politically, Mr. Peetrey is a strong Democrat. Gov. 
Bishop appointed him one of the Directors of the Ohio Penitentiary, which 
position he held two years. He has been Chairman of the County Demo- 
cratic Central Committee for a number of years. He was married, in 
August, 1863, to Delia Willis, a native of Pleasant Township, this county. 
ThHy have two children — Willis G. and Donna P. Mrs. Peetrey is a member 
of the Universalist Church. 

ELIJAH PETERSON, retired farmer, P. O. London, was born in Clark 
County, Ohio, January 30, 1825. He is the son of Michael and Susan Pe- 
terson, natives of Hardy County, Va. , of German descent. He recoived his 
education in Clark and Madison Counties, and adopted the occupation of a 
fanner, which he has since followed. He was married, in 1848, to Mary 
Wilbur, by whom he had three children, viz.: Bargcr, married and living on 
the home farm; Clinton, a teacher, also married; and Cadmus, a farmer, 
married and at present living in London. Mrs. Peterson died in 1881. 
Mr. Peterson is ;i Republican in politics, and for eighteen years served as 
an officer of Paint Township. He owns a farm of 240 acres, well improved 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 921 

and most of it highly cultivated. Mr. Peterson has retired from the active 
duties of life, and is now taking the rest that his years merit, while the 
work of his farm is being performed by younger and stronger hands. 

JAMES PHIFER, retired fanner and stock-raiser, London, was born in 
Stokes (now Paint) Township July 12, 1815. His paternal grandparents were 
John and Catherine (Rader) Phifor, natives of Virginia. One son, Abraham 
Phifer, the father of James, came to this county in 1800 or 1810, locating 
270 acres of land in what was then Stokes Township (now Paint), where ho 
resided till his death, April, 1875. He married Ann Withrow, probably a 
native of Pennsylvania, who departed this life in July, 1860. Our sub 
ject is the oldest of four children, one daughter and three sons, all yet 
living. In early life, he assisted his father with the farm duties, ob- 
taining only an ordinary education. He married Phebe Harpole, a 
native of Greene County, Ohio. Soon after marriage, he rented a piece of 
land for farming purposes, and three years later bought 310 acres. 
Diiring the intervening years, by perseverance, energy and strict economy, 
he has added to his first purchase until he now owns over 1,700 acres, 
and he is considered one of the wealthy citizens of London and the county. 
About 1872, Mr. Phifer removed to London, where he has since resided. 
He is Republican in politics. Mr. Phifer and wife have four children- 
Albert, who married Vinnie Neiberger and resides on the home farm; Van- 
dalia, wife of H. D. Strowbridge, of Washington, D. C. : Melissa, wife of 
Thomas Duncan, of Columbus, Ohio, and Mary. Mr. Phifer, wife and 
children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

STEPHEN PHIFER, farmer, stock-raiser and horticulturist, P. O. 
London, was born in Madison County in 1833, and is a son of Abraham and 
Ann (Withrow) Phifer, the former a native of Virginia, of German descent, 
and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. Our sub- 
ject was reared on the farm, and remained at home until 1852, when he 
went to California via Panama. In the next year, he went to Australia via 
the Sandwich Islands, landing at Sidney, New South Wales. From there 
he went to Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, where he engaged in min- 
ing and hotel-keeping for several years. He subsequently returned to 
Amorica, and bought 215 acres of land in Paint Township. In 1875, he 
came to Union County, where he is engaged as above mentioned. He was 
married in Australia, in 1859, to Alice Haub, a native of Germany, by whom 
ho has one child, Anna. Mrs. Phifer is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Mr. Phifer is comfortably situated in life, and enjoys the 
respect of the whole community. 

FREDERICK PLACIER, London, proprietor London Mills, was bom 
in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 2, 1834. Hh father was George 
Placier, who married Katrina Boisal, also a native of Germany. They re- 
sided in their native country till their death, the former dying in 1801, and 
the latter in 1863. They were the parents of fourteen children, seven 
daughtei's and seven sons, thirteen now living, seven residents of America, 
but our subject the only one in this county. He was reared in Germany, 
and obtained a fair education. He learned the miller's trade, and when 
nineteen years of age came to America. He remained in New York State 
six months, and thence went to Lehigh County, Penn., where he worked on 
a farm for six years. In I860, ho located in Pickaway County, Ohio, en 
gaged in farming a few years, married and then bought a flouring mill in 
Walnut Township. He operate! this mill from Lo65 to 1S74. and then 
came to London. At this time, there was no grist mill in the village, all 



922 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

flour being shipped in from neighboring cities and villages. Mr. Placier 
erected the present London Mills at a cost of $12,000, and has been very 
successful in his milling operations. He was one of the organizers of St. 
John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of London, and at present is a Trustee 
and Treasurer of the official board. He is Democratic in politics, but has 
never been an ardent politician. Mr. Placier was married April 17, 1854, 
to Sophronia Scothorn, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and daughter of 
Louis and Susannah Scothorn, natives of Ohio. Five children have been 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Placier, four living — Charles R., William A., Henry 
W. and Harry W. (twins), Lizietta is deceased. Mrs. Placier and sons are 
also members of. the Lutheran Church. Mr. Placier is a prominent German 
citizen of Madison County, an enterprising manufacturer, and a man highly 
esteemed by all of his acquaintances. 

JOSEPH PLOWMAN, London, a prominent farmer of Paint Town- 
ship, residence, London, was born near London, England, September 25, 
1827. He is a son of Joseph Plowman, who came to America in 1828. He 
was a silversmith by trade, and first worked at his trade in Pennsylvania 
and West Virginia. He subsequently located at Springfield, Ohio, and in 
1833, came to Madison County. He married Phebe Tankard, also a native 
of England. They were the parents of six children, three living, and our 
subject the only one in this county. Mr. Plowman died in September, 1849. 
The subject of this notice received but a limited education. He early 
worked on a farm (his mother having died in 1836, when he was but nine 
years of age), near South Solon, this county, for Joel Irvin, at $3.75 per 
month. He remained with him three years, and was then employed in a 
like capacity for Abraham Phifer, remaining with him for four years, 
wages averaging $10 per month. He then secured employment with Jacob 
Pearce, in Clark County (adjoining Stokes Township, this county), for four 
years at $200 per year. On December 24, 1851, he married Miss M. S. 
Phifer, sister of James Phifer, now of London. After marriage, he 
remained with his father-in-law, Abraham Phifer, for two years, and has 
since been engaged in farming for himself. While in the employ of Jacob 
Pearce, he was engaged in attending to thoroughbred cattle, and since that 
time, has always taken an interest in pure blooded stock. Mr. Plowman has 
been very successful in his farming operations, and now owns a good farm 
of 330 acres in Paint Township. Mr. Plowman and family reside on the 
farm during the summer months, and in London during the winter. Mr. 
Plowman has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty - 
four years. He is Republican in politics, and has served as Trustee of 
Paint Township. One child has been born to him, George, who married 
Lizzie Cooper, of this county. He is engaged in farming with his father. 
He has one child, Gertie, who resides with her grand parents. Mrs. Plow- 
man is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Miss Gertie 
of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School. 

JAMES G. PORTER, farmer and stockman, P. O. London, was born 
in Ross County, Ohio, February 2, 1825, and is the son of James and Eliza- 
beth (Kilburn) Porter. The former, a native of Maryland and a soldier of 
the war of 1812, came to this county soon after that war, aud located where 
our subject now lives. He owned 1,000 acres of land, on which he, in 
1813, planted an orchard which is still standing. He died in 1856. Our 
subject remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he rented his 
father's place and farmed for himself. In 1847, he married MahalaGirard, 
by whom he had two children — Frances, wife of W T . Wilson; Napoleon, a 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 923 

student of Dartmouth (N. H.) College, from which he graduated in 1881, 
and now studying law. Mrs. Porter died in 1872, and in 1879 Mr. Porter 
married Rachel G. Judy, of Clark County, by whom he has one child, 
Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are members of the Christian Church. He is 
a Republican in politics, and an enthusiastic stockman, his farm of 142i§- 
acres being well stocked with the finest and best cattle and horses obtain- 
able. He spares no expense in getting the best breeds. 

ISAAC POTEE, London, retired farmer, was born near the National 
pike, in Somerford Township, September 16, 1823. He is a son of Sutton 
Potee, a native of Maryland, who came from Baltimore to Somerford Town- 
ship, this county, in 1816. He purchased 270 acres of land, paying for a 
portion of it the sum of $16 per acre. He was a butcher by trade, and a 
farmer by occupation. He resided on his farm in Somerford Township 
till death ended his earthly labors, in March, 1863. He is buried in the 
"Old Wilson" or "Mill Graveyard." He married Hannah Makley, also a 
native of Maryland. Six children were the fruits of this union, four now 
living — one sister and three brothers. Mrs. Potee died in February, 1868, 
and is buried near her husband. The subject of this notice was the young- 
est child, and consequently his education was somewhat limited. He grew 
ii [) amid pioneer surroundings, often seeing a drove of twenty deer pass his 
father's door. He resided on the old homestead until twenty-four or twenty- 
five years of age, and in 1850 married Rachel Marsh, a native of Madison 
County, and daughter of Josiah L. Marsh. He remained with his father- 
in-law one year, and until his wife's death, which occurred the same 
year (1852). His second marriage occurred March 25, 1853, when he was 
united to Elmira, daughter of Claudius Mitchell, and a native of Cham- 
paign County, Ohio, near Mechanicsburg. A year after this second mar- 
riage, Mr. Potee removed onto a farm of fifty acres in Somerford Township, 
and the following fall to Mr. Mitchell's farm in Champaign County. On 
March 10, 1857, he returned to Somerford Township, and bought a farm of 
158 acres from Thomas Taylor, and located one mile northeast of Somerford 
Village, on the old Columbus road. He there resided, and was engaged in 
farming until January, 1880, when he removed to his present residence in 
London. Mr. Potee is connected with no organization whatever, except 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been an able member for 
over forty years. In 1873, while a resident of Somerford Township, he 
erected, at a cost to himself of over $2,500, what is known as the Somer 
ford Methodist Episcopal Church, and it was dedicated in fall of 1874 by 
the Rev. Granville Moody. Mr. Potee was a Trustee of the congregation at 
that time, and also served as a member of the school board, being Repub- 
lican politically. Ten children have been given Mr. and Mrs. Potee, seven 
living. They are as follows: Claudius D., who married Emma Brown, of 
Logan County, Ohio — he owns a farm of 105 acres, in Somerford Town- 
ship, but is now in the employ of the Howe Sewing Machine Company; 
Amelia, wife of Frank J. Eiefer, a farmer, residing two miles west of Som- 
erford; Idelia, Delia, Gabriel, Isaac Milton and Cordelia. Both wives 
have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

PATRICK POWERS, grocer, London, was born in Ireland March 12, 
1816. His father, Martin Powers, came to America about 1825, locating 
in Baltimore, Md. Two or three years later, he came to Zanesville, 
Ohio, and there resided four or five years. He subsequently resided at 
Columbus and Springfield, being naturalized in the latter place. He was a 
teacher by profession and went to Hocking County in 1838, where he died 



924 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in 1840. He married Nancy Blaushaw, also a native of Ireland. They had 
six children born to them, two now living, and Patrick the only one in this 
county. Mrs. Powers departed this life in Clark County in 1838. Our 
subject came to Madison County in 1843. locating on the " Sawer place, " 
near Somerford, and was engaged in farming for some time. He then 
removed to Somerford Village, and there resided twenty-five years, the 
greater part of this time being spent in "keeping tavern," etc. He removed 
to London in the spring of 1872, purchasing his present property. He 
opened a grocery, and has since been engaged in that business. He has 
met with fair success in business life. Mr. Powers is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity and the Democratic party. He was married, in the fall 
of 18G8, to Mrs. Catherine (Hayes) Rohan, widow of John Rohan. They 
have two children — Nannie and Margaret. Mrs. Powers is a member of 
the Roman Catholic Church. 

THOMAS W. PRESTON, a prominent blacksmith, London, was born 
in Lancaster County, Ky., January 25, 1841. His father, Thomas Pres- 
ton, was also a native of Kentucky, and a carpenter by trade. He re- 
sided in his native State until his death, in 1851. He married Mary Owens, 
of Kentucky, and our subject was the ouly child born to this union. Mrs. 
Preston died in 1841. Our subject was reared by Mrs. Polly Baker, of 
Lancaster County, Ky., till sixteen or eighteen years of age, obtaining a 
very fair education. He then went to Flat Rock, in his native State, and 
learned general blacksmith ing, remaining there three and a half years. He 
then removed to Cincinnati, and two years later (in fall of i860) located at 
Pittsburgh, Penn. He subsequently went to Columbus, Ohio, and in 1861 
to Jefferson, in this county. Soon after, he came to London, and thence 
to Newport. He was there married, August 7, 18G2, to Almira, daugh 
ter of Laban Willoughby, of Range Township. On May 2, 1804, he 
enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, under Capt. David Watson, and served one hundred days. He then 
re-enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regiment, 
March 1, 1865, and received an honorable discharge at Baltimore, Md., in 
September, 1865. He then returned to Newport, and in 1870 removed to 
London. Mr. Preston has met with fair success in his trade. His shop is 
located on the south side Fourth, between North Main and North Oak streets, 
where he does blacksmithing and general repairing. Mr. Preston is a mem- 
ber of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), of London, Gilroy Lodge. No. 
695, of Lilly Chapel, and London Encampment, No. 126 (I. O. O. F.). He 
is Republican in politics. Mr. Preston has been thrice married. His first 
wife died February 22, 1875. His second marriage, November 14, L878, was 
to Lizzie Wilson, a native of Madison County, who died June 10, 187 ( ->. 
His third marriage occurred Februaiy 21, 1882, to Angie M. Fuller, a na- 
tive of New York. The first and second wives were members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church; the present one, of Trinity Episcopal Church, of 
London. Seven children have been born to Mr. Preston — Viola, May, K a j 
(wife of John W. Maddux, of Lilly Chapel), Ada M., James E., Maud M., 
B. Frankie and Jessir M. 

SAMUEL M. PRUGH, London, Auditor of Madison County, was born 
in Union Township, January L5, L854 His grandparents, George and Mar- 
garet Prugh, were natives of Maryland, and came to Ohio when their son, 
Samuel Prugh, the father of our subject, was but a year old. They lo- 
cated in Somerford Township, where Samuel was reared and educated. He 
has been a farmer all through life, aud moderately successful. He married 





i 



1 




df- C/K, A^t^U^e^ 



[INION rOWNSHIP. 927 

Nancy Bradley, a native of Greene County, Ohio. Of the thirteen children 
given them eleven are living, all being of age, and nearly all married. Our 
subject was the eleventh child and fifth son of tins large family, grew upon 
the farm, and received a fair education. When eighteen years of a^o, he 
commenced teaching school, following this profession at intervals for a pe- 
riod of eight years. During this time he also engaged in the book and 
music trade, with a brother, at Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, and subse- 
quently attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1875, he 
again engaged in business at Springfield, where he remained two years. On 
August 4, L877, he married Mary F. Yeazell, a native of Clark County, 
Ohio. After marriage, he once more engaged in teaching, and continued 
the same until the summer of 1880, when he accepted a position on the edi 
torial staff of the London Enterprise. On October 12, of the same year, he 
was elected to his present position, for a term of three years. Mr. Prugh is 
a stanch Republican. Himself and wife have one child, Earl E. . a bright 
little son of three years of age. 

ALBERT G. RANKIN (deceased) was born in Worcester County, 
Md. , March 7, 1814. We will here endeavor to trace his ancestry back to 
about the middle of the eighteenth century. Rev. John Rankin was prob- 
ably a native of the North of Ireland, born in 1750. He located in Lan- 
caster County, Penn. , thence wont to Berlin, Md., and was the first pastor of 
Buckingham Church, of the Presbyterian denomination. He there died in 
1798. He married Mary Atkinson, a resident of Berlin, Md. , who bore 
him five children — John. James, Oeorge, Mary Priscilla and Sally Atkin 
son. The second son, James, married Margaret Truitt, of Worcester Coun 
ty, Md. , and they started for Ohio in the spring of 1817. They were 
all summer on the road, and arrived in Madison County in the fall. The 
first winter, they stayed at the sugar camp of Mary Truitt, the entire par- 
ty, consisting of fourteen persons, sleeping in a log cabin of one room dur- 
ing the winter. The next spring. Mr. Rankin located on the land now 
known as the County Infirmary farm. He was a carpenter by trade, and a 
farmer by occupation. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian 
denomination, and one of the original members of what is now the First 
Presbyterian Church of London, when it was re-organized in 1829. He 
was a Whig in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was 
born May 20, L786, and died August 21, L857, at the age of seventy one 
years. Mrs. Rankin was born January 1, 1788, and died December 12. 
1871, aged eighty-three years. She was a daughter of George and Martha 
Truitt. Mr. and Mis. Rankin are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, near Lon- 
don. They were married February 10, 1808, and were the parents of ten 
children, namely: Sarah Maria Purnell, born April 2, 1809; John T. N. 
December 10. L811; Albert G., March 7. 1814; Charlotte Ann Selby, Janu- 
ary 23. 1817; Eliza White, September 4, 1819; Caroline Matilda, October 
25, 1821; Joshua Truitt. April 29, 1824: Mary Atkinson, May 3, L826; 
James. May 11. 1829; and Washington Purnell, July 6, 1831. Five of 
these children are now living, and three residents of this county. Albert 
G. Rankin removed to tin's county with his parents, and grew to maturity 
here. About L 842, he commenced dealing in cattle, and about L845 or L846 
engaged in the dry goods business at South Charleston. Clark County, Ohio, 
in company with his brother. John T. N. A short time after, he went to 
Midway, this county, and there engaged in the same business. He re- 
mained there for some years, and then bought a farm in Paint Township. 
He subsequently sold this land, and purchased the "Gossard farm, " in the 

KK 



928 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

same township. He afterward purchased the old "Rayburn farm" of 400 
acres, in Union Township, close to London, where be resided till his death. 
He was largely engaged in handling stock during his lifetime, and was, 
very prosperous in whatever occupation he engaged. At the time of his 
death, he owned over 1,000 acres of land in this county, and about a section 
in Illinois. He was reared a Presbyterian, but subsequently united with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rankin lived a truly Christian life, 
enjoying the full confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He was Re- 
publican in politics. He was married February 15, 1848, to Abigail Coop- 
er. They had one child — George W., born November 3, 1848, and died 
December 6, 1878. She died November 29, 1848. On the 24th of Sep- 
tember, 1850, Mr. Rankin married for his second wife Margaret A., daugh- 
ter of Washington and Catherine (Truman) Withrow, honored pioneers of 
Paint Township. They were the parents of six children — Harford Toland, 
an infant daughter, Fulton A., Carrie M. (now wife of A. J. Blue, of Union 
Township), Fannie (now wife of James Winans, of Xenia, Ohio), and 
William Moody. Mrs. Rankin married Isaac C. Kemp, December 21, 1865 
and still resides on the old homestead. 

J. T. RANKIN, farmer, P. O. London, was born in this coun- 
ty April 29, 1824. He is a son of James and Margaret (Truitt) 
Rankin, who were among the early settlers of .the county. Our sub- 
ject has been a farmer during the whole of his life. When twenty two 
years of age, he worked by the month, after which he rented land until 
able to buy. He finally purchased a small tract, to which he added from 
time to time until he owned 200 acres, on which he lived until he conclud- 
ed to retire from active life, when he sold it. He is now living on a small 
farm of thirty-two acres, on which he has erected a neat and comfortable 
home. He was married, in 1850, to Sarah E. Evans, a native of this State. 
She is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Rankin is a live and enthusi- 
astic Republican in politics. 

JAMES RANKIN, farmer, P. O. London, was born three miles west 
of London May 11, 1829; he is the son of James and Margaret (Truitt) Ran- 
kin, natives of Maryland, the former of English and Irish, and the latter 
of Dutch descent; his father was one of the early settlers of this county; 
he became a prominent farmer, and was ever characterized by his honesty 
and fair dealing. Our subject attended the common schools in his younger 
days, and early adopted the occupation of a farmer, in which he still contin- 
ues He owns a farm of 130 acres, part of which lies within the corpora- 
tion limits of London; he was married in 1852, to Ann Eliza Warner, a 
daughter of William Warner; they have three children — Flora L., AVillie 
Mr. and James D. Mrs. Rankin is a member of the Methodist episcopal 
Church. Mr. Rankin is a prominent farmer and stock dealer of the county, 
and occupies a handsome residence adjoining the corporation. 

CLINTON D. RAYBURN, London, an old citizen of Madison County, 
ami a well known grocer of London, was born in Range Township July 22, 
1833. His father, John Rayburn, was a native of Ross County, Ohio, and 
a farmer by occupation; he died in 1838. Be married Rebecca Dungan, a 
sister of John and Wilson Dungan; they were the parents of five children, 
four living — subject, and sister, Mrs. F. M. Chapman, being the only ones 
now residing in the county. Mrs. Rayburn is still living, and resides with 
her son James at Jamestown, Greene Co., Ohio. Our subject was the third 
child, and accompanied his parents to London when quite a child. They 
lived on a farm near the village, but "Clint" was mostly reared in Lon- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 929 

don, learning the tanner's trade with John Dungan, and remaining with 
him several years. He was a resident of Finley, Hancock County, two 
years, and Superintendent of the Grwynne farm in Deer Creek Township for 
five years. He then removed onto the farm of Gideon Peck (now owned by 
Jamss Phifer), in Paint Township, where he resided seven years. Mr. 
Rayburn then came to London, and for two years was associated with James 
Hamilton in the grain trade. On December 16, 1880, he purchased the 
grocery stock and trade of William Ronemus, and his success in this line 
of trade has been very good. Mr. Rayburn is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge and Chapter, is Republican in politics, and has served as a momber 
of the City Council. He was united in marriage, September 22, 1853, to 
Sarah J., daughter of Gideon Peck, of Paint Township. Of their two chil- 
dren, one survives — Frank G., with his father in the store; Emma B., is de- 
ceased; Mrs. Rayburn is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

ROBERT RE A, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. London, was born on 
a farm in Union Township, this county (now in the corporate limits of 
London), September 6, 1831. His father, Matthew Rea, was born in Rock- 
bridge County, Va., June 22, 1793, and died at the house of his son-in-law, 
Marion Chenoweth, in Fairfield Township, September 23, 1873, agbd 
oighty years. He removed with his father, Joseph, to Ross County, Ohio, 
in 1810, and was subsequently in the American Army, when Gen. Hull sur- 
rendered his forces to the British at Detroit, Mich He first visited Madi- 
son County in 1812, and purchased a large tract of land in Oak Run Town- 
ship. In 1818, he removed to Madison County, and up to within a few 
years of his death was one of the largest live-stock dealers in the county. 
Mr. Rea was as largely identified with the growth and prosperity 
of Madison County as any within its borders; he was a man of rare good 
judgment, fine business qualifications, renowned for his probity— a man 
whose word was as good as his bond. He married Ann Amos, a native of 
Maryland; they were the parents of seven children, only three living, and 
those residents of this county. Mrs. Rea departed this life in 1857. The 
subject of this notice grew to manhood on the old homestead, and when 
young assisted his father in his stock operations, gaining a thorough knowl- 
edge of the business. He has been engaged in farming, and the raising, 
grazing and feeding of stock all through life. Ho resided in Oak Run 
Township till 1870, when he removed to his present residence on South 
Main street, London. Mr. Rea is the owner of 1,250 acres of land in Oak 
Run Township, and js still engaged in handling stock. He is Democratic 
in politics, and since his residence in London has served one term as mem- 
ber of the Village Council. He was united in marriage, September, 1856, 
to Ann Thomas, sister of M. M. and Owen Thomas, of London. One daugh- 
ter was born to them — Anna Laura (wife of John Pancake, who resides on 
the home farm in Oak Run Township). Mrs Rea departed this life in 
September, 1858, and Mr. Rea was again married, March 13, 1862, to 
Louisa G. Bales, a native of this county, and a daughter of Moses Bales, 
of Fairfield Township. 

H. W. RICHMAN, farmer, stock raiser and dealer, London, was born 
in Salem County, N. J., May 7, 1824. He is a son of David Rjchman, a 
native of New Jersey, and there reared. He was a farmer and merchant by 
occupation, and came to Ohio in 1827, locating in Dayton, where he resided 
till his death, about 1838. He married Ruth Johnson, also a native of New 
Jer ey, who became the mother of four children, two living — William Rich- 
man, of Montgomery County, Ohio, and our subject. Mrs. Richman sub- 



930 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sequently married Robert Hutchison. They had one child — Laura, wife of 
Augustus Prugh. Mrs. Hutchison died in July, 1879. Our subject was 
the eldest child, and as his mother was a widow during his early life, he re 
ceived but a limited education. When twenty years of age, he took a drove 
of horses across the mountains to New Jersey. He returned to Somerford, 
in this county, where he sold general merchandise for three or four months. 
He then took another drove of horses to New Jersey, and finding that busi- 
ness profitable, engaged in it with his brother William \for the succeeding 
thirty- five years. His business having proven good financially, he pur- 
chased a farm of 475 acres in Somerford Township. He subsequently 
purchased eighty acres in Deer Creek, and two farms in Union Township 
(one of the latter is his present home residence, fifty-five acres of which is 
in the corporate limits of London), aggregating in all about 1,300 acres. 
Mr. Richman is still engaged in farming, stock-raising and dealing, although 
since the spring of 1870 he has resided in his beautiful residence on East 
High street, London. He is Democratic in politics, but never au office- 
seeker. Mr. Richman was married, September 23, 1856, to Emeline, daugh 
ter of Valentine Wilson, and a sister of Mrs. Robert Boyd. They have three 
children — Alice, wife of Edward Armstrong, of Armstrong & Minshall. 
dealers in furniture and Queensware, London; Charles, engaged in same 
business as father: and Emma, the two latter being at home. Mrs. Rich 
man and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

WILLIAM RIDDLE, deceased, was born near Troy, Ohio, October 
11, 1810, and died in London, Ohio, March 15, 1882. His father, John 
Riddle, came to Ohio from Virginia, and located near the town of Troy. 
He had five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom one son and 
two daughters survive, the other two sons, Abner and William, dying within 
twenty-three hours of each other. Our subject grew up on his father's farm ; 
about the time of his majority he went to Iowa, where he engaged in farm- 
ing for two years. At the expiration of this time, he returned to Ohio, and 
located at Ml Sterling, Madison County, where he engaged in business for 
fifteen years, first with William Graham, and afterward with J. Swetland, 
Harry Moore, Daniel Wickle and N. T. Tenny. He came to London about 
1860, but during his residence here was engaged in no particular business, 
other than managing his farm, as he had a sufficiency of this world's goods 
to retire from active life. On October 21, 1853, he married Elizabeth 
Warner, a daughter of Henry Warner, and by her had three children, viz. : 
Sarah, wife of E. J. Robison, May and William H. The latter is engaged 
with Mr. Robison in the drug business in London. Mr. Riddle was con- 
nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for about eighteen years pre- 
vious to his death, and always lived a true Christian life. He was one of 
London's most highly respected citizens, a man of unquestionable integrity, 
genei'ous, warm-hearted and affable in his manners, and just in all his 
business transactions. His death was a heavy blow to the community. 

JOHN RILEY, of M. Riley & Son, grocers, London, was born at Mor- 
row, Warren Co.. Ohio. May 8, L859. His father, M Riley, was born in 
County Meath. Ireland, May 9, 1830. His parents were Edwardand Bridge! 
Riley, both now deceased. Mr. Riley was reared in his native land, and 
when seventeen years of age came to America. He landed at New Orleans, 
and from there went to Morrow, Warren County, Ohio, where he was em- 
ployed as foreman of Alfred Watt's distillery. He there learned the distil- 
ling business thoroughly, remaining with Mr. Watts for fourteen years. 
Durino- the last four vears of this time, he was engaged in the manufacture 



UNION TOWNSHIP 931 

of liquors for himself. In April, 1866, he came to London, and established 
a wholesale liquor and grocery trade. Mr. Riley enjoys a very large trade 
in both lines of goods, selling at wholesale and retail. In 1879, he erected 
his present building, which is a brick, 100x25 feet in size, three stories high. 
He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Democratic party. 
He was married, July 3, L856, to Anna Malloy, a native of Ireland. Of the 
four children born to them, three are living— John, Edward and Katy, the 
latter attending convent school. Mrs. Riley and the family are also mem- 
bers of the Roman Catholic Church. John Riley came to London with his 
parents when but seven years of age. He obtained only a fair education, 
and has been clerking in his father's store mostly during life. In June, 
1877, he became associated with his father in business, and the firm have 
prospered exceedingly. Mr. Riley was married November 1, 1881, to 
Bessie, daughter of Dr. Toland Jones, of London. 

JOHN J. ROBERTS, deceased, was born in Frederick County, Md., De- 
cember 17, 1782, and died in Somerford Township April 26, 1860. He was a 
pioneer in the fullest sense, as he came to what is now Columbiana County 
before Ohio was a Stato. He was compelled to flee into Virginia, by the 
Indians, and remained in that State one year, when he returned to his for- 
mer residence in this State. He removed to what was then called New 
Lancaster in the year 1809, and to Delaware, Delaware County, in 1810, 
where he resided till 1812. He was drafted as a, soldier in 1812, but being 
sick at the time was unable to go, and procured a substitute. After this 
time, a volunteer company was enlisted in his neighborhood; he joined this 
company and marched to the frontier. The company to which he belonged 
built Fort Stephenson, which was afterward named Fort Croghan, in honor 
of its defender, who successfully defended the fort against the combined 
forces of British and Indians, August 2, 1813. He would have been in this 
engagement had he not been confined to his bed by a severe attack of camp 
fever. Several persons having been killed while conveying dispatches from 
this fort to the army which was stationed at Franklinton, in Franklin Co., 
Ohio, he volunteered to act as bearer of dispatches, which he did for some 
time, or until the headquarters of the army were removed from Franklinton. 
The carrying of the dispatches was the most difficult and dangerous service 
in the army, as they had to be carried through an unbroken wilderness, over 
iifty miles in one day, and nothing to indicate the route except blazed trees. 
The company to which he belonged was very unfortunate, and most of the 
members died of sickness brought on by exposure to the malaria of the wet, 
flat country in which they were compelled to encamp. During the war, his 
family, with many others, fled from Delaware to Franklinton, as a report 
had been circulated in the neighborhood that the Indians were coming from 
the north, killing all the white people they found in their line of march. 
He never returned to Delaware to live, but removed soon after the war closed 
to Darby Plains, in the northern part of Madison County. He removed to 
Somerford Township in 1823, where he resided until the time of his decease, 
except about three years which he spent in Illinois. He was a man of won- 
derful physical power, and was capable"of performing a great deal of labor. 
He was engaged for several years in trading with the Indians, and was able 
to act as interpreter. He kept a tavern on the old Federal road, one mile 
north of Somerford, for several years, but the building of the National road 
diverted the travel from that route so much that he could no longer make 
the business pay, and so abandoned it. He built a grist mill, and had a 
small distillery for several years. His father was born in Wales, and in 



932 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

early life bad followed the sea, and crossed the Atlantic thirteen times be- 
fore he settled in America. John J. Roberts' sister married a Colonel in 
the English .Army. This man was present at the meeting which Gen. Hull, 
of unsavory memory, had with the English officers who bought the men and 
stores composing the United States Army of Gen. Hull. This man said that 
Gen. Hull received so much money for every man surrendered by him to thu 
English. This matter was revealed after Hull's trial and told to John J. 
Roberts by his brother-in-law, when he visited him in Canada. Charles 
Roberts, son of John J. Roberts, who was born in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, in 1805, died in Madison County, Ohio, in 1853; married Harriet 
Macan, in 1832. He taught school in Madison and adjoining counties for 
eighteen years. He moved from Somerford Township, Madison County, to 
Union Township, in 1839, and built the Roberts Mill, in 1844. This mill, 
which is still running, is three miles west of London, contains two run of 
buhrs, and is capable of doing merchant work. It was property originally 
owned by Judge Jacob Garrard, who owned a custom mill with but one pair 
of raccoon buhrs. Judge Garrard also carried on the distilling: business, 
up to 1839. Charles Roberts, however, being conscientiously opposed to 
the manufacture and sale of whisky, would not purchase the still -house anil 
fixtures, so that business was discontinued when he took possession of thn 
property. In 1849, Charles Roberts purchased 200 acres of land in Jeffer- 
son Township, and built a saw-mill on Little Darby, two miles south of 
Jefferson. Having contracted consumption by exposure while engaged 
in building the saw-mill, he leased the mill to Dr. J. Randall, and re- 
moved from Darby to Union Township, where, after a lingering illness, 
he died. A great many of the older citizens of London received their educa 
tion in the schools taught by Charles Roberts, and his name is frequently 
mentioned by them in speaking of the pioneer teachers of Madison County. 
He had traveled in nearly every county in Ohio, but was never outside of 
the limits of the State. He was the father of nine children, as follows : 
John U. Roberts, born August 21, 1833, married and resides in Union Town 
ship, Madison County; William H. Roberts, born 1835, married and resides 
in Clinton, Henry Co., Mo.; Catharine M. Roberts, born 1837, died, never 
was married; B. F. Roberts, born 1839, unmarried, and resides in Jefferson 
Township; Mary E. Roberts, born 1841, unmarried, deceased; Charles C. 
Roberts, born 1843, married, resides in Union Township; Malvina Estelle, 
born 1819, married to Michael B. Wilson, resides in Harmony Township, 
Clark Co., Ohio. Mrs. Harriet Roberts, nee Macan, was born in Chillicothe, 
Ohio, in 1814, married to Charles Roberts in 1832, resided in Madison 
County fifty years, and resides three miles west of London, near the Roberts 
Mill. She came to the county before the National road was surveyed, and 
was acquainted with the people of London befoi'e a solitary turnpike road 
was built in the county. John M. Roberts received a common school edu- 
cation, and attended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. 
He has followed teaching since old enough; has taught twonty-soven years, 
twenty-five in this county. In 1859, lie married Emeline Truitt, by whom 
he has three children — Flora, Alma and John F. Mr. Roberts is a Demo- 
crat. Charles C. Roberts was married in 1872, to Virginia Ann Douglass, 
by whom be has two children — Olivi- and Charles W. Mr. Roberts enlisted 
in 186'Z, in Company A, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Jones, 
and served until L865. He was a merchant for a short time in Jeffer- 
son, and operated a lime-kiln in this county in 1861 and 1802. He also 
operated a saw mill for a time, and is now engaged iu the Roberts flour mill. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 933 

E. J. ROBISON, of Robison & Riddle, proprietors Eagle Drug 
House. London, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 7, 1850. 
His father, S. S. Robison, is a native of Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. 
He has been a resident of Pleasant Township for many years. He married 
Margaret Fitzgerald, daughter of Judge Fitzgerald, a well-known citizen of 
Fairfield Township. They wore the parents of three children, two now liv- 
ing. Mrs. Robison departed this life in December, 1878. E. J. Robi- 
son received a good collegiate education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, 
of Delaware, graduating in 1875. He then came to London, and, with Ed- 
ward Armstrong, engaged in the drug business. This relationship contin- 
ued about four years, when Dr. Piatt King purchased Mr. Armstrong's in- 
terest, and the firm remained as Robison & King until July, 1882, when the 
junior partner wan drowned at Lake Chautauqua, N. Y. In August of the 
same year Mr. Will Riddle became associated in the business with Mr. Rob- 
ison, under the firm name of Robison & Riddle. Mr. Robison is a young 
man possessing good business qualifications, and will certainly succeed in 
lifa Ho is connected with the American Legion of Honor, the Masonic 
Lodge and Chapter, Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically, an ear- 
nest and outspoken advocate of Republican principles. He was united in 
marriage, November 20, 1878, to Sarah K. Riddle, a native of Madison Coun- 
ty. They have one child — Margaret C. Mrs. Robison is also a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

GEORGE RONEMUS, London, merchant tailor and gents' furnisher, 
was born in Jefferson County, Va.. February 12, 1824. He is a son of Con- 
rad Ronemus, a native of Germany, and a farmer by occupation. He came to 
Virginia when quite young, and died there in 1832. He married Sarah Fiz- 
er, a native of Jasper County, Va. They were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, six now living. Mis. Ronemus departed this life in 1873. Our sub- 
ject was reared in the "Old Dominion." and obtained but a limited educa 
tion. He learned the tailor's trade at Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., Va., and 
worked at it there for five years. He came to Ohio in 1855, locating at 
Springfield, and in 1863 came to London. He worked steadily at his trade 
until September 1, 1881, when he engaged in his present business. Mr. 
Ronemus is Democratic on political questions, and has served two years as 
Village Councilman. He was married. September 27, 1860, to Maggie Hea- 
ton, a native of Clark County, Ohio. They have nine children Florence, 
Charles S.. Laura, Fannie, Ettie, Arthur, Lulu, Mabel and George, Jr. Mrs. 
Ronemus is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

GEORGE H. ROWLAND, Superintendent of construction of the Ohio 
Penitentiary, residence Columbus, was born in Chester County, Penn., July 
8, 1836. He is a son of Charles Rowland, also a native of the same place, 
and whose ancestors came to America with William Penn. Charles Row- 
land was a stone mason by trade, and a farmer by occupation. Ho resided 
in Chester County, Penn.. till his death, February 19, L857. He married 
Margaret Shriver, born in the same county. They were the parent.-, of sev- 
en children, our subject the only one in Ohio. Mrs. Rowland departed this 
life January 22, 1858. George H. resided in his native place till seventeen 
years of age. He then went to Philadelphia, and was employed as a ship- 
ping clerk in the B. &0. R. R. offices, for a period of three years. He then 
went to East Tennessee, and was engaged in load mining until the com- 
mencement of the war. In August, L861, he started for Pennsylvania, and 
at London, Ohio, stopped off on account of sickness. Upon recovery from 
his illness, he went to work, and remained there one year. After a short 



934 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

time spent at home, he returned to London, and there remained till 1878. 
He was an architect and builder, and erected many of the business blocks 
anil residences of London. He removed to Columbus, March 1, 1877, and 
worked at his trade till September, 1878, when he was appointed to his pres- 
ent position by Warden McWhorten. He was subsequently re- appointed by 
Warden Dyer, and twice by the present Warden. Noah Thomas, also a for- 
mer resident of Madison County. Mr. Rowland has had gojd success in his 
present position, and likes its duties Very much. He is a member of Chand- 
ler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), of London, and Masonic Council and Mount 
Vernon Commandery, No. 1 Knights Templar, of Columbus; also McCoy 
Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of the latter city. Mr. Rowland is an 
Independent Democrat, and while a resident of London, was a member of 
the Village Council two terms. He was married, November 20, 1866, toAl- 
mira Betts, a native of London, and daughter of John Betts. They have 
one son — Neal C. Mr. Rowland and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church of London. 

JOHN P. SEARLE, blacksmith, London, and a well-known and es- 
teemed citizen of London, was born in Cornwall, England, July 16, 1833. 
He is a son of AVilliam Searle, also a native of Cornwall, and a farmer by oc- 
cupation. Our subject was apprenticed for six years to a blacksmith in his 
native country, remaining with him till his trade was fully learned, besides 
buying his clothes, and paying his "master," $5 per annum. In 
December, 1857, he came to America on board the James Morton, forty - 
two day's passage. He came direct to Ohio, and first worked six miles east 
of Newark. Ho remained there nine months, and then went to work near 
Jacksontown, Licking County, on the National pike. He was employed on 
a threshing machine during the grain season, and in September following 
went to Thorn ville, Perry County, and worked five months for David Rank. 
He then rented a shop, and carried on his trade in that county for five years. 
He came to London, April 1, 1864, and went to work at his trade. This 
increased rapidly, and in the summer of 1867, he purchased thirty-four feet 
front on Main street, from William Farrar, paying therefor $3,100, and 
assuming an indebtedness on it of $1,600, with three years in which to pay 
it. When this purchase was made, after making the $1,500 cash payment, 
Mr. Searle bad but $35 left, in his pocket, but in two years he had paid for 
the property. He remained there eight years; sore eyes caused him to quit 
work four months. He then purchased his present property for $2,500, and 
erected his shop. He came to London with $400 in ready cash, and by 
energy and perseverance, coupled with a thorough knowledge of his trade, 
has succeeded in gaining a comfortable competence, and is the owner of a 
nice brick cottage on South Main street; besides this he owns a large tene- 
ment property on Oak street, estimated at $3,500. When Mr. Searle landed 
at New York he had only $4.84, but his property in London to-day is valued 
at over $10,000, and this in spite of many obstacles which he has 
had to encounter. Mr. Searle is a member of the Madison Lodge, 
No. 70, and London Encampment, No. 126 (I. O. O. F.). He is Republican 
in National and State politics, but in local matters gives his support to the 
" right man in the right place." He was married April 27, 1857, to Eliza- 
beth R. Coplin, a native of St. Austle, Cornwall, England. Ten children 
have been sent to bless this union, only two living Kate A. and Spartan 
C. Mr. Searle, wife and daughter, are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Searle sees in his life the guiding hand of an over-ruling 
Providence, which has more than once led him into paths that opened to 




rf^Myb e^&asu 



'1L 




UNION TOWNSHIP. 937 

success. It was only three days after his marriage that he bade his wife 
farewell in his native land, and started on his long journey to America. 
The future seemed uncertain to him, and though he possessed a brave heart 
and a ready hand, ho was unwilling to take her from her home to an un- 
known land. He went from St. Austle to Liverpool by steamer, and, on 
arriving, a tug approached to convey the passengers ashore; all except him 
boarded the tug, but an indescribable hesitancy held him back. As he 
stood there alone, a stranger on the quay inquired if he did not wish to 
land. His reluctance disappeared and he landed at onco. This stranger, 
whom he only met by obeying his impulse to remain aboard the steamer, 
while the others landed, proved a friend indeed. He invited him to his 
house, treated him as a son, and in various ways assisted and befriended 
him. When in mid-ocean there appeared to Mr. Searle a distinct picture or 
vision of a blacksmith shop, which he afterward recognized as Mr. Lippen- 
cott's in Licking County. The vision and reality corresponded and agreed 
in every particular. After his arrival in Ohio, while walking along the rail- 
road between Newark and Louisville to his work in the harvest field, the 
thought flashed into his mind to inquire for a letter at the latter post office. 
He did so and received one, directed to himself and written by John Lip- 
pencott, an entire stranger to him, asking him to work in his shop. He ac- 
cepted the offer, and on approaching the shop recognized it at once as the 
shop he had beheld on the ocean. From that day to the present, he has 
never lacked work. His wife joined him in America after sixteen months' 
separation. 

JAMES SELF, architect and builder, London. Mr. Self was born 
in England May 12, 1829. He is a son of Stephen Self, a native 

of England. He married Lydia Loudon. Our subject was reared and 
educated in his native land, residing there till twenty-nine years of age. 
He learned his present trade when sixteen years of age, working at it for 
five years. On September 11, 1857, he came to the United States and direct 
to London, Ohio, where he has since resided. Mr Self has resided here 
over a quarter of a century, and during that time has been prominently 
identified with the building interests of Madison County. He owns a farm 
of forty acres adjoining the village, where he manufactures brick. In 1881, 
he made over 1,000,000 He has been fairly successful in life, and owns 
rome good village property. He was married in 1856, to Lavina Johnson, 
also a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Self are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

HENRY J. SHARP, physician and surgeon, London, was born in Gallia 
County, Ohio, March 2, 1845. His father, Dr. E. T. Sharp, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, removed to Ohio at an early day, where he reared a large family, 
practicing his profession for over forty -five years and, by natural selection, 
the subject of our sketch has transferred to his own the professional mantle 
which the father, through declining years, let drop from his shoulders. 
The father and mother both having surpassed the limit of life, as sung by 
the Psalmist, are now residing at Worthington. Franklin County, Ohio. 
Henry was the ninth of a family of eleven children, and is the youngest of 
three brothers now living. Living so close to the burder, and at the im- 
portant rendezvous, Gallipolis, the headquarters of the military department 
of West Virginia, during the late war he became imbued with the war spirit, 
and though too young for the volunteer service, enlisted while not yet six- 
teen years old in the Ohio National Guard, Company C, One Hundred and 
Forty-first Regiment. His company, during the raids and threatened 



938 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

raids of the rebel Gens. Wise and Morgan, was frequently under arms, 
doing guard duty at Gallipolis and other points on the Ohio River, until 
the call for the hundred- days men by President Lincoln, when the One Hun- 
dred and Forty -first Ohio National Guard, Col. Jaynes commanding, was 
transferred to West Virginia and divided into detachments, were stationed 
at the different garrisons on the line between Charleston and Guyaudotte, 
West Virginia, thus relieving the garrisons at these places and permitting 
them to be transferred to the more active services at the front, under Grant 
In East Virginia. After about four months' service, the One Hundred and 
Forty-first was ordered to Gallipolis, discharged and mustered out of the 
service. The subject of our sketch entered a local academy, and after a 
few months here, his parents moving to Franklin County, he matriculated 
in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he continued his 
studies, leaving thei'e in 1868, to take up the study of medicine. He studied 
medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. W. Hamilton, of Columbus, 
and being his only student for nearly two years, gained largely in valuable 
experience and practical participation, as an assistant to his preceptor in an 
extensive surgical and general practice. He graduated in medicine from 
Starling Medical College, in the spring of 1871, and settled during October 
of the same year in London, where he soon acquired a lucrative practice, 
and is now doing an extensive and remunerative business. Dr. Sharp be- 
longs to the students and progressive men of his profession, finding time, 
aside from the actual practice, to contribute to the literature of his profes- 
sion by articles written for the various medical journals, and for participa 
tion in the proceedings of various medical societies, being a member of the 
American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Central 
Ohio Medical Society and the Madison County Medical Society. He was 
married to Miss E. C. Dooris, of Zanesville, Ohio, April 10, 1872. His wife 
is a lady of culture and of future promise in literature, she having con tri but 
ed in the past to different periodicals, and having only laid down her pen 
for devotion to the growing demands of an interesting family, that, for the 
time, overshadow all other pleasures and duties of less moment. The Doctor 
and his wife are both members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and by 
their devotion and work have aided largely in the erection of a handsome 
church building on Fourth street, in the city, where the society hold their 
services. They have living three children- Henry J., Leighton and Wilfred. 
\V. STALEY SHEPHERD, London, was born in Champaign County, 
Ohio, March 25, 1823. He received such an education as the public 
schools of that vicinity could give him, which, with a taste for read 
ing, enabled him to become a well-informed man. He was married 
at Woodstock, Ohio, January 1, 1850, to M. Louise Clark, daughter 
of Jeremiah ( 'lark, of Connecticut In the spring of 1857, he re- 
moved to London, Madison County, and was soon thereafter appointed 
Deputy Sheriff of the county. He so discharged the duties devolved upon 
him that in the fall of L858 he was elected Sheriff, and was re-elected in 
1800 — serving out the two terms in succession to which be was restricted 
by the Constitution. At the expiration of his term as Sheriff, he was ap- 
pointed the tirst collector of Internal Revenue Eor his county, which office 
he held until L866, retiring, with an unblemished record, to the business 
pursuits of private life. In L870, he was elected to the position of Clerk 
in the House of Representatives of the Fifty-ninth General Assembly of 
Ohio, and discharged his duties with fidelity and efficiency. In 1872, he 
was appointed chief book-keeper in the Auditor of State's office, which post 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 939 

lion be held for eight years, a portion of which time lie served as Deputy 
Auditor of State. Soon after retiring from the Auditor's office, he was ap- 
pointed to a clerkship in the Interior Department at Washington, D. C; 
there he remained until June, 1881, when he resigned his position and re- 
turned to London. Soon after this, he purchased a half-interest in the Lon- 
don Times and entered at once upon the field of journalism, in which ca- 
pacity he now devotes all his time and energies. In politics. Mr. Shepherd 
is a firm but candid Republican. In manners, he is agreeable, and toler- 
ant of the views of others differing from him. 

AUBURN SMITH (deceased). In 1862, two brothers, Mincher and 
John Littler, came from England to America, locating near Philadelphia. 
There is a tradition in the family that these two belonged to the colony 
founded by William Penn. The son of John. John Littler, Jr., settled near 
Winchester, Frederick County, Va.; he was the father of ten children, one 
of whom. Ann Littler, was born October 17. 1782. She was married in 
February, 1800, to Robert Smith, also a native of Virginia, and a soldier 
in the war of 1812. Robert Smith's father, a widower, with part of his 
children, emigrated from Virginia to this county, as early as 1804 or 1805, 
and occupied the land on Walnut Run, which belonged to the late Samuel 
Watson. The children became dissatisfied, and eventually dispersed, leav- 
ing the old gentleman alone, some going back to Virginia and others going 
back toward the southern part of the State. Robert and Ann Smith emi- 
grated to this county with five children, and had one born after their ar- 
rival. Mrs. Smith's father, John Littler, had previous to this purchased 
4,000 acres of land in Union and Deer Creek Townships, paying about 
12.1 cents per acre. Ann inherited from her father 200 acres, 
what is now known as the "Phifer farm," where she and Robert lived. 
He died in 1816, about one year after their arrival. They had six children 
— lohn, Rosanna, Kachael, James, Samuel and Robert. Samuel is now liv- 
ing in Ligonier, lud., and Kachael married William T. Davidson, whose son 
is now the Superintendent of the Infirmary. .Mrs. Smith subsequently mar- 
ried William Noteman, by whom she had five children. She died in 1826. 
Her son, James Smith, was born in Virginia, but was reared in this county, 
coming here at the age of seven years. He learned the cabinet-maker's trad.', 
and in 1833 married Ann Rosser, a native of England. They lived in 
Springfield for a time, and in Somerford, but permanently located in Lon- 
don about 1844. In 1851, he established himself in the drug business, 
and in 1854 lost most of his stock by fire. He died in September of that 
year, leaving four children, of whom Auburn, then aged fifteen, was the 
only son. He was born in Somerford December 14,1839; came to London 
when four years of age. and resided here until his death. Having assisted 
his father in the drug store, he became imbued with a liking for the busi- 
ness, and in 186"). with J. S. Davidson, he purchased the Ridenour drug 
store. Three years afterward, he became sole proprietor, operating one of 
the largest and best regulated drug houses in Central Ohio. In 1870, he 
began dealing in ice, hauling it from Deer Creek. About 1875, he made a 
pond in the northern limits of London, and adjacent to the pond erected 
three icediouses, from which he supplied the home demand and shipped a 
great deal of ice. He was married to Anna E., the third daughter of E. V. 
Arnett, of West Jefferson, in 1863, and by her had five children — Robert, 
Harriet, James, Arnett and Gertrude. Mr. Smith was a strong adherent to the 
doctrine of Methodism, having united himself with that church in 1864. 
He was for several years Assistant Superintendent and a regular attendant 



940 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of the Sabbath school, and his whole church-work seemed to l>e devoted to 
the Missionary work and Sabbath school. He was a loving father and 
husband, a good neighbor and a most estimable citizen, whose place in life 
will not be easily Idled either in a social or commercial relation, and whose 
loss is deeply felt and deplored by the church, State and community at 
large. He died on Tuesday. October 10, 1882, of Bright's disease, from 
which he had been suffering since 187(1. The nature of his disease was 
unknown to him until several years later. 

JONATHAN M. SMITH, farmer. P. 0. London, was born in Greene 
County. Ohio. October 1, 1847. He is a son of John and Sophia (McFar- 
land) Smith, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. 
Our subject received a common school education, mostly in this county, and 
chose the occupation of a farmer, which he has since followed. He was 
married, in 1875, to Rebecca M. Paine, a daughter of Zadock and Martha 
(Mooney) Paine. They have had one child — Pearl Raymond. Mr. Smith 
is a Republican in politics; he has held several minor township offices, and is 
now one of the Trustees. 

PHILIP SPEASMAKER, London, a well-known and popular hard- 
ware merchant of London, was horn in Bavaria. Germany. Ma}' 1. 1837. 
He is a son of Cassimere and Catherine Does Speasmaker, both natives of 
(xermany. Our subject was reared in his native land, and there educated. 
At the age of fifteen years he came to America, and apprenticed himself to 
learn the tinner's trade, at Brooklyn, N. Y. He remained there three years, 
and then came direct to London, this county. He was employed at his trade 
by John Dungan for one and a half years, and then worked for C. D. Ray- 
burn for a short time. He then purchased the stock and trade (stove and 
tinware business) of his employer, and has since been engaged in this busi- 
ness. This was in 1857, and it will therefore be seen that Mr. Speasmaker 
is the oldest merchant in his line of trade in London, and he certainly en- 
joys tlu' largest trade. He deals in all kinds of agricultural implements, 
hardware and manufactured tinware, and as a business man is highly re- 
spected for his business qualifications and strict integrity. He is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge, Chapter and Council, of London, Palestine 
Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar, of Springfield, Ohio, and also of 
the I. ( ). 0. L. He is Democratic in political views; is a member of the 
Board of Education of London, but no active politician. He was married. 
November 28, 1857, to Caroline Dies, a native of Franklin County, Ohio. 
They have ten children, all living. 

J. B. SPRAGUE, London, a prominent physician and surgeon 
of London, was born in Harmony Township, Clark County. Ohio, .June L5, 
1821. His father, .lame-- Sprague, was a native of Massachusetts, and 
came to Ohio about 1816 or 1818. He was an early pioneer of Clark County, 
residing eight miles east of Springfield until his death. He was bom De- 
cember 9, 1784, and died duly 10, 1844, leaving an estate of 360 acres, 
and considerable personal property. He married Polly Bailey, a native 
Of New Hampshire. Eighl children were given them, five daughters and 
three sous. Six of these are living to-day. four daughters and two sons. 
Mrs. Sprague departed this life in 1871 or 1872. James B. Sprague was 
reared on a farm, receiving a high school education. He taught school 
in early life for seven years at dill'erent intervals, and during the latter part of 
this time studied medicine for two years with Dr. Rogers (now deceased). 
of Springfield, Ohio. He then took a course of lectures, studied anothei 
year, then a second course of lectures, and in 1851 graduated from the 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 941 

Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. He first located at Vienna Cross 
Roads, Clark County, Ohio, and after a few years engaged in the practice 
of his profession with Dr. Burkley Gillett, of Springfield. The lattor died a 
year later, and our subject thon went to PJattsburg, and subsequently to 
Vienna Cross Roads once more. In 1871, he came to London, where he ha 
since resided, and been engaged in attending to a very fair practice. In 
June, L862, Dr. Sprague wont into the United States service, as Assistant 
Surgeon of the Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in that po- 
sition nearly three years. By his own consent, he was detailed as snr 
of a colored regiment. They were located on the banks of a stream in the 
South, and soon after the measles and small-pox broke out among them. 
Dr. Sprague vaccinated over four hundred of them, and never lost a nut 
by either disease, although some of the men had both diseases at the sum • 
time. He remained with them two or three months and then returned home. 
Dr. Sprague was formerly and is now a member of the Clark County Medi 
cal Society, and is also connected with the State and Madison Societies of 
a like nature. He is thoroughly Democratic in his political views, and 
once, while a resident of Clark County, served as Justice of the Peace. He 
was married, November 8, 1843, to Sarah, daughter of Isaac Charaberlan 
an old and respected pioneer of Clark County. Of the six children born to 
Dr. and Mrs. Sprague. only two are living — Cecelia F. (wife of William 
H Wragg, of Plattsburg, Clark County, Ohio), and Milton C. (a graduate 
of the Cincinnati Medical College, and a practicing physician of Somerford, 
this county). Dr. Sprague has been a member of the Masonic order sine • 
about 1845, having been initiated at Fielding Lodge. South Charleston, 
Ohio. He is now a member of the Lodge, * 'hapter and Council at London, 
and of Ml. Vernon Commandery at Columbus. He has taken the first eight 
een and the Scottish Rite degrees, and will soon advance, if his life is 
spared, to the thirty-second degree. His connection with the I O. O. F. 
has been equally as long and honorable. 

W. S. SQUIRES, of \V. S. Squires & Co., grocers, London, was 
born in London, Madison County, January 2, 1844. His father, W. H. 
Squires, was a native of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, who came to Lon- 
don at an early day and there carried on the saddler and harness trade for 
a number of years. He subsequently learned the dental trade, and also kept 
a hotel at London and Dayton for ten or twelve years. He died in Lon- 
don January 15, L870. He married Catherine Phifer, a native of Virginia, 
who bore him eight children, two now living — Laura (widow of L. G. Mc- 
Collum, deceased), and our subject. Mrs. Squires is still living, and re- 
sides in a large and comfortable residence in west part of London, at sixty - 
seven years of age. Our subject grew to manhood in his native city, re 
ceiving a good education. When young, he rented land of H. W\ Smith, 
and " farmed it " for five years. He farmed eight years altogether and 
then came to London and engaged in the livery business. He subsequently 
learned paper-hanging, and worked al that and painting for about ten 
years. Then, in company with his brother-in-law, L. O. McCollum, he 
purchased the grocery stock and trade of Isaac O. Peetrey, May 9, 1882, 
the firm remaining as Squires & .McCollum until August 20. L882, when it 
was dissolved. The firm of \V. S. Squires & Co. was then formed, and they 
have since conducted the business with fair success. Mr. Squires is Demo- 
cratic in politics. He was married November 14, 1807, to Ellen A., daugh- 
ter of H. W . Smith, a prominent attorney of London and Madison County. 
Of their three children, two are living — Jean ette and Catherine. Mrs. Squires 



942 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. W. H. Squires raised 
Company K, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
accompanied it to the field He finally became Lieutenant Colonel of the 
regiment. Our subject enlisted in Company K, Sixth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, from Cincinnati, serving three years and three months and 
being mustered out with the rank of Sergeant. 

JOHN STAHL, London, the second oldest merchant in the boot 
and shoe line in London, was born in Germany April 11, 1831. His father, 
Henry Stahl, died in that country. Our subject was reared in Germany, 
and when of age came to America. He first located at Cincinnati, where he 
learned the shoe-maker's trade. He remained there only a short time, and 
then went to Covington, Ky., just across the river. Some time after, he went 
to Richmond, Ind., and in July, 1857, came to London. He started a lit- 
tle shop for repairing purposes, and gradually worked himself into the re- 
tail trade, until now, he carries a very large stock and enjoys a custom in 
proportion. Mr. Stahl has done away with manufacturing and is still locat- 
ed on the spot where he first commenced business in London twenty-five 
vears a<yo. He is one of the oldest members of the Catholic Church of 
London, and Trustee of the Catholic Benevolent Society. Politically, Mr. 
Stahl is Democratic, but has never aspired to office. He was united in 
marriage, March 19, 1857, to Mary Weber, native of Germany. Of the 
twelve children born to this union, ten are living — John P. (with father in 
business), Lizzie, Edward, Annie, Flora, Charlie, Frank, Walter, Benedict 
and Lee. William and Harry are deceased. Wife and family are also 
members of the church. 

A, J. STRAIN, physician and surgeon, London, was born at Greenfield, 
Highland County, Ohio, January 3, 1845. He is a son of Allan Strain, a native 
of South Carolina, whose father was John C. Strain, also a native of South 
Carolina, whose parents were from Pennsylvania. John C. Strain came to 
Highland County, Ohio, in 1809, where he lately died at the advanced age 
of ninety-three years. His son, Allan Strain, the father of our subject, has 
been a farmer through life, and now resides in that county at seventy-five 
vears of age. He married Eliza McMillen, a native of Highland County, 
and daughter of William and Margaret Linn McMillen, the latter of whom 
was a native of Pennsylvania, and dattghter of a Mrs. Gettis, near Gettys- 
burg. Allan and Eliza Strain were the parents of eight children — four 
now living. Mother died in December, 1S80. Our subject is the seventh 
child and fourth son of these parents, and grew to manhood on a farm in 
Highland County, to which his father removed when our subject was but 
ten vears of age. He obtained a fair education at South Salem Academy, 
in Ross jCounty, Ohio, and at twenty-three years of age commenced the 
studv of medicine with an uncle Dr. W. A Strain, of Greenfield, Ohio. 
Two* vears later, he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, 
graduating therefrom in March. 1873. He first located for practice at. Dan- 
ville. Highland County, and seven months later, went to South Salem, Ross 
County, where he remained two and a half years. In October. L876, he 
came to London and became associated in practice with an uncle, a prac- 
ticing physician of Madison County for thirty-five years. Two years later, 
this partnership was dissolved, and since that period Dr. Strain has been 
alone in his practice, having net with fair success. He is a member of 
the Ohio State Medical Society, and has been a member and Secretary of 
the Madison County Medical Society for the past two and a half years. 
Politically, Dr. Strain is Republican. He is also a member of the Presby- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 943 

terian Church and the Knights of Honor. He was married, January 7, 1880, 
to Mary, daughter of Washington Wilson, of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. 
Strain is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

T. S. STRICKLAND, agent I. B. & W. Railway, London, was 
born in Sandusky County, Ohio, October 3, 1845. He is a son of 
Franklin M. Strickland, a native of Vermont, who located in Ohio about 
1840. He was a fanner by occupation, and died in 1852, when but twenty- 
nine years of age. He married Hannah Chapel, a native of Connecticut. 
They were the parents of three chilrden, all living, and our subject, the 
only one in Madison County. Mrs. Strickland subsequently married Rod- 
ney Mason, and one child was born to them, now deceased. Mrs. Mason 
• '•sides with our subject in the sixty-sixth year of her age. T. S. was 
reared in Sandusky County, and early in life was in the commission busi- 
ness at Clyde, Ohio, under the firm name of M. C. Beamer & Co. This 
was in 1866. He remained with the hrin six months, and then engaged in 
the clothing business. In the fall of 1869, he went to Iowa, coming back 
to Ohio in the fall of 1870. He was next employed by the L. S. & M. S. 
it. 1 1. , at Clyde, Ohio, in the capacity of baggageman and yardman. He 
remained in that position until the spring of 1878, when he came to Lon- 
don, and on April 1, accepted the position of agent of the C. S. & C. R. R. 
On May 1, 1881, this road was purchased by the I. B. & W., Mr. Strick- 
land still retaining his position. Since he took charge of the London 
office, he lias labored earnestly and faithfully to secure better facilities to 
shippers to and from this point, and to the increase of public travel. It is 
safe to say his efforts have met with good and increasing success Mr. 
Strickland is a member of the Lodge and Encampment (I. (). O. F.), and 
Republican in politics. He was married the first Tuesday in 1867, to Kate 
Stokes, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio. They have two children -Frank- 
lin and Elta. 

t JERIAH SWETLAND, London, one of the more prominent retired 
merchants of this village, was born in Springfield, Sullivan County, N. H, 
April 28, 1817. His grandparents on his father's side were Jeriah Swetland 
and Mary Burnham, the latter of whom was an heir to a vast estate in En- 
gland. One of their sons, Roswell Swetland. was born in Connecticut, was 
a miller by trade and a farmer by occupation. He resided in New Hamp- 
shire during his natural life, and there married Naomi Rockwell, also a 
native of Connecticut. Of the ten children born to bless this union, only 
three are living — our subject, a sister in San Francisco, Cal.. and a brother 
in New Hampshire. Mis. Swetland died in 1858, and her husband two 
years later (1860). Jeriah Swetland was the ninth child and fourth son 
of this large family, and consequently he did not receive the educational 
training a Horded some of the older members of the family. He resided with 
his parents until nineteen years of age, and then learned the saddler and 
harness trade, working at that in his native village for eight years. On 
August 4, 184H, he arrived in London, and soon after engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits, continuing in such two years. In 1847, he went to Pickaway 
County, and in 1850 to Mi Sterling, in Pleasant Township, this county. 
In 1856, he returned to London, and again engaged in mercantile pursuits, 
this time associating himself in business with \\ illiam H. Chandler, Sr. 
In 1866, Mr. Swetland disposed of his interest and retired from business, 
although the partnership between the two gentlemen has never yet been 
dissolved. They still own property together. Mr. Swetland, while in busi- 
ness, was very successful in a financial way, and at present owns a half- in- 



944 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

terost in 185 acres of good land, and also in Swetland and Dixon's btisiness 
block, in London, and eight acres of home property, upon which is located 
a very large and comfortablo residence. Mr. Swetland was made a member 
of the Masonic fraternity in 1850, and is connected by membership with 
the Lodge, Chapter and Council, at London. He is also a member of the 
Knights of Pythias, and in 1S56 was made a member of Mt. Vernon Com 
mandery, Knights Templar, of Columbus, Ohio, the finest organization of 
its kind in the State. Politically, Mr. Swetland is an able advocate of Dem 
ocratic principles, and in 1867-68 and 1868-69 represented his district in 
the Ohio Legislature, being the only Democrat in Madison County elected 
on the "straight ticket." He has also been a member of the Village Council 
of London. Mr. Swetland became a member of the Supreme Lodge, Ameri- 
can Legion of Honor some years ago. He was united in marriage, May 23, 
1841, to Arabella Fellows, who was born at Hanover, N. H., February 5, 
1816. Three children were born to them, all deceased — Isabella Miranda, 
born in Lebanon, N. H, June 20, 1842, died in London August 26, 1843; 
William Jeriah, born at Palestine, Ohio, July 1, 1848, died in London 
February 12, 1857; Sarah Willis was born at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, May 11, 
1851, died in London September 7, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Swetland are 
earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. 
NOAH THOMAS, P. O. London, Warden Ohio Penetentiary at Co- 
lumbus, residence London, was born in Fayette, near the Madison County 
line, Ohio, August 1, 1834. He is a son of William Thomas, a native of 
Virginia. He was a farmer by occupation, and upon coming to Ohio, lo- 
cated in Fayette County. About 1835, he came to Madison County, and 
has since lived there. He now resides in Stokes Township, and is about 
sixty-nine years of age. He married Lavina Beauchamp, a native of Clark 
County, Ohio. They are the parents of thirteen children, eleven now living. 
Mrs. Thomas is still living in her sixty-eighth year, and both parents en- 
joy reasonably good health. Our subject is the oldest of this large family 
of children, and obtained only a limited education in his earlier life. He 
remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, and then entered 
Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he was in attendance 
when the war broke out. He returned home, and in December, 1863, en - 
listed in Company C, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, Gen. J. Warren Keifer, commanding, and served until June 2, 
1 SOI, the date of the battle of Cold Harbor. In that affray he received a 
musket ball in the left arm, which caused the loss of that valuable member. 
He lay in Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C, from June 10 to 
July 29, of that year, and during that period was no ninated for County 
Auditor, on tin- Republican ticket, by his admiring and sympathizing 
friends in far away Madison County. He was triumphantly elected, and 
re-elected three times in succession, serving eleven years in all (lacking a 
few months). At the expiration of this time, he was employed in a clerical 
capacity in one or two of the county offices, and also serve I as Justice of 
the Peace of Union Township. In A.pril, 1880, he was elected Mayor of 
London, and two weeks later was appointed to his present position by the 
Boards of Directors of the Ohio State Penitentiary Eor a term of three 
years from April I after appointment His term will there end April 22, 
L884. \\ arden Thomas has made a faithful and efficient publio officer, and 
has made a host of friends throughout every part of the State. He is a 
member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. P.), Knights of Honor and 
American Legions of Honor, all of London. He was formerly a member 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 047 

of the Christian Church, but of late years has been connected with the 
Presbyterian denomination. Ho has always been an advocate of Repub- 
lican principles. Mr. Thomas was married in February, 1S*H), to Geneva, 
daughter of James Smith, and sister of Auburn Smith, deceased, of London. 
One child was given them— Maud. Mrs. Thomas died May 25, 1871, He 
was again united in marriage September L6, 1874, to Alice Dorris, a native of 
Muskingum County, and residing at Zanesville, Ohio. Four children have 
been born to this latter union, three living. They are John D. , Alico and 
Helen J. Mrs. Thomas is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of .Lon- 
don. During his army career, Warden Thomas was successively offered the 
position of First Lieutenant and Captain, but declined both honors, prefer - 
ing to servo in the ranks. 

OWEN THOMAS, buyer and dealer in grain and hay. London, 
was born in Fayette County, Ohio, June 18, L835. He ia a son of Jere- 
miah Thomas, a native of Virginia, who became a pioneer settler of Fay- 
ette County, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation, and came to Madison 
County about 1850. Our subject was reared in Fayette County, obtaining 
only a moderate education. He came to this county when twenty-one yours 
of age, and for two years was a farmer of Oak Run Township. In 1859 or 
1860, he removed to London, and was in the wholesale and retail grocery 
business for ten years. Since that time, he has been engaged in his present 
occupation, which has proven fairly successful. Mr. Thomas is Demo- 
cratic in politics; served two years in the Village Council, a like number as 
Village Treasurer, and one year as Treasurer of Union Township. He was 
married February 14. 1859, to Miss M. G. Farrar, daughter of Henry Far- 
rar, now resident in Marshall County, Kan. Eight children have been 
given them — Byron, married Jennie, daughter of S. P. McLain, of Range 
Township; Minnie, Georgie, Nattio, Walter, Farrar, Mary and Glenn H. 
Mrs. Thomas and the three eldest children are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

SIMON TINGLEY, farmer, P. O London, was born in Union Town- 
ship January 26, L831. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Wilson) 
Tingley, of German descent, the former a native of New Jersey, and the lat- 
ter of Ohio. His father died when our subject, was a (mild, and he was de 
prived of most of his school privilege. He has been a life-long farmer and 
is now dealing in cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and lias twice been 
sent as a delegate to County Conventions. He was married in 1SS0. to 
Dora Andrews, of Clark County. She was of French descent. They have 
had one child —Mary G. Mr. Tingley is a member of the Christ ian 
Church. 

AQUILL V TOLAND (deceased), was born in Harford County. Main- 
land, September 26, L793. His early opportunities afforded him only the 
common branches of an English education, but later in life he obtained a 
fair knowledge of Latin. When quite young, he became a pupil of Dr. 
Luckey, of Baltimore. Maryland, and in 1818 he attended one course of 
lectures in a University of Maryland. In the same year, an under-grad 
he started West to seek a fortune through labor in his profession. After a 
short tarry in Franklinton, now a part of the City of Columbus, he came to 
the then new town of London, in the fall of IS IS. and where he continued 
to reside until his death. On the 11th of April, L822, Dr. Toland was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth daughter of Col. Philip Lewis, a full 
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and to the union were born 
Francis A. Harford, Aquilla and Jane D. The mother, Mrs. Elizabeth 

LL 



948 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

(Lewis) Toland, was born in Adams County, Ohio, October 14, 1805, and is 
yet numbered among the venerable citizens of London. Although very 
young. Dr. Toland did duty as a soldier in the war of 1S12, serving as a 
volunteer in the defense of Baltimore, and was in the battle of Stony 
Point. In the winter of 1836-37, he attended a course of lectures at the 
Cincinnati Medical College, and received a diploma from the Institution. 
His practice was not limited to Madison County alone, but extended beyond 
its boundaries. In the years of 1823-24-25, he undoubtedly had the 
largest practice of any physician in the county, or perhaps in Central Ohio, 
and with a supply of instruments superior to that of any other physician in 
the county, and with a strong liking for that branch of the profession, his 
superiority as an operative surgeon was soon recognized and conceded. In 
1843, he was elected as a Whig, a member of the Lower House of the Leg- 
islature. He became a member of the Ohio State Medical Society soon 
after the organization, and always manifested a lively interest in its meet- 
ings. Dr. Toland was not in the ordinary sense of the word a brilliant 
man, but he was a strong one. His natural good sense, his habit of careful 
preparation for anything to be undertaken, his pertinacity in following an 
enterprise to success, together, with his unswerving integrity, were, perhaps, 
the only principal traits of character that distinguished him. As a phy- 
sician, he relied greatly upon his own judgment, and while he listened 
cautiously to suggestions from others, yet rarely adopted any measures that 
did not correspond with his views of the case. It common with other phy- 
sicians of his day, he was a strong believer in the use of the lancet in 
sthenic diseases, and persisted in its use long after the profession generally 
had to a great degree discarded it. As a surgeon, he was cautious, using 
great care in determining the propriety of an operation, making no preten- 
sion to rapidity or brilliancy as an operator, but rather looking to ultimate 
success. He had a feeling of fear in the use of chloroform, much stronger 
than was shared by the profession generally, and rarely consented to siibmit 
his patients too complete anaesthesia. Although devoted to the profession, Dr. 
Toland was always interested in every question affecting the interests of 
his town or neighborhood, and it was mainly through his exertions that the 
L. M. R. R. was secured to London — a straight line from Xenia to Co- 
lumbus, and a favorite route with the projectors, carrying it some miles 
south of that place. He also took an active interest in the building of the 
Springfield and Columbus Railroad, and was its first President. He was 
closely identified with the growth of London, and built the first and only 
public hall in the town. His active life would not seem to have left him 
much time for literary labors, and yet he has left some valuable contribu 
tions in the medical journals. In the " Medical and Physical Societies " 
for February and March, 1837, then conducted by Daniel Drake, we find 
an interesting case of woiand of the intestines and. omentum, reported by 
Dr. Toland. In his long and extensive practice, he acquirod a competency. 
He was economical, and by judicious investment of his early professional 
profits in real estate, which in later years appreciated rapidly, he died 
possessed of a large estate. While he was a thorough business man, and 
attended well to collections, yet he gave liberally of his time and profes- 
sional skill to the indigent. In fact he never seemed to make any dis- 
tinction in his attentions between rich and poor. In person, he was tall, 
and with a bearing that at first impressed one with the idea of haughtiness. 
He had a massive head, a solid, strong lower face, with heavy brows shading 
rather small blue-gray eyes — altogether, a head and face that would attract 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 940 

attention in any group. He was mild and even in his temper, cheerful, 
fond of society, and of genteel, but rather awkward, address. He was a man 
of strong attachments, and yet a "good hater," or in othor words he cher- 
ished his friends, and did not forget his enemies. He was a good conver- 
sationalist, but a very ordinary public speaker, in fact we think he very 
rarely attempted public speaking. His death uccurred in London, Ohio, 
December 30, 1866, at the age of seventy- three years, caused by erysipelas 
of the face and scalp. 

JAMES A. TREHEARNE, farmer and teacher, P. O. London, was 
born in Maryland June 28, 1841. He is the son of Samuel and Sarah 
(Hazzard) Trehearne, natives of Maryland, the former of German and En- 
glish descent, and the latter of Irish descent. He received a common school 
education, and from the age of seventeen until 1861 worked out by the 
month. On July 4, 1801, he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry. Capt. W. H. Squires, and acted in the Commissary 
Department on del ached duty most of the time. He served three years, and 
in that time was only one week on the sick-list. After the war, he located a 
soldier's claim of P>0 acres in Kansas, but not liking the country, returned 
to Ohio and has turned his attention to gardening. Since 1804, he has 
spent his winters in teaching, and is never better satisfied than when he 
has a good school. In 1808, he married Elizabeth Cryder, a daughter of 
William and Susan Cryder, and by her has two children — William S. and 
Annie. Mr. Trehearne is a Freemason and a Reptiblican, and has served as 
Township Assessor. 

JOHN TROUD, farmer, P. O. London, son of Ansel and Elizabeth 
(Schwartz) Troud, was born in Germany January 22, 1822, and in 1846 
emigrated to America, locating in Cincinnati, where he followed his trade, 
tailoring, three years. He subsequently worked at his trade one year in St. 
Louis, and then moved to Illinois, where he conducted a business for him- 
self in Mt. Pulaski for eight years. In 1857, he came to London, and for 
three years was engaged in business. In 1862, he commenced farming on 
the place now occupied by him, which consists of 182 acres. In 1840, he 
married Sarah Brown, who died two years after marriage. He then married 
Sarah Fletcher, who lived only three years after marriage, and he then mar- 
ried Amelia Ann Porter, a sister of James G. Porter, who has since died. 
Mr. Troud is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He received a 
fine classical education in his native cotuitry, where he also learned his 
trade, and is familiar with four languages — Hebrew, French, German and 
English. 

SAMUEL P. TRFMPER, Recorder of Madison County, London, 
was born in Bloomingsburg, Fayette County, Ohio, May 10, 1888. He 
is a son of Lewis Trumper, a native of New York, who located in Fay- 
ette County. Ohio, in IMS. He was a farmer by occupation, and died 
''line 10, L869, at the advanced age of eighty-throe years. His companion 
for life was Margery Boggs, a native of Pennsylvania, but reared in High- 
land County. Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom 
yet survive — Mrs. Trumper is still living, and resides with her oldest son 
Joseph, at Bloomingsburg, Ohio, being eighty-seven years of age. Our 
subject is the youngest child and fourth son of this family, and remained on 
the farm until twenty years of age. He eujoyed the then rare blessing of 
a good common school education, and subsequently taught school for two 
years. He then took a course of study at Duff & McCoy's Commercial 
College at Columbus, Ohio, and afterward resumed teaching until the com- 



950 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

mencernent of the civil war. He was then anxious to respond to duty's call, 
so resigned his position as teacher, arid enlisted as a private in Company 
C, Capt. George B. Gardner, of the Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry. A short time after enlistment, he was made Sergeant, and sub 
sequently Orderly Sergeant. Upon the death of the Second Lieutenant 
three months later, he was elected to that position by a unanimous vote of 
the company, and served as such till the close of the war. The Sixtieth was 
under Gen. Fremont, in the noted Shenandoah campaign, and in the ad- 
vance brigade. Mr. Trumper was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, Sep- 
tember 15, 1863, and placed in a parole camp at Annapolis. He was af- 
terward transported by rail to Camp Douglas at Chicago, 111., where he 
was honorably mustered out with the regiment at expiration of term of enlist- 
ment. Going back home, he resumed teaching for two years. He then en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1874. when he came to Madison County. 
He was engaged in farming for a short period, and then was engaged in 
teaching again for three years. In the fall of 1880. he was nominated 
and elected Recorder of Madison County, on the Republican ticket, for a 
term of three years. Mr. Trumper is a member of Lyons Post, No. 221, G. 
A. R., of London, and of Leanore Lodge, No. 512 (Masonic), of Midway. 
Ohio. He was married, May 16, 1867, to Maria L. Hidy, a native of Fay- 
ette County, Ohio. They have five children — Frank E., Lena M., Minnie 
L., Samuel O. and Bessie H. A .very singular coincident connected with 
this family is that the second and fourth children were each born on their 
father's birthday. 

DAVID TURNER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Clark Coun- 
ty, Ohio, October 1, 1826. He is the son of William and Lydia (James) 
Turner, natives of Maryland, of German descent. The former was a wagon 
maker, and died at the residence of our subject in 1876. David received a 
common school education, and, being of a mechanical turn of mind, soon 
partially acquired the trade of his father, which, however, he never followed. 
He rented land for a time, but now owns a place of his own. He was married 
in 1850, to Margaret Cornwell, a daughter of Addison CornwelJ. By this 
union seven children were born, viz.: J., May Ellen, J. W., Eliza J., Viola. 
Charles and Florence May. Mr. Turner is a Republican, and his wife is 
a member of the Christian Church. He was the seventh child of a family 
of eight children. 

THOMAS D. TURNER* dealer in fresh and salt meats, London, was 
born in Richmond, Ind., September 1, 1833. He is a son of James 
Turner, a native of Lancastershire, England, who came to America with his 
brother when but ten years of age. He first located in New Jersey, and sub- 
sequently in Indiana, and Warren County. Ohio, now residing in the latter 
place. He was a tallow chandler by trade, and also served as foreman in 
woolen factories Mr. Turner is eighty years of age, and still in the enjoy- 
ment of good health. He married Lydia Dixon, a native of Yorkshire, En - 
gland, now seventy-eight years of age. Our subject is the second of eleven 
children, nine of whom are living. He was reared in Warren County, 
and in early life was a farmer. He resided in Licking County a num- 
ber of years, and was there married, Augusi 17. is.")!;, to Harriet Lees, a 
native of that county. Mr. Turner resided with his father some time after 
marriage and was a fanner till 1M>J. lie then en-;-a-ed in butchering, at 
Granville, Ohio, and remained there six years. In the spring of 1870, he 
came to London, and opened out in business. His trade increased rapidly, 
and he now runs two shops — one on East High, and the other on South 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 951 

Main — where he supplies his many customers with the best of fresh and 
salt mep.ts. Mr. Turner is connected by membership with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), Madison Lodge, 
No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), American Legion of Honor, and an advocate of 
Democratic principles. He has never been a politician or aspired to office. 
Mr. and Mrs. Turner have eleven children, seven sons and four daughters — 
Samuel L. (in business with his father), Ida M., Clara 13., Mary F., Hattie, 
Nellie, Annie, Orin, William, Kobert and Grace. Mrs. Turner is also a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DAVID TWAY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O London, was born in 
Fayette County, Ohio, August 24, 1834. He is the son of Nathaniel and 
Sophia ( Salmon ) Tway, natives of Ohio, the former of ccotch-Irish and 
the latter of Dutch descent. Our subject received his education principally 
in the high schools of Shelby County, and early commenced farming, an 
occupation which he has since followed. He is the owner of a 300 acre 
farm, formerly known as the "Watson farm," but latterly as the " Spring 
Branch Farm." It is well improved, thoroughly cultivated, and graced 
with a good and substantial brick residence, which our subject has built 
since his residence there. Mr. Tway is one of a family of thirteen chil- 
dren. He was married, October 20, 18(54, to Miss Maria Louise Hidey, a na- 
tive of Fayette County, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Carr) Hidey, 
the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio, of Dutch and En- 
glish descent. Six children have been born to bless this union, viz: Albert, 
Joseph H., Mary S., Eliza, David Ross and Margaret. Mrs. Tway is a 
member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Tway is a stanch Republican 
and takes a great interest in the political welfare of his party. His 
grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and he had a broth- 
er Nathaniel, who fought in the late rebellion as Orderly Sergeant, in the 
One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served 
through the war. Mr. Tway is a live, energetic business man, and has made 
his property by his own personal efforts. 

JOHN WALLACE, editor and proprietor of the London Enterprise, 
London, was born in London June 4, 1838. At the age of twelve years, ow- 
ing to the want of means, he was compelled to leave school, and entered the 
office of the London Sentinel, then published by G. W. Sprung, where he 
remained until the winter of 1855-56, when through the influence of friends, 
he was appointed as page in the Ohio Senate by Lieut. Gov. Myers. At 
the organization of the Senate, in January, 1860, through the influence of 
Hon. R. A. Harrison, he was elected Second Assistant Sergeant- at- Arms, and 
given the post office department. On May 26, 1862, he was married to 
Miss E. F. Baker, of Franklin County. In 1863, in connection with J. B. 
Stine, he bought out the London Union, now the London Times, and oper- 
ated it one year, which embraced the* famous Brough-Vallandigham cam- 
paign. On January 1, 1872, Mr. Wallace established the London Enter- 
in ise as an independent newspaper. In April, 1879, the Enterprise was made 
Republican at the solicitation of the Republican County Executive Commit- 
tee, and is to-day the Republican organ of Madison County. Mr. Wallace 
has printed the paper eleven years, three of them under the disadvantage 
of loss of sight. During tho eleven years, the paper has neither changed 
hands or name, or missed a publication. 

W. C. WARD, freight agent Little Miami Railroad, and agent Adams 
and American Express Companies, London, was born in Range Township, 
this county, June 15, 1841. His father, Cyrus Ward, was a native of Mary- 



952 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

land, and came to Ohio when a young man. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and resided in Range Township until the date of his death. He 
married Maria Linton, a resident of this county, and daughter of William 
Linton, a native of England. They were the parents of three children, 
our subject being the last and only living member of the family. Mrs. 
Ward departed this life in 1852. W. C. Ward was reared in Range Town - 
ship, and when still a lad was employed as a clerk for A. &. D. T. Johnston, 
merchants of Midway. He remained with them two years and then went 
to Cuba, Fulton County, where he was employed in a like capacity for one 
year. Ho then returned to Range Township, and alternately went to school 
and clerked until the commencement of the civil war. Ohio answered the 
President's call for 75,000 men in a very short time, and as her quota was 
filled, Mr. Ward went to Kentucky, and enlisted in the First Regiment Ken 
tucky Volunteer Infantry, serving the three months' term. He then re-en- 
listed in Company C, of the same regiment, but impaired health caused him 
to be discharged while in West Virginia. He returned to Madison Coun 
ty, and subsequently re-enlisted again, this time in Company A, One Hun 
dred and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Toland 
Jones, Col. William Jones, commanding. He remained with the regiment 
until the war closed. He then went to Missouri, and for a year was en- 
gaged in the stock trade. He returned to London, and for eleven years was 
engaged in the boot and shoe trade, eight years of the time with John 
Stahl. On March 1, 1877, he was made freight agent of the Little Miami 
Railroad; March 10, 1877, agent of the American, and November 1, 1881, 
of the Adams Express Company. Mr, Ward is well-known by everybody in 
Madison County, and equally well-liked for his genial manners, and good 
business qualifications. He is a membor of Chandler Lodge, No. 138 
(Masonic), and Democratic in politics. He was married February 14, 1867, 
to Laura Huston, a native of Fayette County, Ohio. 

WILLIAM WARNER, retired, London, Ohio, was born in Fairfax 
County, Va., about nine miles from Alexandria, March 15, 1793. His 
parents were Wilbam and Betsy (Denty) Warner, both natives of Virginia. 
William, Jr., was reai'ed to farm life, residing on his father's farm in Vir- 
ginia until in the spring of 1805, when he came to Ohio with his paronts, 
who settled in Belmont County, where they remained until the fall of 1812, 
engaged in farming, and then removed to Madison County, purchasing land 
adjoining the town of London, on the east. The parents resided in 
the county a number of years, raised a large family and removed in town, 
where both died. Our subject had only meager educational advantages; 
having a stout and robust physique, his labor was required on the farm. 
After becoming of age, he learned the tanner's trade with William D. 
Pickard, of London, l>utonly followed it a few years. On the 29th of Feb- 
ruary. L819, Mr. W. was united in nfarriage with Miss Sarah Kelley, a na- 
tive of Virginia, ami to them have been born the following-named children : 
Mary, Nancy, Adaline, John, Kate Anna E., Josephine and Eelen Mr. 
Warner has been variously occupied during his long lit''- in London and vi- 
cinity: and as farmer, tanner, carpenter, reliant and public officer, hav 

ing been Sheriff of the county twelve years, and Eor a. period of four years 
Deputy Sheriff, beside filling several minor offices, his honesty and integrity 
were never questioned. Early in life both himself ami wife united with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In his early life, Mr. W. was a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He being a Liberal man and of an easy turn in busi- 
ness matters, has not accumulated wealth, but has lived a life highly com- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 953 

mendable, and is greatly esteemed and respected by all. In politics, he is 
Republican. "Uncle Billy," as he is familiarly called, is the oldest citizen 
of the town, and the oldest person in the county, where he has passed near- 
ly seventy-one years. He is now nearing the goal of ninety years, and the 
venerable couple who have lived in the marriage relation nearly sixty-four 
years are now passing the evoning of their life together in a comfortable 
house in London, where they are only awaiting the final summons. 

HENRY WARNER, deceased, was born in Fairfax County, Va., nine 
miles from Alexandria, on the Potomac River, June 15, 1 7 *>-""> . and came to 
Ohio with his parents and grandparents in the spring of 1805, settling in 
Belmont County. He removed to London in September, 1812, where he 
lived consecutively until the day of his death, a period of sixty-four years. 
When he came to London, it was a collection of less than a dozen huts, and 
he assisted Judge Patrick McLene in laying out the town. He was married, 
February 27, L823, to Keturah H. Gosslee, by whom he had eleven children, 
seven now living, viz.: Mrs. William Riddle, of London; Mrs. R. A. Harri- 
son, of Columbus; Capt. James R. Warner; Gen. D. B. Warner, U. S. 
Consiil at St John, N. B. ; Mrs. Eliza Baker, of Chicago; Mrs. Asa Myers, of 
Brooklyn; and Miss Mary Warner, who lives at home. Mr. Warner came 
of a long lived family, his grandfather having attained the remarkable age 
of one hundred and four years, his father eighty-eight, and his only living 
brother, the venerable William Warner, of London, is now one of the oldest 
citizens of the city. Mr. Warner was a merchant, surveyor and dealer in 
real estate, besides having held several county offices. He was four years 
Sheriff of the county, fourteen years County Treasurer ( elected in 1834 ) 
and for a number of years County Surveyor. He retired from business, 
more than twenty years prior to his death. By industry, frugality, sound 
Bense and force of character, be became possessed of a considerable for- 
tune. Many anecdotes are related by old citizens, illustrative of his rigid 
honesty and eccentricity, for honest ho was and eccentric to a marked de- 
gree. Kind of heart when convinced of duty or when charity deserved, he 
was, nevertheless, one of the most sarcastic of mon. For instance: Once 
when he was representing his own cause before a magistrate, the lawyer for 
the other side remarked, that he "did not wish to take advantage of Mr, 
Warner, as he saw he was there without counsel." "Oh, go on," said Mr. 
Warner, "your side of the case is in the same condition." Mr. Warner had 
been an invalid for thirty years previous to his death. Mr Warner was an 
invalid, but he was always a pleasant and instructive gentleman, and a 
worthy member of the Methodist Church, to which he had belonged for 
more than half a century. He was a Whig in politics, so long as that 
party had an existence, and endorsed the Republican party at its birth, with 
which he ever after affiliated. He never missed voting at an election in his 
life until the fall before his death, when his physical health was such that 
he could not get to the polls. He died Friday, January 31, 1879, at the 
advanced age of eighty-three years six months and sixteen days. His 
remains were interred in Kirkwood Cemetery, on the afternoon of Monday, 
February 2, 1879, the funeral sermon being preached by Rev. J. C. Jackson. 
Mr. Warner was one of the oldest, besl known, and most highly respected citi- 
zens of this comity. As an officer, citizen, parent, or friend, he was conscien- 
tious, liberal, faithful and affectionate, and his loss was deeply felt and la- 
mented by the church, State, and society, as well as by a large circle of 
mourning relatives. Mrs. Warner is a daughter of Richard Gosslee, who was 
born in Sussex County, Md., in 1781, and died in London November 26, 1872, 



954 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

aged ninety-one years six months and one day. He emigrated to Ross County, 
Ohio, in 1 804, and to Madison County in 1816. Before his death he represent- 
ed the oldest of five generations living in London. He was married three 
times. He left fourteen children, thirty grandchildren, and over thirty 
great-grandchildren, and two great- great-grandchildren. He was a consistent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for seventy-one years. If he 
had lived three months longer he would have been enabled to have witnessed 
the golden wedding of his daughter, Mrs. Warner. 

DENNIS WARNER, London, one of the oldest physicians and Sur- 
geons of Madison County, was born in Union Township, this county, near Lon- 
don, May 19, 1818. His father. William Warner, was a native of Virginia, 
and is a planter by occupation. He never owned any slaves, but hired them, 
paying them amply for all service rendered. He married Elizabeth Denty, a 
native of Virginia, who bore him six children and then passed away from 
earth. He subsequently married Susannah Weiser, of German parentage, 
who was the mother of eight children. William Warner came to this coun- 
ty with his family in 1812, locating 200 acres of land adjoining the now 
corporate limits of London. He subsequently sold this, and removed to the 
city, where he died in his eighty-seventh year. Mrs. Warner departed this 
life in October, 1797. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained 
there until twenty years of age. He received only a fair education, and 
about 1838, commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Malsby, an old prac- 
titioner of London. He was subsequently under the tuition of Dr. Toland, 
and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. March 2, 1847. 
He then located in London, and for nearly forty years has been minister- 
ing to the sick of Madison County. During this time, Dr. Warner has been 
moderately successful in a financial way, but has also been an acute sufferer 
from that terrible disease, rheumatism. Politically, Dr. Warner had always 
been a Whig, and later a Republican. He was Pension Examiner a few 
years, and also served a short time as Assessor. He was married, October 
10. 1847, to Mary, daughter of John F. Chenoweth, an old and honored 
citizen of this county. They had two children, a son and a daughter, the 
latter dying in infancy. The former, James McLene Warner, is Deputy 
County Clerk, and married Ida, daughter of William Hall, now of Iowa. 
They have one daughter, Gertie P. 

ELI G. WARNER, farmer, P. O. London, was born in London Sep- 
tember 29,1810. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Atkinson) Warner, of 
English descent, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. 
Our subject worked at the carpenter's trade, with his father, who was a car- 
penter, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he took up the occu- 
pation of farming, which he has since followed. He owns a farm in this 
county which he is cultivating in the most approved style, in addition to 
L60 acres in Kansas. He was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Ann Maria 
Zartman, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Zartman, of German descent. 
By this union three children were born — Mattie C, Edwin Z. and Clara S. 
Mr. and Mrs. Warner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
which he has been class leader and steward. He has long been an advocate 
of total abstinence, and Btrongly indorses rigid prohibition. 

STEPHEN WATSON, President of the Madison National Bank, and 
Acting President of the London Exchange Bank, was born in Union (now 
Paint) Township, Madison County, June I, 1827. His father, David Wat- 
son, was born in Maryland October 17. 1783. He was a son of Walter 
Watson, also a native of Eastern .Maryland, who was one of six brothers — 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 955 

said to be the smallest, and his average weight was 235 pounds. After Da- 
vid's birth, he moved to Virginia, and' came to Ohio in 1806. He located 
in Ross County, near Chillicothe, and one year later moved to this county. 
David came to Madison County in 1805, to help his father-in-law, Peter P. 
Helpinstine, in surveying. Mr. Helphinstine's father was a Major in the 
Revolutionary war, and had a land grant calling for 5,011 acres. His son, our 
subject's father, came along to survey it. They laid it out in three places 
on Oak Run, Walnut Run, and Deer Creek. After the land was divided 
there were 100 acres overplus, which Mr. Watson purchased at $2 per 
acre, giving in exchange a horse valued at $100, and a watch valued at $20, 
and owing the balance. In 1807, he settled on the land in Madison Coun- 
ty, boarding with Jonathan and Eleanor Minshall, his brother-in-law and 
sister, until a cabin was built on his land by friendly neighbors. His wife 
was Mary Helphinstine, a native of Frederick County, Va. . who died 
in 1852. Mr. Watson was a farmer and stock-raiser through life, and died 
in April, 1870. They had twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, 
of whom only four, two daughters and two sons, are living, viz.: Susannah, 
wife of Wesley Yocums, of Champaign County, Ohio; Isabella, wife of A. 
H. Nixon, a wholesale tobacco dealer of Dayton, Ohio. Our subject, the 
eighth child and fourth son; and David, one of the County Com- 
missioners, residing on the old homestead, in Paint Township. Our subject 
was reared on the home farm, and received his early education, which was 
limited, in a log schoolhouse on his father's farm. When twenty-two years 
of age, he purchased, with his brother Samuel, 258 acres of land, which 
they kept three years and then sold it at an advance of $3,000. With the 
proceeds, he purchased 145 acres, to which he has since added until he now 
owns about 600 acres. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising until 
1871. In 1868, he came to London, and purchased his present residence. 
He and Mr. Charles R. C«iver engaged in the business of brokers on Novem- 
ber 9, i860, and have been engaged in it since. On July 1, 1870, a stock 
company was formed and bought the Madison County Bank of Addison 
Shanklin and Robert Boyd Mr. Watson was appointed Vice President, and 
the name of the bank changed to the Exchange Bank He has since been Act- 
ing President. In June, 1880, he was elected President of the Madison 
National Bank. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
a trustee and treasurer of the church at London. On December 23, 1852, 
he was married to Elmira, daughter of John Dungan. 

E. R. WATTS, of McKinnon & Watts, saddlers and harness makers, 
London, was born at Xenia. Greene Co., Ohio, March 4, 1828. His father 
Edward Watts, was a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. He 
came to Ohio about 1816 or 1818. He tirst located at Mechanicsburg, 
Champaign County, Ohio, where he taught school. He subsequently locat- 
ed in Greene County, and there married Margaret Snively. a native of 
Maryland. He died in Greene County, Ohio, in 1856. Mrs. Watts died in 
August, 1881. They were the parents of one daughter and live sons, four 
living. Our subject is the only one of the family residing in this county, 
and was reared and educated in his native county. He learned the sad- 
dler's trade at Xenia, and subsequently traveled for a time in Central and 
Western Ohio. He then returned to Xenia and there remained twelve years. 
On January 1, 186)6, he came to London, and the same year entered into a 
• partnership with W. H. McKinnon, in his present business. This is one of 
the oldest business firms in the city, and their trade is excellent Mr. Watts 
is a member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (Odd Fellows), the American Le- 



956 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

gion of Honor, and a firm Republican. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and a Steward in that body. He has been a member of 
the London School Board eleven years, and its able and efficient Secretary 
the greater portion of that time. Mr Watts was married September 12, 
1851, to Mary J. McKinnon. Of their four children, one is living — Reed 
in attendance at the public schools. Mrs. Watts is also a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

PETER WEBER, proprietor Weber House, London, also the restau- 
rant and bakery connected therewith, was born in Rhine Bavaria, Germany, 
December 29, 182d. He is a son of Jacob Weber, who lived and died in 
Germany. He married Barbara Riddlesburger. They were the parents of 
eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, only two of whom are in 
America. Our subject was reared in Germany, and there learned the bak- 
er's trade. He was a member of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry, and 
served five years. He then came to America, locating at Columbus, Ohio, 
and worked there one and a half years. He then came to London and es- 
tablished himself in the bakery and grocery business. His trade increased 
steadily, and he soon opened a restaurant. He also established a brewery, 
which he has lately abandoned. In 1880, he started a brick yard, and the 
same year erected his present building. Mr. Weber is a pioneer business 
man of London, and has been quite successful in his mercantile operations. 
He is Democratic in politics, and has been a member of the Village Coun- 
cil. He was united in marriage, in 1852, to Mary Hah en, a native of Wur- 
temberg, Germany. They are the parents of six children. Mrs. Weber is a 
member of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

ALMIRA WILLIAMS, nee Rouse, P. O. London, is a daughter of 
Thomas and Anna (Piatt) Rouse, the former a native of Vermont, of 
English descent, and the latter a native of Connecticut, of Scotch descent. 
Her father was a carpenter by trade, and emigrated from the East in 1839, 
settling in Union Township, where Almira was raised and where they spent 
their lives. Our subject was born in 1826, and when eighteen years of age 
married Harvey Fellows, who was born in New Hampshire August 25, 1804. 
He was a son of Ebenezer and Deborah (Ross) Fellows. They had two chil- 
dren — Sarah A., wife of Col. Ross, of London; and Harvey, who died in 
1881, leaving two children. Mr. Fellows w?.s a War Democrat. He was 
County Commissioner two terms, and Township Trustee three terms. He 
died in 1865, and in 1876 his widow married Vincent Williams, who died 
in 1881, aged sixty-five years. Mrs. Williams owns a fine farm adjoining 
London. 

DAVID M. WILLOUGHBY, Marshal of London, was born in Paint 
Township, this county, June 17. 1.852. His father, A. J. Willoughby, was 
a native of Range Township, and a son of Laban Willoughby, who came to 
Ohio about 1807 or L808. A. -I. Willoughby was a farmer until about the 
time of the war, when a fever sore caused him the loss of one of his legs. 
He subsequently resided with his sons until the date of his death, January 
22, 1870, in his liftv fourth year. Ee married Catherine Coberly, a native 
of Faint Township Of their seven children, five are living. Mrs. Wil- 
loughby is still living, n i >« 1 resides with our subject, in her fifty-sixth year. 
David M. grew to manhood in his native township, and in early life resided 
in Indiana one year. He learned the painter's trade, and for three years 
was employed in the Champion .Machine shoos. Springfield, Ohio. He was. 
a locomotive fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad, in Michigan, for a 
short time, and was appointed Night Police of London, in April, 1880. He 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 957 

was elected to his present position in April, 1882, on the Republican ticket. 
Mr. Willoughby was married, March 17, 1879, to Ellen Harrahan, a na- 
tive of Paint Township. They have two children — Rosser and Mabel. 
Mr. Willoughby has made an efficient Marshal, and enjoys the esteem of all 
his acquaintances. 

Gr. H. WILSON, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Madison County, 
June 6, 1852. He is a son of Eli and Atha (Prugh) Wilson, who were of 
English descent, and among the early settlers of this county. His father 
was one of the leading farmers of the county, and at the time of his death, 
in 1880, owned 900 acres of land, which he had made by his own industry. 
Our subject was educated in Oak Run Township, and adopted the occupa- 
tion of farming, which he has since followed. He is the owner of 119 
acres of good land, on which he resides. He was married in 1875, to Delia 
Wilson, a daughter of Jacob Wilson, and a native of Ohio, of English de 
scent. They have two children, Norman and Pearl. Mr. Wilson is a Re- 
publican in politics. 

J. M. WINCHESTER, London, the oldest clothing merchant and a life 
resident of London, was born in the village November 9, 1828. His father, 
Alvah Winchester, was a native of New York, jand in early life accompanied 
his parents to Ohio. They came down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, 
Penn. , on a raft, and located on the Colerain road, near Cincinnati, and 
soon after entered a piece of land in Clark County, Ohio, where his 
father, Lyman Winchester, died. Alvah Winchester came to this county a 
short time afterward, and was one of the first tailors to locate and do busi- 
ness in the then small village of London. His trade increased, and he 
finally opened a clothing house, and enjoyed a good trade until his death, 
January 8, 1803, aged sixty-five years. His wife was Matilda Barnett, 
a native of Tennessee, who bore him ten children, four living, and three still 
residents of London. Mrs. Winchester departed this life July 26, 1865, 
at about the same age as her husband. Our subject was the sixth child of 
this large family, and in early life assisted his father. He also learned the 
tailor's trade, and worked at it until 1853, when he became associated in 
business with his father, under the firm name of A. Winchester & Son. 
The firm did business under this name until the death of the senior 
partner, when his son purchased the stock and trade, and has since carried 
on the business. Mr. Winchester has met with very fair success in business. 
and is well esteemed by his numerous friends throughout Madison County. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Lodge, Chapter and Council 
of London, and Republican in political matters. He was united in the 
holy bonds of wedlock, December 31, 1857, to Margaret Southern, a native 
of Maryland, who accompanied her parents to Ohio when quite young. 
Four children have been born to this union, three living — John and Dennis 
\V.. with their father in the store, and Nettie. Stephen is deceased, Mrs. 
Winchester is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM WINGATE, farmer, I'. O. London, was born in Union 
Township July L6, L81 I, and is a son of William and Margaret (Warner) 
Wingate, natives of Virginia, of English and Irish descent. They were 
among the early settlers of this county. Our subject was educated in the 
early subscription schools of this county. He was reared on a farm and has 
made farming the occupation of his life, now owning 145 acres of land. He 
is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he 
has been a class leader twenty years, and Trustee four years. He was 
the youngest child of a family of five children. He has lived in the house 



958 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

where he now resides since 1815. He has lived a life of retirement, never 
having married, and since 1870, has been suffering with impaired health. 
He is a lover of good literature, a practical farmer and an enthusiastic 
stock-dealer. 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 



WILLIAM ALLEN, merchant, Plain City, was born in Vermont, April 
15, 1811. He is a son of Calvin- and Eunice (Delano) Allen, natives of 
Vermont, the former of Irish and the latter of French descent, who emi- 
grated to this county in 1818. His father was a brick-mason. Our subject 
was reared on the farm and worked with his father until twenty years of 
age. He served a two-years' apprenticeship to the brick-mason's trade, and 
followed his trade for nearly a quarter of a century. In 1863, he engaged 
in mercantile pursuits in Plain City, where he still continues. He was mar- 
ried, in 1839, to Harriet N. Ewing, a daughter of Joshua Ewing, who set- 
tled here in 1822. By this union eight children were born, live surviving, 
viz., A. W., Caroline, Lyman, Mary and Wilbur G. A. W. Allen is the 
junior member of the firm of Hager & Allen, dealers in groceries, boots, 
shoes and produce, and extensive shippers of eggs. This firm shipped in 
1881, 1,200 barrels of eggs, with seventy-five dozen eggs in each barrel, making 
1.080,000 eggs. A. W. Allen enlisted in 1861 in Company G, Seventeenth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months, and, at the expiration 
of his term, re-enlisted in Company I, Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, Col. James A. Garfield, and was honorably discharged at the end of his 
term of service. He was wounded at the battle of Port Gibson, and did not 
rejoin his regiment until they were at the siege of Vicksburg, in which they 
participated. Caroline is the wife of Rev. C. S. Irwin. Lyman B. 
is a train dispatcher and telegraph operator in California. Mary is the 
wife of R. C. Hager, of Hager & Allen. Wilbur G. is in the store with his 
father. Mrs. Allen died in J 868. She and her husband were members of 
the Presbyterian Church, and he has been an Elder and Deacon in the 
church at Plain City. He is a Republican in'politics, and has been Town- 
ship Trustee and Justice of the Peace. He is a man of reliable business 
principles and strict morality. 

CHARLES AMANN, Cashier of the Exchange Bank, Plain City, was 
born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 0. L8 12. His parents were Xavier and 
Bridget (Duplar) Amann, the former a native of France and the latter of 
Switzerland. His father emigrated to America when a young man, and, 
after stopping a short time in New York, located at Cincinnati, where he 
worked at his trade — tailoring. He was twice married, Charles being the 
only child by his first wife. Our subject enjoyed the advantages afforded 
by the graded schools of Cincinnati until eight years of age, when he went 
to Sidney with his father, who engaged in the merchant tailoring business 
there, and Charles attended the Sidney Public Schools. He then learned 
the molder's trade, which he followed until 1862, when he enlisted from 
Adams Township. Champaign County, in Compacy H, Forty-fifth Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, Capt. Rhodes. On the 20th of October, 1863, he was capt- 
ured, at Philadelphia, Term., together with a large number of others, and 
taken to the rebel prison at Belle Isle, afterward being removed to Dan- 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 959 

ville, Salisbury and Florence. From the last-named place he was taken to 
Charleston, S. C, in 1864, and placed, with 600 Union officers and 600 
Union men, in a building, under the tire of the Federal guns then shelling 
the city. On the near approach of Gen. Sherman, Mr. Annum was removed 
to the prison at Goldsboro, from whence the records show he was paroled 
February 24, 1865. He well remembers seeing emaciated and fever-stricken 
prisoners, in great numbers, left by the rebels to die. He was fever-strick 
en at Goldsboro, and, while unconscious, was thrown into the "dead-wagon" 
and hauled off for burial, the records of Wilmington, where the Goldsboro 
dead were buried, showing that " Charles Amann, of Company H, Forty- 
fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died March 26, 1865," and was buried in the 
National Cemetery. He has no recollection of his release, and does not 
know how he regained his release. It is said that, according to the prison 
records, he was a prisoner longer than any Ohio soldier, with but one ex- 
ception, during the war. After the war, he engaged in business at Plain 
City, with marked success, for twelvo years, in the drug business, with 
Isaac Leonard, and in L881 he took his present position. He is a member 
of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a 
Republican in politics. He has been Township Clerk and Trustee, and 
Mayor and Councilman of Plain City. 

* WILLIAM I. BALLINGER, M. D., Plain City, is the oldest son of 
Joshua and Delilah (Inskeep) Ballinger, of Logan County, Ohio, where he 
was born October 18, 1828. The former, who was born in New Jersey, 
came to Ohio with his parents in 1810, and settled on the head-waters of 
Big Darby Creek, where he died. The latter was a native of Ohio, and still 
lives. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and boyhood with his 
parents, brothers and sisters, on a farm, until the spring of 1848. Then, 
having no special appetite for the gymnastics and manual duties of farm 
life, he was sent to the " Old Academy," in Marysville, Ohio, at that time 
under the auspices of the Rev. James D. Smith, who was assisted by the 
Rev. James A. Sterrett, as Principal. He spent three summers in this insti- 
tution, the last two of which were under the tutelage of the now Hon. James 
W. Robinson, of Marysville, Ohio, who took charge of the academy as 
Principal in 1849. Here he acquired the rudiments of algebra, Latin, and 
of such branches as are usually taught in the high school departments in the 
graded system of the present day. The winters were passed in teaching 
district schools, and our subject remembers, with much regret, the mistakes 
of those whose duty it was to employ teachers, and to look after the moral 
and mental welfare of the youth, in employing young men and young wo- 
men to perform these sacred duties, whose only qualifications were a " cer 
tificate to teach," and a sufficiency of muscular development to assert their 
authority in the schoolroom by the help of the rod. In September, 1850, 
he was sent to the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and en 
tered the Senior Preparatory Class, and remained in the university for three 
years, pursuing the classical course of study. In the fall of L853, be com- 
menced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. D. W. Henderson, of 
Marysville, Ohio; taught a district school at Amity, in this county, during 
the following winter months; resumed his studies in the office in March, 
1854. and, in October of the same year, entered Starling Medical College at 
Columbus, Ohio, for his first course of lectures. In March of 1855, he re- 
turned to Dr. Henderson's office, and there remained till the October follow- 
ing, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the Cleveland Medical 
College, where he was graduated a Doctor of Medicine early in March, 1856. 



960 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Through the kind offices of his much -esteemed preceptor and friend, Dr. Hen- 
derson, he was introduced to Hon. Dr. John N. Beach, then in Pleasant Val- 
ley, now Plain City, this county, a partnership for business purposes agreed 
upon, and, on the 9th of April. 1850, the subject of our sketch became the ob- 
ject of curious eyes among the inhabitants of Pleasant Valley and vicinity, 
trying to weigh the acumen and mental force of the " new doctor. " First 
impressions of Pleasant Valley were not favorable. It was at a time of the 
year when mud reigned supreme over foot-paths and highways. Teams 
were bemired in the main streets, and had to be pried out with poles. 
Sidewalks were few and far between. The town had a railroad and depot, 
but to reach the same you had to travel — man, woman, child, horse, hog 
and cow — from McCloud's corner over the entire length of Railroad street, 
through a sea of mud and water, the exact depth of which no man, perhaps, 
ever exactly fathomed. The late sleeper was aroused from his dreams, of 
mornings, by the sonorous notes of " P-o-o-i-g, p-o-o-i-g, piggy, piggy!" 
coupled with the pleasing strain, "S-o-o-k, boss! s-o-o-k, boss! " and, upon 
gaining the front door, the foot-paths and streets were found to be the com- 
mon feeding-yards; and for the balance of the day Mr. Porker plied his 
snout diligently to plowing the streets and grass plats. The moral and so- 
cial status was not wholly out of keeping with the physical comforts and con- 
veniences of the place. Although there were a number of intelligent, gen- 
erous-hearted and Christian people there, yet there were a great many who 
had their " peculiar views" and their peculiar ways. Bad whisky then, 
as now, was not unknown; and for many, Saturday was the day of days for 
settling old scores. This element mostly came from the country. They 
would commence coming in about 9 or 10 o'clock A. M. , and by 2 o'clock 
P. M. their ranks would be full, and the early comers well fired up. Accounts 
were called, and the swearing would begin. After exchanging a great many 
oaths and vulgar epithets, and passing the bottle around several times, the 
preliminaries of battle would be arranged; but not many hard battles were 
ever fought. Pleasant Valley at the time was a dead town so far as busi- 
ness and building enterprises were concerned. From 1850 to 1806, one 
had to count in all the barns built to make an average of one building per 
year; and the business of the place was limited to three small dry goods 
stores, one grocery, one drug store and one restaurant. To return to our 
subject. The " new doctor " was kindly received by his new acquaintances, 
and, in course of time, was intrusted with a fair share of the afflicted por- 
tion of humanity to care for. He found many warm hearts, and true and 
genial friends. On the 18th of February, 1857, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Matilda Taylor, the oldest daughter of John and Eliza Mark 
Taylor, who were both born and raised in Madison County, and still reside 
two miles south of Plain City. They have had five children, viz. : Charles, 
who died in infancy; John T. ; Oliver, who died aged fourteen months; 
James Llew and Eve. Mr. Ballinger is a member of the Methodist Church 
and of the Masonic Order, and in politics is a Republican. The Doctor 
pursued his professional <luii<-> assiduously until the spring of L873, when 
he, in company with Mr. Richard Woodruff, a merchant of Plain City, con- 
ceived the project of building a llouring-mill in Plain City. Neither party 
knew anything about mills or milling, but the scheme was put into execu- 
tion, and the mill, a substantial brick structure, with two run of buhrs for 
wheat, and one for corn, was put in operation about Christmas of the same 
year, costing about $13,000. Mr. Woodruff dying in 1875 left the entire 
care of the mill in the Doctor's hands. This so interfered with his profes- 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 961 

sional duties that be has given but little attention to them since. The 
Plain City Mills have had a tine reputation for the quality of their flour for 
several years, and any one visiting the Doctor's sanctum will tind his table 
covered with both medical and milling literature, and will tind him as ready 
to discuss the best methods of milling as he is to discuss the best methods 
of preventing and treating diseases. He is now decidedly in favor of bread 
pills. 

E. W. BARLOW, undertaker, furniture- dealer and manufacturer, Plain 
City, was born in Darby Township March 6, 1835. He is a son of E. W. 
and Polly C. (Lawrence) Barlow, the former a native of Connecticut and 
the latter of New York, and both of English descent. They emigrated to 
Clark County. Ohio, and in 1820 moved to Madison County, coming to Plain 
City in 1852. His father was a carpenter until he came to Ohio, when he 
followed farming until his death, in 1865. Our subject has worked in the 
shop where he is now employed since he was seventeen years of ago. He 
was married, November 4. 1857, to Electa I. Bigelow, a daughter of Dr. 
D. K. Bigelow, and by her has one child, Cora L, the wife of John R. 
Hill. Mrs. Barlow died March 9, 1858, and in 1859 he married Lucinda 
A. Kent, by whom lie has four children — Linden C, Elva R., Earl W. and 
Eddie B. The parents are members of the Methodist. Episcopal Church, in 
which the father has been a Class-Leader fifteen years. He was a Reptib- 
iican, but is now a Prohibitionist. His father was a Major in the war of 
1812. 

I. W. BEACH, undertaker, and manufacturer and dealer in furniture. 
Plain City, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 21, 1850. He is a son 
of Uri and Elenore (Downing) Beach, the former a native of this county and 
the latter of Pennsylvania, and both of English descent. Our subject re- 
ceived his education in the common schools, at Ohio YYesleyan University 
at Delaware, and at a commercial college in Pittsburgh, Penn. He worked 
at farming until thirty-one years of age when he came to Plain City and 
embarked in his present enterprise, with Mr. Barlow, under the firm name 
of Barlow & Beach. He was married, in 1874, to Ruth Alma Slyh, a 
daughter of Matthias Slyh. They have one child, Lulu Ann, born Jan- 
uary 6, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are Baptists, and he is a Republican. 
He served one term as Township Assessor. 

EPHRAIM W. BIDWELL, deceased, was born October 28, 1817, and 
was the fourth son of Elisha Bidwell, one of the earliest settlers of Mad- 
ison County, having settled here as early as 1814. His mother's maiden 
name was Dorothy Willy, and they came to Ohio from the State of Ver- 
mont, and were Yankees, or New Englanders. Ephraim was one of seven- 
teen children — fifteen sons and two daughters— fifteen of whom grew to 
manhood and womanhood. His parents passed through many hardships 
and privations, known only to the early settlers of Madison County. Eph- 
raim was a farmer, as also were his father and most of his brothers. He 
received only the limited education to be obtained in the district schools 
of those days, and was a self-made man, being well informed on all sub- 
jects, both political and religious. He held many offices of trust, both 
township and county offices, and was a member of the State Legislature 
during the years of 1864 and L865, and was also a teacher in the district 
schools both before and after bis marriage. He was united in marriage to 
Miss Laura Lombard, November 4, 1841. Ephraim and wife were the par- 
ents of six children — three daughters and three sons — all of whom are liv- 
ing. The eldest daughter, Olive, is now the wife of David D. Brooks, and 



962 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

resides in Nuckolls County, Neb. The second daughter, Dorotha Ellen, is 
now the wife of J. H. McKinnon, and resides in Cass County, Neb. The 
third daughter, Virginia Ann, now the wife of John D. Crego, resides near 
Sedalia, Mo. Their husbands are all farmers. The eldest son, Monroe 
Bidwell, married Miss Martha C. Kreamer and resides on the old home 
farm, in the family homestead, where he was born and raised, and where 
his parents lived for thirty-three years. Monroe is a farmer and stock - 
raiser. The second son, Webster Bidwell, who married Miss Sarah Bur 
well, also resides on a part of the home farm, and is a farmer. The third 
and youngest son Hamilton Bidwell, married Miss Nettie Spink, of Woob- 
ter, Ohio, and now resides in Lincoln, Neb. He is by profession a lawyer. 
Ephraim Bidwell and wife commenced life without means, but, by their 
united industry and economy, they, succeeded in securing an ample fortune, 
consisting of a tine farm of 500 acres, situated between the Big and Little 
Darby. Ephraim also owned a fine town property and residence near Plain 
City, where he resided at the time of his death, and where his widow now 
resides. He and wife were firm believers in universal salvation, and mem- 
bers of the Universalist Church. He was very public-spirited, and well-in 
formed on all political and religious topics of his day, and ever ready to 
uphold the right and denounce the wrong. In politics, he was an ardent 
worker and a thorough Republican. He died July 10, 1881, in the sixty - 
fourth year of his age, and lies in the family burial-grounds at Foster 
Chapel, Madison County, Ohio. We will now give a short genealogy of 
Jesse Lombard and wife, parents of Laura E., wife of Ephraim Bid- 
well: Jesse was one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, having 
come here in an early day, from the State of Vermont, and settled on what 
is known as the Darby Plains, where his children still reside. He was a 
New Englander. His wife, Olive Carlton, was of German parentage, her 
mother being a German. Jesse and wife were the parents of six children 
—three sons and three daughters — five of wbom are living. Jesse was a 
farmer, a firm believer in universal salvation, and a Whig politically. He 
died in 1874, in the eighty-second year of his age. His wife, Olive, died in 
1858, in the sixty-fifth year of her age. 

ISRAEL ELIPHAZ BIGELOW, retired, Plain City, was born at 
Adamsburg, Westmoreland Co., Penu. , June 7, 1825. He was a son of Dr. 
Daniel K. and Lydia (Custer) Bigelow, the former a native of Saratoga 
County, N. Y., and the latter of Fayette County, Penn They were mar 
ried in Fayette County, and, coming West in 1831, settled on a farm adjoin- 
ing Plain City, where both died — he November 10, 1850, and she November 
14, 1854. Their family consisted of six boys and five girls, of whom four 
boys and two girls are living. The father was one of five sons of Dr. Is 
rael Bigelow, who came to Ohio in 1828. These sons were all physicians, 
and all, with one exception, life practitioners. The town of Plain City was 
for a time called Bigelow Town, in honor of the senior Dr. Bigelow. The 
subject of this sketch was the second of his parents' children. He came 
West with his parents, and remained at home until twenU two veins of age, 
when ho engaged in fanning on land adjoining Plain City. He had pre 
viouslv read medicine with a view of adopting the profession, but for rea- 
sons satisfactory to himself, decided net to continue Ids studies in that di- 
rection. On June 27. L8 17. he married Betsey M. Smith, who was born in 
Vermont October 31, L828, ami was a daughter of Capt. E. C. and Irona 
(Doty) Smith, natives of Vermont. The father was Captain of a company 
of militia, and for a short time served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mis. 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 963 

Bigelow have had seven children, viz.: Lydia Irena, born July 31, 1848, 
and died at the age of twenty-two years; Clarence E. , a grocer of Plain 
City, born November 20. 1851, and, on March 19, 1871, married Mary, 
daughter of Luther Lane, who died November 26, 1874, and on December 
22, 1877, he married Catharine J., daughter of Charles and Mary Ann 
(Board) Shipman; an infant son died aged four months; Eliphaz McClel- 
lan, born April 10. 1862, and married Elizabeth, daughter of William and 
Jane (Phillips) Manning; Daniel Crocker, a farmer, at home, born Sep- 
tember 1, 1804; Emmett Custer, born March 19, 1807, and now engaged in 
a jewelry store in Plain City; and Charles Smith, who died March 13, 1870, 
aged one year. Mr. Bigelow followed farming for ten years after marriage. 
In 1857, he was appointed Postmaster at Plain City, and to this occupation 
added merchandising. After six years' service, he resigned the office of 
Postmaster, and became engaged in the warehouse at Plain City, and as agent 
of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, in which he continued 
two years and four months, when he again entered the ranks as a merchant, 
and so continued until 1879. when he retired from active business life. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of the Royal Arch degree, and of 
the Universalist Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. He recently vis- 
ited the Bigelow family in the East, and paid his respects to 100 living de- 
scendants of two of his father's brothers, Drs. Lebbeus L. and Eliphaz 
Bigelow. He also visited over forty descendants of his Grandfather Custer, 
who was a full cousin to Gen. George Washington. A gold-headed cane 
and a gold watch, originally owned by his great-great-grandfather, Isaac 
Bigelow, have been handed down from generation to generation through 
the name of Isaac, and are now in possession of the ex-Mayor of Newark. 
Ohio, who represents the fifth generation, and at his death they pass to the 
next oldest Isaac then living. The subject of this sketch has tilled most of 
the minor offices of the township, including Justice of the Peace from 1870 
to 1873. He was also elected Mayor of Plain City at the same time, and 
served one year, but then resigned the office. He was re-elected in 1881, 
and served one year more. He was appointed and commissioned Seventieth 
Census Enumerator of the Fifth Ohio District, and discharged the duties of 
his office to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Mr. Bigelow has 
two grandchildren, viz., Bertha J., born June 30, 1879; and Charles Eber. 
born March 30, 1882, children of his eldest son. 

FILMORE C. BIGELOW, P O. Danville, 111., born Jan. 23, 1848, at 
Plain City, Madison County, Ohio. His parents were Dr. Daniel K. and 
Lydia (Custer) Bigelow. He was engaged in farming and clerking in a 
grocery store up to 1866; then attended College at Columbus, Ohio, and 
began telegraphing in 1867.' He was married, April 14, 1875, to .Miss 
Annie M. Ball, at Clarksville, Tenn., after which he settled in Danville 111. 
Has two children. Edith I., born November 13, 1878, and Pearl K., horn 
November 11, 1880 Iu 1880. hequil telegraphing and commenced as hilling 
clerk for the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Company, which 
position he still holds. Mrs. Bigelow's parents were Ephraim and Sarah 
(Peek) Ball. Her grandparents were John and Mary (Grimes) Ball. Mrs. 
Bigelew was born May 10, 1857, at North Manchester. Wabash County, Ind. 

MRS. EMELINE BOND, whoso maiden name was Emeline Phillips, 
was born in the State of New York in 1818. She was a daughter of Varon 
and Catharine (Lawson) Phillips, the former a native of Long Island, of 
English descent, and the latter a native of New York State, of German de- 
scent. They came to Ohio in 181'.). They had seven children, all of whom 

MM 



964 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

are deceased but oiir subject. She was married, in 1839, to S. O. Worth- 
ington, of Franklin County, and in 1841 they moved into Plain City and 
built the hotel in which she now resides. Mr. Worthington died in 1853, 
leaving one child, Wilson S., who was born January 29, 1843, and died 
January 7, 1876. In 1876, Mrs. Worthington married Hiram Bond, a na- 
tive of Ontario County, N. Y., where he was born in 1818. He is a miller 
by trade, but since 1876 has been conducting the business of the hotel. 

DANIEL BOYD, stock-dealer, Plain City, was born in Washington 
County, Penn. , May 1, 1828. He is the son of James and Martha (Milli- 
kin) Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio in 1831 and 
settled in Canaan Township. Our subject was reared and educated in 
Canaan Township, and has made stock-dealing a life occupation. He has 
also given some attention to the wool trade during the past thirty years. 
He was married, February 14, 1850, to Mary A. Smith, a daughter of Sam- 
uel Smith. By this union four children were born, viz. : John S. , a farm- 
er of this township; Ella W., who died aged four years; Dwight S., a 
farmer of this township; and Charles, at home. Mr. Boyd is a Republican, 
and he has held the offices of Township Trustee, Treasurer and Assessor, and 
for three years was County Commissioner. He owns 125 acres of land, in 
addition to other property. His wool and stock operations are very exten- 
sive, but operated with care and sound judgment, and the profits from 
them have enabled Mr. Boyd to amass a comfortable competency for his de- 
clining years. 

JAMES BOYD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in AVashington 
County, Penn., June 5. 1826, and moved with his parents to Madison 
County in 1831, locating in this- township in 1852. He was a son of James 
and Martha (Millikin) Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania. Oiir siibject's edu- 
cation was limited to the common schools of this county. He early began 
the work of a farmer, and has since spent his life in that useful occupation. 
He owns a farai of 356. V acres of land, near Plain City, where he resides. 
He was married, November 20, 1864, to Ann E. Williams, a native of Frank- 
lin County, Ohio, and a daughter of Ebenezor Williams. They have three 
children— Emma, James Grant and Robert Colfax. Mr. Boyd was a Whig 
until the formation of the Republican party, since which he has been a 
Republican. His grandfather, Col. Millikin, an officer in the war of 
1812, was a surveyor by profession, and at one time owned 2,200 acres of 
land here. 

J. P. BOWERS, Sr., farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan 
Township August 12, 1820. He is a son of Daniel and D. (Phiney) Bow- 
ers, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont, where 
she was born in 1798, being now eighty-four years of age. Daniel Bowers 
was one of the early settlers of this county, where he located sometime 
about the year L800. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject's 
grandfathers on both sides were soldiers of the Revolution. Mr. Bowers in 
e,-,rh life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years. 
at the expiration of which time he bought a farm, and since then has engaged 
in farming, now owning about one hundred acres. In L841, he married 
Ruhama Guy, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1819. She was 
a daughter of Jacob Guy. By this union eight children were born, of whom 
four survive, viz., Betsey L., Daniel E., John P. and Adda M. Mrs. Bow- 
ers died in 1871. She was a good wife, an affectionate parent, and a con- 
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. In L872, Mr. Bowers married 
Alvina Newton, a native of Darby Township, This union has been without 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 965 

issue. Mr. Bowers is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraterni- 
ties. 

M. D. BRADLEY, farmer, P. O. Plain City. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Canaan Township, Madison Co., Ohio, September 25, 
1854. He is a son of James L. and Elizabeth Mark Bradley. His father 
was a native of Virginia, and his mother of this county. Our subject is a 
farmer by occupation, and owns 202 acres of land in Darby Township and 
278 in Canaan Township. In politics, he is a Republican. He was mar- 
ried, November 21, 1877, to Ada A. Burnham, who was born in Pike Town- 
ship, Madison County. She is the daughter of John H. and Salina (Ful- 
lington) Burnham. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of the Universalist 
Church. 

ABRAM CAREY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Town- 
ship June 28, 1817. His father, Abijah Carey, was born in Pennsylvania in 
1780, and married Catharine Johnson, a native of Virginia. In 1800, he 
came to Madison County, where he died in 1854, at the age of seventy-three 
years. He was a farmer, and, at the time of his death, owned 400 acres of 
land in Darby Township. He raised a family of nine children — three boys 
and six girls — all of whom reached their majority. The girls married 
prominent farmers, viz., May married James Guy; Sarah married Jacob 
Millikin; Rhoda married William Guy; Rachel married James Millikin; 
Eiiza married George Rickard; and Lucinda married Nathaniel Harrington. 
All but one live in this vicinity. Solomon died in July, 1882, and left his 
property to two sons, who were wealthy before his death. He had retired 
from business, and was in independent circumstances. Our subject has been 
a life-long farmer. He owns a large and well-improved farm in this town- 
ship, on which he resides. He was married, in 1853, to Jane Hogle, a na- 
tive of Upper Canada, and a daughter of Peter Hogle. This union was 
blessed with two children, Alice and Ella, who have attended to the house- 
hold duties of the (arm since July, 1877, when their mother died. Mr. 
Carey was a Democrat until the breaking-nut of the late civil war, since 
which he has been a standi Republican. 

DR. J. H. CARPENTER, physician and merchant, Plain City,was born 
in Delaware County. Ohio, November 27, 1831. In addition to the common 
schools of his native county, he attended Wesleyan University at Delaware, 
Ohio, after which ho took a course in Starling Medical College of Colum- 
bus, Ohio. He then attended the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, from 
which he graduated in L865. He commenced practicing in his native coun- 
ty, where he remained three years, then spent two years in Marion County, 
and, in I860, cam« to Plain City, where he has since remained. In 1854, 
he married Catharine Andrews, by whom he had two children — Charles H. 
and Lellie K. She died in 1863, and in 1870 he married L. Jennie, daugh- 
ter of Asa Converse. Dr. Carpenter is a Republican in politics, and has 
served his village as member of School Board. His grandfather was the 
first white settler in Delaware County, locating in 1801, on 300 acres of 
land, which is still in the possession of the family, being now occupied by 
a grandson of the old settler. In coming to Ohio, they descended the Ohio 
River to Portsmouth, and then embarked in canoes, and, by means of poles, 
pushed their way up to Delaware County, a distance of 120 miles. The 
grandfather was killed by being thrown from his horse down a steep em- 
bankment. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, and one of the 
pistols used by him in that struggle is now in possession of our subject. It 



966 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

is an old-fashioned horse pistol, with a flint lock, and. though now much 
the worse for wear, seems to have been a handsome weapon. 

ANDREW GARY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan 
Township January 22, 1833. He is a son of Solomon and Anna (Millikin) 
Cary. the latter a daughter of Col. Millikin, and of Irish descent. Solomon 
was a son of Abijah and Catherine (Johnston) Cary, Abijah was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1780, of English parentage, and in 1800 came to Madison 
County. Solomon was born in Madison County in 1809, and died in July, 
1882. His wife was born in Washington County, Penn. , in 1814. They 
had three children, two now living. Our subject, the oldest child, is a 
farmer by occupation, and he also deals largely in cattle, usually having 
about one hundred head on hand all the time. He breeds the Short-Horn 
Durham cattle and Southdown sheep. He owns 570^ acres of well- improved 
land, and is one of the leading fanners of the county. He is a Republican 
in politics; takes an active interest in the cause of education, and has 
served as School Director for twelve years. He was married, in 1858, to 
Flora E. Burnham, a daughter of Darius and Lucretia (Hunt) Burnham. 
and a native of this county. They have six children, viz., Anna L., wife of 
J. B. Smith, of Canaan Township; Henry, Nettie, Rodney, Burnham and 
Frank Pearl. 

DR. JEREMIAH CONVERSE, Plain City. Dr. Jeremiah Con 
verse, grandson of Rev. Jeremiah Converse, a Revolutionary soldier, and 
son of Jeremiah Converse, Jr., was born in Darby Township. Madison 
County, Ohio, June 11, 1822, in that season of epidemic death which is well 
remembered by the old inhabitants as making sad inroads upon the thinly 
settled community of Darby Plains, and thickly populating th*e primitive 
grounds on Big Darby set aside and sanctified with tears as the burying- 
ground of the dead. Malinda Converse, the Doctor's mother, was a Derby, 
descended from the old English titled family of that name, and was a wo- 
man of remarkable and healthy characteristics of mind. Her keenly active 
perceptive faculties, aided by an untiring devotion to her family, under 
less narrowing circumstances than those which surrounded the pioneers of 
the plains, would naturally have led to a careful, discriminating education 
of her children; but the schoolhouses and text-books of to-day were beyond 
the dreams of that time, and it was by studious application of all his ener- 
gies and the precious little spare time he could get from labor that young 
Converse obtained a very common education. The thud of the grubbing 
hoe, the crash of falling trees and the wielding of the ox-gad in preparing 
land for cultivation, were interjections in his educational process until 
about the year 1844, when he turned his mind to a study of the science of 
medicine, and graduated four years later at the Columbus, Ohio. Starlin ; 
Medical College. At or near the time of his commencement of the study 
of medicine, he married Miss Hortence Hemenway, a young lady of excel 
lent family and fine qualities of mind and heart, by whom he had six chil- 
dren, the oldest, a daughter, dying in childhood. Following his gradua 
tion commenced a professional career of twenty-five years, and with it be 
gan an observance and study of the physical condition of the country at I 
its sanitary requirements, together with the advancement <>f social, agricult- 
ural ami general ideas which have kept him prominently before the public. 
He never entirely gave up his farming interests, and these, in connection 
with his extensive professional practice, required the major part of his at- 
tention, yet in all these the Doctor was careful to give his children excellent 
educational advantages, and the most of them are now engaged in teaching. 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 967 

One," the oldest son, is engaged in a lucrative business in New York City, a 
married daughter resides in Columbus, Ohio, and the others of his family 
are living at home or in its immediate neighborhood. Thus, after a quarter 
of a century administering to the sick over an extensive scope of country, 
the Doctor felt himself to be breaking under the physical tax imposed by so 
much horseback-riding. His routes took him over mud roads, polo bridges 
and unbroken forests and fields, for gravel pikes were yet far in the future, 
and so, as far as possible, be withdrew from these exacting duties, impressed 
with the idea that he could render still greater services to the public by en- 
gineering labor and becoming actively instrumental in establishing pikes 
and ditch draining of the plains. The preventative of prevailing diseases 
he believed to have been better than the cure, and since the time of his 
withdrawal from practice, save as consulting physician, he has been closely 
identified with those vast improvements which, through brain, energy and 
" back-bone." have made our waste lands the garden spot of the Buckeye 
State. During these years the Doctor has also served Darby Township for 
many terms as Clerk and Trustee, and was elected Assessor ten years in 
succession. In 1860, he was elected to the office of County Commissioner, 
and, at the expiration of a three-year term, was re-elected. In all his pub- 
lic affairs, as in private life, his acts have been characterized by that rare 
spirit of impartial judgment which impresses communities with its intrinsic 
value above iln.se who court public trust and nurse it solely for the emolu- 
ment of office. Had the Doctor's highest aim in life been one of wealth 
and self-aggrandizement, we might now write of him as a man of broad 
acres, grazing herds and ponderous bank account. His modest independ- 
ence, however, assures us that his personal aims have been subservient to 
the public good, and no doubt the richest blessing he now enjoys, outside 
the possession of home and family, is his own knowledge and approval of 
the gifts of prosperity which he sees bestowed upon those around him 
through the agency in some measure of his wisdom, forethought and self- 
sacrifice. The Doctor is a man of pleasing presence, with a genial, honest 
handshake for all who meet him. That softer and finer part of humanity, 
common in some measure to all, but liberally bestowed upon him, has not 
been perceptibly blunted by the wear of professional experience and hard- 
ships, and his home is one in which the light of hospitality never grows 
dim, and from which no one turns away hungry and uncared for. 

L. D. CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby 
Township January 31. 1826. He is a brother of Dr. J. Converse, who=*e 
sketch appears in this work. He attended the common schools and had the 
advantages of a select school taught in the vicinity. He remained on a 
farm until he reached his majority, when he commenced teaching school. 
He was married, in 1851, to Laura Thomas, a native of Champaign County 
and a daughter of A. H. Thomas. They have four children, viz., Marcia 
L. , J. L. H, Carrie C. Pearl D. and Ruby N. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are 
members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a Class-Leader, Steward 
and Trustee, and an active worker in the Sunday school. He is a member 
of the Greenback party in politics. In 1845, he was elected Lieutenant of 
the First Squadron, First Brigade, Thirtieth Division, Ohio State Militia. 
He is an active worker in the cause of education, and has served as a School 
Director for some time. 

ASA CONVERSE, merchant, P. O. Plain City, was born in Vermont 
February 9, 1814, and is the son of Squire Converse and Anna (Rand) 
Converse, of English descent. They came to Darby Township in 1814, and 



968 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

located in what is known as the "Converse Settlement." Our subject re- 
mained on the farm until sixteen years of age, when he began learning tan- 
ning, and soon taking up the shoe-making trade, he followed both with 
more than average success for several years. He then opened a general 
store, which he has conducted over twenty-one years, from 1861. He also 
owns 133£ acres of good land. In 1835, he married Thankful McCloud. 
daughter of Charles McCloud. They have three children, viz., Candice. 
wife of J. J. Morelock, of Marysville; Albert N. ; and L. Jennie, wife of Dr. 
Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the M. E. Church, of 
which he has been a Trustee. He is a Republican, and has acted as a dele- 
gate to the State convention. 

RUSSEL B. CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Dar- 
by Township January 15, 1828, and is a son of Charles and Phebe (Norton) 
Converse, natives of Virginia, of English descent. Our subject was reared 
on a farm and received his education in the country schools. He has been 
a farmer and stock-raiser all his life, and has met with success in most of 
his undertakings. In 1849, he married Anna Lombard, a native of Ken 
tucky, and a daughter of Jesse Lombard. This union has been blessed 
with four children, viz., Amelius K., deceased; James L., Elmer E. and 
Charles D. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the Universalist Church, 
in which he is a Deacon and Trustee. He has helped to build six churches 
in his day. He is a Republic:. n in politics, and has been Trustee and 
Treasurer of the township. He now owns a fine farm of 385 acres. 

SANFORD CONVERSE, livery, Plain City, was born in Darby 
Township, three miles west of Plain City, August 11, 1841, and is the son 
of Silas and Diadama (Phiney) Bowers Converse, natives of Vermont, the 
latter being the widow of Daniel Bowers. Our subject was reared on the 
farm and attended the district school of his neighborhood. In 1877, he 
began butchering, which he followed until 1880, when he engaged in his 
present business, with Z. Taylor, whom he has since bought out. He keeps 
good stock and plenty of it and is doing a thriving business. In 1860, he 
married Sarah J. Sherwood, a daughter of Andrew A. and Irene (Beach) 
Sherwood. They have two children, Silas D. and George A. Mr. Converse 
is a Republican and he has been a Constable for twenty years. He is a 
prominent Odd Fellow and for seven years was Secretary of that body at 
Plain City. His father died in 1879, aged eighty-six years, two months 
and twenty-two days. His mother died October 6, 1882, in her eighty-sixth 
year. 

J. QUIN CONVERSE was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 8, 1844, being the sixth heir to C. H. Converse and Louisa L. (Ketch) 
Converse, both from the State of Vermont. At the age of four years, he 
moved into Union County, Ohio, near Unionville Center, where he resided, 
working on his father's farm and going to the village school six months in 
the year, until he was eleven years old. after which he went but three 
months in the winter, until he was seventeen, which was all the schooling 
he ever got. On September 1 1. L862, he was mustered into the service as 
a private, in Company I, One Eundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer In fan fry. for three years, unless sooner discharged, Capt. A. B 
Robinson commanding the company, and Col. AY. P. Reed commanding the 
regiment. The regimenl was hurriedly pushed through with inferior arms 
(Austrian rifles) and poorly equipped, were put into the field and took the 
baptism of lire at Perryville (or Chaplin Hills). Ky.. October 8, 1862, less 
than a month from the date of muster. During that fall and winter, he 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 969 

served in all the marches and countermarches over Kentucky to protect sup- 
plies from the depredations of the raider Morgan. In February, 1863, he 
went aboard the "Jacob Strader," at Louisville, and made the trip down 
the Ohio and up the Cumberland to Nashville, being thirteen days on the 
boat, in a very crowded condition, there being the two regiments with all 
their supplies on the one boat. Here he experienced the only sickness of 
his army life, being for eleven days confined to his bunk. They arrived at 
Nashville and marched to Franklin, where they stayed for several months 
and completed the splendid line of defenses which were used with such ter- 
rible effect by Gen. Thomas against Hood in the fall of 1864. Mr. Con- 
verse served in all the raids and skirmishes that ended in the battle of 
Chickamauga, on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, at which battle 
more than half his comrades were killed or wounded, but he came through 
with the toe of his snoe cut open with a rifle-ball. He was with Gen. Sher- 
man in the winter march to the relief of Gen. Burnside at Knorville, and 
served on the famous Atlanta campaign, in 1864, up to Kenesaw Mountain, 
when, in an assault, on the 27th of June, he was wounded by a musket ball 
passing through his cap-box and into his right side, lodging against the 
right hip, from where it was cut that evening on the field. In this bayonet 
charge more than half his comrades were killed or wounded. He now went 
to the rear, and was absent from the regiment four months, thirty days of 
which he spent at home, where he made the acquaintance of his future wife. 
He rejoined the regiment in time to make the march to the sea with Gen. 
Sherman, then up through the Carolinas, ending with the battle of Benton 
ville, March 19, 1865, where he was at one time cut off and thought it best 
to surrender, but in the confusion got away. He was at Raleigh, N. C. , 
when Johnston surrendered ; marched from there to Washington; partici 
pated in the grand review, May 23, 1865; was discharged as Second Dut} T 
Sergeant June 9, 1865. and reached home June 17, having served near 
three years, never missing a single trick of duty, and never being under ar- 
rest or reproved by a superior officer. On March 28. 1866, be was married 
to Miss Mary I. Baxter, oldest daughter of William H. and C. D. Baxter, of 
Urbana. Ohio. He then bought land in York Township, Union County, 
and worked it several years, but his old wound was a constant drawback on 
him, and he sold his land and moved to Urbana and worked at the watch- 
making bench on repairs for two years, after which he located in Plain City 
in the jewelry business; has now been here over seven years, and has, by 
close application, brought his business up from a very small beginning to 
its present comfortable proportions. He owns real estate in the corporation 
to the value of $2,500 to $3,000. He has but two children living. In 
politics, he is an Independent Republican, always supporting the best man 
in all local elections, regardless of party. He has never hold any official 
position whatever. He was Captain of a company of Ohio National Guards 
for three years. L878, L879 and 1880, but the company was disbanded in 
1881. Ho is a member of no religious denomination, being free to admit 
the good that is in all, but too broad in his ideas of roligious liberty to ac- 
cept the tenets of one to govern him in all things. 

THOMAS W. CORNWELL, farmer. P. O London, is a son of Addi- 
son Cornwell, whose biography appears in Union Township. He was born 
in this county September 25, IS [:!. and received his education in the rural 
districts of his native county. lie has adopted the occupation of farming, 
and now owns 107 acres of land. In 1861, he enlisted in Company D, For- 
ty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Iufantry, Capt. Watson, and served 



970 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

th'ree years. After 1864, he was in the One Hundred and Ninety- sixth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as First Duty Sergeant. After the war, he came 
home and again engaged in farming. In 1869, he married Ellen J. Wil- 
son, a daughter of John Wilson, by whom he has had five childr-en, viz., 
Otis, Willie, Leroy, Earnest and Esther— the two latter twins. Mr. Corn- 
well participated in some hot engagements during the war, and can now 
boast of an unblemished war record. 

A. J. DYER, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Delaware County, 
Ohio, December 3, 1S-49. He is a son of William and Josephine (Norton) 
Dyer, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Connecticut, both 
of English descent. Our subject attended the common schools of his native 
county, and finished his education at Kenyon College. He was married, in 
1870, to Nora Morgridge, by whom he has one child — Christine. Mr. Dyer 
is a member of the Episcopalian Church. He owns 656 acres of land, and 
deals largely in stock. He is a Republican. 

JOSEPH EDWARDS, wagon-maker, Plain City, was born in Bedford 
County, Penn., January 10, 1838, and is a son of J. P. and Abarilla (Ste- 
phens) Edwards, natives of Pennsylvania, of English descent. Joseph was 
reared on a farm and received a common-school education. At the age of 
nineteen, ho began learning wagon-making, which he has since followed 
with the exception of five years, from 1861 to 1866, spent in the Western 
States and Territories. In 1866, he came to Plain City and went into busi- 
ness with Jacob Weaver, and has since been doing a successful business. 
In 1863, he married Margaret Dunkin, a daughter of Reuben Dunkin, and 
a native of New York. They have three children — Estella, Curtis and 
Sherman. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the M. E. Church, in 
which he has been Trustee. He is a Republican in politics. 

JOHN FINCH, deceased, was born in Canaan Township January 20, 
1816. In 1837, he married Emily Kilbury, who was born in this township 
July 20, 1816. They had a family of seven children, viz., Nancy, James 
E. , Samantha, Sarah, T. M., Electa and Joshua D., all married and doing 
well. Mr. and Mrs. Finch were members of the M. E. Church. He was a 
Republican in politics, a successful farmer, an affectionate husband and a 
kind and indulgent father, respected by all who knew him. He started in 
life without means, and at the time of his death owned ninety-six acres of 
land. His widow resides with her daughter. Mrs. Manly Feese. The par- 
ents of both Mr. and Mrs. Finch were among the earliest settlers of this vi- 
cinity. His father came in 1800, and raised a family of ten children. 

WILKINSON GUY, deceased, was born in the Dominion of Canada 
March 6, 1813, and died in Madison County, Ohio, April 21, 1872. He 
was the son of Jacob and Hannah (Bean) Guy, who were early settlers in 
Canada. He received a common-school education, and adopted the occupa- 
tion of farming, which he followed through life; in politics, he was a life- 
long Republican. He served three years and four months in the late rebell- 
ion, under Capts. Haynes and Hendricks, and was present at and partici- 
pated in the battles of Mumfordsville, Ky. . where he was taken prisoner on 
the 14th, but paroled on the 15th of September, 1862, and at Hoover's Gap, 
Tenn., Chickamauga, Ga., and with Sherman through the campaign and in 
his memorable "march to the sea." On December 2-1, 1S10, he married 
Rhoda Carv. daughter of Abijah and Catharine (Johnson) Gary, the former 
a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia; they were married in 
Ohio, and had nine children, viz.. Polly. Solomon. Absalom. Sally, Rhoda, 
Abner, Rachel, Eliza and Lucinda, the two eldest being deceased. Mrs. 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 971 

Guy was born two miles south of where she now lives, October 7, 1814, and 
has never lived elsewhere than on the old homestead and at her husband's. 
By her marriage to Mr. Guy four children were born, viz.. Sarah, deceased, 
wife of Chirk Harlow; Catharine, wife of Ezra Pitcher; Sylvester, who 
marrie ' Mai tie Davis; and Jasper, who married Ollie Lape. 

ROWLAND HILL, carpenter, Plain City, was born in England July 
16, 1S26. He was a son of Littleton and Elizabeth S. (Storks) Hill, natives 
of England, who emigrated to Ohio in 1832, andsettledin Barrison County. 
His father was a tanner and currier. Our subject is a mechanic, by trade a 
carpenter; he first worked at cabinet- making; then at building threshing 
machines and at house building, being now engaged in the latter branch of 
his trade. He received a common- school education in Ohio, and has spent 
most of his time in this State. In 1852, he married Catharine Ann Spring, 
a native of Harrison County and a daughter of Adam Spring. By this 
union three children wore born, viz., Virginia, John R. and Fannie E. 
John R. is his father's partner in business; he married Cora I. Barlow, a 
daughter of E. W. and Irene (Bigelow) Barlow. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are 
members of the Baptist Church, in which he has been a Deacon. He is a 
Republican in politics, and owns eighteen aci'es of land adjoining Plain 
City, on which he has built a neat residence. His grandfather was a sea 
captain, and carried provisions to the British soldiers during the Revolu- 
tionary war. He was a loyal English subject. His wife's grandfather was 
in the war of 1812. 

GARY HORN, manufacturer of drain tile, Plain City, was born in 
Harrison County, Ohio, January 6, 1824. He is a son of Moses and Sarah 
(Longfellow) Horn, natives of New Jersey, of German and English descent. 
His education was limited to the common schools; he remained on the farm 
where he was raised until twenty years of age, when he began working in 
the rolling-mills of Virginia, where he remained six years. He then emi- 
grated to this county and engaged in farming, which occupied his attention 
until 1872, when he began the manufacture of drain tile, in connection with 
his son, who is still his associate. Mr. Horn was married, in 1848, to Sarah 
Spring, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Adam Spring. They have 
four children, viz.. Carlton A. , his partner in business; Armeda and Mah- 
!< >n W. and Charles W. , twins. Mr. and Mrs. Horn are members of the Plain 
< ity Baptist Church, in which he is a Deacon. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

L. G. HUFF, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Ashtabula County, 
Ohio, October 24, 1884. He is a son of James R. and Lydia (Austin) Huff, 
natives of New York, the former of German and the latter of English de- 
scent. Our subject was educated at the academy in Onondaga County, N. 
Y.. and was brought up to farm life, in which he continued until he reached 
his majority. On April 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Seventeenth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Haynes, and was discharged in 
the same year. On July 31, L862, he re-enlisted in Company K, Ohio Zou- 
aves, and while in that command passed through some terrible experiences. 
He had his right arm torn to pieces by a shot, and endured the agony of 
his wound nine days before it was dressed; the surgeons then wanted to 
amputate it, but to this he stoutly objected. He was married, in 1864, to 
Ellen M. Baker, daughter of E. Baker, of Delaware County, Ohio. They 
have three children— Clara, Nettie and Clayton. Mr. and Mrs. Huff are 
members of the Universalist Church, of which he has been Trustee ten years. 
He is a Republican in politics. 



972 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

EICHARD IAMS, Sr., farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Penn- 
sylvania December 3, 1823; he is a son of Eli and Phebe (Heckathorne ) 
lams, the former a native of Maryland, of English descent, and the latter a 
native of Virginia, of German descent. They came to Ohio in 1824, and 
settled in Dayton, where our subject had the advantages of the graded 
schools. He began life by engaging in the grain business, and then spent 
five years in the grocery business. He was also engaged as a railroad man. 
and later, as a contractor, taking land for pay. In this way, he obtained 
sixty-four acres at Plain City, in 1854, and, in 1855, began working it. He 
now has 200 acres. He was married, December 3, 1848, to Phebe Jane 
Thompson, a native of Montgomery County, a daughter of Isaac Thompson, 
and a namesake of Mr. lams' mother. They have five children, viz., Al- 
fred, Richard, Charles, Alva and Howard. Mr. lams is a Republican. His 
sons are all farmers. 

HENRY KENT, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Jerome Town- 
ship, Union County, November 9, 1823. His father, Daniel Kent, came 
from Virginia with his father, John Kent, in 1800, and married Dilla 
Shover, a daughter of Henry Shover, who lived in Union County when the 
Kents came to Ohio. Miss Shover was a native of Germany. Our subject 
was schooled by subscription in the primitive log schoolhouse, and has 
been a life-long farmer. On October 15, 1847, he married Melissa Norton, 
a daughter of John H. and Sarah Norton, and by her he has had the fol- 
lowing children: Sylvester C, born September 9, 1848, married Harriett 
Pickett; Lorenzo C, born June 25, 1851, married Emma Gray, John F., 
born February 17, 1854, married Lottie Sape; Sarah A., born December 4. 
1857; Olive, born August 14, 18<)0, married Albert Kilgore, son of Harvey 
Kilgore, of Canaan Township. Mr. Kent owns 170| acres of land, and 
deals some in horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. 

JAMES A. KILE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Licking 
County, Ohio, in 1S34, and, in 1839, came to Madison County, where he 
has since resided. He is the only surviving child of two children born to 
Enoch and Sarah (Needles) Kile, who were natives of Ohio, of English 
descent. His grandfather, James Kile, was a native of Kentucky, and be- 
came one of the first settlers of Jerome Township, Union County; he raised 
a family of eleven boys, none of whom weighed less than 190 pounds, and 
some weighing as much as 265 pounds; they were all temperate men for 
their day, most of them church members, and when our country's flag was 
assailed in 1861, seven of them took up arms in defense of the Government. 
Our subject is a man of about 230 pounds weight, well proportioned and one 
of the most successful farmers of the township. He is an extensive raiser 
and dealer in stock, and usually winters from 500 to 1,500 sheep, 150 to 
2. mi III hogs and 50 head of cattle, and sells on an average twelve horses 
per year. He was married, in 1850, to Mary Martin, a daughter of David 
Martin, and by her has five children, viz., the oldest, deceased; R. P., Fred. 
W. T. and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Kile are members of the M. E. Church. 
He is a Republican in politics, and owns 227 acres of land. 

WILLIAM LEASURE, dentist, Plain City, was horn in Franklin 
County, Ohio, September 7. 1S:!7, and is a son of William and Polly Swra- 
der Leasure, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. They came to 
Ohio in L827, and settled in Franklin County, where our subject received 
his education. He was raised on a farm, where he continued until sixteen 
years of age, when he went to Pennsylvania and studied dentistry. After 
acquiring his profession, he spent five years in Indiana, and was in Union 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 973 

County nine years. While in the latter county, he was engaged in selling 
groceries and dry goods. He was married, in 1863, to M. E. Brant, a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and a daughter of Frederick and 
Polly Brant. They have one child — Jennie, who is now the wife of Vernon 
Allen, of Plain City. 

ISAAC LEONARD, Vice President of the Exchange Bank, Plain City, 
was born January 25, 1848. He is a son of Jacob and Lidia (Miller) 
Leonard, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and the 
latter a native of New Jersey, of English descent. Our subject obtained 
his education in the schools of Cincinnati, and chose the occupation of a 
druggist, which he followed in Plain City for ten years. He has latterlv 
devoted his time and attention to banking. He was married, December 23, 
1870, to Miss Ada Lane, a daughter of Luther Lane, whose sketch appears 
in Canaan Township. They have two children, viz., Orlando, an infant 
who died at the age of seven months, and Iona. Mrs. Leonard is a member 
of the Baptist Church. Mr. Leonard is a Republican in politics. 

J. H. LOMBARD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born March 24, 
1816, and was a son of Jesse and Olive (Carlton) Lombard, natives of Ver- 
mont, the former of English and the latter of German descent. They emi- 
grated to Ohio in 1827, and, in 1829, located in Madison County, where 
they spent the remainder of their lives. Oar subject received a common - 
school education, and at an early age learned a trade which he followed 
with success until in an accident he lost his right arm. Since then he has 
devoted his time to farming. In 1828, he married Jane Owen, a native of 
Ohio, of Welsh descent, by whom he has six children, viz., James, Jesse (a 
soldier in the rebellion), Olive, Jane, Duncan and Estelle. Mr. Lombard's 
grandfathers on both his father's and mother's side, were soldiers in the 
Revolutionary war. 

H. D. LOMBARD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Campbell 
Con. ty, Ky., August 15, 1822. A+ the age of five years, he emigrated with 
his father to Ohio, and settled in Union Couuty. Two years later, his 
father purchased a farm on the " Plains," as it is called, on which place he 
now resides. He has a family of eight children, the oldest of whom is 
Phebe, widow of Harvey Bradley, deceased. She has two sons — Rollin and 
Harvey. The second, De La Mar, who follows the occupation of teacher 
and farmer; Samantha Alice, wife of H. C. Riddle, of Plain City; Mary S., 
wife of J. H. Stewart, of Plain City; Millard T. ; Frank E., also a teacher; 
William A. and Ora I. In December, 1844, he was united in marriage with 
Samantha McUmber, who was also born in Campbell County, Ky.. October 
15, 1820. She was the daughter of William and Phebe Kelly McUmber. 
Her grandfathers, William McUmber and Beriah Kelly, both served as sol- 
diers in the Revolutionary war. The former was of Irish and the latter of 
Dutch descent. H. D. Lombard was the son of Jesse, who was one of a 
family of eight boys. His grandfather was David Lombard, who served in 
the war for Independence. His mother's maiden name was Olive Carlton. 
The ancestors of the Lombard family in America emigrated from Italy it an 
early day. The vessel in which he sailed was wrecked when near the e<>;i^t. 
and ho saved himself by swimming ashore. He was directly descended 
from the " Longobards," or Longbeards, one of the tribes of barbarians who 
overrun the Roman Empire about the year 400 A. D., and founded the 
Kingdom of Lombardv in Northern Italy. 

BENJAMIN H 'MARSHALL, blacksmith, Plain City, was born Au- 
gust 24. 1824. He is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Hague) Marshall, natives 



974 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of Loudoun County, Va., the former of Scotch and the latter of Irish descent. 
Our subject has plied his trade in Madison County nearly half a century, 
and has operated a shop in Plain City for thirty-five years. He has made a 
study of horse-shoeing and other important parts of his trade, and does his 
work on purely scientific principles. He was married, in 1846. to Abigail 
Ann Ado-ate, a native of Boston and a daughter of Theodore A/lgate, a mer- 
chant in that city. They have three children — Malinda A., Willie C, who 
married Sally Wiley, in 1876, and Minnie M. Mrs. Marshall is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Marshall is a Democrat and a member of 
the M. E. Church, in which he has been Trustee. He stands at the head 
of his trade in this vicinity, and enjoys a liberal patronage. 

L. M. MAESHALL, farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Madison 
County June 20, 1838. He is a son of Gr. W. Marshall, a native of Vir- 
ginia, of English descent. Our subject attended the common schools of his 
native county, and early adopted the occupation of a farmer, which he has 
followed all his life, with the exception of a few years spent in Illinois as 
a merchant. He now owns 164 acres of good land, which he cultivates in 
the most approved manner. In 1858, he married Melissa Domminy, a na - 
tive of Madison County, by whom he has four children — Electa (wife of 
George Van Doren), Etta May, Jerry H and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Mar- 
shall are members of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Marshall's parents 
came to this county from New York in 1811. Her father was a prominent 
Whig, and for twenty years a Justice of the Peace. He was the parent of 
twenty children, twelve by his first wife and eight by his second. He 
owned 1,500 acres of land. Mrs. Marshall was one of the youngest by his 
second wife. 

ANDREW JACKSON MARTIN, attorney at law and Mayor of Plain 
City, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, December 8, 1826. He is a son 
of John and Sally Martin, natives of Virginia, the former of English and 
the latter of German descent. He received his education in the common 
schools of his native county, and, until of age, worked with his father at 
farming and carpentering After he reached his majority, he purchased a 
small farm, which he operated until forty-five years of age, when he became 
connected with the railroad and superintended the construction of the Co- 
lumbus Dummy Railroad. On Independence Day, 1852, he married Sarah 
Ann Stagg, a datighter of Abraham and Rebecca Stagg. They had six chil- 
dren, four now living — Mary L., Florella J., Charles and Frank, of whom 
three are married and one is in Mexico. Mrs. Martin died in L872, and, in 
1878, he married Margaret (Shafer) Davis, widow of Henry Davis; she is a 
devoted member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Martin has been 
through life a hard student. He studied law and was admitted to the bar 
at Columbus, where he practiced for some years. In 1879, he came to Plain 
City, and, in 1882, was elected Mayor of the village. He is a Democrat in 
politics, and for several years was Justice of the Peace in Columbus. 

A. McCAMPBELL, baker, Plain City, was born in Union County Oc- 
tober 1, 1840. He is a son of John and Margaret (Tate) McCampbell. 
His father was born in Virginia January 19, 1812, aad his mother in War- 
ren County, Ohio, January I, .1812. His father was the fourth child of a 
family of thirteen children, and was a cooper until his arrival in Union 
County, since which he was a farmer. His parents were married in Jerome 
Township, in 1835, where his father died January 4, 1878. Our subject is 
one of a family of nine children, eight of whom reached their majority and 
six became school teachers. It is said of them that they never applied for 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 975 

schools, but always had them proffered to them. Two of the boys served in 
the late rebellion — J. L., enlisted in 1862, in the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, but after ten months' service, was discharged on account of 
disability; he re-enlisted, February 4, 1864, in Company C, Ohio Heavy 
Artillery, and was finally mustered out of the service in 1865. Our subject 
enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy -fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry 
for one year, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of 
service. His father during life was a strong friend of education, and was 
the prime-mover in having the High School established at California. He 
was an Old-Line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, after 
which he espoused the cause of Republicanism. He was a good Christian. 
and for many years an active member of the United Presbvterian Church. 

HON. RODNEY C. McCLOUD, druggist, Plain City, was born in 
Madison County March 25, 1842. He is the son of Dr. Charles and Mary 
Jane (Carpenter) McCloud. His grandfather McCloud came to Ohio in 
1814, and, settled iu Union County; he was a native of England and a local 
preacher. Dr. Charles McCloud settled in Canaan Township in 1881, and 
for twenty years was engaged in the active practice of medicine. He was 
a prominent man in politics and an active worker in the Whig party He 
represented his county in the Ohio Legislature, in the session of 1844-45. 
and was a member of the Constitutional Convention that framed the present 
constitution of Ohio. He was born February 2, 1802, and, in 1832, mar- 
ried Mary Jane Carpenter, who was born August 29, 1818. They became 
the parents of four children, viz., Mary, now the wife of Dr. E. C. Robin 
son, of Plain City; Smith N. , a druggist at Marysville, Ohio; Sophrouia, 
wife of Dr. Milton Lane, of Lincoln, Neb., and our subject. The latter 
was the second child of the family. He began life as a farm hand, but soon 
obtained a position in a wholesale hardware store, at Columbus', where he 
was employed as a clerk for five years. He was then engaged as a traveling 
salesman for the same firm until he purchased his present business at Plain 
City, which he did in connection with his brother, Smith N, who is still a 
partner in the business, the firm owning two stores in different towns, each 
of which is under the management of one of the firm. Mr. McCloud is a 
Democrat in politics; he has had the offices of Mayor and Councilman of 
Plain City, and Trustee of Darby Township, and represented Madison 
County in the Ohio Legislakrre in 1874-76). He was married, in 1874, to 
Nancy E. Noteman, a daughter of Zachariah Xoteman. 

DAVID McCUNE. retired farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a brother of Dr. 
John E. McCune. and was born in this county August 20, L824. He was 
reared on a farm and received a limited education. In 1847, he married 
Harriett Kent, a native of Union County, and a daughter of Daniel Kent. 
a soldier of 1812. In L861, .Mr. McCune enlisted in the army, and served 
for the full term of his enlistment. He was also in the " hundred days" 
service. He is a life- long farmer, but has latterly retired from all active 
work. He is a partner with his bi'other in the possession of 100 acrgs of 
land and in a fine business block of Plain City. He also owns a neat brick 
house, now occupied by him as a residence. He started with nothing, but 
is now possessed of a comfortable competency. He is a Republican, and 
has been Township Trustee. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 
JOHN E. McCUNE, M. D. , Plain City, was born in Madison County. 
Ohio, November 14. 1826. He is a son of John and Polly (Hager) McCune, 
the former a native of Kentucky, of Irish and English descent, and the lat- 
ter a native of Vermont, of English ancestry. His grandparents came to 



976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

this county in 1802. Our subject attended the common schools of his na- 
tive township, after which he taught school to obtain the means for further 
educating himself. His literary education was obtained at the Central Col- 
lege, in Franklin County, and his professional education at Starling Medi- 
cal College, Columbus. After leaving college, he located at Plain City, 
and engaged in practicing his profession, and, with the exception of one 
year spent in the West, he has remained here ever since. He was married, 
in 1850, to Anna Barlow, daughter of Edmond W. Barlow, a Major in the 
war of 1812, who came to this county in 1833. Dr. McCune is a courteous, 
affable gentleman, of studious habits and an enthusiast in his profession. 
During his many years of practice at Plain City, be has wrestled very suc- 
cessfully with some very difficult cases, and has built up for himself an en- 
viable reputation and a lucrative practice. He is a prominent member of 
Plain City Lodge, No. 193, I. O. O. F.,and a highly esteemed citizen. He 
is always to be found on the side of morality and temperance, and takes a 
deep interest in the welfare of his community. He has a farm of .100 acres 
of good land, an interest in a tine business block in Plain City and other 
property. He is a self-made and a well-made man. 

GUS A. McDOWELL, carpenter, Plain City, was born in Darby 
Township January 4, 1832. He is a son of L. and Elitha (Sharp) Mc- 
Dowell, the former a native of New Hampshire, of Scotch descent, and the 
latter of New York, of Dutch descent. Our subject received a good educa- 
tion in the English branches, and being a constant reader, is now a well- 
posted citizen. He owns two acres of land adjoining Plain City, on which 
he recently erected his residence. In 1802, he enlisted in the United States 
'Regular Army, and was one of a band of unfortunates captured by the reb- 
els and inhumanly forced over a precipice, two of them being kilied out- 
right, and our subject with many others seriously injured. He was dis- 
charged in 1864, alter two years' service. In 1854, he married Miss S. 
Douglass, a native of Darby Township, and a daughter of Cyrus and Lucy 
(Sherwood; Douglass. They have had five children, viz., Liicy A., wife of 
John Truss; Ada L., wife of M. Brown; Hester M. and Elitha. Mrs. Mc- 
Dowell died October 20, 1874. 

A. C. McDOWELL, telegrapher, Plain City, was born in Delaware 
County, Ohio, May 25, IS 14. He is a son of Theodore and Elithia (Sharp) 
McDowell, natives of Vermont, the former of French and the latter of Ger- 
man descent. Our subject received a common-school education, and since 
twenty -one years of age, has been a telegraph operator. He worked on the 
Pan Handle Railroad two years, and has held the position in Plain City 
seventeen years In the late war, lie enlisted in Company C, One Hun- 
dred and Seventy- sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Robb, and 
patricipated in several engagements, but was on detached duty part of the 
time. On February 21, 1875, he married Eoline G. Smith, of Wayne 
County, Ind. by whom he has two children— Grace F. and Helen G. Mr. 
McDowell is a member of the Grand Army, and owus a neat and substantial 
residence where he now resides. 

JOHN W. MILLHOLLAND, brick-maker, Plain City. William Mill- 
holland. the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania; he was a 
son of Thomas and Maria (Overmeyer) Millholland, the former a native of 
Ireland and (he latter of Germany. They married in Pennsylvania, and, 
coming West at an earl} day, entered 100 acres of land, three miles north- 
west of Weal Liberty. Champaign Coimty, where two of the daughters now 
reside. William remained at home until about 1808, when he came to 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 977 

Madison County. He married Tlacliel Ann Nichols, by whom he had ten 
children, four boys and six girls, two boys and three girls of whom survive. 
The parents are both also living. The subject of this sketch was the second 
child and second son. He was born in Champaign County June 16, 1844, 
and remained at home until 1865, when he went to the far West and en- 
gaged in herding cattle in Kansas, at Avhich he continued eighteen months, 
after which he moved to Illinois and engaged in farming. About fourteen 
years ago, he came to Jefferson Township, where, in 1871, he married Clara 
McCauley, who was born, raised and educated in that township; she was a 
daughter of Edward and Cynthia (Webster) McCauley, the latter a descend- 
ant of Daniel Webster. By this union four children have been born, one 
boy and three girls, of whom Edith is the only survivor. In 1875, Mr. 
Millholland engaged in brick-making at Plain City, at which he still con- 
tinues. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and in politics formerly 
a Democrat, but latterly a Prohibitionist. 

JACOB MILLIKIN. retired farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in 
Washington County, Penn., October 11, 1809. He is a son of James and 
Elizabeth (Cook) Millikin, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. 
They emigrated to Ohio in 1830, and settled in Canaan Township, where 
his father purchased 1,500 acres of land for 75 cents per acre. He was a 
surveyor, and died in 1870. Our subject received only such education as could 
be acquired in the district schools, but, by dint of hard study, he succeeded 
in laying by a good store of information. His father had a family of nine 
children, viz., Samuel, deceased; Martha, wife of James Boyd; Daniel; 
John; Jacob; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Alder; Ann, wife of Solomon Cary; 
lames, a retired farmer, and Andrew. Jacob was married in 1835, to Sarah 
A. Carey, a daughter of Abijah Carey; she was born where they now live 
in 1813. They have two children, William and Sarah. Mr. Millikin owns 
500 acres of land. He is a Democrat, but has never aspired to official 
honor of anv kind. 

WILLIAM MILLIKIN, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Plain City, is 
a son of Jacob Millikin, whose sketch appears in this work. He was born 
in Canaan Township and received his education in the common schools of 
this county. He has chosen the occupation of a farmer, and now has entire 
charge of his father's farm. He deals extensively in cattle, and sells some 
of the finest stock brought into market. He is a Democrat in politics, fol- 
lowing the leadership of his father, who cast his first vote for Andrew Jack- 
son. Our subject was married, in 1861, to Elizabeth E. Slyh. a native of 
this county, and a daughter of Matthias Slyh. 

R. MOOXKV. merchant, Plain City, was born in Jefferson County, 
Ohio, March 4, 1850, and is the son of Jacob and Rosauna (Winters) Moon- 
ey, natives of Ohio, of Irish descent. Our subject was raised on a farm, 
and followed farming until 1876, when he engaged in his present business 
in Plain City. He was married, in 1872, to Electa Lane, by whom he had 
two children — Ida and Walter. Mrs. Mooney died in 1876, and, on June 
20. 1X77, he married Emily Bigelow, a daughter of Dr. D. K. Bigelow, and 
by her has one child — Otto. Mr. Mooney is a Democrat of the old Jackso- 
nian school. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, of the Scot- 
tish Rite degree. He is a thorough and successful business man, and 
stands high in the community where he lives. 

J. B. MORGRIDGE, Plain City, was born in Washington County, Vt, 
August 2, 1814, of parents Richard and Sallie Morgridge. Less than two 
years later, the parents resolved to emigrate to the West, and, June 4, 1816, 



UTS BIOGR M'liM'M, 8K1 i' 

found them together with their earthlj po e ion all of which were con 
tained id a wagon, ( pecially built forth rmed b mover' wagon, 

i>n route for Ohio whioh State they believed afforded the most promi 
6 eld of Labor and the are I reward for industry, the only legacy tney could 
hop* to tran mil to their children, The di tance was great, being 900 
mile , and the road new, and in ome places almo » impa able, yet with 
a determined purpose, the pioneer leading the way, the journej wa acoom 
plished, and the Loth of September found the famil) bettered in b 
oabin in Licking County, every member of whioh wa afflicted with the 
ague. Our ubject .v. thai one of bis earlie t recollection was bi fir 
shaki in the above mentioned cabin \ year later the father, by way of 
availing himself of the convenience and benefit of We tern institution 
aold all in- chattel effects, whioh, together vith ome currency, be oonv* it I 
into bills of the Mu kingum Bank, located al Marietta, then the leadii ; 
hank of the State. Four daya later, when in N wark, where be bad • 
to make ome purcha i be I' arned thai the lull were worthle •, tin- bank 
having broken two da) prior. It was then thai the inheritance above i 
ferred to was fully realized and possessed It lia<l been their intention I i 
locate in Hamilton County, bu1 the cl i i referred to prevented In <Im- 
fall of L820, Hi" family removed to Madi on County, ettling on land up* d 
which the subjecl now r* ides, which 1 1 ;l< l previously been bargained for 
with Walter Dunn, then in Chillicothe, to whom Mm- early settle! •■' 
county will ever be grateful for the kind and long indulgences extend* 
theni on over-due payments. The father in a 

ished as be was, was compelled to contract some debts in procuring an on 
lit in the way of a team and implements to begin farming Poi two 
a general sickness prevailed in this locality, and the were unit 

able for crops, which, together with gr< ty of money in the con 

at th<- time, the year [824 till found bim in debt, and with th< 
incident I • family, unable to pay. He wan sued by hi creditoi 

who, in their eagerne - to collect, old bim out, letting art at I u 

than their value, thus depriving bim of theonlj 
and which would bave enabled bim, in the near future to bave cancel* I 
their claims. When all was gone and the credit* 
tin -n do chattels or home tead exemption too acred to be attached 
tion an now), ari'l while explaii the creditor thai be had no 

property or money with which to pay, and in th<- p mil) 

the creditor said: "If th I demand that you, Mr. Con tabl* 

apon the body of this debt* I bim forthwith into 

the jail of thi fhtand pi* > do, and there keep him 

till my '•lain* be fully satisfied. 1 the subject of this sketch: " I 

then ' time in my lif'- hi I 

such intense indignation .< I >li<l at • • tether t)i<- 

officer or the law was at fault was not so clear in my mind then, but 

■ in-, that r from that moment, was a brute in my mind 

and of Life-long abhorrence. n The mothei 

'.t 5 o'clock in.t). 

on th<- day following, Rid and bun 

n in mn 

L He i 
i for the red, was released. 1 

,ji. r the hardships of a i of a Lai g I 

and mist 



■ 

■ 

• , . . . 

- 
I 

■ 



- 



























980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

that the county has since improved a part and taken steps to improve the 
remainder by piking and graveling them. The most needed improvement 
was to drain the lands, which was not so easily accomplished, though quite 
a large tract of country was similarly situated, including a large portion of 
three townships, Darby, Canaan and Monroe, the topography of which was 
little understood, and so peculiarly was this body of laud situated that any 
place or location of ditch*-- less comprehensive than a system that would 
drain the whole, must have been a failure. To reconcile the views of some 
1,600 persons owning not less than 20,000 acres of land, of which some of 
them were non-residents of the county, but none the less watchful and jeal- 
ous, but mainly all neighbors, was no easy task. Especially as each one, 
in justice, law and equity was to contribute or be assessed, if the needed 
improvement was to be made. Without draining, this large tract of land 
was not only unhealthy, but almost useless for agricultural purposes. Not- 
withstanding the difficulty and unpleasantness of the task, the individual, 
as well as the public or common interest. Mr. M. had in this matter com- 
pelled him to draw up and present petitions to the Commissioners of the 
county at different times, though all in aid of the same object, a complete 
system of this most useful and necessary improvement, and by the co-opera- 
tion, assistance and topographical observations and the engineering skill of 
Dr. J. Converse, the work was accomplished, which includes a public county 
ditch of twenty-two miles in length, with more than that length of tributary 
private ditches, at a cost of nearly $200,000, which, however, has not been 
without its benefits, as the lands drained have enhanced in value from $26. 
75 to $90 per acre, and the land has become second to none in any part of 
the State. All unkind neighborly feeling and difference of opinion and 
grievances of unequal assessments and benefits have been about reconciled, 
and this, too, without any deplorable or fatal results, except in one instance. 
Mr. Morgridge is truly grateful to Providence for what he has received, and 
proud, too, of the improvement the county has made, but prouder, he says, 
"of that representative of our county who was mainly instrumental in the 
repealing of that barbarous law that sent my father to the jail of my county 
for no crime but debt." He is now reposing in a comfortable home, on an 
extensive tract of between '2.000 anil 3,000 acres of most excellent land, lo- 
cated in Darby Township, in the northern part of the county, some of which 
is the reclaimed land, which must be almost sacred \o the possessor. He 
began Life under the most trying circumstances, as is seen in this sketch, 
but with the early and fixed ami determined purpose above related, as ex- 
pressed in early youth: he has become possessed *'\' a Large estate. May the 
evening of his life be parsed in happiness. 

A. S. MORGRIDGE, retired farmer, !'. O. Plain City, was born in 
Darby Township September 6, L822. He was the youngest of nine chil- 
dren, of whom three survive. He received a rather limited education in a 
Log schoolhouse, and has worked on a farm all his life, with the exception 
of two winters, in which he taught school. He has never belonged to any 
church or secrei society, is neutral in politics and now owns about 600 acres 
of land, which he farms and on which he raises cattle, but unfortunately he 
i^ a bachelor. His father. Richard Morgridge. was born in Amesbury. 
Mass.. November IS, 1771 : his lather died when he was about nine months 
old, and he lived with his mother and in different places until sixteen years 
of age, when he was bound to a Mr. Collin until of age. While in service, 
he and some others hired a teacher, and formed an evening school, where 
Mr. Morgridge obtained his little education. He afterward obtained some 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 981 

knowledge of surveying, and followed it a little. When of age, he left 
Massachusetts and worked at $5 per month in Vermont until he bought LOO 
acres of land. He married Sallio Emerson May 1, L800, left Vermont for 
Ohio June 10, 1810, and arrived in Licking County in August or Septem- 
ber, In 1819, he came to .Madison County, bought land of Walter Dunn, 
and built a cabin, in which he lived until his death, Augusl L0, L843. He 
was the youngest of six children. Samuel Morgridge, win- subject's grand- 
father, was born at Newburyport, .Mass., and was the oldesl of three sons. 
He followed ship-building until he fell and was much injured, after which 
he taught school. He married Ruth Silvers, and died at Amesbury, Mass., 
June 26, 1772. John Morgridge, the great-grandfather of our subject, 
emigrated from Fmgland among the early emigrants, and settled in New- 
buryport, where he worked at ship building. He had three children — Sam- 
uel, William and John. Sallio Emerson, the mother of our subject, and 
the eldest of ten children, was born at New Salem, N. H. , August 18, 1781, 
and was married at Berlin, Vt. Her father, Jonathan Emerson, was born 
in Haverhill, Mass., May 7, L756, and married Rhoda Bailey January 11, 
I7M. She was a daughter of Joshua Bailey, who married Elizabeth Chase 
September 4, 1734. Jonathan Emerson was in the Revolutionary war, was 
taken prisoner and carried to England, where he was kept fifteen months 
before he was exchanged. He moved to Vermont in 1787, to Ohio in 1815, 
and died in September, 1823, in Butler County, Ohio. Sally Emerson's 
grandfather, Jothan Emerson, settled in Massachusetts and married Eliza- 
beth Mitchell, daughter of Andrew and Hannah Mitchell, by whom he had 
one child. He died in the French war. During the three days previous to 
Richard and Sally Morgridge's leaving Vermont, it snowed continuously; 
this was the 7th, 8th and 9th of June, 1816. 

DANIEL NORTON, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby 
Township, Madison County, April 7. 1828. His father, John Norton, was 
born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1799, and soon afterward came to this 
count}, where he spent his life. His wife, Sarah (Taylor) Norton, was 
born in 1802, and, in L803, came to this county, with her father, Daniel 
Taylor; she still survives, and is remarkably active for one of her years. 
She retains full possession of her mental faculties, and often entertains her 
friends with anecdotes and descriptions of early pioneer days in Madison 
County. Our subject is a farmer by occupation, and, with the exception of 
ten years spent in the West, he has given his life's attention to that honor- 
able vocation. On November 12, 1851, he married Sarah E. Daugherty, 
a daughter of William and Mary A. (Bigelow) Daugherty. 

HENRY C. RIDDLE, dealer in stoves, tin and hardware. Plain 
City, was born in Union County, Ohio, August 26, L846, and. in 180)0, set- 
tled in Plain City, where he embarked in the enterprise that now- engages 
his attention, and in which he has met with good success. He was married, 
September 13, L872, to Alice, daughter of H. D. and Samantha (McUmber) 
Lombard, by whom he has two childrcD — Howard Sterling, born July 9, 
1873, and Willard Henry, born October 2, 1876. Mr. Riddle is a mem- 
ber of the Plain City School Board, duo of the Board of Village Council 
and a member of Urania Lodge, No. 311, F. & A. M., at Plain City. 
He is a stanch and reliable Republican in politics, and takes an active in- 
terest in all the work of his party. His parents, James and Mary (McCul- 
lough) Riddle, are residents of our subject's native countv. 

E. C. ROBINSON, dentist, Plain City, son of Samuel and Nancy 
(Curry) Robinson, was born October 27, 1850. He was reared on the farm, 



982 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

where he remained until seventeen years of age, when he learned the trade 
of a plasterer and brick-mason and prepared himself for a thorough me- 
chanic. After working at his trade and traveling for six years, he studied 
dentistry, applied himself assiduously, thoroughly mastered his profession, 
and has since practiced it in Plain City, where he has met with well- merited 
success. In 1871), he married Mary J. McCloud, a daughter of Dr. Charles 
McCloud, and by her has one child, a daughter — Tessa. 

W. K. ROBY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in the State of New 
York March 25, 1835, and was a son of William and Martha (Fuller) Roby, 
natives of New York, of English descent. His father died two months be- 
fore he was born, and he lived principally with strangers until his marriage. 
When old enough, he began farming by the month, after which he rented 
land for a year, and, in 1855, when in his twentieth year, he purchased 
twenty-six acres, which he has since increased to 150 acres. He was mar- 
ried, in 1857, to Nancy Finch, a native of Madison County, and a daughter 
of John Finch. This union was blessed with three children, viz., Adda, 
wife of A. Cary, Jr. ; Ellsworth and Lawrence. Mr. Roby is a Republican 
in politics. 

HENRY M. ROUSE, carpenter, Plain City, was born in Steuben 
County, N. Y. , July 27, 1828. His father, Thomas Rouse, was born in 
Vermont in 1793, and died in Ohio in 1873; he married Sarah A. Piatt, a 
native of Connecticut and a connection of ex-Senator Piatt, of New York 
They came to Ohio in 1838, where he plied his trade of carpenter and joiner 
until his death. Our subject's grandfathers were both in the Revolutionary 
war. His maternal grandmother became a widow, and married a Mr. 
Wheaton, a soldier in the war of 1812; she lived to the remarkable old ago 
of one hundred and two years, dying in Bloomington, 111., in 1864. Our 
subject was educated in this county, and for one winter he taught a school 
in Union Township. In 1839, he moved to London, and worked at his 
trade, carpentering, until 1859. In 1851, he married Mary E. Dunn, a 
daughter of Isaac and Mary (Roush) Dunn. By the union six children 
were born, viz., Blanche, wife of Clark G-ray; Link D. ; Sarah, deceased 
wife of Charles Kent, deceased; Carl H., Thomas D. and Allen. In 1861, 
Mr. Rouse enlisted in Company B, Thirty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, Col. Tom Ford, and was discharged in 1862, after participating 
in several battles. In 1866, he came to Plain City, where he has since 
worked at his trade, with the exception of one year spent in business in 
Chicago. He is a Democrat; was Clerk of the Board of City Council, of 
London, eight years, and Mayor in 1858, and has been Mayor five years 
in Plain City, and Justice of the Peace six years. He is also a member of 
the School Board and Secretary of the agricultural society. 

JOHN SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Logan County, 
Ohio, July 14, 1836. He is a son of William and Emily Scott; the former 
was born in Ohio in IS 11. and is still living; the latter was born in Vir- 
ginia in 1816, and died in 1847. Samuel Scott, the grandfather of our 
subject, located in Ross Ccnrnty in 1800. Our subject received but an ordi- 
nary schooling, and has made fanning the occupation of his life. Ho owns 
nearly ninety acres of land where lie resides, which ho has made by his per- 
sonal efforts. He is a warm advocate of prohibition, and an earnest sup 
porter- .>f every work of reform. In 1862, he mdisiod in the Third Ohio 
Battery, participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and soon after was 
discharged on account of disability. In 1863, ho married Rachel J. Green, 
a native of Logan County, an I i daughter of Oeorge R. and Ruth (Will- 



DARBY TOWNSHIP. 983 

iams) Green, natives of the South. This union was blessed with three chil- 
dren — Emily, McKinzey and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members 
of the M. E. Church, in which he has been Steward, class leader and Trust- 
ee. He is also an active worker in the Sabbath schools. 

A. H. SHERWOOD, retired farmer, P. O. Magnetic Springs, was born 
on the shores of Lake Champlain November 26, 1808; he is a son of Sam- 
uel and Orinda (Converse) Sherwood. He came to this county in 1822, and 
settled on " Darby Plains," where he has worked at farming most of his 
life. He at one time owned 570 acres of land, which he afterward gave to 
his children. In 183j!, he married Irena Beach, by whom he had ten chil- 
dren, viz., Daniel B., whose sketch appears in this work; Samuel; Judith, 
deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Mollie, wife of A. H. Andrews; Sarah, wife 
of Sanford Converse; Amos B., proprietor of Sherwood House, Plain City; 
Laura (Kilburn); and Charles L., whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. 
Sherwood gave to each of his children a liberal start in life, either in land 
or money, and has himself retired from active life to his home at Magnetic 
Springs, where he now resides. 

W. R. SHERW OOD, retired merchant, Plain City, was born in this 
county December 16. 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Riddle) Sher- 
wood, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Kentucky, both of 
English parentage. Our subject received his education in his native county 
at the public schools. He was reared on a farm, where he continued until 
twenty-two years of age. In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Robinson, and was discharged, 
in 1864, on account of a wound received in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. 
He was previously taken prisoner by Morgan's men, but obtained his release 
immediately. He was married, in 1855, to Olive B. Lyons, a native of 
Union County and a daughter of Levi Lyons. Mr. Sherwood is a member 
of the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies and of the Grand Army of the 
Republic. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

DANIEL B. SHERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born 
in Darby Township January 16, 1833. He is a son of Andrew H. and 
Irena (Beach) Sherwood, the former a native of New York and the latter of 
Ohio. His father has been a life-long farmer, and, prior to dividing his 
land among his children, he owned 570 acres. Our subject was the eldest 
of a family of ten children. He has adopted the occupation of a farmer, 
and now owns a well-regulated farm of 124 acres. He was married, in 
1855, to Miss Chloe Douglass, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, by whom 
he had three children — Douglass L., John D. and Frank R. Mrs. Sher- 
wood died February 28, L86o 5 and Mr. Sherwood married Amanda Latham, 
a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a daughter of John Latham. 
By this union three children were born — Charles A... Amos B. and Harry H. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has 
been a class leader and Superintendent of Sunday schools. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics. 

C. L. SHERWOOD, livery, Plain City, was born in this county 
January 1, 1852. He is a son of Andrew and Lucinda (Beach) Sherwood, 
descendants of the old Puritan stock. His father was a prominent farmer 
of this township. Our subject was raised on a farm, where he remained 
until 1872, when he moved to Plain City and engaged in the livery busi- 
ness, for which he is well fitted, being an excellent judge of horses and a 
jovial, good-hearted fellow. His stock is good in quality and condition, 



984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

and his customers always leave him well satisfied. On October 8, 1872, he 
married Miss Mary L. Parker, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, by whom 
he has four children, viz., Delinore L., Clyde O, Lula I. and Grace. Mr. 
Sherwood is a Republican in politics. His wife is a member of the Pres 
byterian Chnrch. 

ELI SHOVER, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Jerome Town- 
ship. Union County, Ohio, July L8, L833. He is a son of F. V. and Eliza 
beth (Haughn) Shover, natives of Virginia, of German descent. Our suit 
ject received a limited education in the schools of Union County, and 
worked at the carpenter hade three years. In 18(36, he married Mary E 
Taylor, a native of Madison County and a daughter of Samuel Taylor. 
They have four children, viz., Samuel F. , George A., Rosa E. and May. 
Mr. and Mrs. Shover are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Re- 
publican in politics. 

JAMES S. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Plain City. James Smith, father 
of our subject, was born in Vermont September 23, 1793; he was a son of 
Samuel and Sally (Bailey) Smith, natives of Massachusetts. His father 
was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary war, and came to Madison County in 
1817, locating in Darby Township, where he reared a family of nine chil- 
dren. When twenty seven years of age, James had $140, winch he invested 
in a house; in 1820, he married Lucy K. Jones, a native of Vermont, by 
whom he had one child — James S., our subject, who was born August 0, 
1VJ:'>, in Darby Township, where he received a common school education. 
He Las been a life long farmer, and now owns 1,100 acres of land in Jer 
ome Township. Union County. On September '.•, 1S53, he married Amanda 
Perry, a native of Vermont and a daughter of James Perry. They have 
four children, viz.. A. E., Ada T., E. L., who died in 1874, and Merton A. 
These children all had the advantages of a collegiate education. Mrs. 
Smith is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and takes a great inter- 
est in the cause of education. 

F. C. SWEETSER, carriage trimmer, Plain City, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Ohio, in 1857. He is the second son of Charles Earl and Sophia 
(Coffman) Sweetser. The former was born in Delaware County. Ohio, May 
13, 1S'J:$, and was the only child of Earl and Jerusha i Smith) Sweetser, na- 
tives of Connecticut, of English descent. He was reared in Delaware 
County and received a good education. He learned the saddler and har- 
ness maker's trade, at which he still continues. Ho rirst began work in 
Franklin County, where he did a good and average business, after which he 
came to Plain City. He was married, in 1849, and has had live children, 
four living, viz., Benry Earl, train dispatcher on the Denver & Rio Grande 
Railroad; Frank ('., our subject, and Albert. Mr. Sweetser was formerly a 
Republican, bul is now a Prohibitionist Ee is an enthusiastic apiarist, 
and usual I \ keeps L50 colonies of fine bees. 

JOHN TAYLOR, fanner. P. o. Plain City, was born on the fan,, 
where 1h> now resides .Ma\ "_!7. L806 His father. John Taylor, Sr. , who was 
born in Berkeley County. \ a., June '_'. 1771. was one.of the first settlers of 
Madison County, and the first settler of Darb] township, as it is now 
known. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, a native. if Little fork, Penh., of 
Scotch descent, by whom he had two children, twins, John and Margaret. 
Tne latter died A.ugus1 '-'7. 1811. Our subject was married. February 
28, L833, to Eliza Mitchell. In whom he ha- had seven children, viz.. 

David M., Matilda. Elizabeth, James M . Ferguson, Eva, deceased, and 
Sarah, deceased. The survivors are all married and doing well. 



DARBY r TOWNSHIP. US.", 

Mr. Taylor only received a limited education, hut he has spared 
neither trouble nor expense in giving his children every educational ad 
vantage. He owns a fine farm of 135 acres, on which was huilt the first 
brick house in the county. He has raised several fine thoroughbred horses, 
among which were the celebrated Printer and Speculator, both originators 
of a new breed, and at that time said to be the best general purpose horses 
in Ohio. He also introduced into this county a xwy superior species of 
weevil-proof wheat and the Rappahannock wheat, the latter having been sent 
to him from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. He also im- 
ported and bred the. Leicestershire combing- wool sheep. From his land the 
wtones were taken to make the buhrs for the first grist-mill on Big Darby, 
which was the first mill in the county. These stones resemble the French 
buhr stones, and seem to be of glacial deposit. Mr. Taylor has given his 
children 1,000 acres of land. L60 acres to each of the two daughters and 
the rest equally divided between three sons. He is a wide-awake, energetic 
farmer, always ready to help a worthy cause and a good citizen. 

Z. K. TAYLOR, farmer and stock-raiser, P. 0. Plain City, was born 
in Canaan Township December (), 1851. He is a son of Jacob and Rebecca 
(Kilgore) Taylor, natives of Canaan Township, where his grandfather set- 
tled in 1803. Our subject has adopted the occupation of a farmer, and is 
now pleasantly situated on a good farm of L05 acres, which he cultivates in 
the most approved manner. In L880, he married Eliza Daily, a daughter 
of William Daily, of Canaan Township. She owns 150 acres of land in her 
native township. She is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Tay- 
lor is a member of no religious organization; he is a Republican in politics, 
and is now serving as Township Trustee. He is a good, practical farmer, 
and is meeting with every success in his agricultural labors. 

SAMUEL TAYLOR, Jr., farmer, P. O. Plain City, son of Samuel 
Taylor. Sr., and Rosanna (Kent) Taylor, was born in this county October 3, 
L857, and, in 1S73, married Miss Cynthia Fox. a native of Union County, 
and a daughter of Henry Fox. This union has been blessed with two chil- 
dren Sarah and Dora. Mr. Taylor is a member of one of the oldest and 
mo-t prominent families in this vicinity. He is a young man in years, but 
full of energy, enterprise and thrift. He owns 21 3£ acres of land, which 
is ably cultivated under his management. He is a breeder of and dealer in 
draft horses, and has imported some stock horses to this country. He is a 
Republican in politics. 

NELSON TWAY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Jefferson 
Township, Madison County. January 29, L836. He is the son of Samuel 
and Nancy i Hurst) Tway, natives of Ohio, of English descent. His grand- 
parents were natives oi New Jersey and Maryland. Our subject received 
his education in Indiana, where his father resided for a time. He chose 
farming for an occupation, and has devoted his life to it. In 1862, he en- 
listed in the Seventh Ohio Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. 
participating in all the engagements his regimeni was in. He was married, 
in 1861, to Miss Fulzell, a daughter of Reuben Fulzell, of Marysville, 
Ohio. They have four children, viz., Mary, Charles, Reuben and Harry. 
Mrs. Tway is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Tway is a Republican 
in politics, and has served his district in the capacity of School Director. 

JACOB WEAVER, blacksmith, Plain City, was born in Adams County, 
Penn.. October "JS, IS2S. He is a son of Fohn and Catharine (Fry) Weaver, 
natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. He was raised on a farm and 
worked at farming until thirty-one years of age, when he learned the black- 



986 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

smith's trade, which he has since followed, a period of twenty four years, 
eighteen of which were spent in Plain City. In 1853, he married Catharine 
Kahlor, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. They have one 
child, now the wife of Thomas McMain. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Weaver's parents came to this coun- 
ty in 1831). His grandparents on both sides were soldiers in the Revolu- 
tionary war. 

CHARLES C. WILCOX, farmer, P. O. Plain City, a native of Lick- 
ing County. Ohio, was born February 19, 1810, and is the son of J. C. 
and Mary (Beecher) Wilcox. His mother's father, Zina Beecher, was a 
cousin to Henry Ward Beecher, and of Scotch descent. His father was a 
native of Ohio. Our subject owns 189 acres of well-improved land, four 
miles west of Plain City; he is a Republican in politics, and he and wife 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wilcox served three years in 
the late war, as a member of the Ninety-fifth Regiment, Company F. He 
was wounded twice and also crippled in the foot. He was married, February 
1, 1865, to Lucetta, daughter of Aaron and Isabel (Huddlestun) Hillbrant, 
and a native of Ohio, born in 1839. By their union four children were 
born, viz., Mary Belle, Minnie E., Edwin C. and Gertie Q. 

JOHN H." WORTHINGTON, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in 
Connecticut August 25, 1825; he is a son of Elias and Althea (Howe) Wor- 
thington. His education was obtained in the common schools and at Jeffer- 
son High School. In early Life, he learned the cabinet-maker's trade; he 
was also a wagon -maker, which business he followed with more than average 
success. He was a mechanic from seventeen to twenty-eight years of age, 
when he was obliged by poor health to abandon his trade. In 1851, he 
married Candace Smith, a native of Darby Township, and a daughter of 
Richard and Betsey (McCloud ) Smith. Her grandfather. Samuel Smith, or 
Elder Smith, as he was called, was a pioneer minister, who came to Madi- 
son County and raised a large family, of whom two sons, John and James, 
were among the most prominent farmers of the county. James, the only 
survivor of the two, was born in Vermont September '23, 1793, was a soldier 
in the war of 1812, and now resides with his only son, James S., in Union 
County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington have had seven children, viz., 
Ida. wife of Thomas K. Sherwood, of Franklin County, Ohio; Eva, wife of 
E. S. Converse; John Charles, Herbert. Althea, Myra L. and Harry. Mr. 
and Mrs. Worthington are members of the Universalist Church. He is a Re- 
publican in politics. They own and reside on a good farm of 280 acres in 
the township. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 

URI BEACH, son of Uri, the pioneer Beach to Madison County, and 
his wife, Hannah (Noble) Beach, was born in Canaan Township, where 
Aunty now stands, January 13, 1826. He received such education as the 
common schools and his limited facilities afforded. He was the oldest of 
the three brothers, and was lefi an orphan by the death of his father when 
only six years of age. and his services were early demanded in helping his 
mother care Eor a large family of children. His father organized a Sunday 
school in Canaan Township in 1826, and he also organized a subscription 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. i»87 

school in thai township, for the supporl of which he \v;is the most liberal of 
his means of any man in the township, and he probably imbued his little 
child with something of his own spirit and enterprise. On the 6th day of 
March, L8 15, be married Eleanor I )owning,born in( lanaan Township, Madison 
County, Ohio, November 22, L825, daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth 
(Hayden) Downing. He shortly thereafter purchased a farm, in Brown 
Township, Franklin County, Ohio, adjoining the -Jonathan Alder farm, but 
on the opposite side of Big Darby, where he continues to reside. IL<> is an 
extensive shipper of live stock to Eastern markets, having made I his enter- 
prise a specialty for the past thirty years. He lias been the Assessor of his 
township for twenty-five consecutive years. His children are Timothy 
Downing Beach, M. D., of Catawba, Clark County, Ohio; Isaac Beach, 
Plain City, Ohio; Eva Noble (Beach) Simms, A. B., wife of Rev. Joseph 
Simms, A. M., of the Northwest Ohio Conference, M. E. Church: Elizabeth 
Hayden (Beach) Converse, wife of Henry B. Converse, of Canaan Town- 
ship: John, died in infancy: Mary Ettie, now in her junior year at Wes- 
leyan Female College, Delaware, Ohio, and CJri. 

JOHN NOBLE BEACH, son of Uri and Hannah (Noble) Beach, was 
born in Amity, Madison County, Ohio, January 29, L829. His youth was 
passed in Amity and on a farm, one mile west of where John Taylor now 
lives. At the age of thirteen, he wont into the store of Charles McCloud, 
of Amity, then the principal store in the northern part of the county. He 
remained with him two years, attending school during the winters. At the 
age of fifteen, he taught his first school, the old log schoolhouse standing 
about one hundred yards south of where Solomon Cary's elegant residence 
wow is. For this service he received the munificent salary of $8 per month 
and board, though the la ter item was not of interest to the community or 
teacher, as he boarded with his mother. For the next three years he taught 
school winters, spending the summer of 1840 in school at the University, 
Delaware, Ohio, and the two summers following reading medicine with 
Dr. Charles McCloud, and the winters of L848 19 and L849 50 attending 
lectures at the Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, whenco he gradu- 
ated an M.D.February 25,1850. In the spring of L849, after his first 
course of lectures, he commenced practice at Unionville Center, Union 
County. Ohio, and returned there after his graduation a year later. Re- 
mained there until the fall of 1851, when he went to New York for the fur- 
ther prosecution of Ins studies, attending a partial course at the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons, but giving most of his time to study in the hos- 
pitals. After an absence of six months, he returned to Unionville again, 
where he remained another year, removing to Pleasant Valley (now Plain 
City) in 1853, and to Jefferson, Ohio, in L858. April 11. L862, he 
was commissioned Surgeon of the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then 
in Eastern Kentucky. On the L9th day of the same month, he joined the 
regiment at Piketon, Ky. , and remained on duty with it until the following 
September, when he was assigned to staff duty. Fiom that time until the 
close of his service, although giving much personal attention to his regiment, 
he was on continuous staff duty, as follows: Surgeon of the Third Brigade, 
Army of the Kanawha, in the fall of 1862, at Gallipolis, Ohio: Medical Di- 
ne) or of the District of Eastern Kentucky, in the winter of L862 <»3, at 
Catlettsburg. Ky.; Medical Director of the Third Division lOen. Baird's), 
Army of the Ohio, in the spring of 1863, at Franklin, Tenn.; Surgeon cf 
First Brigade, First Division, Reserve Corps, from July 24. L863, until the 
re-organization of the army, after the battle of Chickamauga, and from that 



988 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

time until his muster-out, December 6, 1 864, he was Surgeon of the Second 
Brigade (Gen. Whittaker's), First Division, Fourth Army Corps. Upon 
the opening of the Atlanta campaign, in the spring of 1864, in addition to 
his staff duties, he was assigned as one of the three operating surgeons in the 
hospital of the First Division, Fourth Army Corps, a position he retained until 
after the fall of Atlanta. After his muster-out of the service, he returned 
to Jefferson, where he has continued to reside. Upon the organiza- 
tion of the Columbus Medical College, in 1875, he was elected by the Trust- 
ees Professor of General Pathology, a position he resigned a year later, the 
duties of the chair interfering with other engagements. In 1875, was elect- 
ed a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. In 1878, he was com- 
missioned Surgeon of the Fourteenth Regiment Ohio National Guards, a po- 
sitiou he still retains. In January, 1880, he was appointed on the mili- 
tary staff of Gov. Charles Foster, as Surgeon General of Ohio, and in 1882 
was honored by a re- appointment to the same position. Is a member of 
the State Medical Society, and was elected one of its Secretaries in 1868. 
Is a member of the Central Ohio Medical Society, and was its President 
in 1881—82. Is a member of the Madison County Medical Society, and has 
been its President. Married, June 1, 1858, Eliza J. , daughter of Daniel 
and Anna (Kiser) Snyder, of Champaign County, Ohio, by whom he had the 
following children: Edith, born in Jefferson, Ohio, February 16, I860; 
Anna, born in Jefferson, Ohio, July 26, 1865. 

ELIJAH BELL, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Joseph and 
Nancy (Shubridge) Bell, the former a native of Pennsylvania, where he was 
raised, and the latter a native of Virginia, where she was brought up. 
They were married in Morgan, now Noble County, Ohio, where they were 
early settlers. In that county both lived and died, he January 7, 1866, 
and she February 15, 1870, both members of the Baptist Church, and he 
through life by occupation a farmer. Their children were thirteen in num- 
ber, and seven are now living, viz., John W., in Oregon; James, of Athens 
County, Ohio; George, in Oregon; Elijah, our subject; Leander, of Noble 
County, Ohio; Clarissa C, of Oregon, and Charlotte O, of Athens County, 
Ohio. Elijah was born in Noble County, Ohio, in 1832. He was raised to 
farm life and acquired a common-school education. He remained in his 
native county until 1853, when he came to Madison County and commenced 
teaching, which claimed his attention several years. In 1857, he married 
Mary, daughter of the pioneer David Sidener, of Jefferson Township, where 
she was born. They have ever since resided in Jefferson Township, where 
he now owns a good farm of 150 acres, and where he is an enterprising and 
well-to-do farmer. He and wife are the parents of eight children, of whom 
foxir are now living, viz., Joseph M., David C, Nancy E. and Lucy J. Eli- 
jah's twin brother, Elisha, is deceased. 

WEBSTER BIDWELL, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of Ephraim 
Bidwell, was born <m the farm where he now lives March 28. 1853. He 
was raised to farm life, and. under the care of religious parents, he matured 
and received a common-school education. His parental roof was his home 
until Ids marriage, April 7. 1S77, with Sarah, daughter of George Buswell, 
of this township. Shewas born in Jefferson Township in L855. They set- 
tled on the Earm where he now owns L63 acres of good land. He devotes 
considerable time fco raising and Feeding stock. He and wife have a family 
of three daughters, viz.. Ada M.. Minnie A. and Edith B. 

NATHAX BIDWELL, fanner. P. (). W.-st Jefferson, is a son of Elisha 
and Dorotha (Nigh) Bidwell, both natives of Vermont, where they matured 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 989 

and married, and where they had born to them two sons. Early in the pres- 
ent century they came to Ohio and settled on the present site of Columbus, 
where he helped to grub a part of the land now occupied by that city. 
While erecting his cabin there, he became crippled in his right arm for life. 
His residence in that vicinity only marked a short period, when he settled 
in Madison County in what i.i now Canaan Township, purchasing land at 
$1.25 per acre. His death occurred in 18+9, in Monroe Township, Madison 
County, where he had lived a few years only. His widow returned to Ca- 
naan Township with her oldest son, Uriah. In 1856, she, Uriah and another 
son, Washington, died of small-pox. She and Elisha were the parents of 
seventeen children, viz. , Uriah, Isaac, Dorotha, Ephraim, Mahlon, Nathan, 
Addison, Polly or Mary, Jackson and Washington, twins, Augustus, Joseph. 
Benjamin, Leonard and Elisha. The youngest was the strongest of the fam- 
ily, and he and Benjamin were both killed in the war of 1861-65. Nathan 
was born in Canaan Township September 6, 1820, and was raised to farm 
life in his native township, among the pioneer privations. He had few 
school privileges, and possesses only a limited education. He remained at 
home until his majority, when he engaged as a farm hand until September 
5, 1844, on which day he married Eliza J. Kennedy. She was born and 
raised in this county and died January 15, 1855; she was the mother of five 
children, two of whom died in early life. Mr. Bidwell married, for his 
second wife, Elmira (Hall) Thomas, widow of Roland Thomas. This uniou 
has been blessed with two children. Mr. Bidwell has always followed farm- 
ing and stock-raising, and, in 1850, he settled in Jefferson Township, 
where he now owns 134 acres of good land. 

GEORGE W. BLAIR, farmer, P. O. West Jefierson, is one of the pio- 
neers of the county and a grandson of Alexander Blair, who was a native of 
Virginia, of Scotch parentage. He matured in his native State, where he 
married Elizabeth Vestal, of English birth. They settled in Kentucky in 
1788, and, in 1801, in Franklinton, Fraoklin County, Ohio, where Eliza- 
beth died. He subsequently came to Madison County, where he died in 
1825. Of his eleven children, John (the father of our subject) was the 
eighth child, and was born near Harper's Ferry, Va. , September 19. 17SS. 
but from infancy he lived in Kentucky, when we find him in Ohio. He 
matured in Franklin County, and entered the war of 1812, from Franklin 
ton, serving until Hull's surrender, when he was captured, but soon after 
paroled and sent him home. He huuted deer and other game and made 
sugar from the maple orchard that once occupied the grounds of the present 
beautiful city of Columbus. He leaimed the hatter's trade in Franklinton, 
and then settled in London, Madison County, in 1814, where he embarked 
in that business. In the latter part of the same year, he married Jennie, 
daughter of John Thompson, who was a pioneer settler on the lot now 
owned by Dr. Toland Jones. John Blair and wife remained in London un- 
til 1825, when they located on the Glade Run. and. in 1843, in Jefferson 
Township, where she died, in 1868, and he in 1870, both being interred in 
the Blair Cemetery. John was a man of tall and slender form, very wiry 
and energetic, but the last thirty years of his life he was unable to perform 
physical labor. He died aged eighty two. and his wife Beventy eight. Of 
John Blair's seven children, four are now living, two in Madison County, 
of which George W. is the eldest; lie was horn in London May 20. IS! 7, 
and lias since been a resident of his native county. He early imbibed t he 
principles of farming, which he still follows, [n 1841, while living on the 
Glade Run, he married a daughter of George and Rebecca Goodson. 



990 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

In 1843, George W. Blair and family settled on his present farm, which 
now consists of 300 acres. At the time of his settlement the land was near- 
ly all covered with either the original or second growth of timber. He has 
l>een a resident of the county almost from the time of its erection, and has 
watched its rise and progress. From 1868 to 1870, he was connected with 
toe building of the Blair pike, of which he completed three miles. He 
claimed the honor of owning and operating the first steam thresher in Madi- 
son County, and of the introduction of the first reaping machine in the county. 
His children were ten in number, two died in early life — one, Mary E., at the 
age of twenty-four, and seven are now living, viz.. John, George G. , Charles 
W., William F., Uriah H. . Belle and Emma C. This family, as well as the 
ancestors, are adherents of the Methodist Church. John, a native of Deer 
Creek Township, has always been a resident of the county; he is by occu- 
pation a farmer and machinist. He was three years in the late rebellion, 
participating in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., and many others. 
He was taken prisoner at Guntown, Miss., and was nine months in Ander- 
sonville Prison. He then returned home and married Mary A. Bay, a na- 
tive of Indiana, who was raised in South Charleston, Clark Co., Ohio. 
Their children are two sons and three daughters. George G. Blair, as well 
as all the younger ones, is a native of Jefferson Township, where he was 
raised to farm life, and entered the service of the late war, in Company K, 
Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with his brother John, and returning 
after a service of three years. He married Esther A. Clark, a native of 
Springfield, Ohio, of Iri«h parentage. They have one son and two daugh- 
ters. Charles W., the third son, is a farmer and machinist; he entered the 
United States Navy in L863, and was assigned to the gunboat " Tawah. " 
He was subsequently wounded at Clifton, Tenn., resulting in the loss of his 
left arm. His military service covered a period of one year. He afterward 
was appointed to and filled the position of Postmaster at West Jefferson. 
He was married, to Isabelle G. Melvin, a native of Jefferson. They have 
two sons and three daughters. William F. Blair has always resided at 
home, save eighteen months spent in Kansas, and devotes his time largely 
to machinery. U. H. has always followed farming; he married Margaret. 
daughter of George Buswell, whose biography appears in this township. 
Two children are the fruits of this union — Belle, is the wife of Jesse M. 
Mills, of Warren County, Ohio, his occupation is that of saw-miller; Emma 
C, is the wife of Jacob H. Knouff, a native of Washington County, Md., 
but since 1863 a resident of Ohio, and since 1872, of Madison County. 

D. W. BLISS, grocer, Jefferson. The gentleman whose name 
heads this sketch is a son of Ezra Bliss, who was a native of Vermont, 
where he received his education and studied medicine. Soon after reaching 
manhood, he commenced the practice of medicine, and while thus engaged 
two of his sons, viz., Ezra and Hiram, studied medicine under him and be- 
came practitioners. One on his way home from Europe died in Canada, 
and the other died in Massachusetts. Ezra, Sr.. in 1 846, was induced by 
one of his sons, who then lived in Jefferson, Madison County, Ohio, to lo- 
cate there, but he was growing old, and only followed his profession a few 
years. Ee and wife both died here, she being his second companion. He 
was the father of twelve children, three of whom came to Ohio — D. W., 
whose name heads this sketch, is a native of Vermont, where he was born 
April 23, L835; from L839 t<> L846, he was a resident of Indiana, but since 
the last date has resided ;it Jefferson, having come with his father from the 
Hoosier State; he was educated mostly in the schools of Jefferson, during 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 991 

his early life; at the same time he had experience as clerk in the store of 
his brother, thereby gaining a knowledge of business. He subsequently 
served as the first telegraph operator in Jefferson, and as freight, ticket and 
express agent, a period of fifteen years. In 1872, he took a trip to Europe 
to see a sick brother, and, after a stay of considerable time, he returned. 
In 1880, he opened out business in Jefferson similar to that which he is now 
conducting, but sold out to Hoe & Martin, and, in L881, opened in his pres 
ent stand, in which he carries a full line of groceries, provisions, glass and 
queensware. His wife was Amelia Stutson, to whom lias been born four 
children, all deceased, and three died in infancy, one, Ormie EL, at the age of 
eighteen years. 

QUINN BRADLEY, druggist, Jefferson, is a son of Daniel Brad- 
ley, who was a pioneer and native of Monroe Township, Madison 
County, where our subject was also born in 1843. He was left fatherless 
at an early age, and reared by a widowed mother. As soon as he was large 
enough, he was hired out as a farm hand, and thus continued until May, 
1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, serving until the expiration of his enlisted term, one hundred day*. 
In 1863, he re-enlisted in Company C, Second Ohio Cavalry, and remaine 1 
in service until the close of the war. He participated in the common hard- 
ships connected with military life. He returned home and resumed farm 
ing, and, in 1869, married Miss Kate Zinn, of Franklin County, Ohio. The, 
issue of this union is one child — Elta. Farming was Mr. Bradley's pursuit 
until the centennial year, when he located in Jefferson, and, two years later. 
opened a drug store. He carries a full line of drugs, druggists' sundries, 
paints, oils, varnishes and stationery. 

LESTER A. BURNHAM, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. James Burn - 
ham, who is more fully spoken of in the history of Jefferson Township, was 
the father of our subject and a son of James and Tama (Holt) Burnham 
He came to Jefferson Township in 1817, and, in 1823, married Mary Ann 
Jones, whose family were from Pemberton, N. J. In 1857, Mr. Burnham 
died, leaving his widow, who survived him nine years, and three sons and 
a daughter. Of these, the eldest, James C. , is editor and publisher of the 
Index, a weekly paper at Minneapolis, Kan.; the second is the subject of 
this sketch; the third son, John, is located at San Jose, Cal.; the daughter 
Emma died in 1861. Besides these children, two daughters had died in 
infancy, and a third, Mary, in 1818, two years after her marriage to Thorn- 
ton Ross. The subject of this sketch was born at Hampton, Jefferson Town 
ship, April 1">. L833, and remained at home with his parents until he 
reached his majority, in the meantime attending the common school of his 
neighborhood. After leaving home, he, for a time, engaged in milling. Iu 
1862, he married Miss Sarah Johns, a daughter of William and Elizabeth 
(Snowden) Johns, of Greene County. By this marriage four children were 
born, of whom two died in infancy. The others were Edward S., deceased, 
and Emma. Mrs. Burnham died on June 6, L882. Mr. Burnham has en- 
gaged in several occupations, but his life has been principally spent "in 
farming. He was a Democrat until of late years, when ho has east his lot 
with the Prohibitionists. 

GEORGE BUSWELL, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a native of 
England and a son of Thomas and Catharine Buswell, both natives of Ei 
gland, the former bring by occupation a farmer. They both died in their 
native country. Their family consisted of eight children, of whom George, 
the fourth, was born September 21, 1820. He was brought up to agricult- 



992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES . 

ural pursuits, which he has always followed. His home was in his native 
country until April 18, 1855, when he embarked for the United States; he 
landed at Jefferson, Madison Co. , Ohio, on June 19, of the same year. He 
worked as a farm-hand about two and one-half years, and then leased several 
acres from Edwin Roberts, which he worked four years. Two years later, 
he became a land-owner, and now has a farm of 336 acres. He was mar- 
ried, August 25, 1861, to Nancy Toops. To this union has been given a 
family of six children. Mr. Buswell is always interested in all improve- 
ments of the county, and in the welfare of the community in which he re- 
sides. 

THOMAS CARTMILL, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Will- 
iam and a grandson of Thomas Cartmill. The latter with his family moved 
from Virginia, to Bath County, Ky. , about 1788. He and wife both died 
in that State at advanced ages. Of their eleven children, William, the 
sixth, was born in Virginia, in 1779, but from early boyhood lived in the 
county where his parents died. About the year 1807, he was married, and 
five years later located near Georgesville, Franklin Co., Ohio. About 1821 
or 1822. he settled near London, Madison County, where he buried his wife 
in 1859, and where he died in 1873. He was through life a farmer, an ex- 
cellent marksman and a great hunter. One of the incidents of his life we 
record, though it occurred in Kentucky: "One evening, while watching a 
flock of turkeys, as they were going to their perch for the night, he chanced 
to hear a slight noise behind him, and, turning, saw, several paces up the 
hill from where he stood, a panther lying flat, ready to leap upon him. 
His gun was immediately leveled on the panther, which had seemingly al- 
ready began to leap, but the death shot entered the animal' s heart, and so 
vicious was its leap, that, with a death-grip, it clung fast to a tree several feet 
above Mr. Cartmill' s head." He also passed through some narrow escapes 
while hunting in Ohio, being a venturesome pioneer. His wife was a noble 
assistant in rearing the seven children. She spun and wove the fabric, and 
made all their own clothing and attended to her domestic affairs besides. 
As a companion, she was true and amiable, and as a mother kind and affec- 
tionate and highly esteemed by her neighbors. Of the .seven children all 
save one are now living. Thomas, the first born, was a native of Kentucky, 
but, in 1812, when he was five years old. his father came to Ohio, since 
which Thomas has been a resident of the Buckeye State. After remaining 
on his father's farm until the age of twenty two. he entered upon the duties 
of the carpenter trade, which he followed continuously until 1857. in which 
vear he erected a grist-mill on Little Darby. This he conducted until 1881, 
when his successor, the present owner, took charge of it. He has been a 
land-owner in this township since 1851, and superintended his farm in 
connection with the mill. He now owns 200 acres, highly improved and 
well cultivated. He is a well to-do citizen, and has his daughter living with 
him. 

J. T. COLLIVEB, physician, Jefferson, is a son of Dr. John Col- 
liver, who was born in Kentucky in 1811. He was raised in his native 
State to farm life, which he followed in connection with trading. His 
marriage with Matilda Robinson was celebrated in L831, and, ten years 
later, they moved to Ohio, locating in Madison County. Soon after reach- 
ing the latter county, he commenced reading medicine, and in due time was 
prepared and began practicing <>n the Eclectic system, in MechanicBburg, 
Champaign Co., Ohio. After a successful practice of ten years, he, in L855, 
located in Amity, Madison County, where the whole family was attacked 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 993 

with small-pox, resulting in the death of one, a young lady, and severely 
•marking the remainder. Dr. John Colliver practiced there until 1857, 
when he located in Jefferson, where he practiced until his death, in 1865. 
His widow still survives, aged sixty-eight years. Their children were 
twelve in number, seven of whom are still living. Dr. J. T., the fifth, was 
born in 1841 in Kentucky, but from infancy he was reared in Ohio. He 
commenced reading medicine under his father, and began practicing in the 
fall of 1862, in Jefferson, where he has carried a heavy practice ever since. 
He graduated at the Eclectic College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864. In 
1869, he married Frances, daughter of Dr. W. W. Adams, of De Witt 
County, 111. Four children are the issue of this union. 

JOHN CONKLIN, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and 
he was raised in his native State, where he married Jane Andrew, who was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1808. In 1830, they with three children came to 
Madison County, Ohio, and bought a farm of 160 acres, one mile north of 
the present site of Jefferson. The family lived in New Hampton a few 
weeks, while a log house was being constructed. In the fall of 1831, he 
assisted Col. Millikin to survey the lots of Jefferson, and he saw it grow 
from a hazel brush patch to a good-sized business town. He worked hard, 
was economical, and at his death owned 285 acres of land, which he had 
mostly cleared. He and wife lived together until October, 1873, when his 
death severed the union; she died in February, 1881. Their children were 
eight in number, four are now living, viz., Mary, wife of F. Waddle; 
Emily, D. S. and Amos. Emily was born on the farm where she now lives 
in 1833; she was raised and cared for by her parents, and remained in 
single life at home; she now owns a part of the farm and resides on it. D. 
S. was born on the farm in 1845, has ever resided in this township, and has 
followed farming for a livelihood. He now owns a good farm and raises a 
fair class of horses, cattle and sheep, and is one of the well-to-do farmers. 
He received a common -school education, which enables him to appreciate 
the cause of public schools, with which he has been officially connected for 
several years. He was married, May 1, 1872, to Frances Carter, by whom 
lie has two children — John and Jessie. Amos, the youngest, was born in 
L848, was raised to farm life and remained at home until 1868. when he 
engaged as baggage master on the Little Miami Railroad, which he fol- 
lowed five years. He then resumed his boyhood occiipation, farming on 
the old homestead, a part of which he now owns. He was married, to Miss 
Jennie Carter, October 18, 1877. 

JOHN DICKENSHEETS, miller, Jefferson, was born November 21, 
1831, in Maryland, but from five years of age, lived in Montgomery 
County, Ohio, where his father operated a grist-mill on Stillwater a number 
of years. While residing there, the parents, David and Sidney (Smith) 
Dickensheets both died. John worked for his father, and under his instruc- 
tion until after his majority. Subsequently, he labored in different mills, 
in Dayton, then in Richmond, Ind., and various other places until 1879, 
when he came from CirclevilJe. Ohio, to Jefferson, his present situation. 
He was married, on Christmas, 1856, to Charlotte Jackson, a native of En- 
gland, born December 4, 1836. In 1853, her patents settled in Dayton, 
Ohio, where both died. She is the second of a family of eight children. 
Mr. Dickensheets and wife have a family of four children, all now 
living, viz., Mary F., Mattie M., George W. and Luther M. The Dicken- 
sheets name is of English and German origin. 



99-4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

A. J. DICKERSON, teacher and farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, was 
born in Harrisbnrg, Penn., February 14, 1833; he is a son of Alexander 
and Catharine (Bigler) Dickerson. The former was Secretary of the land 
office at Harrisburg at the time of his death, and his father, who was of 
Irish parentage, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he lived and died, 
and a General in the war of 1812. Catharine Bigler, above mentioned, is 
now residing in Philadelphia, and is a cousin of ex-Gov. William Bigler, 
of Pennsylvania, and ex- Senator from the same State. She is also a cousin 
to ex-Gov. John Bigler, of California. Her grandfather Bigler came from 
Germany, and married Catharine Paucake, of German descent. Our sub 
ject was raised in his native State, where he was educated, and when twenty 
years of age, he engaged in teaching, which he has followed in connection 
with farming ever since. His residence in Madison County, Ohio, dates 
back to 1865; since that time he has taught almost every winter in four 
different districts. He owns a good farm, which he cultivates. He is 
among the leading members of the Foster Chapel Methodist Church, and a 
class leader. His marriage was solemnized in Pennsylvania, with Miss 
Rachel Andrew. 

WILLIAM DURFLINGER, farmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, is a grand- 
son of Henry Durflinger, a native of Germany, who came to America prior 
to the Continental war, in which he was a patriot. He settled, lived and 
died in Virginia. Of his live children, Thomas, the father of our subject, 
and the second child, was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1773, and died in 
Jefferson Township, Madison County, Ohio, in 1851. He was raised to 
farm life in his native State, where he married Susan Gouldsberry, and, 
about 1803, with one child, came to Ross County, Ohio. He bought land 
near the present town of Frankfort, cleared and improved it and remains! 
there until 1828, when the family settled in the Galaway Survey, of Jefferson 
Township, Madison County, and there bought 330 acres of land, on which 
one little field was cleared, but no house built. A log house was quickly 
erected, and they enjoyed the new home six years, when it was sold and 
another tract of land bought, most of which lies in the northeast corner of 
Fairfield Township. On this farm he died, having lived a widower from 
1822. He was industrious and economical, was three times in life reduced 
to limited circumstances by placing confidence in those not worthy of the 
trust. He was the father of nine children. Of the survivors, William and 
Daniel are the only two living in this State. William was born November 
18, 1812, in Ross County, Ohio, and, since 1828, was a resident in this 
township. He now owns 182 acres of good land. He was married, N 
member 1 I, 1S38, to Clarine, daughter of Levi Hann, by whom he had five 
children, viz., Mary, died July It. L841; George, Thomas; Sarah, deceased 
March 26, 1856, and Cash M. The youngest daughter now reside 
home. Mrs. Durflinger' s parents, Levi and Sarah Hann, settled in Madison 
County about the same time of the Durflingers. They lived and died in 
Madison County. Their children were eight in number, one <>' whom. Ja- 
cob, died the next morning after settling in Jefferson Township. Their 
children all settled in Madison County, but one, who now resides in Indiana 
and one in Webb City. Mo. The other three are still residents of Madis 
County, 

l> VNTIEL DURFLINGER. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. Of Thomas 
Durflinger's children, Daniel, the sixth, was horn in Ross County, Ohio, 
Yn oist ID. Is pi. but since twelve years of age has been a resident of 
Madison County, when 1 he ha- always followed Canning. He now owns a 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 995 

good farm of 250 acres, and considerable land in Ottawa County, Kan. He 
is one of the well-to-do citizens, industrious and economical, and believes 
in furthering the interests of the county. His marriage with Margaret An- 
derson has resulted in the birth of nine children, seven are now living — two 
are in Kansas, and five are in their native county, Madison. 

\V. W. FELLOWS, retired merchant, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of 
Ebenezer Fellows, who was a native of Hanover, N. H., where he followed 
farming through life. His wife was Deborah Ross, sister to Isaac Ross, 
who is the father of Editor George E. Ross, of London, Ohio. Of Ebene- 
zer' a seven children, three are yet living, all residents of Madison County, 
Ohio, viz., Isabelle, wife of W. H. Chandler; Arabelle, twin sister to Isa- 
belle, and wife of J. Swetland, and the subject of this sketch, who is 
the youngest of the three. He was born in Flainfield, N. H. , in 1818, anil 
was raised and educated in his native State, where he imbibed the princi- 
pals of farming, but, in 1836, came to Jefferson, Madison County, where, 
for three years, he was engaged in the mercantile trade. In 1839, he took 
his stock to Marysville, Union County, where, after one year's experience, 
he sold out and began clerking in London. In the latter town, he bought 
out his brother Harvey's stock, in 1848, and formed a partnership with hi 3 
brother-in-law, W. H. Chandler. Three years later, he took the total re- 
sponsibility of the store upon himself, and conducted it until 1858, when he 
sold to Jonathan Arnett, and was induced to take his sons to the farm, in 
Oak Run Township. After an agricultural life of nine years, he located in 
Jefferson, and, with his son T. B. , engaged in the dry goods trade, but, in 
1872, he retired, leaving the business to his son, who is now doing a fair 
business. Since 1872, he has devoted most of his time to his farm, near 
Jefferson, where he still resides. In 1839, while engaged in business iu 
Marysville, he married Lydia Hebbard, a native of Maryland, who was 
born in 1823. The issue of this union was thirteen children, three of whom 
died in early life, three when nearly grown, and seven are still living, viz., 
T. Byron; \V. W., Jr., minister, of Michigan; Ida L., of Columbus, Ohio; 
Lucy, of Lebanon, Ohio; Eugene, attorney of Muskegon, Mich. ; Ada L., 
of London, and Villa A. Mr. Fellows, though not possessing an extra edu 
cation himself, appreciates the value of that important feature, and has 
given his children school privileges, by which they are enabled to mostly 
earn their own livelihood. The total expenditure on their education was 
about $16,000. He now owns about 300 acres in the vicinity of Jefferson. 

P. C. FULLMER, Notary Public, Jefferson, is a son of George 
and Sophrona (Thresher) Fullmer, the former a native of Pennsylvaria and 
the latter of Vermont. Their marriage was celebrated in Wisconsin about 
1850, this being his second marriage. Four years after the unior, they 
settled in Madison County, Ohio, where our subject was born the same year, 
he being the second ami youngest of the family. He was raised to farm 
life and acquired the rudiments of an education in the common schools 
during the winter season, after which he attended the National Normal Uni- 
versity at Lebanon. Warren Co., Ohio. He hai devoted considerable time to 
reading medicine, and, since 1880, lias lived in Jefferson, where he is serving 
as Town Clerk and conducting an office of the leading fire insurance compa- 
nies. He is also Notary Public and collecting agent, 

J. H. GILBERT, fanner and teacher. P. (). West Jefferson, is a son 
of Samuel and Rebecca M. (Harlan) Gilbert, natives of Maryland where 
they were married and lived until 1837, when they emigrated to Ohio and 
settled in Franklin County, near Hilliard*s Station. He was by occupation 

00 



996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

a farmer throughout his residence in the last-named county, where he and 
wife both died. Their children were eight in number, of whom seven are 
now living. Our subject, the fourth, was born in 1836, in Maryland, but 
from one year old lived in Franklin County, Ohio, where he acquired a fair 
education, while growing up on the farm under the guidance of his parents. 
In 1803, he first came to Madison Covinty, where he now has a farm of 
nearly one hundred acres, on which his summers are mostly devoted. For 
the past fourteen years, he has devoted most of his winters to teaching 
school. He has been twice married, first, to Lucy Baker, who died in 1874, 
leaving three children. He was married, to Mrs. Harriet McCollum, in 
1878. They reside on their farm five miles northwest of Jefferson. 

JAMES GILLIVAN, hardware merchant and dealer in all kinds 
of agricultural implements, Jefferson, is a son of Patrick J. and Ann 
(Caioo) Gillivan, both natives of Ireland, where they married and died, he 
in 1838, and she in 1853. He was by occupation a house carpenter, which 
he followed through life. His family consisted of eight children. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Ireland in 1832, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1848, settling in Columbus, where he engaged in learning the tinner 
and coppersmith's trades. After completing his trade, he traveled as a 
journeyman until 1868, when he located in Jefferson and established his 
present business. He deals extensively in hardware, stoves, wagons, bug- 
gies, farm implements, paints, oils, tin and hollow ware, etc., and his an- 
nual sales amount to about $15,000. He was married, in 1853, to Miss 
Mary E. Manifold, by whom he has five children living and three deceased. 
Two brothers of Mr. Gillivan's came to America; one settled in Burlington 
Iowa, and the other in Kentucky. 

GEORGE GOODSON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of 
Thomas Goodson, a native of Virginia, and a patriot in the Continental 
war, who died in his native State. His wife was a native of Ireland. 
George, the father of our subject, was among the eldest of their family of 
several children. He was born in Franklin County, Va., July 9, 1783. He 
married, in 1805, Rebecca Wilson, a native of the same State, who was born 
October 16, 1787. Three years later, he and his small family came to Ohio 
and settled on Big Darby, in Franklin County, where he bought land in 
the dense wilderness, surrounded by the Delaware Indians. He improved 
and cultivated this farm, and lived on it until his death, October 2, 1851. 
His widow died October 14, 1853. lie was by occupation a blacksmith. His 
farm consisted of 1 35 acres. He had eleven children, viz., Sarah, Mary, 
Jane, Thomas, Malinda, Elizabeth, William, Rachel, Robert, George and 
John. Of those, William and John died in early life, and now all are de- 
ceased save Elizabeth, Rachel and George. The latter was born February 
3, L824, in Franklin County, where he was raised to farm life, and mar- 
ried Eliza Huffman, of Pickaway County, Ohio, where she was born on the 
same duy of her husband. They remained in Franklin County until No-, 
vember, 1851, when they settled on their present farm, which consists of 
255 acres. The farm has been mostly cleared through the efforts of its 
present owner. He has been associated with the School Board a number 
of years, and is interested in all public improvements. He and wife both 
adhere to the United Brethren Church. They have a family of five chil- 
dren, viz., Thomas, Sarah. Rebecca (deceased), Alice and John W , all mar- 
ried except the youngest. 

A. A. GREGG, banker and farmer, Jefferson, is a son of John 
Gregg, who was born October 11. I7S3, in Loudoun County, Va 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 997 

When but a child, his parents moved to near Brownsville, Penn., where 
they died, and where John matured. On June 24, L812, he was married to 
Margaret Allen, who was born January 18, 1790, in Virginia. John fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred about nine years 
after his marriage, when he left a widow with three fatherless children. 
About the year 1827, she, with her three children, moved to Ohio, settling 
about six miles west of London, Madison County, where she bought a piece 
of land, all in the dense forest, A double, hewed-log house was soon erect- 
ed, into which they moved. Her three sons, Carlton E., Ashton A. and 
Thomas, did noble work in opening this farm, of which each of them now 
own 100 acres. They are all heads of families. The old lady remained un 
ihe home farm until her death, April, 1881, having lived a widow over 
sixty years. Ashton A., whose name heads this sketch, is one of the elderly 
citizens of Madison County. He was raised to know the hardship connect- 
ed with pioneer life, and now owns considerable land. For the past six 
years, he has been a resident of Jefferson, where he is conducting a commercial 
bank, and at the same time superintending his farms. His life has mostly 
been devoted to farming. His marriage was celebrated May 7, 1840, with 
Mary M. Pearce, who was born June 11, 1826, at Chillicothe, Ohio. They 
have a family of nine children, one of whom died when twenty months old, 
and eight are still living. 

ISAAC H. HAMBLETON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, and Director 
of the Madison County Infirmary, is a son of Stephen G. Hambleton, who 
was born near Philadelphia, Penn., though mostly raised in Erie County, 
N. Y. , and in early manhood came to Ohio with his cousin, and settled in 
Columbiana County, where he married Sarah Galbreath, of that county. 
Her father, James Galbreath, .settled in the year the State was admitted to 
the Union. In L835, they moved to Erie County, N. Y. , and, five years 
later, in Miami County, Ohio. In 1843, they settled near Georgesville, 
Franklin Co. , Ohio, and subsequently bought a farm in the same county, 
where he died March 25, 1860. His widow still survives, in Dayton, Ohio, 
with her son-in-law, Richard Van Horn. Stephen G. Hambleton was a 
stout, hearty man, possessing a robust constitution, six feet high, and 
weighed about one hundred and seventy-five pounds. He was one of the 
first in Central Ohio to advocate the principle of the Underground Railroad, 
and, in consequence thereof, became an early advocate of the newly organ- 
ized Republican party in 1854, to which he closely adhered through life. 
He died of cancer of the face. Of his twelve children, eight are now liv- 
ing — three sons and five daughters. Isaac H, the second child, was born 
in 1824, in Columbiana County, Ohio. Since 1840, his residence dates un- 
broken in Ohio, and, since L854, in Madison Ccunty, where he now owns 
149 acres. He also owns ninety six acres in Franklin County. He is one 
of the well-to-do farmers, willing to encourage all enterprises having for 
their effect the good of the community. He was married, in 1853, to Jane 
Reynolds, of Franklin County, Ohio, where her father was a tanner of an 
early day. Mr. Hambleton and wife have two sons and two daughters. 
He has been connected with the Board of Trustees, and is now one of the 
Directors of the County Infirmary. He adheres to the Republican party. 
He started in life alone and enipty-handed, but, by industry and economy, 
he has accumulated a neat competency. 

OWEN HARBAGE, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Joseph 
and Sarah Harbage, natives of England, where they were married and had 
born a family of eight children. In 1854, they all started for America, 



998 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

but, while on the ocean, one child died. The family finally reached Mad- 
ison County, Ohio, and settled in Jefferson Township where they all bave 
lived since, save one child which returned to England and one now residing 
in Indiana. Our subject was born in England in 1839, but since fifteen 
years of age has been a resident of Jefferson Township, where he married 
Minerva F., sister of Ezekial Arnett, of Jefferson. This union has been 
blest with a family of seven children. Mr. Harbage is by occupation a 
farmer, which was the vocation of his ancestors in England for several 
generations back. He is the owner of 323 acres, under good cultivation, 
and is an enterprising citizen. He has always taken a deep interest in the 
schools of his township, and has repeatedly served as local Director, now 
being President of the Board of Education. 

E. G. HAYNES, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. A. R. Haynes, father 
of our subject, was born in Virginia August 30, 1799. At the age of seven 
years, his parents settled at Chillicothe, Ohio, where both died, and where 
A. R. remained until 1824, when he went to the State of New York, remain 
ing four years. In the meantime, he married Hannah Bateham, of English 
birth, who was born in 1809, and emigrated to America in 1825. A. R. and 
wife reached Ross County, Ohio, in 1829, where he owned a saw-mill and 
farm. These he superintended, and at the same time conducted his trade 
— coopering. Thus he continued until 1855, when he located in Franklin 
County, and, four years later, in Madison County, near Jefferson. He there 
bought nearly two hundred acres of land, which had been settled many years, 
although but little improved. He was a robust and hearty man, ready to 
meet all emergencies. He was industrious, and strictly devoted his atten- 
tion to farming after reaching Madison County. From the age of twenty - 
five years to the day of his death, August 3, 1881, he was a close follower of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for the greater part of the time was 
officially therewith connected. He and wife had twelve children, five of 
whom died in early life. Seven reached maturity, and six are now living. 
One lost his life in the late war, at the battle of Guntown, or Brice's Cross 
Roads, Miss. The subject of this sketch, the second eldest son living, was 
born July 24, 1838, in Ross County, Ohio. Since 1859, he has been a res 
ident of Madison County. By occupation he is a farmer, and now owns a 
farm of fifty acres, under good cultivation. He married Miss Rachel Bolds, 
of London, Ohio, by whom he has one child living, Louie. Mr. and Mrs. 
Haynes have for the past twenty-seven years both been members of the 
Methodist Church. 

E. B. HAYNES, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of the late A. R. 
Haynes. and brother of E. G. Haynos above mentioned, was born in Ross 
County, Ohio, in 1830, and came with the family to Madison County in 
1859. In the latter county he now owns a farm of 103 acres, which he cul- 
tivates. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, save 
four months spent in the late war In 1881, he donated the lot for the 
Methodist Church now in progress of erection, known as the Blair Chapel. 
To this church he and wife both belong. They have a family of five chil 
dren, all now living. Mr. Haynes is especially interested in all public im- 
provements of his county or township. 

JOHN HEATH, stock-dealer, P. O. West Jefferson, was born in Pleasant 
Township February 29, L822. He is the son of David and Nancy (Thomas) 
Heath. The former, who was raised near Chillicothe, came to this county 
about sixty years ago, and settled in Pleasant Towuship, where he married, 
and where he still lives. They had ten children — four boys and six girls 






JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 999 

— of whom three boys and four girls still survive. One subject remained 
at home until April 19, L856, when he married Sarah A. Anderson, a native 
of Pleasant Township, and a daughter of Stephen and Margaret (Blackwell) 
Anderson, both natives of Kentucky, where they married in 1851, and, 
shortly after, moved to this county. They had five boys and five ;;'irls, of 
whom four boys and four girls still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Heath have had 
four children, viz., Emma, wife of Frank Howard, of this township; Alice, 
wife of Israel Brown, of Mechanicsburg; Louie, wife of John W. Burns; 
and Charley. Mr. Burns devoted his time largely to farming, but, in the 
last few years, he turned his attention to raising, buying, trading and ship- 
ping cattle, which he carries on extensively. He is a Republican in poli- 
tic- . Mrs. Heath is a member of the Methodist Church. 

CHARLES G. HIGH, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Hosea 
and Mary Ann High, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of 
Washington, D. C. Her father, in 1803, settled on the present site of Col- 
umbus, Ohio, where she grew up, married, and continued to reside until 
L8 !<*, when Mr. High and family moved on their farm, seven miles north of 
Columbus. Fifteen years later, they settled in Brown Township, of the 
same county, where he died in 1875. His widow returned to Columbus, 
where she resides, aged about eighty years, Their children were eleven in 
number, eight of whom are still living, two in Madison County. Our sub- 
ject, the second eldest of the family, was born in Columbus. Ohio, in 1820, 
and was raised there until the age of fourteen, in the meantime enjoying 
the privileges of the schools of that city. After moving to the farm, he, 
being among the eldest, was deprived of educational advantages, and kept 
constantly busy in the clearing up of the land and in its cultivation. Thus 
he continued until his majority, when he went West, engaged as farm hand 
in different Western States, and settled in Missouri in 1859. having, two 
years previously, married Martha Brown. In the fall of 1864, he came to 
Madison County, Ohio, where he has since resided, and now owns a tine 
farm of 150 acres, which he cultivates with good success. Since residing 
here, he has filled the capacity of Township Trustee several terms. His 
ideas of religion are in accordance with the Universalist Church, to which 
he belongs. He is also one of the Trustees of the Alder Chapel property. 
He and wife have a family of four children, all now living. She is a daugh- 
ter of the late Israel Brown, and a great-granddaughter of the late Rev. 
Lewis Foster, founder of the Foster Chapel Methodist Church. 

ABNER JOHNSON, deceased, son of Jacob and grandson of Michael 
Johnson, who are both mentioned in the pioneer history of this volume, was 
born in Madison County, Ohio. August 16, 1812, and died in his native 
county March 23, 1882. He was raised to farm life, and made farming his 
occupation through life. He was a man of strong constitution, which en- 
abled him, even although he started almost empty-handed in life, to accumu- 
late a neat competency. Apart from the land owned at his death was his 
original purchase, which was all in the wilds of nature. He at one period 
in his life followed butchering for fourteen years in Jefferson, which re- 
sulted favorably. He was married, in 1836, to Mary La pin. grand-daugh- 
ter of the early pioneer. William Lapiu, elsewhere mentioned in this work. 
She was born in Madison County April 25, 1819. Their children were ten 
in number, viz.. Lewis, Jacob, James, Rebecca (deceased), Aimer (deceased), 
Charles (deceased), Thomas J., John W. . Albert and Alphis. Of these, 
Jacob, the second, was born January 1. 1839, and through life has been a 
farmer. Soon after his majority, he spent eight months in Illinois, but re- 



1000 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

turned to Ohio, and, in 1S<>4, married, but from 18(38 to 1872 he lived in 
Franklin County. At the last date given, he bought his present farm of 
fifty acres. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and is now one of the Township Trustees. Mrs. Johnson is Elizabeth A. , 
daughter of John Crego. She was born in Madison County in 1842, and is 
a member of the Methodist Church. 

JAMES JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, third child of Abner 
Johnson, deceased, who is represented in these pages, was born in 1841, 
and was raised to farm life, which he has ever since followed. He now 
owns 155 acres of land, under fair cultivation. He devotes some time and 
attention to stock-raising. He was married, in 1867, to Sarah, daughter 
of George Goodson, whose biography appears in this volume. She was born 
in Franklin County, Ohio, July 21, 1847, and by her Mr. Johnson has four 
children, all now living. 

ABNER JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Abra- 
ham and a grandson of Jacob Johnson. Abraham Johnson was born in Jeffer- 
son Township September 29, 1808, and died in his native township January 
14, 1874. He was raised through the pioneer trials and difficulties when 
schools and many other privileges that the present generation so abundantly 
enjoy were not to be had. By occupation he was a farmer through life. 
He cleared considerable of the farm now owned by W. P. Olney, but about 
1850 settled on the farm where our subject now resides, and put on nearly 
all the improvements now seen. On this farm he was living at the time of 
his death. He was married, January 7, 1844, to Elizabeth Keen, who was 
born August 20, 1825, and died July 10, 1861, and by her had eight chil- 
dren, one of whom died in early life; seven are now living, and five are in 
Jefferson, their native township. His second wife is now living with our 
subject. She was Lydia, widow of Judson Olney, mentioned in sketch of 
W. P. Olney, of this township. She was born in Georgesville, Franklin 
Co., Ohio, in 1820. Abner, whose name heads this sketch, was born No 
vember 4, 1845. He was brought up to the pursuits which he still follows, 
and he now owns 175 acres of land. His marriage with Emma J., daughter 
of Judson and Lydia Olney. was celebrated August 8. L866. Abner John- 
son has represented his township in the Board of Trustees and as Assessor, 
discharging his duties with unwavering fidelity. 

LEWIS JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of Jacob and 
grandson of Michael Johnson, was born in Jefferson Township, Madison 
County. April 29, L820. He was raised to farm life, and assisted in the 
pioneer duties of supporting his father's family. He remained at home un- 
til INI I. when he married Eliza Gardner, by whom he has had six children, 
four now living, and married, viz.. Mary J., wife of J. W. Booth; Margaret 
A., wife of Calvin Bradley; Joseph H. and Luther \V. The two latter both 
married daughters of Samuel Biggort, of Georgesville. Lewis Johnson, 
himself <>nt> of Jefferson Township's pioneer representatives, has always 
worked hard, and now owns a good farm of 243 acres. He baa for a number oi 
years been connected with the School Board. He is favorably inclined to 
all improvements of the county or township. Mrs. Johnson is a daughter 
of Joseph and -lane (Thompson) Gardner, natives of Boss County, Ohio, 
where she was horn January L5, L829. Prom eleven years of age, her par- 
ents resided in Madison County, where she still lives Her mother now 
resides with her, but her 1'ather died in Illinois. Mrs. Johnson's mother is 
a grand daughter of Margarel (Tiffin) Gardner, sister to the first Governor 

of Ohio. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1001 

LUTHER JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0. West Jefferson, is a descendant 
of the early pioneer, Michael Johnson, who came to Madison County in 
17 ( .»7. and a son of Jacob Johnson, who is mentioned elsewhere in these 
pages. Our subject was horn in Jefferson Township January L6, 1826. 
He was raised a farmer boy, and enjoyed only the privileges of the common 
schools. His attention through life has been more or Less given to farm- 
ing, but for a period of twenty-one years he made a specialty of handling 
and shipping stock. Ee owns a good sized farm, and now gives his entire 
attention to it. save the time taken up in the duties of his office, Justice of 
the Peace. He lias been publicly connected with the township more or Less 
for several years. He married .Mary A. Thompson in 1844, and by her has 
had six children; four only survive. 

CHARLES C. JONES, banker, Jefferson, is a grandson of Sam 
uel and a son of Isaac Jones, who were both natives of New Jersey, where 
the former matured and married. In 1819, he, wife and several children 
came to Ohio, locating in Jefferson Township, Madison County, purchasing 
land now occupied In Jefferson. His land joined Samuel Sexton's land, out 
of which two pioneers, on July 5, 1822, laid out New Hampton, just south 
of the present residence of John Heath, On September IT), 1S*_!:'>, Samuel 
Jones buried his wife, in the fifty-fourth year of her age. He soon after 
returned to New Jersey, where he married his second wife. On November 
17, 1830, he and wife, Mary, deeded 110 acres of land, on the National road, 
just west of I jittle Darby, to his son Isaac Isaac was born in New Jersey 
in 1801', but, from seventeen years of age, was a resident of Ohio. In 1821, 
he married Eliza, daughter of John Mills. She was born in New York 
April 30, L804 He and wife settled in New Hampton. The north line of 
the I 10 acres deeded to him by his father was the northern limit of Jeffer- 
son, which town he Laid out into sixty-four lots, in the fall of 1831. Early 
in life, he joined the Baptist Church, and, during the third decade of the 
present century, he was ordained as a minister in that church. Through 
his efforts the original church was organized at New Hampton. He labored 
long and faithfully, and, on the 22d of September, L842, died. He was a 
zealous Christian worker, of unwavering fidelity and unswerving integrity. 
He was licensed to Bolemnize marriages on July '.), 1830, and. on March 20. 
1840, William Shannon, Governor of the State, appointed him Associate 
Judge of the Courl of (',,1,1111011 I 'leas for the county of Madison, in which 
capacity he served until his death. He was interred in the Hampton Cem- 
etery, where a suitable monument has been erected to his memory. Hi.-, 
widow survived him several years. They had horn to them eight children. 
viz., Sarah, wife of Dr. Col. Crabb, of York, Neb. : an infant, deceased; 
Charles C. ; Thomas P., who Berved as Quartermaster of the Ninety-fifth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry iii the Late war; Col. William -lone-,, whose ! 
raphy appears in Union Township; an infant, deceased; Samuel, who died 
in 1842, aged nine year.-: -I. M.. who lefl Oberlin College and enlisted in 
the late war. but now is a residenl of (dark County. Ohio: and Isaac C, Jr.. 

who was also a student in tie- same college, but, seeing i|,,. Q | f men to 

protect our country, left school, and, at Cincinnati, Ohio, enlisted in Com- 
pany C, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He rose to Lieutenant Colonel, 
participating in some of the severest battles, but, on November 27, In'):;. 
while engaged in the battle at Ringgold, was mortally wounded, and, while 
lying in the last agonies of death, he said to his comrades, "I am happy to 
die for my country! " Of the entire family of Rev. Isaac Jones, four are 
now living. William and Charles, in Madison County. The latter was born 



1002 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in New Hampton October 7, 1820. He grew up in his native county, where 
he has always resided. He started in life with no means, but is now 
among the wealthiest citizens of Jefferson. He has devoted thirty-two 
years to auctioneering, in which he has been successful. He connected 
himself with the Baptist Church many years ago, and is now one of its 
Trustees. He has been associated with the interests of the township in 
various capacities; since 1874 has been, a Republican. He and wife have 
had a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now living. 

GEORGE KELLER, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Peter 
and Rebecca (Vandyke) Keller, natives of Pennsylvania. The former was 
a son of Mitchell Keller, who was of German parentage, and also native of 
Pennsylvania, where he lived and died; by occupation, a farmer. Peter 
was raised a farmer boy in his native State, but, about the time of his ma- 
jority, he drifted into Maryland, where he married. Three years after mar- 
riage, his wife died, leaving two children, viz., Mary, wife of Josiah Mell- 
vin, of Union Township, Madison County; and Elizabeth, widow of Jonah 
E. Laman. of Jefferson Township, Madison County. Peter's second mar- 
riage was celebrated in Maryland, with Rebecca (Vandyke) Herbert. They 
came to Ohio in 1834, settling in Deer Creek Township, Madison County, 
where he became a land-owner, and where both lived until their deaths; he 
died in 1845, and she in 1849. They had a family of four children, one of 
whom is now living, viz.. George, our siibject. who was born in Washing- 
ton County, Md., in 1828, but, since six years of age, has been a resident of 
Madison County, Ohio, where he owns a good farm and devotes his time to 
its cultivation. He started in life with no means, but by industry and de- 
termination he has accumulated his present handsome property. He was 
married in 1858 to Eliza Fitzgerald, a native of Virginia, by whom he has 
had four children, viz., Ida C, William H, Edward J. and Mary J. Mr. 
Keller only possesses a common education, though he fully appreciates the 
vahie of a good education, and, in consequence, takes a decided interest 
in the schools of his township. Mrs. Keller is a daughter of Will- 
iam Fitzgerald and wife, who came from Virginia in 1830, with a 
family of three children, and settled in what is now Fairfield Township. 
He has ever since been a resident of the county, and has followed farming. 
On October 21, 1879, he buried his wife, who was the mother of eight 
children. Mr. Fitzgerald is by occupation a tanner, although he never fol- 
lowed it in Ohio. 

W. W. LEWIS, ex-Mayor, Jefferson. The father of our subject 
was George W. Lewis, who was born February 11, 1807, in the settlement 
of Brush Creek, Adams Co., Ohio. He was a son of Philip Lewis, a native 
of Virginia, from where he came to Adams County, Ohio, in an early day. 
In the fall of 1807, he. wife and one child, George, came to what is Mad- 
ison County, and settled near the present site of London. His first resi- 
dence was on the lot of Speasmaker's hardware store, where he kept tavern. 
He was among the first settlers in the town of London, where he died, leav- 
ing his second wife, who died about 1879. By his first marriage, lie had 
five children, and by the second, one. George W. was the eldest of the 
family, and, from six months old, lived in London, Ohio. He acquired an 
education which was in accordance with the privileges and facilities of those 
raily days. At an early age he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, 
which he completed in Xenia, Ohio. On October 7, 1830, he was married to 
Mary T. Melvin. who was born July 11, 1812, on what is known as the 
"Upper Glade," Madison Co.. Ohio, four miles east of London. In the 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1003 

spring of 1831, they moved to New Hampton, the first efforts toward a town 
in the vicinity of Jefferson, which was laid out that fall, and. in the spring 
of 1882, they settled in the new town, Jefferson, on Lot No j9 of the origi- 
nal plat, where he ever after lived, save two years spent on his father-in- 
law's farm. He was the first man to set up a forge in the new town. He 
was a fair mechanic, enjoyed a good patronage, and continued his trade un- 
til shortly before the late war, when he abandoned it to recruit the sight of 
his eyes. Subsequently, he was variously engaged, from 18(51 to 1805, on 
a mail route from Jefferson to Springfield, Ohio. His death occurred Au- 
gust 28, 1878. He was always ready to assist in furthering the interest of 
the village, and died a worthy citizen. His widow survived him two years, 
having spent a life of fidelity to the Methodist Church. Of their seven 
children, three died in early life, and four are now living, and heads of 
families, viz., John M., born June 22, 1833; Virginia M., August 19, 1836; 
B. H., August 11, 1839; and Wallace W., March 12, 1843, in Jefferson. 
where he matured, and enjoyed the village schools. In the summer of L862, 
he taught three months, but, soon after the close of the term, enlisted in 
Company K, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served throughout 
his enlisted term — three years — bat was only in actual service until the bat- 
tle of Guntown. Miss., wheie his right lower limb was injured, June 10, 
i iSfi4, and amputated the following day, by a rebel Surgeon, as he was taken 
prisoner while lying wounded on the field. He served in the rebel prisons 
eleven months, returned home in May of 1865, and was mustered out on 
August 14 of the same year. He has been in the post office of London five 
years, and, since 1871, has been a permanent resident of his native town, 
in which he has been chosen to fill the office of Mayor and Town Clerk, 
each one term, and Township Clerk two terms. He was married, May 3, 
1870, to Nannie L. Slothard, a native of Madison County. Two children 
are the fruits of this union. 

JOHN M. LEWIS, blacksmith, Jefferson, was born June 22, 1833, 
in Jefferson. His education was acquired in the schools of the village. 
He partly learned his trade under his father, and in all has now wielded 
the sledge about twenty- five years, of which twenty years have been under 
his present employer. Jacob McNeal. He served 100 days in the late war, 
in Company C. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards, 
commanded by Col. Robert Stevenson, and returned home September, 1801. 
On October 5, 1873, he was married to Fi-ances Toops, a native of Jeffer- 
son, at the residence of John White, in London, Ohio. Two children 
liave been given to this union, viz., Quinn B. (deceased) and Gracie. 

DAVID R. LUCAS, fm-mer. P. O West Jefferson, is a son of John and 
a grandson of Capt. Thomas Lucas. The latter was a native of Ireland, 
but, prior to the war of Independence, he, with one brother, came to Amer- 
ica, and became a patriot in the great conflict that soon followed. His effi- 
ciency as a soldier soon gained for him the commission of Captain, in which 
rank he served through the struggle. He then married and settled in 
Franklin County. Penn., where he died at an advanced age. During his 
life, he obtained a grant for a survey of military land in Ohio, but never 
settled on it. His family consisted of six children, two of whom, one son 
and one daughter, settled in Sonth Carolina, where their posterity still re- 
side. Three daughters, and John, the youngest, came to Ohio. The girls 
settled in Franklin County, and John in Madison, about the year 1835. 
He married Eliza McAfee, a native of Franklin County, Penn., of Scotch 
parentage. On coming to Madison County, he settled in Jefferson Town- 



100-4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ship, on the military laud of his father. He ever after remained a resident 
and farmer of this township, and at his death he owned nearly four hun- 
dred acres. He was a hardy and well constitutioned pioneer. He and his wife 
were for a number of years members of the Presbyterian Church . They 
both died in 1855. They had a family of seven children, three of whom are 
now living, viz., Anna, wife of F. C Kuaga, of Jackson County, Mo.; 
James and David R., both of Madison County, Ohio. David li., the young- 
est, was born in 1836, on the farm he now owns, and where he has ever 
since resided. He is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and owns 350 
acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation and well improved. 
He is an enterprising citizen, and has officially been associated with the 
Board of Township Trustees and Board of Education. He is manifesting a 
special interest in the education of his children, who are six living and four 
deceased. Mr. Lucas was married, in 1862, to Miss Maria Thompson, of 
Delaware County, Ohio. 

W. T. McCOY, liveryman, Jefferson, is the proprietor of the only 
livery stable in the village. He keeps a good class of rigs, which are al- 
ways found in good repair. His business is pleasantly located in the rear 
of the Mantle Hotel. Mr. McCoy is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, 
but, since the centennial year, has been a resident of Jefferson, and. since 
1878. has carried on the livery business. He was elected Township Asses- 
sor in the spring of 1882. His military life amounted to about two years, 
nine months of which he was a prisoner at Andersonville and other rebel 
prisons. His wife was Hattie Huggett. of Franklin County, Ohio. 

JACOB McNEAL, carriage manufacturer, Notary Public and con- 
veyancer, Jefferson, is a son of Jacob. Sr. , and Matilda (Fought) Mc- 
Neal. both natives of Pennsylvania, where they matured and married. He 
was of Scotch-Irish descent, and she of German. They came to Ohio an 
May. 1S:57. with a family of nine children. The great National pike was 
then completed to about the center of Madison County, Ohio. They had 
traveled the road many miles, and had not decided where they would settle 
until they reached Jefferson. There learning that they were nearing the 
end of the great road, they thought they could not leave such a convenience, 
and accordingly located a short distance west of Jefferson, where he pur- 
chased a well-improved farm of 120 acres. He remained on the farm a 
number of years, but finally removed to Jefferson and engaged in the grc 
eery busiuess. which he followed until his death. He was a good citizen, 
and. at the time of Ids death, was serving his twelfth term as Township 
Trustee. His widow still survives, at the age of seventy -seven years. Of their 
nine children, our subject, who was the only son. has now five sisters living. 
Jacob. Jr., was the second child. He was born in Cumberland County, 
Penn., December 16, 1825, but, from a boy of twelve years he lived in 
Ohio. His father, different from some men. regarded ;i trade an indispen 
Bable possession, and accordingly had Jacob to commence learning the trade 
of his choice at the age of eighteen years. He served his apprenticeship 
in Jefferson with John Mc( Yea. and completed his trade in 1846, since 
which he has conducted a business of his own. and is now the only manu- 
facturer of the kind in the village. He employs usually about seven hands 
He has served as Township Clerk several terms, and has been otherwise 
connected with the interests of the township. At present, he is a Notary 
Public and conveyancer. He and wife have a family of five children living 
and four deceased. Mrs, McNeal is a daughter of the venerable pioneer, 
Nehemiah (rates, elsewhere mentioned in this volume 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1005 

REV. B. M. MULLER, Catholic priest, Jefferson, was born March 
SI, L850, in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America in May, 1853. Hi- 
ear]} training wan in accordance with the Catholic Church, and in L862 
he was confirmed, and received his first, communion at St. Francis De Sale's 
Church, on East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. His college education 
was acquired at St. Francis Gymnasium, Cincinnati, Ohio. His philo- 
sophical and theological education was received in Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received minor orders at the hands of the Rt. Rev. 
Edward Fitzgerald, Bishop of Little Rock, Ark , on September 21, 1S71. 
He was ordained Sub-Deacon April 5, and Deacon April 6, L872, and priest 
March 8, 1873, by the .Most Rev. -J. \>. Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. On the 11th of the same month, he was appointed rector at Jeffer 
son, Madison Co., Ohio, and, since the 23d of the Bame month, has been a 
resident of the village of Jefferson. To his labors much is due for the pres- 
ent condition of the church at Jefferson. 

JAMES MILLIKIN, hardware merchant, Jefferson, is a son of 
James and a grandson of James Millikin. The latter was born in Ireland, 
of English parentage, and came to America in early life, with two broth 
ers. He settled in Washington County, Penn., where he married Dorotha 
McFarland, of Massachusetts. Doth died in Washington County, Penn., 
he aged sixty-five years, and she aged about ninety years. Ten of their 
children became heads of families, viz., Daniel, Mary, James, John, Jacob 
(farmer near Plain City, Madison Co., Ohio), Samuel, William, Robert, An- 
drew and Abel. John, Abel and William were farmers. The latter died 
in his native State. Nine of the family came to Ohio. John located in 
Richland County, and Abel finally settled and died in Decatur, 111. Daniel, 
Samuel, Robert and Andrew all settled in Butler County, Ohio. The three 
former wore practicing physicians, and Robert, who had, joined with his 
medical skill, a good general knowledge, was also a politican and legislat- 
or. Andrew was a professional stock-dealer. James, the father of our 
subject, came to Madison County, Ohio, in 1830, and bought 600 acres of 
land for $400. He subsequently bought 1,600 acres more for less than $2 
per acre. He was by occupation a surveyor, farmer and stock-dealer, and 
was more commonly known as Col. Millikin. His stature was large, and he 
had a strong constitution. He was frugal and industrious, and succeeded 
well. He possess d the -porting characteristics of the pioneer in general, 
and devoted considerable time to hunting. He surveyed the original lots 
of Jefferson in September, I So 1 , and also laid out the town of Amity, in 
Canaan Township. He was married, in the year L800, when only eighteen 
years old, to Elizabeth Cook. He died aged eighty-six, and she aged seven- 
ty-five years. They raised a family of nine children, of whom our subjeci 
was born in Washington County. Penn.. December 22, 1816, but, from four- 
teen years of age, lived in Madison County, Ohio. He remained on his 
father's farm in Canaan Township until L840, when he married Rachel 
Cary, a descendant of an early pioneer family of the county. To this 
union six children have been ^iven. He owns a good farm in Canaan Town- 
ship, which he cultivated until L879, when he moved to Jefferson and em- 
barked in the hardware trade. He passed out of the office of County Com- 
missioner in L881, after having served two successive terms, to which he 
was elected by both parties, although he is a Democrat. 

A. C. MILLIKIN, farmer, P.O. West Jefferson, son of James Milli- 
kin, whose biography appears above, was born in Canaan Township, Madi- 
son Co., Ohio. September 29, 1844. He was raised to farm life, but. from 



1006 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

eighteen to the age of twenty-two, was engaged in saw milling. His suc- 
ceeding occupation for live years was handling stock in Kansas. In 1874, 
he returned to Ohio, but, one year later, went again to the West. In the 
fall of 1876, he accepted the position of railroad agent at Plain City, Mad- 
ison Co.. Ohio, where he remained three years, and, during the same time, 
was engaged with R. H. Andrews in buying and shipping grain from that 
point. In 1879, he again engaged in the cattle trade in the West, and in 
the fall of 1881 returned to Ohio, and. on September 15 of the same year, 
married Elizabeth (Converse) Smith, widow of Butler Smith. He at once 
engaged in farming, and feeding and raising cattle, hogs and sheep. 

JOHN MILLS, deceased, was born in New Jersey June 24, 1774, and 
remained in his native State nearly thirty-eight years. On December 28, 
1797, he married Sarah Pruden, who was born in New Jersey July 9, 1778. 
In 1812, they, with four children, emigrated to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
where he became a land-owner, and where he remained until the fall of 1817, 
when they sold their land, and with the proceeds purchased a large tract 
near Jefferson, in this county, on which they settled. He here operated a 
grist-mill that had previously been built by Nehemiah Gates, on Little 
Darby, about one mile below the present site of Jefferson. He soon after- 
ward added apparatus for sawing lumber, and, as he was a carpenter, he, in 
1818, built himself a frame house, probably the first frame house erected in 
the township. He sawed lumber for and assisted in building many of the 
houses in the township. He remained a resident of the county uutil his 
death, which occurred about 1850, he having previously buried his wife. 
Their family consisted of eight children, viz., Sarah, Eliza, Hannah, Amos, 
David, Mary A. , Jedediah and Ruth, of whom three are now living. Mary 
A., the only one who is a resident of this county, was born in Tuscarawas 
County November 22, L815, and was two years old when her parents came to 
Madison County, since which time she has been a resident of this county. She 
occupies a comfortable home half a mile west of Jefferson, where her parents 
both died. She and her sister Ruth resided at home, caring for their par- 
ents through life, but the latter has since moved to Nebraska. Mary A. 
was married, June 4, 1854, to William Vickers, by whom she had two chil- 
dren — Charles and William M. Mr. Vickers was born in Dorchester Coun- 
ty, Md., April 16, 1796, and, when a child, came with his widowed mother 
to Clark County, Ohio, where he became a large land -owner. He there 
married, but, upon the death of his first wife, he was united to Miss Mills, 
and moved to Madison County, where he died January 9, 1878. 

W . I\ OLNET, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of Jersey 
Olney, who was a native of Connecticut, where he married, and, about the 
year 1830. with his family, came to Madison County and bought a farm 
just east of Jefferson, now owned by James Peene and J. H. Sceva, on 
which he and wife both died. Of their four sons, Judson, the father of our 
subject, was the youngest, and a native of Connecticut, but from infancy 
matured in Madison County, Ohio, where he became a land owner and 
farmer. He lived about one mile northeast of Jefferson, where he died. 
His wife, Lydia. daughter of John Ayle. is now residing with Abner John- 
son. She and Judson Olney had two children, of whom Webster P., the 
youngest, was born in L852, in Jefferson Township, Madison County. He 
was reared to farm life, and enjoyed the common schools only. He owns 
175 acres of land, under good cultivation, and utilizes his early established 
principles in its cultivation. His marriage was celebrated in 1874, with 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1007 

Margaret, daughter of Isaac Bidwell, of Canaan Township, where she was 
born. This union has resulted in a family of three children. 

JAMES PEENE, grain-dealer, Jefferson, was born April 25, 1834, 
in Kent County, adjoining Sussex, England, forty miles south of London. 
His parents, William and Mary Ann (Nell) Peene, emigrated to Canada in 

1834, and, after remaining there three years, moved to Newark, Ohio, where 
they remained one year, after which they moved to Columbus. The father 
died near Mechanicsburg, and the mother at the house of our subject. Mr 
Peene came to Jefferson Township in 1857, and located on the farm where 
he now resides. He was occupied by farming until 1878, when be embarked 
in grain-dealing. He purchased a grist-mill, which he has converted into 
an elevator, and now devotes his timo almost exclusively to grain-dealing. 
In 1857, he married Mary Ann Zinn, daughter of Adam Zinn, of North Co 
lumbus, and by her has had three children — Charlie W. ; Ida, died aged 
nineteen months; and James, died at the age of three months. Mr. Peene 
owns eighty-live acres of good and well-improved land. 

JOHN W. PENNY, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. The maternal 
grandfather of our subject was Reason Francis, a native of Virginia, who 
came to Ohio about the year 1800, and settled near the present site of Jef- 
ferson. About 1805, he moved on the farm one mile north of Jefferson, now 
owned by James Davis. During the war of 1812, he settled on the farm 
now owned by George W. Blair, and finally on the National road, in the 
western part of Jefferson Township, where he died during the fifth decade of 
the present century, well advanced in years. He was a large, portly inau, 
jovial, and of many peculiar characteristics. His wife preceded him to the 
shores of eternal bliss. They had five children who grew to maturity — four 
sons and one daughter. The latter was born in 1814, and became the wib> 
of Henry Penny, and died in 1862, the mother of three chldren, all now liv- 
ing. Henry Penny was born July 15, 1804, in Pennsylvania, but in 1810 
his parents came to Madison County, Ohio, and settled in Monroe Township, 
where Henry was left parentless when only eight years old. He was then 
raised by one of the Johnsons, on the farm where James Peene now resides, 
near Jefferson. He was the eldest of a family of five children, of whom 
but one survives. Henry was a pioneer farmer and frontier woodsman. 
About 1827, he settled on his farm, about one mile due north of where the 
Urbana road branches off from the National road. There he cleared and 
farmed until his death, April 6, 1880. Ho was three times married — first to 
Cynthia Johnson; second, to Elizabeth, only daughter of Reason Francis; 
and lastly to Mary, a sister to his first wife, and daughter of Jacob Johnson. 
John W. Penny, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born September 9, 

1835, in Jefferson Township, since which his residence dates unbroken in 
his native county. Since 1877, he has been a land-owner of Jefferson 
Township. He was married to Margaret Norris, of Franklin County, Ohio, 
who is three years his junior. The issue of this union is two children. He 
is one of the well-to-do farmers, and is now filling the office of Township 
Trustee, with which he was honored at a recent election. 

G. W. PRUGH, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of George 
W. Prugh, who emigrated from Maryland to Deer Creek, in Somerford 
Township, Madison Co.. Ohio, in 1812 T where he and wife both died. Of 
their eight children, Samuel, the father of George W.. was the second, and, 
from one year old, lived in Madison County, where he now resides. Of 
his thirteen children, George W. is the fifth, and a brother to S. M. Prugh, 
County Auditor George W. is a native of Somerford Township,, where he 



1008 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

was born in 1842. He matured on bis father's farm, and has through life 
followed agricultural pursuits, save three years spent in the late war. He 
enlisted, in 1862, in Company B, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
participated in the battles of Richmond, Ky., Jackson, Miss., Vicksburg, 
siege of Jackson, and many others, and lastly, in the battle of Guntown, 
Miss., or, as historically known, Brice's Cross Road, where he was captured, 
and subsequently lived six months in the Andersonville Prison, and three 
months in other rebel prisons. He was one of the few fortunate ones who 
lived and returned home uninjured at the close of the war. He was mar- 
ried, in 1869, to Martha A. Henley, and has two children — Addie and Char- 
ley. Mr. Prugh is one of the well-to-do farmers of Jefferson Township, and 
has 110 acres of well-improved land. 

H. S. QUINN, physician, Jeffei-son, is a son of the Bev. Isaac 
Quinn, who was born of Irish parentage, in Pennsylvania, in 1784. He 
was raised in his native State, and, early in life, embraced the religion of 
the Episcopal Church. He received an education, and was licensed to 
preach in the church of his choice early in the present century, riding a 
circuit for ten years. In the meantime, he married Cynthia Witten, who 
was born in Tazewell County, Va., in 1790. During his ministerial labors, 
he prepared for the practice of medicine, and began practicing in Virginia 
soon after the close of the war of 1812, remaining in that State until 1830, 
when he, with his family of six children, settled in Highland County, Ohio, 
where he continued the practice of medicine until his death, in October, 
1843, leaving a widow and nine children. The widow survived until 1867, 
and five of the children are now living, of whom H. S. is the youngest. He 
was born February 28, 1839, in Highland County, Ohio, where he received 
the rudiments of a common-school education. He subsequently attended 
the Greenfield Seminary, where he took up more advanced studies, after 
which he read medicine under Dr. John H. Quinn, of Now Vienna, Clin- 
ton Co., Ohio. He subsequently graduated at the Medical College of Ohio, 
at Cincinnati, in 1862. The same year, he located at Jefferson, Madison 
Co., Ohio, where he has ever since resided and attended to the duties of his 
practice. His political affiliations are in behalf of the Democratic party, 
and in 1877 he was elected as a member of the Sixty-third General Assem- 
bly of Ohio. At home, Dr. Quinn has held many local positions of honor 
and trust. His marriage with Bettie B. Putnam, a native of this county, 
was celebrated in 1870. 

ABNER A. RIDDLE, farmer, P. (). West Jefferson, is a son of Abner 
and Sarah Riddle, of Pleasant Township. They were the parents of nine 
children, of whom the subject of this memoir is the eighth; he was born in 
Pleasant Township October 16, 1833, and was reared to farm life, which he 
still practices. He received a common-school education in the winter terms. 
He was left fatherless at an early age, and was reared by a widowed mother. 
On November 6. 1869, he married Elizabeth Gilliland, who was born Au- 
gust I. 1849, in Madison County, Ohio. They have had born to them two 
children, viz., Ella J. and L. Gertrude. When Mr. Riddle started in life 
he commenced as a farm hand, at $6 per month, at which he worked for 
nine years at increased wages. By toil and personal energy, he has accu- 
mulated a handsome property of 292 acres of land, under good cultivation 
and improvement. He is one of the well-to-do farmers, willing to assist 
in all valuable improvements of the country and takes a special interest in 
the schools of his township, being now a member of the School Board of 
his district. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1009 

JOHN E. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O.'West Jefferson, is a grandson of 
Thomas and Susan (Prisel) Roberts, the former a native of Virginia, of 
Irish parentage, and the latter a native of Virgnia, of German descent. 
They were married in the East, and about 17 ( J8, they came to Ohio with 
one child — John. They settled near Martinsburg, now Darbyville, Picka- 
way County, where they squatted for a short time only, when they pressed 
on to Franklin County, where he bought a large tract of land, and, in 
1812, laid out Georgesville. He iinally bought about 1.500 acres in Madi- 
son County, where he subsequently settled, probably about 1843. They 
had a family of eleven children, viz., John, Margaret, James, Bazel, Eliza- 
beth, Nancy, Sabastian, Elias, George, Mary R. and Edwin E. Nancy and 
the two youngest are yet living. Thomas Roberts was, when reaching Dar- 
byville, Ohio, destitute of everything save $3 in cash, but he was a wonderful 
worker, of industrious and economical habits, which soon placed him among 
the well-to-do citizens. He was a large cattle dealer and drover, taking 
many trips with stock over the mountains to Eastern markets. In this 
branch of business, he was eminently successful. In the prime of life, he 
had a good constitution, but for thirty years previous to his death, he suf- 
fered from consumption. In an early day, he operated a still-house at 
Georgesville, and bought corn for 10 cents per bushel. He and wife both 
died in Jefferson Township, in the year 1804. aged, respectively, eighty-nine 
and eighty-five years. Of their children, Sebastian, the seventh, was born 
in Franklin County, Ohio, September 8,1814. He was raised in his native 
county, where, in 1839, he married Tacy A. Holt, who was born and raised 
near Philadelphia, Penn. Two of their sons are now living, viz., John E. 
and T. B. Sebastian and wife came to Madison County in 1842; subse- 
quently, he became a large land- owner and solid farmer. He was a man of 
medium size, possessed rather delicate health, and died May 18, 1809. leav 
ing two sons and a widow, the latter still bearing the name of her departed 
husband. John E., the youngest of the sons, was born in 1843 in Jefferson 
Township, where he has always resided, and devoted his summers to farm- 
ing and his winters attending the district schools, save two years spent in 
the retail dry goods trade in Jefferson. He now owns a fine farm of 308 
acres, one mile west of Jefferson, pleasantly located and under a high state 
of cultivation. He was married, in 1865, to Clara L. Stutson, a native of 
Zanesville, Ohio. One son is the fruit of this marriage. 

AN . E. ROBERTS, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, grandson of Thomas 
Roberts and son of Edwin E. Roberts, was born in Jefferson Township, 
Madison County. Ohio, in 1853. He received a common-school education, 
was reared on a farm and has thus far followed rural pursuits. His farm 
consists of sixt? acres, which he cultivates well. He was married, in De- 
cember. 1877, to Alice Johnson, a descendant of the pioneer Michael John- 
son, elsewhere mentioned, and a daughter of Luther Johnson. By this 
tmion two children have been born. 

THOMAS J. ROBERTS, farmer. P. (). West Jefferson, is a grandson 
of Thomas and son of Edwin E. Roberts. The latter was born in Franklin 
County, Ohio, where he was raised. He, as well as the other children of 
Thomas Roberts, received some land from home, which placed him in fair 
circumstances to begin life. In early life, he received a common-school 
education, but his entire life has been devoted to farming and dealing in 
stock, driving the latter over the mountains before the means of transporta- 
tion were so rapid as now. He has managed by fair means through life to 
possess a neat competency, which he has liberally divided with his sev< □ 



1010 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

children. He resides in a beautiful home on the London & Jefferson pike, 
and is now nearing the allotted time of man. He has always taken an ac- 
tive part in the affairs of the county, and has always voted the Democratic 
ticket. His first wife was Mary, daughter of John -Thomas, an early toll- 
gate-keeper on the National pike, east of Jefferson. She was born in North 
Wales in 1821, but from two years of age was a resident of America; she 
died in 1847, leaving one child, our subject, Thomas J. His second wife 
was Maria Thomas, a sister to his first wife. She is still living, having 
raised a family of several children, the most of whom are represented in 
this volume. Thomas J. was born in 1846, in Jefferson Township, where 
he has always resided, and followed farming and stock-raising. His farm 
contains 171 acres under good cultivation. He was married to Matilda, 
sister of Dr. J. T. Colliver, of Jefferson, by whom he has had three chii 
dren, all now living. 

T. B. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. The above gentle- 
man is a son of Sebastian Roberts and brother of John E. Roberts, whose 
sketch appears in this volume. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, 
January 15, 1840, but since two years of age has been resident of Jefferson 
Township, Madison County. He was raised to 1 farm life and acquired such 
an education as his facilities warranted. His entire life has been devoted 
to tilling the soil, and now owns 271 acres of good land, which he cultivates 
and pastures with his cattle; to the latter he devotes considerable time, and 
also pays considerable attention to the raising and handling of hogs. He 
has a beautiful home, which is the old homestead of his grandfather. He 
remained at home until November, 1862, when he responded to the Presi- 
dent's call for troops by enlisting in Company K, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, under Capt. Daugherty. and served until almost the close of 
the war, participating in some of the severest battles. Soon after his return, 
he married Lucinda H. Zinn, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, where she 
was born February 20, 1841. 

B. F. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Charles 
and Harriet Roberts, who are mentioned in Union Township of this volum<\ 
Of their family, our subject, the fourth, was born near London. Madison 
Co., Ohio, in April, 1840. His residence in his native county is unbroken, 
save one year spent in Franklin County. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted in 
Company E, One Hundred and Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, serving to the close of the war, and participating in the battle of 
Nashville, Tenn. After his return home, he engaged in saw-milling and 
farming, which he has followed to the present. He owns 175 acres of land, 
which classes him among the well-to-do farmers of the township. He does 
not indorse the theory of some authors, that " a man unmarried is only a 
half a man," but has seen fit to thus far live a life of singleness. 

LEWIS SIDENER, farmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, grandson of the pio- 
neer, Philip Sidenor, and a third child of David Sidener, who ai'e both 
mentioned in the history of this township, was born October 12, 1824, in 
Jefferson Township, where he matured and now lives. He was raised to 
farm life, and has always followed that pursuit. His hard work, combined 
wi lh economy and prudent management, lias placed him in fair circum- 
stances. His educational privileges were very meager, yet his appreciation 
of the value of au education arc Eully indicated by the interest he takes in 
the educational welfare of his children. He was married, November 9, 
I^IS. to Catharine Anderson, by whom he had seven children, five living 
Mr Sidener has served in several different township offices. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 101 1 

WESLEY SIDNER, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of 
Philip Sidner and a son of Jacob Sidner. The latter was born in Kentucky 
November 17, 1799, and in infancy was brought to Ohio, but his parents re- 
turned to Kentucky during the first decade of the present century, and, after 
a brief stay, again came to Ohio and settled near where Jefferson now 
stands. Jacob was the second youngest son, and was almost entirely raised 
in Jefferson Township. In 1817, he bought a farm four miles west of the 
present town of Jefferson, to which he added until he owned about 900 acres 
of land. He was twice married — first, to Mary Ewing, who was born May 
17, 1804, and a daughter of the pioneer, Charles Ewing, of Deer Creek 
Township. To this union live children were born. She died in 1888. and 
he married for his second companion Margaret Erwin, born near Newark, 
Ohio, in 1813. To this union eight children were born, of whom five are 
now living. Jacob Sidner and his second wife trod the path of life together 
until February, 1880, when his death severed the link of earthly relation, and, 
in August, of the same year, she, too, died. They were both members of the 
Methodist Church. Of his children, Wesley, the second by the last mar- 
riage, was born in 1886 in Deer Creek Township, where he was raised and 
received a common-school education. He has been a life-long farmer, and 
now owns 140 acres of good land, in Jefferson Township, where he resides. 
His marriage with Lydi a, daughter of William Jones, was celebrated in No- 
vember, 1856. Seven children are the fruits of this marriage. He and 
wife' are both members of the Methodist Church. 

J. J. SIDNER, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of Wesley Sidner 
and grandson of the late David Sidner, was born in Deer Creek Township, 
Madison County, iu 1857, but from infancy lived on the farm he now occu- 
pies. He received a common-school education, and has devoted some time 
to teaching. He was married, in 1879, to Mary Roberts, of Jeffersou Town 
ship, by whom he has had two children. 

J. T. SIDENER, physician, Jefferson, son of Lewis and Catha- 
rine Sidener, and grandson of the late David Sidener, of Jefferson Township, 
was born February '27, 1856. He received a common-school education while 
on his father's farm, and, at the age of nineteen, entered upon a business 
coarse at the Iron City Commercial College, of Pittsburgh, Penn.. but find- 
ing this too confining he returned to the farm. On March '23, 1876, he 
was married to Mary E.. second daughter of Robert and Ruth Fullerton. of 
Fairfield Township, and grand -daughter of the late John Johnson, of Range 
Township. Mr. Sidener followed farming until 1879, when he took up the 
study of medicine and tin' preceptorship of Dr. John N. Beach, of Jefferson, 
and, in September. I^SO. he entered the Starling Medical College of Co- 
lumbus. Ohio, taking a two years' course. He graduated March 23, L882, 
settled in Jefferson and commenced the practice of his profession April 24, 
of the same year. 

JOHN SILVER, deceased, was a son of Richard and Ann Silver, who 
were both born in Pennsylvania, where they married and died, having 
raised a family of six daughters and two sons. One son and one daughter 
are still living in their native Stair; one daughter, Rebecca, was married 
to a Mr. Stoockey. whom she buried iu Pennsylvania, she dying in Illinois, 
leaving a family of eight children. The other four daughters -Sally, Eliza- 
beth, Susan and Hannah — all married in Pennsylvania Sally, to Joshua. 
son of Rev. Lewis Foster, after whom Foster Chapel is named; Elizabeth, 
to John Crissman; Susan, to Samuel "Wallace, and Hannah, to Thomas Tim- 
mons. QThey all settled in Jefferson Township, and were among the earlv 

pp 



1012 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

settlers, doing much toward clearing up the country. Thomas Timmons 
and wife both died in Jefferson, as did Mrs. Crissman also, but the rest all 
moved to Illinois in the spring of 1849. John Silver, another of the fam- 
ily, was born on the Juniata River, in Pennsylvania. July 1, 1800. He 
reached his majority in his native State, and, about 1825, he set out in life 
by conducting a blacksmith and wagon-making shop and tavern. In 1827, 
he married Mary Koontz, who died October 21, 1832, leaving three sons, 
two of whom are still living. His second wife was Catharine Speaker, who 
was born in Bedford County, Penn., February 12, 1809, of German descent. 
In 1835, he purchased about 800 acres of land in Jefferson Township, 
Madison County, Ohio, where he settled in 1837, with wife and five chil- 
dren. The first house erected by him in the wilderness serves as a part of 
their present residence. He improved his farm and added to it until he 
owned about 1,000 acres, of which 960 are still in the name of the Silver 
family; he was industrious and frugal and lived to the age of eighty- two years 
and fifteen days. He was energetic and economical, but above all, his 
charity was never exhausted. He embraced the religion of the Baptist 
Church, at Jefferson, in November, 1854, and soon after was elected Dea- 
con, in which capacity he served without ceasing until his death. He 
grasped every opportunity to promote the interest and welfare of the 
ch urch, and to his liberality it is indebted for much of its prosperity. He 
was always ready to personally licpiidate the unpaid salary of the minister, 
rather than have it unpaid. He was the father of eleven children, of whom 
five are now living, viz., Richard, Asa, Mary M. , George T. and John W. 
Richard now resides in Nebraska, and the other four live in Ohio, two of 
whom are yet single, viz., Mary M. and George T. 

G. P. SIMPKINS, harness -maker, Jefferson, is a son of John W. 
Simpkins. a native of Maryland, who, early in the present century, settled 
at Franklinton, near Columbus, Ohio, where he commenced his business prior 
to the war of 1812. While engaged in his trade, Gen. Harrison and his 
troops were on the way from Sandusky to Marietta, Ohio, and stopped with 
S< (u ire John Simpkins. using his hatter shop for a barracks. For the in- 
trusion, Harrison subsequently appointed Squire Simpkins Commissary, 
and henceforward he acted in military service until the close of the war. de- 
voting considerable time with Gen. Gaines, after whom our subject is named. 
About the close of the war of 1812, he and family settled near London, 
where, in 1815, he buried his wife. His second wife was the widow of John 
(ruvnn. While the National roadwasin process of construction, he settled 
in Jefferson, where the American Hotel formerly stood. Here he bought a 
lot in the wilds <>f nature, cleared and grubbed it and erected on it a build- 
ing in which he opened a tavern. The building'was small, and he expected 
to build an addition, but before doing so, he sold and moved to London and 
kejii the Cowling House, hut snl >se< | ueiit 1\ returned to Jefferson, where he 
died in the spring of L861. He served Madisbn County as Associate Judge 
several years, and Jefferson Township as Justice repeatedly. lie was a 
man of sound mind ami an esteemed citizen of the county. Of his four 
children one only is now living, viz., Gaines P., who was horn in July. L815, 
near London. He in early life went to Springfield, < >hi<>. where he learned 
his trade, hut since IS35 lie has been a resident of Jefferson, where he has 
mostly conducted his trade. Soon after coining to Jefferson, he was instru- 
mental in forming the military home company. He furnished two son-, for 
the suppression of the rebellion, one of which survived. In L836, he mar- 
ried Eliza Sidener, of the pioneer stock elsewhere mentioned in this work. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1013 

Their union has been blest with a family of eight children, four of whom 
are still living. 

CHARLES SNYDER, physician, Jefferson, is a son of Gen. Daniel 
Snyder, who was a native of Virginia and an early settler near Ur- 
bana, Champaign Co., Ohio. He was ;i pioneer woodsman and farmer of 
that county, where he died. His wife was Anna Kiser, who also died in 
Champaign County, Ohio. Of their fourteen children, thirteen are now 
living, one a practicing attorney in Chattanooga, Tenn. Dr. Charles Sny- 
der was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1848, and raised to farm life, 
during which time he received the rudiments of a common-school education. 
Subsequently, he was three years in attendance at the Wittenberg College, 
Springfield, Ohio. In 1867, he came to Jefferson, and took up the study of 
medicine under Dr. John N. Beach, of that place, as his preceptor, and 
graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, in the spring of 
1870. Immediately after graduating, he received an appointment as phy- 
sician in the State Prison at Columbus, Ohio, but, at the expiration of one 
year resigned the position and located in Jefferson, where he has ever sinco 
enjoyed a favorable practice. He was married, in 1873, to Mary, daughter 
of Moses Heals, of Madison County, Ohio. They have a family of three 
children. 

S. M. STICKLEY, grocer, Jefferson, is a son of Isaac Stickley, 
who was born in Virginia, where he tnarried Henrietta Beals. In 1819, 
they, with a family of three children, came to Ohio, and, in 1851. settled 
in Jefferson Township, Madison County, where Isaac buried his wife in 
L864, having had by her eight children. He married for his second wife 
Mary Stutson. and, in the summer of 1882, they moved to the village of 
Jefferson. To the last union one child is given. Our subject, his father's 
eldest child, was born on the South Branch of the Potomac River, in Mary- 
land, in the year 1&43, but, since eight years of age, has been a resident of 
Madison County, wdiere his summers were devoted to farming, and his win- 
ters to the district schools. He enlisted, August 7, 1802, in Company K. 
Ninety fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in the battle of Rich- 
mond. Ky.. but was discharged in the spring of 1863, and, in 1864, re-en- 
listed in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, but. after passing through one battle, he returned home, in the fall 
of the same year. He devoted some time to clerking in Jefferson, and in 
1871 he began on his own account, by opening out his presenl business 
stand. He has been identified with the interests of this town, and served 
as its Treasurer live years. He was married, in 1867, to Eliza Garrabrant. 

Z. R. TAYLOR, druggist, Jefferson. Among the professional busi- 
ness men of this village we record the name of Z. K. Taylor, son of 
John Taylor, of Scotland, where the latter was born. When a child, his 
parents emigrated to the United States, and settled in Champaign County, 
Ohio, where John has resided lor the past sixty years. He married Miriam 
Daniels, of Champaign County, about thirty-seven years since. Of their 
four children Z. R., the second, was born in the last-named county in 1850. 
His boyhood days were spent on the farm and at the district schools dur- 
ing the winter seasons until 1867, when he entered the t'rbana University. 
One year later, he commenced a course in the Ohio AVesleyan University at 
Delaware, where he devoted his time until 1872. at which time he took up 
the study of medicine under Dr. H. C. Pierce, of Urbana, Ohio, and gradu- 
ated at the Starling Medical College, Columbus. Ohio, in the spring of 1873. 
He at once located in Jefferson, and engaged .in the drug business, where 



1014 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

be has since remained. He carries a full line of all articles kept in a drug 
store. He was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Burrows, by whom 
he has had two children. Mrs. Taylor is a native of Illinois. She was 
educated at Peoria, where she subsequently taught two years, and finally 
tauo-ht one year in the Jefferson schools of Madison County, Ohio. 

° DAVID J. THOMAS, farmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, is a son of Robert 
and Mary (Lewis) Thomas, natives of Wales, where they matured and mar- 
ried. In 1820, they, with one child, came to America and settled in Oneida 
County, N. Y., from where they moved to Delaware County, Ohio, in 
1831. Fourteen years later they settled in Brown Township, Frankliu 
County, where she died in 1866 and he in 1877. He was a land-owner and 
farmer by occupation. They were both members of the Baptist Church. 
Of their eleven children, nine are now living, of whom our subject is the 
sixth; was born near Utica, N. Y., May 29. 1828. Since three years 
of ace he has been a resident of Ohio, save a short interval spent in Iowa and 
Illinois. Since 1870, he has resided in Jefferson Township, Madison 
County, where he owns a farm of ninety-nine acres, which is under a high 
state of cultivation and fairly improved. He received a common school 
education, and has devoted his entire life to farming. His political ideas 
are in favor of the Republican party. His marriage with Anna M. Hodg 
kins was celebrated March 19, 1863. She is a native of Indianapolis. 
Ind. , where she was born in 1839. This union has been blest with a fam- 
ily of six children, living, viz. : Charlie L., Mary, Elizabeth, Katy, Annie 
and Robert J. 

THOMAS TIMMONS, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, where 
he was born December 9, 1800. He was a son of Peter and Sarah (Taylor) 
Timmons and in 1833 came to this county and settled in Canaan Town- 
ship, where he remained until his death, October 5, 1862. On November 
27, 1830, he married Mrs. Hannah (Silvers) Peebles, a widow lady, by 
whom he had eight children, viz.: Rebecca, Richard, Mary, Thomas F.. 
Laura, Rachael S. , Clay and Winiiold. Mr. Timmons lived a long and 
useful life. He was a Universalist in belief, and was actively interested 
in biiildingthe church of that denomination in his neighborhood. He died 
respected by all who knew him, 

A. T. TIMMONS, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of Thomas and 
Margaret (Alder) Timmons, and a great-grandson of the noted pioneer Jona- 
than Alder," was born in Jefferson Township in 1857. He is the youngest 
son and only child of his father now living. He was raised to farm life 
and enjoyed the common school privileges. In the year 1880, he married 
Laura, daughter of Andrew Miller, of Jefferson. Her father is one of a 
family of seven children, and a native of Baden, Germany. He is the only 
one who came to America, and he settled in Jefferson in 1848. He 
learned his trade (painting) in Germany, and is a good mechanic. In De- 
cember, 1849, he married Nancy Francis, of Franklin County. Ohio. Of 
their five children, two are now living, viz. , Henry and Laura. 

ALEXANDER WILSON (deceased), son of William D., and grandson 
of Valentine Wilson, elsewhere fully mentioned in this work, was born Feb- 
ruary 22, L831, and died January 29, 1881. He was a native of Canaan 
Township, where he was raised and acquired a common school education, 
but he became a very accurate and reliable business man. In 1851, he mar- 
ried Martha J. Millikin and settled near his father. Six years later, he 
moved to Plain City, and in L863, bought L52 aores of land near Jefferson, 
and settled on it. Here he devoted bis '^n\<' bo farming, dealing in and rais- 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 1015 

ing cattle, sheep and hogs. When he first embarked in this branch of busi- 
ness he drove several times through to Eastern markets, but erelong rail- 
road facilities offered their conveniences close at hand, and he for one was 
not slow in embracing the privileges. He was successful through life, and 
gradually added to his original laud until he owned about 3,000 acres at 
his death. He was a man of six feet two inches high, and weighed about 150 
pounds, but with delicate health. He tilled an important position in the 
social and business circles of Jefferson and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson 
had a family of four children, viz.: Henry C, Louvina, Grant (who died 
in infancy) and Albert W Mrs. Wilson, a daughter of Daniel Millikin, 
was born in Washington County, Penn. , in 1829, but in infancy was 
brought by her parents to Ohio. Her father not liking Ohio, returned to 
the Keystone State and again to Ohio in 1842, settling in Canaan Town- 
ship, Madison County. About thirty months later, he moved to Iowa, 
where he and wife both died, leaving a family of five children, of whom 
Martha J. was the eldest. Soon after their death, Henry Alder, an uncle 
to the children, went from Madison County to Iowa and brought them to 
Ohio, where four are still living. Mrs. Wilson is a lady of considerable 
taste, and is nicely located near Jefferson on the National road. 

JASPER N. WILSON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Michael 
and Louvina (Henry) Wilson, the former a native of Clai'k County, Ohio, 
born March 14, 1814. and the latter a native of Kentucky, but from infancy 
a resident of Clark County, Ohio, where they were married, and where he 
died February 10, 1879, and where she still resides. He was a man of me- 
dium size, quite ambitious and industrious, though possessed with delicate 
health. His economy, combined with prudence and hard work, gained for 
him a neat competency. He and wife were of many years members of the 
Christian Church, of which he was Deacon. Their family consisted of thir- 
teen children, nine of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch being 
the only one living in Madison County, where he settled in 1866. He was 
born in Clark County, Ohio, January 5, 1836, and was brought up by Chris- 
tian parents. On December 29, 1859, he was married to Ellen, daughter of 
Samuel Prugh, of Somerford Township, Madison County, where the 
Prugh history will be seen. She was born April 19,1836. In August, 1862, 
he entered the service in Company K, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, participating in the battles of London, Tenn. , siege of Knoxville, 
Philadelphia, and Monticello. While engaged at Knoxville, he was 
slightly wounded. He served three years, when he returned home, resumed 
farming, and soon after came to Madison County, where, in 1871, he pur- 
chased land and now owns 275 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have a family 
of four children, all living. 



1016 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

DR. WILLIAM MORROW BEACH, youngest child of Uri and Hannah 

(Noble) Beacb, was born in Amity, Madison Co., Ohio, May 10, 1831. He 
lived in Amity until he was four years old, and afterward on a farm in 
Darby Township, until he was about twelve, when his mother returned to 
Amity, where he lived until he was fifteen, w"hen he went as a dry goods 
clerk for Holcomb Tuller, in Dublin, FraDklin Co., Ohio, and in the same 
year, in another store, in the same village, for Orange Davis. In the fall 
he returned to Amity, ill, and was not again able to labor until the following 
year, when, on the 23d of September, 1847, when in his sixteenth year, he 
entered the store of George A. Hill & Co., of Pleasant Valley, for the aston- 
ishing salary of $36 a year, or about eleven cents a day and board. His 
second year with them brought him $84, and for the third year was offered 
$800 in the main establishment — Pinney & Lamson, of Columbus, Ohio. 
This offer he declined, as the sedentary life, with no leisure for books, was 
distasteful to him; and at the commencement of the fall term he was a 
matriculant at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, after the 
close of which he taught a school in the Crabb District, Brown Township, 
Franklin Co., Ohio. In the spring of 1850, he commenced the study of 
medicine at Amity, with Dr. James F. Boal, but suspended through the 
summer and traveled on foot over nearly all of the counties in Central Ohio, 
as an agent for the Ohio State Journal Company, of Columbus, Ohio. In 
the fall of that year (1851), he entered the office of Prof. Samuel Mitchell 
Smith, of Columbus, as a student; and during that winter attended a course 
of medical lectures at Starling Medical College — the first course delivered 
in the new building on State street. He attended his second course there 
at the session following; and in February, 1853, was graduated as M. D. 
He located at Unionville Centre, Union Co., Ohio, where he remained two 
years, when he sold out his property and location to Isaac N. Hamilton, a 
brother to Prof. John W. Hamilton, of Columbus, after which he spent 
about four months in the West, prospecting for Congress lands, and upon 
bis return he settled, in September, 1855, in La Fayette, Madison County. 
Ohio, where he remained until he was commissioned by the Governor of 
Ohio — David Tod — Assistant Surgeon in the Volunteer forces of Ohio, in the 
serviceof the United States. April 3, 1862, when lie joined the army at Shiloh, 
Tenn., April 12, 1862, the Sunday morning after the battle; he was assigned 
toduty, temporarily, at the Brigade Beadquarters of Gen. WilliamB. Hazen; 
and afterward to the Twentieth Ohio Regiment. On the 3d of May. L862, 
he was further commissioned by Oov. Tod as Assistant Surgeon of the 
Seventy-eighth Regiment Ohio Infantry Volunteers, to rank as such from 
April 20, L862, which position lie held until commissioned by Gov. John 
Brough as Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio 
Infantry Volunteers, May 19, L864, which commission reached him at 
Aokworth, Ga., on the Atlanta campaign, on the 9th day of June. 1804, 
when he was mustered in* and entered at once upon duty with his new 
command. Tin- position he held until the close of the war. and until his 
muster out at Saul-bury. X. O, in June, L865. He was with Grant when 
Holly Springs was sold out: was at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1017 

Champion Hills, and during tho siege of Vicksburg, and his brigade had 
the honor of being the first to march within its lines on the morning of 
July 4, 1863. During the Vicksburg campaign he was Division Hospital 
Director of Logan's Division; and after the surrender, was in charge of the 
convalescent camp, and also of all the confederate sick and wounded with- 
in the lines. He was with Blair on the Yazoo raid, with Sherman 
on the Meridian raid, and on the raid of Shreveport, La. He re-enlisted 
or veteranized with his command for the remainder of the war, in the 
spring of 18()4, when the term of the Seventy-eighth Regiment expired. 
He was in he Army of the Tennessee under Grant, Sherman, Mc- 
Pherson, Logan and. Blair until the commencement of the Atlanta 
campaign, when he was transferred, by promotion, into the Second 
Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, under Schofield. He followed 
the fortunes of that army up until the end of that campaign, and 
when Sherman started off on that long picnic " to the sea," he came North 
with Schofield, and was at Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville; 
and after the ruin of Hood's brave and magnificent army, w r as transferred 
with the Twenty-third Army Corps to Fortress Monroe, thence by sea to 
Smithville, at the mouth of Cape Fear River, and directly to the four days' 
siege of Fort Anderson; and then to Town Creek, and then across the Cape 
Fear at night to the siege of Wilmington, where we forced an evacuation 
of the works, and entered that long and bloodily disputed stronghold 
on Washington's birthday anniversary, February 22, 1865. On his way to 
Raleigh, aft^r the junction with Sherman's "bummers" at Jonesboro, he 
heard of Lee's surrender, and Johnson's capitulation soon followed. At the 
close of the war, he was Division Hospital Director of the Second Division, 
Twenty-third Army Corps, and one of the three surgeons of that Division 
that constituted the " Operating Board. ' ' He had campaigned for three 
years and thre months in six different States: had been a witness to about 
one hundred and fifty days of carnage; and had traveled, whilst campaigning 
in the army, more than nine thousand miles. He is a member of the society 
of the Army of the Tennessee. After the close of the Avar, he settled on this 
farm, two miles north of London. Madison County, Ohio, but has continued 
in the practice of his prof ession up to this date. In the fall of 1869, he was 
elected by the Republican party of Madison County to the State Legisla- 
ture; and, inthe fall of 1871, was elected to the State Senate l>v tlie counties 
of Madison. Clark and Champaign. He is a member of the Madison 
County Medical Society, and has been its President; of the Central Ohio 
Medical Society, of the State Medical Society, and in the year L881 was 
elected its First Vice President; and is also a memberof the American Medi 
cal Association. On the 12th day of April, L860, he was married to Miss 
Lucy E. Wilson, of La Fayette, Madison County, Ohio, only daughter ol 
James and Elenor (Smith) Wilson, born in Somerford Township, Madison 
County, Ohio, March 28, 1MI. .Mary, only child, horn July9, L862, at La 
Payette, Madison County, Ohio, and graduated as \. B. ai Rutger'B Female 
College, 189, 490 and liH Fifth avenue, New York City— the Valedictorian 
of the class in June, 1882. 

WILLIAM H. BIERBAUGH, farmer, P. (). London, a native of Madi- 
son County, Ohio, horn June 1. L846, is a son of Christopher and Catherine 
Bierbaugh. he a native of Russia and she of Strasburg, France. They emi- 
grated to America when young and single. Mrs. Bierbaugh came in L831 
to her brother in Columbus: he came in IMF They were married in IMF 
and settled in La Fayette Madison County, and have resided in the county 



1018 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ever since, with the exception of one year's residence in Iowa. In 1862, 
they located upon the place where they, with their son William now lives 
ami have since resided. They have now been residents of this county over 
forty years. They have had four children, one only living — William H., 
our subject, who was born and grew to manhood in Madison County. He 
was married, March 25, 1880, to Martha A. Headly. who was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, October 2, 1857, a daughter of James and Sarah Headly, he a native 
■^f Greene County, Penn., born May 28, 1817, and his wife, Sarah 
Johnson, a native of Pennsylvania. The grandparents, Elizabeth and Isaac 
Headly, were natives of New Jersey. The great grandfather was Ephraim 
Headly. who removed from New Jersey to Greene County, Penn., where he 
lived and died. Isaac Headly and wife spent their lives and died in 
Greene County. They had three sons and six daughters. James, the second 
son of his father, grew to manhood in his native State and married Sarah 
Johnson; they settled in Greene County, Penn., where they resided 
till the fall of 1867, when they removed to Ohio and settled in Licking 
County, and resided there till the fall of 1872. when they came to Madison 
County and bought and located on the place where they now live. They 
have had ten children, seven now survive — Nicholas L, Malinda (married 
David Lemley), Benson F. . Lewis, Martha Ann. William Henry and Cre- 
dola. In 1862, the eldest son enlisted in the war of the rebellion in the 
Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served three years to the close of the 
war. He was taken prisoner and suffered almost starvation in Libby Prison, 
where he was kept for many weeks, but was finally exchanged, and then 
served in the army till the close of the war, and returned home, having 
received but one slight wound in the arm from a stroke of a sabre by one of 
the rebels. Mr. Headly and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, to which they have belonged for over forty years. Mr. Bierbaugh 
and wife have one child — Imo C, born January 14, 1881. He has devoted 
his life to farming, except three years' clerkship in a store in London dur 
ing the war. Mr. Bierbaugh has a good farm of forty acres, with good im- 
provements. He has served the township as Trustee for three terms, and 
is one of the reliable and prosperous farmers of Deer Creek Township. 

WILLIAM ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, a 
native of Madison County, born May 6, 1836, is a son of William E. and 
Sarah Campbell, whose history is given in the sketch of Eli G. Campbell. 
The subject of this sketch was raised and grew to manhood in Madison 
County, where he was married, November 21, 1878, to Louisa Dillow, who 
is a native of this county, born September 9, 1844, and whose ancestors are 
given in sketch of William Dillow. Mr. Campbell and wife have one child, 
born September 13, 1879 — Harley Clarence. Mr. Campbell is a carpenter 
by trade, which business he followed until the spring of 1878, when he 
located where he now lives, and has since resided, engaged in the honorable 
occupation of farming. This farm he purchased of his brother Eli; it em- 
braces fifty-one acres of good land, all in cultivation, with good buildings 
and improvements, and pleasantly situated about one quarter of a mile 
north of La Fayette. 

ELIG. CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, was born in Deer Creek 
Township February 16. L838. He is a son of William E. and Sarah Carnp- 
bell, he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia. The grandparents were 
Hugh and Margaret Campbell. The maternal grandfather was John 
Moore, who came to Ohio and settled in Madison County, near London — 
among the first settlers — where he remained till his death, November 10, 



DEEK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1019 

1839, aged seventy- seven years. William Campbell, the father of our sub- 
ject, was bora in Maryland., August 17, 1801, emigrated to Ohiu and settled 
in. Madison County, in quite an early day, while a young, single man, and 
here he was married to Sarah Moore, October 20, L831, by whom ho had 
eight children — seven now surviving — Laura (married John Lucy), James 
J., William, Alexander. Eli G., Benjamin M., Sarah, John "W (deceased), 
and Oreighton E. (now a resident of Montana). Of these sons, all but the 
youngest served in the war of the rebellion. James, Alexander and John 
enlisted in the spring of 1801, in the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, for three years, or during the war. James was taken prisoner 
and was confined in the Libby and Andersonville Prisons, and suffered un- 
told hardships in those terrible places during a period of eighteen months' 
confinement: was almost starved to death, and when released was but a liv- 
ing skeleton. Alexander and John saw hard service and had many narrow 
escapes. John, afterserving nearly one year, was taken sick with camp fever, 
and returned home on furlough, where, after lingering about three months, 
on May 19, 1802, died, and his remains now rest in Oak Hill Cemetery, at 
London. Eli was in the three months' service, but was out about four 
months. Benjamin enlisted in a company of cavalry in the spring of 1865, 
and was with Sherman through the South till the close of the war. Mr. 
Campbell followed farming through life in Union and Deer Creek Town- 
ships. In his early life, he was Captain of a rifle company, which was 
mustered at appointed times, when they would camp out for several days 
and perform regular drill service; this practice was followed for several 
years. Mr. Campbell died December 17, 1857, aged fifty-six years. His 
wife died March 27, 1882, aged seventy-four years. Eli G. , the subject of 
this sketch, was born, raised and grew to manhood in Deer Creek Town- 
ship, and has passed the most of his life on the Gwynne farm, where he 
now resides. This farm consists of 3,300 acres, one of the largest and best 
stock farms in the county. It is the estate of E. W. Gwynne (deceased), 
one of the early settlers, which is inherited by two grandchildren — Edmis- 
ton and Marie Gwynne. Mr. Campbell has had the entire superintendence 
of this large farm since the death of Mr. Gwynne — a period of fifteen years. 
Mr. Campbell married Eliza J. Buntin, March 0, 1807; she is a daughter 
of James and Catharine Buntin, natives of Ireland. Eliza was born in Deer 
Creek Township, in February, 1842, and died February 15, 1870, aged 
twenty-eight years. By her he had twins (deceased). The large brick 
residence on this farm, an important tavern stand in an early day. where 
all the stages and passengers used to stop on their journey from Columbus 
to Springfield, prior to the building of the National road, or the day of 
railroads, and on a pane of glass still in one of the windows, is engraved the 
name "George E. Kummer, New York, September, 1830," a passenger, en- 
graved by himself, where it has remained over half a century. Mr. Camp- 
bell is one of the active business men of the community, and the position 
he holds, in charge of this large stock farm, imposes upon him a great re- 
sponsibility, he having 400 head of cattle to attend to, and 400 acres in cul- 
tivation, principally in com. 

WILLIAM DILLOAV, farmer, P. (). La Fayette, was born in Madison 
County January 11, 1833, he is a son of John and Margaret B. Dillow, 
natives of Virginia, where they were married. About 1825 to 1828, they 
removed to Ohio and settled in Monroe Township, Madison County, where 
they resided the greater portion of the balance of their lives. He died in 
Pike Township, in November. L879, aged seventy two years; and she died 



1020 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in June, 1880, aged seventy years. They had eleven children, seven now 
survive — Susan, now Mrs. Mayberry; Margaret P., now Mrs. Scranton; 
Nancy Ann, now Mrs. Campbell; Mary, Hugh, William and James. The 
subject of this sketch was brought up to farm labor, and was married to 
Rebecca Chambers, who was born in New Jersey January 6, 1835, a daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Ann (Simon) Chambers, natives of New Jersey, who came 
to Ohio and settled in Madison County about 1850, where they have since 
resided; they are now residents of Jefferson. They have had eight 
children, four now surviving — James, Samuel, William H. and Rebecca. 
Mr. Dillowand wife have five children, William B., born December 20, 1856; 
Wintield Scott, born November 9, i860; Mary Jane, born May 27, 1863; 
Katie Ann, born February 28, 1866, and Margarei Elta, born November 16, 
1869. Mr. Dillow has made farming his business through life, and all iu 
Monroe and Deer Creek Townships. In the spring of 1881, he purchased 
his present property in La Fayette, to which he moved and where he has 
since resided. He is one of the reliable and respected farmers of Deer 
Creek Township, where he has the general confidence of the people. He 
served as Township Treasurer in 1881. He is a worthy member of Lodge 
No. 70, I. O. O. F., of London, to which he has belonged eight years. 

A. N. FOX, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, was a native of Madison 
County, Ohio, born November 7, 1838, and is a son of John and Elizabeth 
Fox, he a native of New York, and she of Champaign County, Ohio. The 
grandfather, Daniel Fox, was a native of Germany, who emigrated to 
America about 1876, and married Abigail Allen, a native of New York. 
They settled in that State, where they resided till 1813, when they re- 
moved to Ohio and settled in Champaign County ; they afterward removed 
to Madison County, where he remained till his death. John, the father of 
our subject, was born in 1801, and was twelve years of age when they set- 
tled in Champaign County, and there grew to manhood, and married Eliza- 
beth Jones, a native of that county, born in 1805. In 1836, they removed 
to Madison County and settled in Pike Township, where they lived till their 
death; she died May 11, 1846, and he July 28, 1868. They had eight chil- 
dren, six now survive — Rudolph, William R., John N., A. N., Alma (wife 
of Thomas Cantrall), and Henry C. Rudolph (resides in Marion County, Ohio). 
and the others all reside in Kansas but our subject. Mr. John Fox, after 
locating in Madison County, entered upon the mercantile trade at Bosedale, 
where he continued several years, also serving as Postmaster during thi-, 
time. He then sold out his store and purchased a farm, and for twent} -five 
years devoted his attention to farming. Then he again entered upon mer- 
cantile trade at Liverpool, where he continued business till bis death. He 
was also Postmaster while in business in Liverpool. Mr. Fox was an enter- 
prising, thoroughgoing, business man. He started in life without capital, 
and by his own industry and good business management he accumulated ;i 
good property. At his death he owned 136 acres of land, besides quite an 
amount of personal an< I other property at Liverpool. His character and 
integrity were undoubted; he was a member and an earnesl worker in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church from his early manhood, and was a Steward 
and Elder in the church for many years. Our subject was raised to farm 
labor, and in his early life taught school for several years. He was married, 
November 27, 1862, to Clarinda J. Baker, who was born in Delaware 
Counts. Ohio, November 30, 1843. and was a daughter of Hiram E. and 
Margaret J. (Wilson) Baker, he a native of New York, and she of Ohio. 
They had nine children— eight now survive— Clarinda J., Ellen M (wife of 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1021 

L. G. Huff),. Lester, Oscar, Sallie (wife of Christian Kaufman), Eugene, 
Etta and Edgar. Mr. Baker and wife now reside in Morrow County, Ohio, 
where he is engaged in farming, abusiness which he has followed the greater 
part of his life, and is one of the prominent leading men of that county. 
Mr. Fox and wife have live children — Edgar B., born October 2, 1863; Ger- 
trude, born December 30, 1865; Grace, born January 13. L869; Eva, born 
October 19, 1870; and Ross, born December 3, 1878. Mr. Fox. after his 
marriage, settled on the old home place near Liverpool, where he lived two 
years; then he purchased a farm on Barron Run, where he resided till 
1873, when, in February of that year, he located on the farm where he now 
resides. He served Pike Township as Clerk several years. 

JAMES B. GARRETT, farmer, P. O. London, a native of Madison 
County, born January 15, 1830, is a son of Alfred and Jane Garrett, natives 
of Virginia. The grandfather, Benjamin Garrett, also a native of Virginia, 
married in that State, and soon after, probably about 1805-6, removed to 
Kentucky, remaining there but a short time, when he moved with his 
family to Chillicothe, Ohio, which was about 1800-8. He there left his 
family for safety from the Indians, which were then very troublesome, and 
came to what is now Madison County, selected his location, and for protec- 
tion erected a block-house on Coniac Run, after which he brought his family 
here. Subsequently he moved their house a short distance south of the 
London & Jefferson pike, where he remained till his death. He was bur- 
ied on his farm, in a lot set off for a family burying-ground, and it is believed 
he was the first person buried there. Alfred Garrett, the father of our subject, 
was about ten years old when brought to this county by his parents, and here 
grew to manhood, fully inured to the trials and dangers of those early days. 
He was married to Jane Boggs,- a native of Virginia, and settled and spent 
his whole life in Deer Creek Township, with the exception of one year's res 
idence in Somerford Township, and nearly his whole life, to the time of 
his death, was spent on the old farm of his father, where they first located 
in 1808 — a period of about seventy years. He was one of the true pioneers, 
and with his father, ranks among the first settlers of the Township. He died 
December 14, 1878, aged seventy-nine years. His wife died in March, 1858, 
aged forty- five years.' They had eleven children, three now survive — 
James B., our subject, Alfred, Edward and Solomon. The subject of this 
sketch was born, raised and grew to manhood in sight of where he now 
lives. He was married, February 26, L852, to Elizabeth Flight, who was 
born in Pennsylvania October 7, L832, a daughter of Nicholas and Barbara 
Flight, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio in the fall of 1836, 
and settled in London, and then located in this township, where he died 
October 11, 1862, aged sixty-live years. His wife died November II. L869, 
aged seventy-seven years. They had but one child — Elizabeth. Mr. Gar- 
rett and wife have had ten children — Mary C, born December L6, 1852, and 
died October 2, L862; James Manuel, born December 12. L854, died Novem- 
ber 14, 1876: Barbara Jane, born May 6, 1857; William Henry, born Oc- 
tober 11, 1850. died September 29,1862; Edward Smith, born May 28, 
1862. died October 8, L862; John Marrion, bom March 21, L864; Benjamin 
Wilson, born December I. L866, died February 21. 1868; Earnest Lin- 
wood, born July 31. 1869, died February 21. 1870; Pearl Wilbert, born 
January 7, 1871; and Harrison Jefferson, born December 13. 18/3. and died 
April 18, 1878. Mr. Garrett, after his marriage, located in the north part 
of Deer Creek Township, on the Wahoo Plains, where they lived about five 



1022 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years, when he purchased a part of the old home farm, upon which he locat- 
ed, and has since resided. 

ALFRED KILGORE, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, a native of Madison 
County, born October 24, 1824, is a son of James and Sarah Kilgore, 
natives of Kentucky. The grandparents were John and Lydia Kil- 
gore, who were very early settlers of Kentucky, and endured terrible 
hardships and run many risks and narrow escapes from the hostile sav- 
ages. They finally removed to Ohio and were among the first settlers 
of that county. He was in the war of 1812, and died while in the army. 
The maternal grandfather was Skinner Hutson, a native of England, who 
became an early settler of Kentucky. Sarah Kilgore, the mother of our 
subject, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1789. She married 
Jonathan Denton in 1806. Their lives were full of suffering and danger. 
They settled near Vincennes, Ind., and were often driven to take refuge in 
the fort by savage Indians. Their eventful lives were continued but a few ' 
years together, as Mr. Denton fell in the war with the savages, under 
Gen. Hull, and she was left alone with three small children to care for. 
Her circumstances were such that she was compelled to return to her par- 
ental roof in Kentucky. But in her eventful career during the few years she 
lived in Indiana, she proved herself to be a brave woman. AVhile her hus- 
band was in the war, she would leave the fort every day at the risk of her 
life to attend to the stock they left on their farm. On one of these oc- 
casions, in company with her sister-in-law, they saw, on approaching their 
cabin, that Indians had taken possession of the house. They came out and 
demanded the horse they were riding, and finding them inexorable, they 
told the Indians if they must give up the horse they must first feed him, as 
he had not been fed that day; so on pretense of feeding the horse, the In- 
dians left them and returned into the house; then they turned their horse 
and made for the fort as rapidly as possible. Subsequently, Mrs. Denton's 
sister-in-law and all their family were murdered by the Indians, it was be- 
lieved in revenge for not obtaining that horse. Such brave. Christian pa- 
triots deserve to be held in everlasting remembrance. In 1814, she mar- 
ried, for her second husband, James Kilgore, the father of om subject, who 
was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1791. They settled in Fayette 
County, Ohio, on the home place with his mother and her family, and there 
resided till 1824, when they removed to Madison County and settled near 
Midway. Subsequently, they became residents of the James Rankin farm 
near London. He and his wife lived very happily together for nearly fifty- 
eight years, and until death removed her from all earthly relations, Novem- 
ber 3, 1872. She left eight children, thirty-eight grandchildren, forty-nine 
great-grandchildren, and one of the fifth generation. She had consecrated 
herself to Christ at the age of sixteen, a few years after the beginning of 
the present century, when the war-whoop was common. Many good sermons 
and many class meetings did she enjoy in the primitive houses. She was an 
active class-meeting Methodist Christian, having for a long time performed 
the duties of an assistant class-leader. Mr. Kilgore survived her till April 
10, 1870, and his remains were interred in the Paint Township Cemetery, in 
the presence of a large concourse of friends and acquaintances. In his earlier 
life, for ten years he was Captain of a company of militia, and was ever 
afterward known as Capt. James Kilgore. He was Justice of the Peace for 
many years; an excellent neighbor and a most worthy citizen. Five children 
now survive — Deborah, Isaac, Alfred. Henry and Martha. The subject of 
this sketch married Margaret Dougherty, September 10, 1 849. She was born 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1023 

in Fayette County, Ohio, February 3, 1828, and a daughter of James and 
Susanna Dougherty, natives of Virginia, who came among the early set- 
tlers of Highland County, Ohio, when young, and were married there. Sub- 
sequently, they removed to Fayette County, where she died October 1, 1852, 
aged sixty-sis years. They had fourteen children, four now living — An- 
drew, Henry, Mary Jane (wife of Jacob Young), and Margaret. Subse 
quentty Mr. Daugherty removed to Indiana and married Mrs. Scott. Af- 
terward they removed to Minnesota, where he died. Mr. Kilgore and wife 
have had four sons and four daughters, seven now surviving — John O, 
born July 3, 1850; Amanda Jane, August 12, 1854 (wife of William Cor- 
son); Ella, February 26, 1859; James S., Nov. 19, 1864; Edith B., No- 
vember 24, 1868; Minnie, January 21, 1872, and Bruce, born January L6, 
1876. Mr. Kilgore has devoted his life to farming, and all in Madison 
County. He and wife were raised to pioneer life. They started out in life 
with no means, and although Mr. Kilgore, at one time suffered much from 
an affection of his hip, yet, by their combined industry and economy, they 
have accumulated a good competency; have a good farm of 112 acres, with 
good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and farmer's 
residence. 

JOHN LOHR, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Shenandoah County. 
Va., April 1, 1816; he is a son of Michael and Mary Catherine Lohr, 
natives of Virginia. The grandfather was Michael Lohr, who, it is believed, 
was born in Virginia, where he lived and died. He was one of the early 
settlers of that State, and a farmer by occupation. It is believed he was the 
father of six children, of whom two yet survive— Catharine, who was never 
married, and resides on the old home place in Virginia, now aged ninety 
years; and what is remarkable in her history has never paid but $1.50 in 
doctor bills during her whole life, and Henry, the other child, who 
resides in Madison County, Va., past eighty years of age. Michael 
Lohr, father of our subject, the second child of his father, grew to manhood 
and married Mary Catharine Miller, a native of Virginia. They settled in 
his native county, where they resided till his death, February 26, 1819, 
aged thirty- two years. He was the father of four children — Margaret Ann. 
born May 7, 1812 (now widow Chapel); George W., born December 4, 1813; 
John, our subject; and Mary born March 27, 1818 (now Widow Carr). Mrs. 
Lohr married for her second husband Samuel Messmore, a native of Vir 
ginia, born August 18, 1798; by him she_ had three children — Elizabeth, 
born April 9, 1821; James M., born November 17, 1823, and Isabel, born 
October 29. 1830. Mr. Messmore died September 18, 1852; bis wife sur- 
vived till December 29, 1864. John Lohr, the subject of this sketch, was 
but three years of age when his father died; when four years of age, ho was 
brought by his mother and step father to Ohio in the fall of 1820, and here 
he grew to manhood. On December 12, 1844, he married Ann Noteman, who 
was born in Madison County, Ohio, August 1, 1823, a daughter of William 
and Ann Noteman; he was born on the ocean and she in Virginia. He was 
principally raised in Madison County, and was married September 28, 1817. 
He was the father of four children, all now deceased but Ann. Mr. Note- 
man died January 14, 1827; his wife died July 12. 1826. Mr. Noteman 
was one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, and owned the farm 
where Mr. Lohr now lives. Mr. Lohr first located in London, and there fol- 
lowed his trade as a saddler till the spring of L848, when he removed to the 
farm where he now lives and lias since resided — a period of thirty four 
years. They first lived in a primitive log cabin, since which they have 



1024 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

erected all the buildings and made improvements, till now he has a pleas- 
ant home with all necessary comforts, and a good farm of 300 acres, more 
than 200 of which are in pasture and cultivation. Mr. Lohr and wife have 
had ten children, eight now living — Thorressa, born December 19, 1845 
(married Robert Moore) ; Berthier, born November 13, 1847 ; Clara, born 
March 22, 1851 (now Widow Pierce); Angenette, born October 10, 1853; 
Smith, born November 29, 1856; Ella, born October 4, 1859; Charlie S., 
born January 29, 1862; Flora, born November 30, 1868. Mr. Lohr is one 
of the prominent and reliable farmers of Deer Creek Township. He has 
held the office of Township Trustee several years, and that of School Di- 
rector for many years. He and family are members of the Presbyterian 
Church of London, to which he has belonged many years, and in which he 
has been Elder more than twentv years. 

•ALEXANDER B. McMURRAY, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, was born 
in Westmoreland County, Penn. , August 3, 1820. He is a son of Alex- 
ander and Ellen McMurray; he was born in Cumberland County, and she 
in Allegheny County, Penn. The grandfather, John McMurray, was a na- 
tive of Scotland, and when a young single man emigrated to America about 
1774. and served in the war of the Revolution, after which he married 
and located in Pennsylvania, and finally died in Westmoreland County. 
Alexander, the father of our subject, married Ellen Simpson and located in 
Westmoreland County, where they lived till 1826, when they emigrated to 
Ohio and located in Highland County, where they lived two years; after 
which they lived two years in Ross County, and in January, 1830, they 
removed to Madison County and located in Deer Creek Township; here his 
wife died May 9, 1854, aged seventy-three years. He died October 5,1867, 
aged ninety-six years. They had eight children, six now survive — John, 
James, Ellen, Isabel, Sarah and Alexander, our subject, who was ten year9 
of age when they came to Madison County, and here grew to manhood, 
fully acquainted with the early pioneers and the hardships and trials of 
those days. He was married to Mary Houser, who was born in Fairfield 
County. Ohio, October L6, L838; she was a daughter of George and Barbara 
i .Miner) Honser, he a native of Virginia and she of Ohio. Their marriage 
was celebrated July 4, 1854. Mr. Houser and wife had rive children, four 
now living — Dorotha. Jane, Elizabeth, Mary and Ann .Maria. Mrs. Houser 
died in 1840; he still survives and resides in Indiana, aged seventy years. 
Mr. McMurray and wife have had ten children, seven now survive — Alex 
ander, born March 18, 1855; Louisa. April 16, 1859: George November 
17, 1863; Ella, July 17. 1868; Robert, February 4. 1870; Sallie, March 
22, L877; and Florence, born June 26, 187 ( .». Mr. McMurray has made 
farming his occupation through life, and all in this township, but three 
years, from the fall of 1855 to the fall of l s 5\ during which he lived in 
[owa. In September, 1861, he bought and located on the place where he 
now lives and has since resided. This farm consists of fifty-two and a half 
acres, which he purchased of Mrs. Rogers. Mr. McMurray has served his 
Township as Trustee, and is one of the early settlers of this county. 

JOHN MINTER, farmer, P. O. La Layette, was born in Harrison 
County, Va., October 12, L804; he is a son of William and Mary Minter, 
natives of Virginia. The grandparents were John and Elizabeth Minter, 
also natives of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky, and were among the early 
settlers of that State; they located on military lands, which, from the un- 
certain and imperfect titles which thru existed, he subsequently lost. 
About 1802, they removed to Ohio, and were among the pioneers of Dela- 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1025 

« 

ware County, where they lived and died. William Minter married 
Mary Stevenson, and resided in Kentucky till the spring of 1829, when they 
removed to this county and located in Deer Creek Township, on the tract of 
land still owned by his son John, our subject, at a point about one mile north 
of La Fayette. This tract of land he obtained on a military claim, which 
called for 6,666f acres, of which he obtained about one-third; the balance be- 
ing absorbed by fraud and expenses of surveys, and in locating the lands. 
This land was then all in its natural state, with no improvements, and here 
Mr. Minter spent the active portion of his life; thence he removed to the town 
of LaFayotte. where he passed the last years of his life. He died in August. 
L858, aged eighty -two years; Lis wife died in February. 1868, aged eighty- 
seven years. Mr. Minter was one of the active, leading men of this com- 
munity, and held many offices of trust in the township, and as stated in the 
history of Deer Creek Township, he was the founder of the town of La Fay- 
ette. He was always ready with his means and influence to aid in all pub- 
lic improvements for the general good of the community; and many of his 
neighbors and acquaintances were the recipients of his kindness and finan- 
cial aid, even to the great injury of himself, and in his death the commu- 
nity lost one of her kindest and best citizens. He was the father of nine 
children — four now surviving — John, Sallie (now Widow Quinn). William. 
Crawford and Ann (now Widow Rogers). Our subject grew to manhood in 
Kentucky, and was in his twenty-fifth year when he came to Madison County 
with his father. He was married, September 7, 1887, to Mary Delaney. who 
was born in Urbana, Ohio, November 18, 1818, a daughter of David and Sarah 
Delaney, a native of Champaign County, Ohio. ' They had but one child — 

Mary. Mr. Delaney died ; his wife died January 22, 1868. Mr. Minter 

and wife have had six children — Salome and Saline (twins) born April 12, 
1839; the former died January 12, 1857; the latter June 2, 1857; Walter, 
born April 12, 1842, died June 15, 1844; Sallie Ann, born October 11. IS |f». 
married W. H. Jones: Lewis K., born June 25, 1852; and Benjamin 
Franklin, born April 9, L855. Mr. Minter resided upon the old home place 
of his father till about 1N57, when he moved to La Fayette for the purpose 
of convenience to school, to educate his children. He Las now lived fiftv- 
three years in Deer Creek Township. 

REV. SETH NOBLE,* deceased. Respecting the question of the early 
ministers of the Gospel in tLe county, 1 believe my grandfather- my 
mother's father — Rev. Seth Noble, was the first Presbyterian. I have in 
my possession a book of " uotes " of his sermons, in Lis own handwriting, 
together with the dates and places where some of his sermons were delivered 
— about fifty in all during the years of 1806 07. He was Lorn in \\ est 
field, Mass.. April 15. L743, and died in Frankhnton — aqw embraced in the 
corporation of Colni nl n is. Ohio September 15. 1807, aged sixtv four years. 
His genealogy, as tar as known, is as follow-: Thomas Noble was admitted an 
inhabitant of Boston, Mass., on the 5th day of January, L653. He was 
probably a native of England. In the year 1653, he moved to Springfield, 
Ma>s.. and in about 1669, to Westfield, Ma>s. He married, November 1. 
L660, Hannah Warrinor, Lorn in Springfield, Mass.. August IT, 1643, only 
daughter of William and Joanna (Scant) Warriner. To them were Lorn 
eleven children, the third one of whom was Thomas XoLle (" Deacon % 
Thomas), born in Springfield, Mass.. January 1 I. L666, and died in West- 
field. Mass. July 29, 17-")". aged eighty-four years. He married, December 19, 
1695, Elizabth Dewey, born in Westfield, Mass., January 10. 1077. daughter 

*By William Morrow Beach, M. D. 



1026 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of Thomas and Constant (Hawes) Dewey, and was ordained as Deacon in the 
Congregational Church May 25, 171'J. They had eleven children, the first of 
whom was Thomas Noble, born in Westfield, Mass., September 10. 3696, and 
there died February 18. 1775, aged seventy-eight years. He married (first). 
September 1, 1722, Sarah Root, born in Westfield, Mass., March 9, 1702 
daughter of John and Sarah (Stebbins) Root. To them were born ten chil 
dren. the youngest of whom being Rev. Seth Noble. 

Rev. Seth Noble, was bprn in Westfield, Mass., April 15, 174M. 
He married (first), November 30, 1775, Hannah Barker, who was bom 
in Rowley. Mass., February 19, 1759, the daughter of Joseph and 
Sarah (Palmer) Barker, of Rowley, Mass., and Maugerville, N. S. She 
died in "Kenduskeag Meadow," (Bangor) Province of Maine, June 16, 
L790, He married (second), April 11, 1793, Mrs. Ruhama Emery, of 
Bangor, Maine, who died in Montgomery. Mass., in October or Novem- 
ber, 1805. He married (third), Mrs. ' Mary Riddle, in June, 1807. 
He joined the Congregational Church at Westfield, Mass., May 5, 1770. 
His first settlement in the ministry was on the 15th day of June, 1771. 
over the Congregational Church in Maugerville, N. S., and the de- 
scendants of that society say that he was ordained at Newburyport, Mass. 
In 17S4. New Brunswick was separated from Nova Scotia, and in 1789 the 
meeting house in which " Parson " Noble had preached was removed to that 
part of the town which is now Sheffield, and on the 13th day of July, 1876, 
Rev. Joseph Barker, a grandnephew of Mrs. Noble's, was settled as their 
pastor. Rev. Seth Noble's ministry at Maugerville continued until 1777. 
when upon the arrival of an armed British schoonor, which had come to 
enforce the oath of allegiance to King George, he fled, narrowly escaping 
with his life, as he was an ardent advocate of the cause of the Colonists 
He became, for awhile at least, a soldier in the Revolutionary army. On 
the 7th day of June, 1780, he was engaged as the first settled religious 
teacher and preacher by the citizens of Kenduskeag Meadow (Bangor) at an 
annual salary of £70. He was inducted into office September 10, 1786. 
He was not only the first settled minister, but in 1790 he was deputized 
to go to Boston and procure from the General Assembly an act of incorpo- 
ration, undei the name of Simfield; but being a teacher of sacred music, and 
passionately fond of the solid old minor tune of " Bangor," he erased " Sun- 
field " and inserted Bangor in the petition. The field over which Mr. Noble 
presided included Bangor, Brewer, Eddington, Hampden, Holden and Or- 
rington. He added to these duties the instruction of youth in English 
branches, a iid also in singing. Deacon William Boyd, of Bangor, says 
"he was a good singer and had a clear and pleasant voice. He tauglrl those 
who were natural vocalists to sing by note, and was the first teacher of 
Bacred music in the place." During the Centennial exercises at Bangor in 
L876, a brother of Vice President Hannibal Hamlin's was the orator. In 
his oration, he presents the foregoing facts, dwelling upon them at length 
In 1797 he left Bangor and returned to New Market. \. H., where he had 
previously ministered to some now extinct Presbyterian congregations, and 
in L799 went to Westfield, Mass., the place of his activity, where for two 
years he supplied vacant pulpits in Beoket, Blanford, Feeding Hills. Ire- 
land. Montgomery, Russell and Springfield. From the 1th of November, 
L801, he was the first settled pastor of the church at Montgomery, Mas- . 
up until his removal to Ohio in the spring of 1806. 

The only printed productions known, from the pen of Mr. Noble, is a 
nineteen page pamphlet of two sermons preached at Wesl ampton, Mass., 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. L027 

June 26, L802, and published by T. M. Poineroy, of Northampton, in L804. 
I have in my possession a lengthy letter written me in 1870, by Rev. Elisha 
D. Barrett, of Assumption, III., who was, at thai, time, the oldest living 
Alumnus of Williams College, in which he says: "I well remember llev. 
Seth Noble as the first pastor at Montgomery. He was tall and slim, but 
very active and energetic. His stop was quick and firm, and his gait grace- 
ful. He wore a white wig, which he used to powder. His complexion 
was ruddy." "As a preacher he was sound and able; and his sermoDS 
were scholarly, unique, systematic and evangelical. On one occasion, a 
child by the name of Bartholomew was killed by a falling tree, and Mr. 
Noble preached the funeral discourse over the open grave from Ecclesiastes 
ix, 12. The effect was electrical, and proved the most dramatic scone [ 
have ever witnessed.' 1 The Congress of the United States gave public lands 
to the Nova Scotia refugees. The refugee lands extend from the Scioto, 
at Columbus, Ohio, to the Muskingum, at Zanesville. Mr. Noble's share — 
320 acres —fell where Columbus now stands. In the spring of L806, he 
came to Ohio anil settled in Franklinton. He built a house on his land, 
which Mr. Albert Bartholomew, now of Detroit, Mich., a grandchild, re- 
visited and recognized about thirty years ago. His first recorded sermon 
preached in Ohio was at J. Andrus', at Worthington, April 9, 1806, He 
preached at Granville, Licking County, August 17, L806; at Franklinton, 
August 24, 1806; " Derby " (Big Darby) September 22,' 1806; Bixby's (Dela- 
ware), April 1 1, 1 S07, and at Berkshire. Delaware County, May 24 and '27, 1807. 
In 1847, whilst I was a dry goods clerk in the store of George A. Hill & Co., in 
Plain City (then Pleasant Valley), James Ewing. the first white settler of what 
is now Union County, told me that Mr. Noble had frequently been a guest at, 
his house, and had preached there a number of times. There were a number of 
Presbyterians along Big Darby, north of Ewing's, and among his other preach- 
ing places were the houses of the Mitchells ami Woods, the father of the 
late banker. William Wood, of Marysville, Ohio, and also at a point or 
points on Little Darby, over about the Fullington settlement. Mi'. Wood 
was himself ordained in 1807 or 1808, as is shown by letters now in my 
possession. Mr. Noble had not infrequently ministered to Presbyterian con 
gregations in Now Hampshire, in and around New Market, both before and 
after his settlement at Bangor, Maine; and it is presumable that he fell into 
the Presbyterian ways of his congregations in Ohio with but little embar- 
rassment. History is history; and Mr. Noble was not only the first pastor 
at Maugervillo, at Bangor, and at Montgomery, bul he was doubtless the 
first preacher to the Presbyterians at Franklinton, where he was on a salary 
and preached regularly, twice on each alternate Sunday, in L807, where he 
had a church organization of fourteen members, of which Mrs. Lucas Sulli 
vant was one. I saw, when a boy, among my mother's papers, the list of 
names of these fourteen members; and these fourteen persons were undoubt- 
edly the persons who, in L808, composed the " Firsl Presbyterian Church," 
at the time of the ordination of the Rev. .lames Hoge. 

Mr. Noble's last recorded sermon was preached in Franklinton, August 
'.). 1 S07, from Matthew, xi. 28 — "Come unto me all ye that labor and are 
heavy laden, and I will gi ve you rest." He died on the 15th day of the follow 
ing month (September), ami was buried in the old b'ranklinton Burying- 
ground; but the "march of empire," sweeping over and beyond, has left no 
token or sign of the exact spot where his body was laid to rest. His children by 
his first wife were as follows: Seth. born August •*>. 1777. at Maugervill 
S., was lost at sea off the New England coast, October 20. 1798, aged 



1028 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

twenty-one; Joseph, born at New Market, N. H., June 13, 1783, died 
about 1869, at Brighton, N. B., aged about eighty-six; Sarah, born June 1, 
1785, and died in Montgomery, Mass., November 15, 1836, aged fifty-one; 
Benjamin, born June 25, 1787, died in Brighton, N. B., April 12, 1860, 
aged seventy -three; Hannah (my mother), born in Kenduskeag Meadow 
(Bangor), Maine, September 11, 1789, died in Amity, Madison County, 
Ohio, November 17, 1854, aged sixty-five. The children by the second mar- 
riage were Betsey, Thomas, Polly and John Adams, all of whom are now 
dead. 

WILLIAM CLABK SIDNER, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, was born 
on the place whoi-e he now lives January 5, 1845; he is a son of Jacob and 
Margaret R. Sidner, he a native of Kentucky, and she of Licking County, 
Ohio. The grandfather, Philip Sidner, was a native of Virginia, who emi- 
grated to Kentucky with ten of his brothers, and settled there in an early 
day. Some of them were extensive slave owners, but manumitted their slaves 
prior to the war About 1802, Mr. Philip Sidner, with his family, re- 
moved to Ohio and settled about four miles south of Columbus, on the Sci- 
oto River; thence he went back to Kentucky, but retui'ned to Ohio in 1806, 
and here remained till his death. He was buried at Jefferson. Jacob 
was born in Kentucky in 1799. and was raised in Ohio. When about twelve 
years old, he, with his sister, settled on the old " Ewing " farm, now owned 
by G. G. McDonald. In 1818, they settled on the place where his son, our 
subject, now lives. He married Margaret R. Irvin, by whom he had seven 
children, five now survive — Irvin, Wesley, Angeline, William Clark and 
Theotis. Mr. Sidner was twice married; by his first wife, Miss Ewing, he 
had five children, three now living — Samuel, Philip and Elizabeth Jane. 
Mi*. Sidner died in February, 1880, and his wife in August, 1880. He 
experienced his full share of the trials and dangers of pioneer life, having 
been one among the earlist settlers, and he had lived in Deer Creek Town- 
ship nearly seventy years. He was an energetic, industrious farmer, and be- 
came owner of about 900 acres of land; he was a mau of undoubted honor 
and integrity, and an earnest member and worker in the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. He was one of the organizers of the Upper Glade Church, a 
Steward in the same and a Trustee for many years. The subject of this 
sketch was married, February 24, 1870, to Sarah J. Jones, a native of this 
county, by whom he has two children — Ernest L. and Earl Anson. Mr. 
Sidnor located on the home place, where he s^ill resides and where bo has 
lived from his birth. Here he has a fine farm and good improvements, 
constituting a pleasant home. 

JOHN SNIDER, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, was born in Germany Sep- 
tember 19, 1821; he is a son of Henry and Catharine Snider, natives of Ger- 
many, who lived and died in their native country. They had three children, 
two of whom. George and Sophia, remained in Germany, where they were 
residing when last known of them. The other child was John, our subject. 
who, when about eighteen years of age, emigrated to America and came to 
his uncle. Jacob Snider, who had previously come to this country, and was 
residing at La Fayette, this county. He arrived here in the fall of L839. 
In 1846, he was married to Martha Verner, a native of Pennsylvania, by 
whom he had one child- Henry — now a resident of Iowa. His wifp died 
July 16, L849, of thai terrible scourge— cholera On April 22, 1851, he 
married for his second wife Drucilla Ellsworth, a native of Clark County, 
Ohio, and a daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Ellsworth. By this union 
they have four children— Alpharetta E. (now wife of Dr. J. W. Chance, of 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1029 

London), Minnie L., Ida L. and Annetta E. Mr. Snider, after he came to 
La Fayette, learned the blacksmith trade, which business he followed about 
three years, when he entered upon the grocery trade, and finally extended 
his business intoageneral stock of goods, such as a country trade demands. 
In this he continued until the spring of 1S64, when he purchased and lo- 
cated upon the farm where he now lives and has since resided. He now 
owns 600 acres of good land with good buildings and improvements, con- 
stituting a pleasant farmer's residence. Mr. Snider is strictly self-made; start- 
ing in life poor, he has by his industry and good business tact, accumulated 
a good competency, and is now one of the most reliable and respected farm- 
ers of Deer Creek Township. 

CHRISTIAN VOLKA, merchant, P. O. La Fayette, was horn in St. 
Louis, Mo., November 25, 1837; he is a son of John and Catharine Volka, 
natives of France, who emigrated to America while young; they grew to 
maturity and were married in Columbus, Ohio. He was a shoe-maker by 
trade, which business he followed in Columbus, Cincinnati and St. Louis. 
He died of small-pox in Cincinnati. They had three children, two now sur- 
viving — Catharine (wife of David M. Bradley),' and Christian, the subject 
of this sketch, who was principally raised in Madison County, brought up 
to farm labor and was married, January 8, 1863, to Lucetta Bell, a native of 
this county, where she was born May 12, 1844, and a daughter of Daniel 
Bell, a native of Viiginia, and his wife Rebecca (Wagoner) Bell, a native 
<>f Ohio. Dr. Bell was a practicing physician for many years, commencing 
his profession in Coshocton County, Ohio; thence coming to Madison 
County and practicing in Somerford Township. He was an earnest worker 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and gave freely of his means for the 
erection of the church edifice, and also for the sehoolhouse that was built 
near it, in honor of which the place was called Belleville. He purchased a 
farm in that township, upon which he resided a short time; then he removed 
to Champaign County, and there bought a farm, where he resided about 
twenty years; then he removed to London, this county, and entered upon the 
mercantile trade, but after a few months he removed to La Fayette, where he 
died December 8, 1869, aged sixty-nine years. His wife died November 
29, 1858, aged thirty-nine years, dying on her thirty-ninth birthday. They 
had thirteen children, five now surviving — Lucy, Rachel, Lucetta, Laura 
Ellen and Charles. Mr. Volka ami wife have had five children, two now 
survive — Nettie, born October 3, 1865, and John O, born August 14, 1878. 
Mr. Volka first located in La Fayette, and has spent most of his life in Lon- 
don and La Fayette, and the greater portion of it has been devoted to the 
mercantile trade. He was employed as a clerk in London for several years; 
then he entered as an assistant with Dr. Bell to the time of his death, when 
he took possession of the store and as since continued the bn- iness. conduct- 
ing a general grocery and drug trade, and has a good established business. 

ALFRED WILLETT, farmer. P. O. LaFayette, was horn in the State 
of New York May 31, 1842; he is a son of John and Jane Willett, natives 
of England, who, shortly after their marriage, emigrated to America and 
settled in Livingston County, N. V.. where they resided several years, 
but finally became residents of Ohio. He died at La Fayette in August, 
1876. Mrs. Willett is still living and now resides at Rockford, 111. They 
had three children — Alfred. Nellie (deceased), and Reuben. The subject of 
this sketch came to Madison County and located at La Fayette in the spring 
of 1858. Mr. Willett enlisted in the spring of 1862, in Company A, One 
Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served 



1030 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

till the close of the war— nearly three years. He was in the Fourteenth 
Army Corps under Davis, Stedman and others, and was engaged in the bat- 
tles of Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Savannah, Atlanta, Jonesboro and 
others ; but passed through all without a wound, and was discharged in July and 
mustered out of service in August, 1865. On November 5, 1865, Mr. Wil 
lett was united in marriage with Sophia Snyder, who was born in La Fay- 
ette September 25, 1843, a daughter of Jacob and Christena Snyder, natives 
of Germany, who emigrated to America and became residents of La Fayette, 
Madison County, Ohio; and thence removed to Mercer County, Ohio, where 
they died. They had seven children — Elizabeth (married James Millens). 
La Fayette (the first child born in the town of La Fayette), Margaret (mar- 
ried James Simpson), Sophia, Mary (married Morris Agler), Martha Jane 
(married Willi am Shaffer), and Anna (married Lewis Minter). Mr. Willett 
and wife have had four children, three now survive — Clarence, Morris and 
Clara. Mr. Willett settled in La Fayette and engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness, carrying on a trade in dry goods and general merchandise, in which 
he continued till January, 1882, when he closed out his stock, sold his resi 
dence; and is now giving his attention to farming. During his sixteen 
years of mercantile trade, he did a large and prosperous business, and 
was Postmaster during several of the last years in which he was in busi 
ness. He is one of the leading, active citizens of this community, and 
possesses the confidence and respect of the people, and is now serving his 
third year as Treasurer of Deer Creek Township. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 

STEVEN ANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Mt. Sterling, was born in Ken- 
tucky May 23, 1808. He was the son of Thomas and Rebecca Anderson, 
both natives of Virginia. When about three months old, with them ho 
was brought to Ohio. They settled in what is now known as Pleasant 
Township, Madison County, where they remained until their decease 
Steven was reared on a farm, amid the stirring scenes of pioneer life, 
and received but an ordinary educatiou. In April, 1831, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret McCown (now deceased), by whom he had 
ten children, eight of whom are now living — Louisa, James, Jane R. 
William P., Sarah A., John W., Martha and David. About the year L836 
Mr. Anderson settled in Pleasant Township, this county, where ho n«>\>. 
resides. For twenty- one years he has served as Justice of the Peace 
in Pleasant Township. He is a member and Deacon of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and the owner of two hundred and six acres of land. 

CH VKLKS II. BEALE, farmer, P. O. Ml. Sterling, was born in Vir- 
ginia March 5, L833. His parents were Stephen S. and Harriott (Elmore) 
Beale. When two years of age, with them he came to .Madison County, 
Ohio. After their arrival in this county, for a short time they Located in 
Jefferson Township, when they settled in Pleasant Township, where the] 
remained until their decease, he in 1881, Bhe in I^T 1 '. Five of their 
family of seven children are now living — Charles H. (the eldest), Mary A., 
David, John W. and Smith. Our Bubjed was reared to man'-- estate on a 
farm, and received but an ordinary English education. On June 16, 1857, 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 1031 

he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Nye, daughter of Samuel 
and Jane Nye, of Pleasant Township. They have five children— William 
S., Clark, Stephen W., Elmer and Elva V. He has served as Trustee of 
Pleasant Township, and at present is officiating as one of our efficient 
County Commissioners. He is a member of the I'. cV. A. M. fraternity, 
and the owner of 650 acres of land in a good slate of cultivation. 

• RICHARD N. BROWN (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born 
in Ross County. Ohio, October 18, L840. His parents were Thomas \V. 
and Martha Brown, both natives of Ohio. From bis youth up he engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. On March 7, L865, in Pickaway County, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Marinda Vates, who was born in Pickaway County 
March 1, 1844. and is a daughter of John Yates (deceased), and Elizabeth 
Yates. Her mother at present resides with her in Pleasant Township. This 
union lias been blessed with six children — Theodosia J!.. Ariel, Lina, Cle- 
ment, Paul and Mar) Y. In 1805, a short time after their marriage, Mr. 
and Mrs. Brown came to Pleasant Township and settled where she now 
resides in 1S07. He possessed a sterling reputation, and a reliable business 
character. He departed this life on December 18, 1876, mourned alike by 
relatives and friends. In his demise, his wife and children lost a faithful 
husband and father, and Madison County one of her most worthy citizens. 
He left to his widow, who still resides at her splendid homestead in Pleas- 
ant Township. 500 acres of tine tillable land. 

F. O. P. GRAYHAM, farmer, P. O. London. The subject of this 
sketch was born April 20, 1816, in Madison County, Ohio. He was a 
son of John and Lydia Grayham, both natives of Kentucky. His father, 
with his parents, in 1807, came to this county. Our subject was, in his 
youth, trained to the pursuits of agriculture, in which he is still engaged. 
On November 5, 1840, he married Miss Elizabeth Robison, daughter of 
John B. and Polly Robison. Two daughters — Mary and Lydia — are the 
fruits of this union. After his marriage, for several years, he settled on 
his father's farm, now owned by Lemuel P. Loofbotu'row. Later he settled 
where he now resides, in the northern portion of Pleasant Township. He 
has served as Trustee of Pleasant Township, and for three years officiated 
as an Infirmary Director. lie is the owner of 280 acres of valuable land, 
and a member of the Christian Church. 

CHRISTIAN H. HAN A WALT. Postmaster and Notary Public, Mt. 
Sterling, was born April 1. 1833, in Ross County, Ohio. He was a son of 
John Hanawalt, a native of Pennsylvania, and Mary Hanawalt, a native of 
Maryland. At the age of fourteen, he was apprenticed at Chillicothe to 
the harness-making and saddler's trade, where he continued four years. He 
then went to Columbus, where he followed his trade, about six months. 
From there he went to Harrislmrg. where he remained a short time, and 
where, on October 28, 1852, he married Miss Elizabeth Deyo, by whom 
he had seven children, two of whom are now living — John W., employed 
by the Government as Postal Clerk between Toledo and Columbus, and 
Georgie, married to McGill Mitchell, of Mt. Sterling. In 1852, our subject 
engaged in harness-making and saddlery ai Mt . Sterling, wdiich he con- 
tinued until 1801. In 1862, with J. W. Riddle as a partner, he entered 
into the grocery business, under the firm title of Hanawalt i\: Riddle. This 
firm continued to transact business under the above head until 1864, when a 
dissolution occurred. In 1 863, he was elected Justice of the Peace for Pleas-* 
ant Township, the duties of which office he performed faithfully for eighteen 
successive years. He also for several years acted as Pension Claim Agent. 



1032 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

In 1870, he was appointed, by the Government, Assistant United States 
Marshal, in taking the census of Madison County. In 187], he was ap 
poited Postmaster of Mt. Sterling, the duties of which office he has faith- 
fully discharged up to the present time. Politically, he is a Republican, 
in the ranks of which party he has been an earnest worker for many years. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the F., & A. 
M., and of the I. O. O. F. societies. 

DAVID HEATH, farmer, P. O. Mt. Sterling. This venerable old 
gentleman was born in December, 1800, in Ross County, this State. His 
parents were Joseph and Jane Heath. He was reared amid the scenes 
of pioneer life, in Ross County, until about fifteen years of age, at which 
time with his parents he moved to Franklin County, where they located 
four years. Thence with them he came to Madison County. He, like his 
pioneer sire, has seen and endured many of the vicissitudes and trials of 
frontier life. In January, 1829, he was united in the bonds of matri 
mony with Miss Nancy Thomas, who was born October 16, 1810. She was 
a daughter of Joseph and Mary Thomas. With them, when a mere child, 
she came to Ohio. By this union there has been an issue of ten children, 
of whom seven are now living — Joseph, John, William, Emma, Elizabeth, 
Laura and Margaret. Shortly after his marriage with his estimable wife, he 
settled in Pleasant Township, in which township he at present resides. 
They are both members of the Christian Church, and honored alike by 
friends and relatives. Mr. Heath is the owner of 867 acres of good land, 
which he has acquired principally by his industry, perseverance and good 
management. 

JOHN G. LOOFBOURROW, Cashier of Farmers' Bank, Mt. Ster- 
ling. This gentleman, the efficient Cashier of the Farmers' Bank, was born 
October 27, 1845, in Fayette County, 111. His parents are Lemuel P. and 
Elizabeth (Graham) Loofbourrow, now of Mt. Sterling. He was reared on 
a farm until nineteen years of age; received a liberal English education, 
and for about two years engaged in teaching. He subsequently, for 
five years, engaged in the drug business at Mt. Sterling. At a later period, 
in 1874, he took a three months' course at Eastman's Business College, 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. For several years he has been the genial and accom- 
modating Cashier of the Farmers' Bank. In May, 1875, he was united in 
marriage with Hulda Kauffelt, daughter of Mr. N. J. D. Kauftelt — the en- 
terprising hardware merchant of Mt. Sterling. To them have been born 
three children — Ross K., Lemuel G. and John R. Mr. Loofbourrow has 
served as Clerk of Pleasant Township two terms, and is a member of the 
Presbvterian Church. 

SAMUEL McCLINTTCK, physician, Mt. Sterling. The subject of 
this sketch, a Leading physician of Madison County, was born February 1, 
1821, in Pickaway County. Ohio. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth 
McClintick, his father a native of Ireland, andhis mother of Pennsylvania 
They came to Pickaway County in an early day. Our subject was reared 
in Pickaway County. Although he engaged in agricultural pursuits until he 
was twenty years of age, he succeed.-. 1 in acquiring a liberal English edu- 
cation. At the above age, he began the study of medicine, spending a. 
portion of the time with his brother, William McClintick, then al Mt. 
Sterling, and the other portion with 1. F. Wilson, then Located at New 
Holland. Pickaway County. During the Latter portion of IS I I. and the be- 
ginning of 1SIT), I'm- live months he attended t he ( )hio Medical College at 
Cincinnati. In April. 1845, he located at Mt. Sterling, and began the 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 1033 

practice of his profession, in which he has niet with abundant success. He 
is reliable and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and for many 
years has enjoyed a large patronage. In connection with his professional 
duties, he also has under his control and management, a tine druc store 
which is largely patronized. He has served as Treasurer of Pleasant 
Township three years, and as such still officiates. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and of the F. & A. M. society. On May 20, 1846, he 
was united in marriage with Louisa C. Kauffelt. By this union there 
has been an issue of four children — Elizabeth A., Francenia, Letitia and 
Lor en a. 

WILLIAM F. MERGER, druggist, Mt. Sterling, was born February 
27, 1847, in Ross County, Ohio. He is a son of James M. Mercer, who 
served in the war of the late rebellion, and died of hemorrhage on the 
James River, Virginia, in December, 18(54, and Elizabeth Mercer, who still 
resides in Ross County. The earlier portion of his youth was spent in 
Bainbridge, Ross County, where he received a liberal English education. 
In May. 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Mississippi Squadron, Federal 
service, and served for a period of four months. On September 29, 1870, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Van Buskirk, daughter of 
Peter and Rebecca Van Buskirk. They have one daughter — Belle, born 
January 25, 1878. Since 1864, Mr. Mercer has been engaged more or less 
in different branches of trades. In March, 1882, as senior member, he 
formed a copartnership in the drug business with W. A. Basore, of Mt. 
Sterling, under the firm title W. F. Mercer & Co. Our subject has been 
moderately successful in business. He is a clever and agreeable gentle- 
man, and a good salesman. He has established for himself a reliable bus- 
iness, and is a member of the Christian Church. 

JOHN M. NICODEMUS, undertaker, Mt. Sterling, was born Septem- 
ber 24. L838, in Pennsylvania. His parents were John Nicodemus (de- 
ceased) and Harriet Nicodemus. When about one year old, with them 
he was brought to Circleville. Pickaway County, this State, where they re- 
mained until he was eighteen years of age. From thence, with them, he 
went to Illinois, where he remained until the breaking-out of the late civil 
war, and where his father died in 1802. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 
Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served three months. In Novem 
ber, 1861. he again enlisted, this time in the Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry. With that regiment he participated in the engagements at 
Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, the terrific battle of Pittsburg Landing, Cor- 
inth, Iuka and others. He was discharged in March, L864, at which time 
he re-enlisted in the Sixty-sixth Regiment, which now merged into the Illi- 
nois Veteran Volunteer Infantry. He subsequently participated in many 
hotly-contest.cd fields, a few of the important ones of which were Chat- 
tanooga, the Atlanta campaign and Sherman's grand march to the sea, 
also the surrender of the noted confederate chief — Joseph Johnston's army. 
He continued in the service until July. 1865, when hi 11 received an honorable 
discharge. In December, 1865, lie married MissEiiza L. Bostwick, a lady 
of merit, by whom he has two children — -Howard L. and Maud S. In 1876, 
as senior partner with F. C. Bostwick. he formed a copartnership, in the 
furniture and undertaker's business, at. Mt. Sterling, under the firm title of 
J. M. Nicodemus & Co. The business was conducted under the above 
head until April, 1882, at which time Mr. Bostwick withdrew. It is now 
under the entire control and management of our subject, who has dispensed 
with the furniture trade, and confined himself entirely to the undertaking. 



1084 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the F. & 
A. M. and I. O. O. F. societies. For nine years he has served as Clerk of 
Pleasant Township with credit, and at this time is still Berving, and for 

! years has officiated as Mayor of Mt. Sterling. 

ARTHUR A. Fl CKET, farmer, P. O. Mt. Sterling. The subject of 
this sketch was born at Manchester, Adams County, Ohio. May 14, 1831. 
He is a sin of John and Catherine M. (deceased) Tucket, His father was 
born in Adams County, Ohio, and when a boy, with his father, came to 
Highland County, whore, in 1826, he married Four of his family of seven 
children are yet living— Mary. Sarah J.. Martha, and our subject, who is the 
oldest now living. After his marriage, he engaged in the tanning busi- 
ness until 1881, in which year he came to Mt. Sterling, this county, where 
he again engaged in tanning, and continued in the same many years. In 
1853. he settled on the farm at present occupied by our subject. His 
wife died in 187'J, having enjoyed many pleasant years of married life. 
For fifteen years he has been afflicted with paralysis; during the past five 
years, he has been utterly helpless, and has been under the care and pro- 
tection of our subject and his kind wife. He has served as Trustee of Pleas- 
ant Township, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our 
subject, in his youth, received a liberal English education, and in February, 
L853, he married Miss Margaret Willman, daughter of James and Letta 
Willman By her he had two children — James V. and John W. She died in 
April, 1856. In April, 1 857. he married Louisa Stroup, daughter of Clabourne 
and Mary Stroup. of Highland County, this State. To them have been born 
six children, four of whom are now living William N., Maggie A., Mary 
M. and George W. In 1S5'J. he took possession of the tannery after his 
father's retirement at Mt. Sterling. He engaged in tanning for the two fol- 
lowing years, when he removed to Adams County, where he farmed eighteen 
months, and lost his wife. In 1856. he returned to Mt. Sterling, and for 
one year engaged in the mercantile business. In 18(50, he moved to Fay- 
ette County, and engaged in agricultural pursuits for the following six 
years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Pleasant Township, 
this county. In 1878, he located on his father's homestead, where he at 
present resides. He is a member of the Christian Church, and of the F. 
& A. M. society; the owner of 115 acres of land. 

MARTIN W. SCHRYYER. The subject of this sketch, the enterpris- 
ing book dealer, stationer, and job printer of Mt. Sterling, was born Octo- 
ber 12, IMC), in Pickaway County. Ohio. He is a son of Jacob H. Schry- 
ver. a native of New York State, and Elizabeth Schryver (deceased;, a na- 
tive of Pickaway County, this Slate. He was reared on a farm in Picka- 
way County : received a liberal English education, ami subsequently, for 
perhaps twelve years, engaged in Bchool teaching, for one year as Superin- 
tendent of the Mt. Sterling graded school. For several years, in connec- 
tion with other business, he dealt in musical instruments, hi L869, from 
Pickaway County he came to Mt. Sterling, this county. In May, 1871, ho 
began the publication «>f the Mt. Sterling Review, which he continued three 
years. In October, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Karbara 
Campbell, daughter of Robert and Nancy (deceased) Campbell. Robert, 
now of Pickaway County, this State. This union has been blessed with four 
children — Robert H., Florence N., Guy H. and Clyde H. Mr. Schryver 
possesses sterling business qualities, and is meeting with success. He is 

a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. I 035 

A. TANNER. County Treasurer, London, Ohio, \v;is horn in Plei 
Township December 1, 1838. He was a son of John and Margaret Tan 
ner, the former a native of Ohio, and a life lon'g farmer, and the letter a 
aative of Ohio. Our subject was raised on a farm, and devoted his life en- 
tirely to farming and trading until August, L882, when be came to London 
to take charge of the County Treasurer's office, to which he was elected in 
1881 On June L8, L873, he married Amanda Taylor, a daughter of Warner 
T. Taylor, of Jefferson Township. By this union three children were horn 
-Jessie, John Warner and Bruce. Mr, Tanner is a Republican in poli- 
tics; his lirsi Presidential vote was casi for John Bell, the Whig candidate 
for President. 

FREDERICK YOUNG (deceased), The subject of this sketch 
was born in Germany, in the year 1813. lie emigrated to America, 
find in September, L840, he married Miss Lucinda ML KaufFelt, who was 
born November 4, L823, in Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of George 
.rid Koturah Kauffelt, ;m<l when a child with them came to Ohio. Subse- 
quent to their marriage, they settled in Pleasant Township, this county, 
whore Mrs. Young now resides. The following are the names of 
their children: AlviraA. , Martha M, Lenora, Elton J., Laura K.. Sarah 
L.. Lydia A. and Mary L. Mr. Young was a conscientious and faithful 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and departed this life April -■'>, ISOf}. 
He left to his widow, a middle aged lady, and highly respected, L60 acres 
i f land. 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN W. ALLEN, farmer, P. 0. Cross Roads, was born in Fayette 
< 'ouuiy, Ohio, December 13, L835, and is a son of Adam and Rosana Allen, 
who were both natives of Payette County, where they were married. They 
moved to Madison County in 1S75, locating first in Range Township, where 
they remained until 1878, when they moved to Somerford Township, 
where they now reside. John was united in marriage with Harriet A. 
Pent, November 5, L857; she was born in Fayette County, Ohio. He was 
twenty-two years old, when he began farming for himself, as a renter, and 
thus he continued for six years, when he bought fifty-eight acres of land, 
which he sold, and bought 100 acres where he now resides. He and his 
wife are the parents of eleven children, of whom nine survive--Venie O., 
Delia, Hulda -I.. Eugene, Sheridan, Rosanna C, Cora F., Icy, Urbin O. 
and Osa. 

ALJiLHT H. BOUGHN. farmer, I'. O. Jeflersonville, Fayette Co., born 
n Fayette County, Ohio, September L2, L846, and is a sou of . Joseph H. and 
Elizabeth (Fultsj Boughn. The former was born June 2, L810, and his 
wife in August, 1820. They were both natives of Ohio, where they married 
and settled in Fayette County, where they reside. Our subjeet was united in 
marriage with Mary Ervin, December 23, 1870. She was born in Madison 
'ounty August 30, L852. He engaged in farming as a renter, when he 
was twenty years of age, and thus continued for three years, when he went into 
mercantile business, which lie followed for three years; he then sold out 
and bought forty-two acres of land in Fayette County. Ohio. He has at 
present eighty-four acres of land, where lie resides. He acquired a com- 



1036 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

mon school education, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Trustee 
of Stokes Township. He and wife are the parents of four children — Net- 
tie I., born January 7, 1871; Lizzie F., born January 9, 1874; Loa, born 
March 19, 1876; and Lila, born June 24, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Boughn 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

A. J. BROCK, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Greene County, 
Ohio. February 14, 1816; he is a son of Francis and Sarah (Harper) Brock. 
Mr. Brock was born in North Carolina, and Mrs. Brock in Virginia. They 
were married in Greene County, Ohio. He emigrated to Ohio when a boy 
and settled in Greene County, afterward moved to Madison, where he re 
mained for some years; then returned to Greene County, where he remained 
until his death, which occurred October, 1857. Mrs. Brock died in Madi- 
son County in 1836. Our subject was united in marriage with Sarah Lit- 
tle, January 1, 1845; she was born in Virginia March 13, 1818, and em- 
igrated to Ohio, with her parents, in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Brock are the 
parents of eight children, of whom six now survive — James K., Lewis C, 
Robert A., Angeline, Andrew Jackson and Flora B. Mr. Brock has been a 
very strong Democrat through life. 

JAMES K. BROCK, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Greene 
County, Ohio, November 3, 1845, and is a son of Andrew J. and Sarah 
J. Brock, whose sketch appears in this work. James K. Brock, when 
twenty-five years of age, engaged in farming and handling stock, a busi 
ness he has since followed. He bought sixty acres of land at first, and has 
since added until he owns ninety-six acres, where he resides. He acquired 
a common school education; is Township Trustee of Stokes Township, at 
the present time, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge. He was 
united in marriage with Laura Records, May 7, 1876. She was born in 
Brown County, Ohio, near Fincastle, January 23, 1852. To this uniou 
have been born two children — Walter M. , born February 13, 1877, and 
Angie P., born September 17, 1879. 

MANLEY BOZARTH, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in White 
County, Ind., May 31, 1830, and is a son of Lot and Nancy (Ray) Bozarth 
The former was born in Virginia in 1792, and the latter in Maryland 
in 1802. He was one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, Ohio, 
having emigrated to Ohio when young. Our subject was twenty years of 
age when he began farming for himself, and he has been engaged in thai 
occupation and trading in stock ever since. His father died April 17, 1872, 
his mother, March 12, 1878. He was united in marriage with Mary Jane 
Shepard December 24. 1857. She was born in Madison County, Ohio, 
February 24, L839, and to their union seven children have been born — Ad- 
dison, born February L0, L859; James, born June 2. L860; Albert M., born 
April L0, 1863; Charles L., born November 27, L865; John, born October 
l J0. 1867; Jessie Belle, born February 19, 1871, and Nathau Clark, bom 
April 14, 1875. 

LEWIS BOZARTH, fanner, P. O. South Solon, was born in Stokes 
Township, Madison County, Ohio, March 20, L829, and is a son of Lot and 
Nancy (Ray) Bozarth. Mr. Bozarth was horn in Virginia, and Mrs. 
Bozarth in Maryland. He was one of the earliesl settlers of Madison 
County, having emigrated to Ohio when he was very young. Lewis was 
twenty year- of age, when he began fanning for himself, as a renter. Thus 
he continued Eor o then went, to McLean County, 111., where he re- 

mained for seventeen years, fanning and trading in cattle. lie then moved 
back to Ohio, and seitlod in Madison County, on the farm where he now 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 1037 

resides, and has been engaged in farming and trading ever since. He was 
united in marriage with Rosana Moon in September, 1849. She was born 
in Ohio April 29, L831, and to them have been born six children, of whom 
four survive — John L., Jennie, Mary and Laura Belle. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bozarth are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and reside on 
a farm that is well adapted to the raising of grain and stock. 

T. S. COOPER, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Madison 
County, Ohio, November 20, L836, and is a son of William and Martha 
(Slaughter) Cooper, who were both natives of North Carolina. They were 
married in Greenville, Ind. , August 18, 1835. William emigrated to Ohio 
in 1823, then went to Indiana, and was united in marriage with Martha 
Slaughter, and soon afterward he returned to Ohio, and settled in Madison 
County, where she died in April, 1874. He still resides in Madison County, 
and is a retired farmer. T. S. Cooper was united in marriage withlsadore 
Lucas. October 21, 1862. She was born in Fayette County, Ohio, August 
5, 1844, and is a daughter of John Lucas, whose sketch is in this work. 
To this union have been born seven children, of whom six survive — Thad- 
eus W., Thomas A.. Stella May, William E.. Raymond L. and Nellie F. 
Our subject, when nineteen years of age, engaged in clerking in a store, 
and thus continued for two years. Then he took a course in Antioch Col 
lege, Ohio, after which he returned home and taught school ten years, 
beginning in 1860. He farmed in the summer season of the year, and in 
1867 he bought land, to which he has since added fifty acres. He has been 
Township Clerk of Stokes Township twelve years, and he and his wife arc 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

HIRAM COOPER, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Stokes Town- 
ship, Madison County, Ohio, October, 1830, and was a son of William and 
Elizabeth (Merryman) Cooper. William was born in North Carolina, and 
Elizabeth was born in Fayette County, Ohio. He emigrated to Ohio while 
young, and was married in 1828, and settled in Madison County, where he 
lost his wife in 1865. Hiram was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hogue, 
October 21, 1855; she was born in Fayette County April 10, 1837. He 
has been engaged in farming and trading in stock through life. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cooper are the parents of seven children, of whom rive are living — 
John F., Melissa, Joseph, Lillie and George. They reside on a farm of 
150 acres of land. 

M. W. CORBITT, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Fayette 
County, Ohio. February 11, 1 834, and is a son of Samuel K. and Catharine 
Corbitt. The former, who was born in Virginia, emigrated to Ohio when 
he was a young man, and settled in Fayette County, where he was married, 
and where he remained until his death, which occurred August 7, 1874. 
Mrs. Corbitt died in August. L872. Our subject was united in marriage 
with Elizabeth Paullin, January 29, 1856; she was born in Greene County 
Ohio. February 11, L834. Mr. Corbitt engaged in farming and dealing in 
stock when twenty-one years of age, a business he lias followed through 
life. He first bought 156 acres of land where he resides, and has since 
added to it until he owns N:!:! acres of fine land, all in a high state of culti- 
vation. He and his wife are the parents of three children — Eldora, born 
June 1, I860; Warren, born April 22, L862; and Adda, born June 7. 1866. 
Mrs. Corbitt is a member of the Christian Church. 

SAMUEL ERVIN, farmer, P. O. Bookwalter, Fayette County, was born 
in Stokes Township, Madison Co., Ohio, January 31, 1834, and is a son of Joel 
and Mary (Huffman) Ervin, who are mentioned in the sketch of William Ervin. 



1038 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Our subject was married twioe, first, with Nursey Ann Gordon. January 20, 
1856, with whom he lived until L865, when Bhe died; and next, on Novem- 
ber 10. L869, with Rebecca Johnson. To these unions have been born seven 
children, of whom five survive — William H.. John L.. Jesse H.. Ollie and 
Wallace. Ho has been engagedin farming all his life. He is. as were his 
first and second wives, a member of the Christian Church. Ho is a good 
citizen, and is well respected in the community in which he lives. 

WILLIAM ERVIN, farmer, P. 0. Jeff ersonvi lie, Fayette County, was 
born in Stokes Township, Madison Co., Ohio, June L6, L835, and is a son of 
Joel and Mary (Huffman) Ervin, who wore both natives of Ohio, whore the 
former was born in 1S11. and the latter in L812. They were married, in Clark 
County, Ohio, and moved to Madison County, where they remained a few 
years, and then moved to Fayette County. Fifteen years later, they came 
back to Madison County, where they remained until their death. He died 
February 5, L864, and she. April 12, 1878. William remained at home 
until twenty-four years of age, when ho engaged in farming for himself, 
on the land he inherited from his father. Ho has added to it since until 
he owns LJ'J acres, where ho resides. Ho acquired a common school educa- 
tion and has held the office of Justice of the Peace of Stokes Township 
three years. He and wife are the parents of eleven children, of whom nine 
survive — Orra L., Orpha V.. .Mary (>.. Orley W.. OrpheousA., Leonard L, 
\ddio E. and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Ervin have been members of the 
Christian Church for nearly twenty-six years. 

JOHN FOSTER (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania, January 
7. 1821; he was a son of John and -lane Foster, natives of Pennsylva- 
nia, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in 
marriage with Eliza Sampey February 26, 1846. She was born in Penn- 
sylvania April 13, 1823. They moved to Wesi Virginia in L849, and re- 
mained there two years, then emigrated to Ohio, in 1851, and settled in 
Fayette County, where they remained until his death, which occuiTed Octo- 
ber L5, 1863. The family then moved to Madison County, in 1866, and 
settled in Stokes Township. He acquired a common school education, and 
was engaged in farming through life. He was the lather of eight children 
— Charlie, McDowell D., Rebecca J.. Leander, Arabella. Cecelia. Benjamin 
and Julia. 

SAMUEL FLA LICK, farmer. P. 0. South Solon, was born in Penn- 
sylvania . I nne 2, L837, and is a son of Joseph and Snsan Fralick, natives 
of Pennsylvania, where the former was born January 13, 1Mb and the lat- 
ter January;!. 1816. They were married. October L2, L834, emigrated to 
Ohio in 1853, and settled in Madison County, whore they remained until 
his death, May 20, L874. The widow still resides in Madison County. 
Our subject has been engaged in farming and raising stock all bi« life. 
He owns at present L50 acres of good land. Ho acquired a common school 
education, and has been Township Trustee of Stokes Township, an office he 
tilled with credit. 

WILLIAMS. CAS KILL, retired. P.O. South Solon. The subject of this 
sketch, one of the Justices of the Peace in stokes Township. Madison 
County, Ohio, was born in Clinton County, Ohio. September 6, 1826, and 
was a eon of Eli and Hannah (Smith) Gaskill both natives of Pennsylva- 
nia, when> tin') were married. Eli was married twioe; his firsl wife was 
Catharine Campbell, with whom he emigrated to Ohio, and settled in War 
ivn County, in L804, where they remained until her death, which ooourred in 
18K>. [n 1822, h>- married Hannah Smith, his Becond wife, and moved to 



STOKES towns If II'. 1039 

Todds Fork, one and three-quarters miles north of Wilmington, in Clinton 
County, Ohio, where ho remained until his death. He was a member of the 
Ohio Legislature from ls:!l to L836, a position he tilled with honor to him 
self and his constituents. William S. Gaskill was married Juno 26, 1848, 
to Miss Jane Hutson. who was born December 7, 1827, and was a daughter 
of John and Hannah Hutson. William, when twenty-two years of age, 
engaged in farming for himself, a business he followed until within tie- 
last few years. He is now retired. Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill are the parents 
of nine children, of whom eight survive — Hannah A.. Calvin Ff.. Walter 
S., Mari;i Louisa, Mary Belle, Nettie E., Albert S., and John E. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gaskill live in South Solon, Ohio, and have a very pleasant home, 
surrounded with the comforts of life. 

JOHN V. GOSSARD (deceased) was born in Rose County, Ohio, Sep 
tember 15, I SI 1, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Valentine) Gossard, 
who were natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio, and wer 
married. He died in L840, and his wife in 1872. Our subject was united 
in marriage with Phebe Cox June 9, 1841. She was born in Ross County. 
Ohio, in November 27, 1814. When Mr. Gossard was twenty-one years 
of age, he engaged in fanning on his father's farm, and in L852 he 
bought 260 acres of land in Madison County, Ohio, where the widow 
now resides. He acquired a common school education, and was Trustee of 
Stokes Township. He was united in marriage three times. His first wife's 
name was Hannah Brown; after her death, he married Nancy Ritenour, who 
lived only one year, and then he married Miss Cox, who survives him. If 
died June 4, 1880. He was the father of six children — Robert, Joseph 
Arther, Marcellus, John and David. Mr. Gossard had been a member of the 
Methodist Church for thirty years. He was a good citizen, much respected 
by all who knew him. 

J. H. HARltOD (deceased) was born in Madison County, Ohio, De- 
cember 5, L815, and was a son of Samuel and Mary Harrod; the former was 
born September 28, 177'). and the latter October 4, L790. They were mar- 
ried in Greene County, Ohio. December 20, 1810. He died Februray 7. 
1857, and his wife November 21. L866. Our subject was united in mar- 
riage with Ellen Hughes, February 14, 1850; she was born in Delaware 
County, Ohio, January I I. L826. To this union have been born five chil- 
dren — William, Augusta, Charles G., Samuel L. and Mary E. Mr. Har 
rod was engaged in farming and trading stock through life. When he was 
married he owned ISO acres of land, and he afterward added to it until at 
the time of his death, September 13, 1874, he owned nearly seven hundred 
acres of well-improved land. He acquired a common school education, and 
was a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. He was a good citizen, loved 
and respected by the community in which he lived. 

JOHN M.. LUCAS, farmer, P. O. South Solon. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 18, 1823, and is a son 
of Thurman and Lida (Mock) Lucas. The former was born in Warren 
County, Ohio, October 17. L799, and the latter in North Carolina Novem- 
ber 18, 1801. They were married in Greene County, Ohio, in 1821, then 
went to Indiana, where they remained four years ; then returned to Ohio. 
Fayette County, remained a number of years ; then sold their farm and 
moved to Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio, where they remained until their 
death, he dying May. 1872, and she, August, 1863. Our subject was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth Kilgore. October 23, 1843; she was born 
in Fayette County, Ohio, August 19, 1824. He is a member of the I. O. 



1040 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

O. F., and was elected County Commissioner of Madison County, and 
has held the office for two terms with credit to himself and his con- 
stituents. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas are the parents of ten children, of whom 
nine survive — Isadora, Mary C. , Hezkiah, William, Alice, Ann, Willis, 
Sophrona and Douglas. Mr. Lucas has been engaged in farming all his 
life, and he and his wife now reside on a farm of 175 acres of land in Stokes 
Township, Madison County, Ohio. 

STEPHEN W. MAXEY. liveryman, South Solon, was born in Madison 
County, Ohio, February 11, 1842, and is a son of John T. and Charity 
Maxey, who were both natives of Ohio. Mr. Maxey was born November 
10, 1814, and his wife June 9, 1819. They were married in Greene County, 
Ohio, and moved into Madison County, where they remained until their 
death. Stephen was united in marriage with Anna Gaskill March 14, 
1872. He first engaged in farming, then in keeping livery stable in South 
Solon, Ohio, a business he still follows. Mr. and Mrs. Maxey are the par- 
ents of four children — Wilson R., Nettie, John C, and Jessie. Mrs. Maxey 
is a member of the Methodist Church. 

WILLIAM H. McHENRY, farmer. P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Stokes Township, Madison County, Ohio, January 31, 1825, and is a son 
of Isaac and Christena (Selsor) McHenry. The former was born in Ken- 
tucky June 4, 1801, and his wife in Virginia. Mr. McHenry emigrated to 
Ohio when a boy, and settled in Madison County, where his wife died in 
1832. He then moved to Fayette County, and married, for his second 
wife, Miss Nancy Flood, who survived him, he dying in 1874. Our sub- 
ject was united in marriage with Sarah J. Hornbeck March 8, 1847; she 
was born in Stokes Township June 8, 1827, and died December 15, 1879. 
Mr. McHenry was twenty-five years of age when he engaged farming for 
himself. He first farmed on David Selsor's farm, but when he was married 
he moved on the farm of 270 acres, which Mr. Selsor gave him. He and 
wife are the parents of ten children, of whom nine survive — Mary E., Mar- 
garet S., Julia Ann, Alva L., Laura Belle, Alraeda, George W. , David S. 
and Isaac E. 

J. D. MOON, carpenter, South Solon, was born in Ohio, May 25, 1828, 
and is a son of Jonathan and Catharine (Davis) Moon. He was united in 
marriage with Sarah Bysher February 3, 1861; she was born in Highland 
County, Ohio, November 1, 1840. He was twenty years of age, when he 
began earning money for himself. He learned the carpenter trade before 
he was married, and has followed that trade ever since. He acquired a 
common school education, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge. In 
1862, he bought fifty-two acres of land where he resides, which he has put 
in a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Moon are the parents of four 
children — Douglas B., born October 21, 1861; Samuel S., born March 31, 
L863; Morgan D.,born December 17, 1872: and Edith L., born July 4, 
1880. .Mi. Moon was Clerk and Treasurer of Stokes Township. 

W. O'SHAUGHNESSY, merchant, South Solon, was born in County 
Galway, Ireland, February 2, 1842. He is a son of Martin and Judith 
(Raferty) O'Shaughnessy, natives of Ireland, where Martin was born in 
1802. They were married in Ireland in 1837, and never came to the 
United States. He died March 16, L847, and his wife is still living. Our 
subject was united in marriage with Mary C. Lucas, June 30, 1871; she is 
a daughter of John M. Lucas, whose sketch appears in this work, and was 
born in Fayette County, Ohio, April 20, 1847. Our subject was twenty 
two years of age when he emigrated to the United States, where he landed 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 1041 

August 3, 1864. He came to South Solon March 16, 1865, and engaged 
in the mercantile business, in which he has been engaged ever since," 
owning at present a nice country store. He and wife were the parents of 
two children, of whom one survives — Louis, born August 8, 1877. Our 
subject having been engaged in the mercantile business for a number of 
years, has quite an extensive custom throughout Stokes Township and is 
doing a successful business. 

JOHN PANCAKE, farmer. P. O. South Charleston, was born in Mad- 
ison County, Ohio, August 1, 1835, and is a son of Jesse and Martha 
(Cooper) Pancake. The former was born in Virginia June 29, 1801, and 
the latter in Madison County, Ohio, in 1814. They were married in Madi- 
son County, in 1834, he having emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 
1812. landing iirst in l\oss County, where they remained a few years, after 
which they came to Madison County, where they settled and remained until 
their death; the former, November 23, 1877, and the latter in 1839. Our 
subject was united in marriage with Serelda Paulin, January 15, 1862. 
She was born in Clark County, Ohio, July 20, 1839. Mr. Pancake, when 
seventeen years of age, began superintending his father's farm, which his 
father afterward divided between him and his sister, giving each about six 
hundred acres. To this Mr. Pancake has since added until he now owns 
750 acres of fine land in a high state of cultivation. He has been en- 
gaged in farming and trading in stock all his life. He acquired a common 
school education, and has filled the office of Trustee of Stokes Township 
three terms. He and wife are the parents of five children — Jacob W., Mar- 
tha O, Mary P., Jessie and Addie. Mr. and Mrs. Pancake ai*e members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DAVID W. PERKINS, farmer, P. O. D effersonville, was born in 
Washington County, Ohio, March 30, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and 
Frances (Ward) Perkins. The former was born in 1805, and his wife in 
1810. They were both natives of-Ohio, and settled in Washington County. 
He died in March, 1850. and his wife in 1863. David W. was united in mar- 
riage with Elizabeth Ervin, November 3, 1864; she was born in Fayette 
County, Ohio, March 6, 1839. He has been engaged in farming and rais- 
ing stock through life. He acquired a common school education, and is 
a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. He and wife reside on a farm in 
Stokes Township, surrounded with all the comforts of life. They are both 
members of the Christian Church. 

O. W. POWELL, farmer, P. O. South Solon. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Fayette County. Ohio, January 28, 1835, and is a son of 
Robert and Mary (James) Powell, who were natives of Virginia. They were 
married in Fayette County, Ohio, where they settled and remained until 
their death. They emigrated with their parents to Ohio when very young. 
(,}. W. Powell was united in marriage with Sarah Jane James November 3, 
1859; she was born in Fayette County, Ohio, January 22, 1837. To this 
union have been born seven children, of whom five survive — James A., 
George W., Charles H. , Delia F. and Lillie Iva. Mr. and Mrs. Powell 
are members of the Methodist Church. 

MICHAEL E. RITENOUK, farmer. P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Frederick County, Va., February 26, 1822, and is a son of Daniel B. and 
Elizabeth (Drake) Ritenour, natives of Virginia ; the former born October 
27, 1796, and the latter July, 1790. They were married in Virginia, and 
remained there until her death, which occurred in 1842. In 1845, he emi- 
grated to Ohio, and settled in Greene County, where he remained until his 



1042 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

death, February 26, 1874. After his emigration to Ohio, he was united in 
marriage with Sarah Walker, who died in March, 1879. Our subject was 
united in marriage the first time in Frederick County, Va. , with Mary Jones, 
March 6, 1845; she was born in Virginia in 1822. They emigrated to Ohio 
and settled in Madison County, where they remained until her death, 
which occurred in 1850. Mr. Ritenour remained a widower three years, 
when he was united in marriage with Adaline Blair, who was born in Vir- 
ginia February 12, 1833. He, at twenty-three years of age, engaged in 
working by the day on contract, and thus he continued for twenty-six years, 
when he bought fifty-eight acres of land where he resides, and engaged in 
farming. He is the father of ten children, two by his first wife and eight 
by his last, of whom nine survive — Delia E., Joseph H., Lucy E., Mary 
E., Georgianna, Robert E., Oladious O., Frederick G. and Fannie F. 

DAVID SELSOR (deceased). Without a doubt, it can be truthfully 
said of the deceased that, as a stock-dealer, he had no equal in Madison 
County. He was born in Virginia, on the 30th of March, 1806, of 
parents John and Mary Selsor, Virginians by birth, and in which State 
their marriage was solemnized. The family emigrated to Ohio when David 
was quite young, and the parents remained here until their death. Our 
subject at the age of sixteen years engaged in farming and trading in 
stock, which occupation he followed through life, and at which he gained 
great success, both pecuniarily and in high standing in the business, hav- 
ing justly been awarded by his fellow-dealers the title of " Cattle King." 
On April 10, 1876, Mr. Selsor was united in marriage with Jennie Foster, 
a native of Pennsylvania, who was bom December 8, 1852, and by this 
union there were born Delamie and Oran Belle. Mr. Selsor was the fore- 
most man in Madison County in introducing thoroughbred stock, and labor 
ing to improve the growth of cattle in this vicinity. He was not only known 
within the borders of his own county, but his reputation extended abroad 
and he took rank with the leading cattle men of Ohio. He was accustomed 
to attend fairs with his blooded stock, and in many cases carried off th<> 
first premiums. He shipped extensively to the New York market. He died 
January 12, 1882, possessed of an estate of nearly three thousand acres of 
land, and is remembered as a man of sound judgment, and possessed of th<> 
rarest business qualifications. He was shrewd, capable, kind and honest; 
was liberal and obliging, yet unyielding in his principles of right and jus 
tice. 

CHRISTOPHER SELSOR, farmer. P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Stokes Township, Madison County, Ohio, January 26, 1833, and is a son of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (McHenry) Selsor. Mr. Selsor was born in Virginia, 
and Mrs. Selsor in Kentucky. He emigrated to Ohio when a boy and settled 
in Stokes Township. They were married in Ohio and remained there until 
their death, he in 1842, andshe in November, L864 « Christopher was united 
in marriage with Leah Kelley in 1866; she was born in Clark Count} 
Ohio. April 9, 1838. To this union have been born two children — Charlie 
A. and Ida. Mr. Selsor acquired a common school education, and is a mem 
ber of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. He has been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits all his life, and now resides on a farm of seventy- four acres of land 
that is in a high state of cultivation. Mrs. Selsor is a member of the Meth- 
odist Church. 

WILLIAM SHOCK Li' Y. farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Stokes Township, Madison County, Ohio, January 15, ISl*. and is a son if 
Clement and Matilda (Briggs) Shockley, who are both natives of Ohio. 



STOKES TOWNSHIP. 1043 

Clement was born in May, 1823, and Matilda in May, 1825. They were 
married in Clark County, Ohio, in 1843 or 1844. YVilliain was united in 
marriage with Nancy J. Huffman October 10, 1871; she was a native of 
Greene County, Ohio, born in 1851. He bought 106 acres of land in Fayette 
County, Ohio, when twenty-live years of age, and engaged in farming. He 
sold that tract and purchased 1 llf acres of land in Madison County, where 
he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Shockley are the parents of three children, of 
whom three survive — Franklin P. and Martha M. 

REUBEN SLAUGHTER, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Highland County, Ohio, June 9, 1824, and is a son of John and Anna 
(Wright) Slaughter. The former was born in Virginia, in 1783, and the 
latter was born January 1, 1789. They were married in Highland County, 
Ohio, where he came when a young man. They remained there for some 
years, then moved to Madison County, where he remained until his death, 
which occurred August 7, 1863. His wife died March 17, 1874. Our sub- 
ject was united in marriage with Matilda Denton, October 9, 1851. She 
was born in Madison County, Ohio, November 11, 1832. Mr. Slaughter 
engaged with his father in business, and remained with him until his death, 
when he began farming on 300 acres of land that was left to him by his 
father. He has since bought and added to the 300 acres until he owns at 
the present time 1,228 acres of fine land. He acquired a common school 
education and has been engaged in trading and selling stock. He and wife 
are the parents of six children, of whom four survive — Reuben L., born Oc 
tober 11, 1854; James A., born July 9, 1859; Martin M., born August 21, 
1861; and Sidney Belle, born September 3, 1864. 

JACOB SMITH, retired farmer, P. O. South Solon. The subject of 
this sketch is the oldest man in Stokes Township, and doserves not only a 
place in the biographical chapter of Madison County, but in the State his 
lory. He was born in Maryland June 10, 1803, and emigrated with his 
parents to Ohio in L806, stopping first at Cincinnati. In 1807, he pressed 
forward to Greene County. Ohio, where he remained until 1836, at which 
time he moved to Madison County, where he settled and is still living. He 
is a son of Mathias and Barbara (Beckel) Smith, who were na+ives of Mary- 
land. He was born in 1769, and lived until August 5, 1824. when he 
passed away; his wife died in 1839. The subject of our sketch was first 
united in marriage on December 8, 1831. to Amanda Harrod, a native of 
Greene County, Ohio, born October 11, 1811; she died October, 1872. On 
April 11, 1876, he married for his second wife, Julia Harris, who was 
born July 18, 1853, and died April 16, 1882. Mr. Smith has been en- 
gaged in farming all his life. He acquired a common school education, and 
has been Trustee of Stokes Township a number of years. Ho is the father 
of six children, of whom live now survive — Enziletta, Samuel H. , Jonathan 
C, Frances M. and George. 

SAMUEL H. SMITH, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Madi- 
son County, Ohio, November !'.». 1839, and is a son of Jacob and Amanda 
Smith, whose sketch appears in this work. Our subject was twenty-five 
years of age, when he engaged in farming for himself and has been en- 
gaged ever since in trading in stock and farming. He was united in mar- 
riage with Artinaca Moon September 11, 1875; she was born in Madison 
County, Ohio, in 1849. They have three children, of whom one survives — 
Blanche, born February 17. 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Smith reside one half 
mile from South Solon, Ohio, in a nice residence surrounded by many broad 
acres of land, owned by them. 

PR 



1044 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

J. C. SMITH, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Stokes Town- 
ship, Madison County, Ohio, April 12, 1846, and is a son of Jacob and 
Amanda (Harrod) Smith, whose sketch appears in the biographical chapter 
of this work. Our subject was united in marriage with Sarah E. Stroup 
October 13, 1870; she is a native of Madison County, where she was born 
November 26, 1850. He was twenty -one years of age when he engaged 
in farming and trading in stock for himself, a business he has followed 
through life. In 1869 he bought 171 acres of land, sold that tract and 
bought 145 acres where he resides. He acquired a good common school 
education, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge. He and wife are 
the parents of two children, of whom one survives — Samuel, born March 
25, 1876. The name of the deceased was Luther, who was born August 4, 
1872, and died May 23, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Smith reside one- half mile 
from South Solon; she is a member of the Methodist Church. 

JOHN B. SNODGRASS, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in Ross 
Township, Greene County, Ohio, August 12, 1838, and is a son of Robert 
and Phebe (Miller) Snodgrass. The former was born in Virginia in 1805, 
and the latter in Pennsylvania in 1810. He emigrated to Ohio in 1810, 
with his parents, and settled in Greene County, where he remained until 
their death, the former in 1839, and the latter in 1872. They were mar- 
ried ia Greene County in 1830. Our subject, after his father's death, re- 
mained at home with his mother until he was twenty-five years of age, 
when he was united in marriage with Nancy McDorman, September 10, 
1863. She was born in Greene County, Ohio, August 3, 1842. Soon after 
their marriage they moved on the farm of 150 acres, where they now reside, 
and he has since added to it until he owns at the present 200 acres. He 
has been engaged in farming and raising stock all his life. He acquired 
a good common school education, and has filled the office of Township 
Trustee of Stokes Township one term. He and wife are the parents of 
three children — Alvaretta, Susie and Genevra. The parents have been 
members of the Christian Church for eight years. 

LOREN V. SNODGRASS, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Greene County, Ohio, August 16, 1860, and is a son of R. V. Snodgrass, 
and Harriet Snodgrass, who were natives of Greene County, Ohio, where 
they were married. She died June 28, 1877, and Mr. Snodgrass afterward 
married Ann Lynch. Loren, when nineteen years of age, engaged in 
farming on a farm of eighty-four acres of land, where he resides. He was 
united in marriage with Almeda McBenry August 12, 1880. She was born 
in Madison County, Ohio, June 24. L862, and was a daughter of William 
H. McHenry, whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass 
arc the parents of one child — Bertha, born May 3, 1881. 

B. THOMAS (deceased) was born in Virginia September 15, 1811, 
and was a son of Moses and Catharine (Williams) Thomas. The former was 
born in North Carolina, and the latter in Virginia. They were married in 
Virginia and emigrated to Ohio in L825, first to Fayette County, then to 
Madison, where they settled and remained until their death. Our subject 
was twenty years of age when he engaged in farming; four years after- 
ward, he bought K>0 acres of land, lost that by goin^ security, but never 
feeling discouraged, purchased again, and had at his death 223 acres, all 
in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Thomas was engaged in farming and 
raising stock' all his life. He was Deputy Revenue Collector four years, 
and also held the office of Township Assessor of Stokes Township for thirty- 
three years; these offices he filled with credit to himself and his constitu- 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 1045 

ents. He was united in marriage with Belinda Bozarth January 9, 1830. 
She was born in Madison County, Ohio, October 14, 1814. To this union 
have been born thirteen children, of whom six are living — John M. , Will- 
iam E., Mary E., Elihu, Joseph and Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
were members of the Christian CLmrch for thirty years. He was loved 
and respected by all who knew him. He died in 1882. 

WILLIAM THOMAS, retired, South Solon, was born in Virginia 
December 18, 1813, and is a son of Moses and Catharine (Williams) 
Thomas, who are mentioned in the sketch of B. Thomas. William was 
twenty years of age when he engaged in farming for himself as a renter; 
thus he continued for sixteen years, when he bought 152 acres of land where 
he resides, aud has since added to it until he nows owns 367 acres of land in 
a high state of cultivation. He acquired a common school education, and has 
been Treasurer of Stokes Township. He has been engaged in farming and 
raising stock all his life. He was united in marriage with Levina 
Beacham, who was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1815, and to this union 
have been born twelve children, of whom eleven survive — Noah, Moses, Will- 
iam, Jeptha. John Wesley, Robert L., Huston, Jasper, Eliza, Oscar and 
Floristine. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been members of the Christian 
Church for over twenty years. 

WILLIAM H. THORNTON, farmer, P. O. South Solon, was born in 
Fayette County, Ohio, August 16, 1840, and is a son of Thomas B. and 
Mahala (Harper) Thornton. Thomas, a native of Ohio, was born in 1811; 
Mahala was a native of Virginia, born in 1814. They were married in 
Fayette County, Ohio, where they reside, in 1830. He is a farmer and 
stock dealer. William was united in marriage with Matilda Carr August 
28, 1865; she was born in Fayette County, Ohio, March 16, 1843. He has 
been engaged in farming and trading in stock through life. He acquired 
a common school education; has filled the office of Township Trustee of 
Stokes Township six years. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are a very pleasant 
and agreeable couple, loved and respected by all who know them, vj 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 



MALISSA ALLEN, P. O. Range. The lady whose name heads this sketch 
is a daughter of Coleman Hays, and the widow of Horace Allen, deceased. She 
was born February 5, 1853, and now occupies 273 acres of land, which she 
owns, in this township. She is one of a family of nine children born to 
her parents, of whom four are now living, viz., Margaret L., Calvin, John 
and Malissa. The latter was married when quite young, and by her mar- 
riage had five children, viz., Coleman, Robert, Samuel, Rarus and Orth. 
Mr. Allen was born November 9, 1834, and died while a resident of this 
county. 

WILLIAM JACKSON BONHAM, carpenter. Cross Roads P.O ,was born 
in Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Ann Bonham. His paternal 
grandparents were natives of Wales and England, respectively, and his ma- 
ternal grandparents of Scotland and Ireland. They all emigrated to America, 
and settled near Lancaster, Penn. Our subject s father was a blacksmith 
in early life, but afterward engaged in milling, which he followed until 



1046 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1808. when he came to Ohio and located in Franklin County. . He after- 
ward returned to his native county. Our subject remained at home with 
his parents until of proper age, when he began learning the trade of a car 
penter, which he has since followed. He owns 238 acres of land in Stokes 
Township, and the property in Midway, where he resides. On September 
27. 1857. he married Lucinda Hays, a daughter of John Hays, who was 
born in 1810, and died August iO, 1859. Mr. Bonham has had by his 
marriage two children — Scott B. , born January 25, 1858, and Katie M. , 
born April 1, 1859. Mr. Bonham is a man of considerable prominence in 
his township, and for a number of years occupied the office of Justice of 
the Peace. 

SIMON BOUGHN, farmer, P. O. Range. Joseph Boughn, the father of 
our subject, was born in Virginia June 6, 1810. He came to Ohio at an 
early day, and here married Elizabeth Boughn, who was born near Washington, 
Ohio, August 24, 1819. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained 
at home with his parents until his marriage. He received the benefits of 
the schools of the township and from them obtained his education. In 
1866, he married Catharine Hay, by whom he had seven children, whosH 
names and the dates of their birth were as follows: Ida May (deceased), 
November 16, 1867; Charles, October 26, 1869; Austin, May 15, 1871; 
Otis, December 26, 1873; Alma, February 5, 1875; Louis Fremans (de 
ceased), April 19, 1877, and Carl, February 25, 1881. Mr. Boughn, after 
his marriage, engaged in farming, and he has since followed that honored 
avocation. He now owns 305 acres of good land on the Bloomingbur^ 
road, where he resides with his family. 

E. W. BUSICK, farmer, P. O. Range, was born in Hanover County, W.Va., 
in 1827. His parents, Samuel and Rhoda (Grubs) Busick, married in West 
Virginia, and, coming to Ohio, settled in Licking County. Our subject 
commenced life for himself when very young by working for .$6 per month, 
continuing three years. At the age of twenty-one, he married, and rented 
land of James Foster, on which he continued thirteen years. He then pur- 
chased a farm on the Yankeetown road, sold it three years later, purchased 
146 acres in Fayette County; sold it six years later; then rented for two 
years; and in 1879 came to his present farm. He has had ten children, 
viz., Mary Alice, Rhoda Ellen, Sarah F., Geoi'ge Franklin, John S., Jo 
seph B. , Harriet E., Theodore S., Urias Clyde, and Charles W., decease! 1 
Mr. Busick is a sturdy, practical farmer, and in the past has been success 
ful in all his business transactions. 

JEREMIAH B. CHENOWETH, farmer, P. O. Range, was born in Frank 
lin County, Ohio, September 22, 1816, and was married September 23, L840, 
to Eliza Foster. His father, John F. Chenoweth, was born in Kentucky Sep- 
tember 15, 1783, and married Margaret Ferguson, a native of Kentucky by 
whom he had fifteen children, eight living, viz., Rachel, wife of Moses 
Bales, of Fairfield Township; Hezekiah; Lewis P., married Martha Morgan 
and lives in Kansas; Isabelle J., wife of Charles Warner, of Fairfield 
Township; Elijah, married Susan Pringle, and lives in Fairfield Township; 
Mary, wife of Dr. Dennis Waruer. of London; Francis Marion, married 
Margaret Kay. and lives in Fairfield Township. The deceased were Thomas, 
Melinda. John F., Samuel D., Jeremiah, and two that died in infancy. Our 
subject has had born to him nine children, six living, viz., John W., born 
September 9, 1846, married Alice Henry, who died in 1ST 1, and in 1878 ho 
married Kate Creath, by whom one child, Mary, was born, February 12, 
1882; Daniel B., born January 10, 1849; Nelson, born April 26, 1851; 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 1047 

George Washington, born October 3, 1858, and married Mary Roland; W. 
Scott, born December 11, 1855. married Annie Roland, and has one son; 
Newton M., born December 25, 1857. The deceased are Martha Jane born 
August 2, 1842, died October 22, 1847; James Foster, born September 7, 
1844, died August 4, L866, and an infant. Our subject remained at home 
until twenty-five years of age, when he began renting and leasing, and 
finally purchased 200 acres. In 1851. he bought the farm where he now 
Jives, which consists of 1,296 acres. Mr. C. has voted the Republican ticket 
twenty-five years. 

PEYTON R. CHRISMAN. deceased, was born in Virginia, and emi- 
grated to Ohio with his parents, who located in Madison County. He re- 
ceived a limited education in the public schools, and followed farming 
through life. In 1847, he married Clara Kenton, a daughter of Simon and 
Phoebe (Baker) Kenton. The former was a saddler by trade, and a native 
of Kentucky, but was not the celebrated Indian- fighter of the same name. 
Mr. Chrisman died on Easter Sunday, in April, 1877. leaving four children, 
viz. : Caroline, wife of Benjamin Emery, a farmer; Richard. Edward and 
Harry. The children are all married and doing well. Mrs. Chrisman re- 
sides on 1,300 acres of land which she inherited frorn her father. 

JOHN CORSON, deceased, son of Richard and Mary (Baldwin) Corson, 
was born in Virginia in 1809, and died in Range Township August 31, 
1875. He came to Ohio when four or five years old. with his parents, who 
located in Fayette County, where the father died. The mother, with her 
children, then moved North, where she died. Our subject came to Mad- 
ison County, in 1802, and located in the neighborhood of where his wife 
now lives. In 1837, he married Elizabeth Blizzard, daughter of Burton 
and Amelia (Willoughby) Blizzard, the former a native of Virginia and 
the latter of Maryland. They came West at an early day and settled in 
this county. Mrs. Corson was born where she now lives, November 8, 1813. 
By her Mr. Corson had eight children —Richard, Mary, William. James, 
Benjamin, Hester, Sarah B. and Amelia. Mrs. Corson was the third child 
of a family of nine children. Mr. Corson was a carpenter and farmer by 
i ccupation. He was a prudent, industrious and frugal man. and at his 
death owned 100 acres of good land. 

DANIEL A. COUNTS, farmer and miller, P. O. Range, is a son of 
Daniel and Elizabeth (Walker) Counts, of Rockingham County, W. Va. 
The former was born December 1. 1780, and died January 22, 1873; 
and the latter was born in 1791, and died April 2, 1867. Of their 
thirteen^ children, six survive. Our subject was educated at the public 
schools and remained at home until 1863, when he moved onto his present 
farm, which consists of 828 acres. He also owns 160 acres in Southern 
Missouri. In April, L863, he married Rachael Francis, by whom he has 
had the following children, viz.: Laura, born November 18, 1863; Jennie, 
born November 28, 1867; Charley, born in 1870; Edward, born in 1871; 
Angeline, February 3, 1872; Harry, in 1876; Orestus, in 1878; and Lewis, 
October 9, 1879. Mr. Counts is a genial gentleman, a practical farmer and 
miller, and in politics a Republican. 

JOSEPH GILLASPIE. P. O. Range, was born January 8, 1807. and 
came to Ohio when a child. His father was a native of " York State," and 
his mother of Ireland. He remained at home until seventeen years of age, 
when he went away to learn blacksmithing. After serving three years and 
six months as an apprentice, he began working as a jotirneyman, but soon 
relinquished his trade and began farming. Not meeting with success on 



1048 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

the farm, he again took up his trade, after which he alternated between his 
trade and farming, until he finally purchased seventy-five acres, twenty 
seven years ago, on which he now lives, having increased it to 710 acres 
On April 8, 1838, he married Sarah Shepherd, by whom he has had nine 
children, viz. : James, born September 19, 1840; Isaiah, born February 11, 
1844; Samuel born November 2, 1848; Francis, born February 16, 1850; 
Ruth Ann, born April 3, 1854; Washer, born November 15, 1856; Joseph, 
born March 28, 1859: Eliza, born April 28, 1839, and died August 11, 
1840; and Margaret, born July 19, 1846, and died November 21, 1849. 

ISAAC T. GREEN, farmer, P. O. Cross Roads, was born in Clark 
County, in 1846, and remained with his parents until 1873, when he rented 
the land on which he now resides. He also has eighty-six acres in Clark 
County. His parents were both natives of Clark County. His mother's 
maiden name was Elizabeth Atkins. They had six children, viz.: John W.. 
who married a Miss Bostwick; George L. , who married Mary L. Brock; 
Mary M., wife of John Salmon; Nancy J., wife of John Peters; Lucinda. 
wife of W. R. Thomas; and Isaac T. The latter married Sarah Hidey, in 
1870, and by her has had two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. Green 
has served his township for some time in the capacity of a School Director. 
He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and h 
pillar in the church. He occupies a good farm, well improved, on the Lon- 
don & Midwav pike. 

BENJAMIN HARRISON, farmer, P. O. Range, was born February 8, 
1815. He was a son of Batteal and Elizabeth (Scott) Harrison, natives of 
West Virginia. The former came to Ohio with an uncle and aunt in 1797, 
and located in Belmont County, where he remained until the breaking-out 
of the war of 1812, when he enlisted and served until the close of the war. 
He married Miss Scott in Chillicothe, while acting as a United State re- 
cruiting officer. In the fall of 1815, he moved to Fayette County and 
engaged in raising stock until his death. He was a Colonel of the militia 
in 1857, and in 1828 and 1836 represented Fayette County in the State 
Legislature. He had six children, viz. : Benjamin; Walter Scott, born Feb 
ruary 13, 1817, and is deceased; William, born October, 1819; David 
G., born in January, 1822; John Joseph, born in 1824. died in Georgia 
while in a rebel prison in 1861; and May, born April 11. 1828. Our 
subject married on March 9, 1837, and has five children, all living. Mr. 
Harrison now owns 1.550 acres where he lives. He was twice elected County 
Commissioner, and has filled minor township offices. His wife is a member 
of the Methodist Church. 

BATTEAL HARRISON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Range, was 
born November 6, 1839, and on December 24, 1861, married Lida A. Rogers, 
by whom ho has had six children, as follows : Ettora B.. born December 30, 
1864; Alvin M., born June 13, 1867; Benjamin, born March 8, L869 
Massie. born December 3 1 . iS72; Martha D.. born February 15, L881, and 
Sherman, born April 2 1 . L863, and lie 1 November 6, 1870. Mr. Harrison 
is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has risen to 
the thirty-second degree. He was raised on a farm and lias devoted his life 
largely to that occupation. He is a good farmer, a practical stockman and 
a whole souled, genial citizen. 

• DAVID HASKELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. 0. Range, was born in 
Onoi la County. N. Y., June 16, lSTi. He is a son of James P. and Sarah 
(Carpani •■ Haskell. The Haskells originally oame from England and Wales 
n 1633, and landed in Massachusetts Mr. Haskell's grandfather, Joua 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 1049 

than Haskell, moved to near Utica, N. Y., where he died in 1832, at the 
exceedingly old age of one hundred and three years. Mr. Haskell's father 
was born, lived and died in New York State. Mr. Haskell remained at 
home until August, 1832, and in 1835 he came to Ohio and located in 
Madison County, having spent the intervening years traveling through the 
South. In 1838, he moved from London to where he now resides. He has 
always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and has met with well- 
deserved success in his business transactions. On October 9, 1837, he 
married Ann Ronton, a daughter of Simon and Phoebe (Baker) Kenton. 
The former was a nephew of Simon Kenton, the celebrated Indian hunter. 
Mr. Kaskell has had by this marriage four children, viz. : Sarah, Louisa 
(deceased), Martha and Clarissa (deceased). Mr. Haskell was the only one 
of his father's family who came West. He is a stanch and enthusiastic 
Democrat, and takes a deep inierest in all the public issues, and in all mat- 
ters pertaining to the welfare of his county. He served three years as a 
member of the Board of County Commissioners, and for twelve years wan 
a Justice of the Peace. 

JAMES HENRY, farmer. P. O. Range. Hugh Henry and Mary 
Henry, his wife, parents of James Henry, came from Virginia to Ohio in 
1801. They had eight children, of whom two sons and two daughters sur 
vive. Our subject was the oldest son. He was raised on the farm, and has 
chosen farming as the occupation of his life. In 1863, he married Mary A. 
McClemons, and by her has had four children, viz. : Beatrice, born January 
19, 1865; Ella M., born May 15, 1868; William, born March 23, 1870, and 
Nettie, born September 14, 1874. Mr. Henry, lived with his parents until 
twenty-three years of age, when he farmed as a renter for four or five years, 
after which he moved onto his present farm of 194 acres. He is a promi- 
nent member of the society of Grangers, with which he has been con- 
nected since 1875. He is a Republican in politics, and for some time acted 
as School Director. 

WILSON A. HOUSMAN, merchant, Danville. George M. Housman, th.> 
father of our subject, was born in Madison County, where he was engaged in 
merchandising for eight years prior to his death. He married Rebecca Cox, by 
whom he had five children, viz. : Isaac Taylor, born November 29, 184(5 ; Sarah 
J., born in 1850, and married Dr. T. R. McClintick, of Karns City; John L., 
born in 1852. and married Fanny Fletcher; Rebecca J., died aged eight years, 
and William A. The latter remained with his parents until he reached his 
majority, when he rented a farm, which he operated eight years, and at the 
death of his father he carried on merchandising in connection with his 
farming. In 1878, he married Eliza McLean, by whom he has had two 
children. In connection with his brother, he operates a large tile factory 
at Danville, which they built in 1882, and in which they manufacture ex- 
tensively drain tile of all sizes. They also carry on a store in Danville. 
Mr. Housman is a Democrat in politics. His grandparents emigrated from 
Virginia at an early day. and located in Madison County. 

JOHN JOHNSTON, farmer. P. (). Range, was born in Ross County, 
near Chillicothe. Ohio. March 13. L806. His father. William, was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1781, and came to Ohio with hisparentsin 1804. His mother, 
Margaret McClimons, was born in 1872, and lived in Ross County, eight miles 
from Chillicothe. Our subject came to Madison County about the time of 
the last war with England, and located in this township. He was the oldest 
son of a family of ten children, of whom seven— George, William, Henry, 
Hannah, Joseph, Margaret and John, survive — John has been a farmer 



1050 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

(hiring the whole of his life, and now owns 300 acres of land. On October 
6, 1831, he married Elizabeth Myers in this county, and by her has had 
eleven children, viz.. Margaret, born November 3, 1832. and died February 
11. 1862; Sarah, born June 3, 1834; Ruth, born February 29. 1836; 
May, born November 21. 1837; Martha, born April 9, 1841; William, burn 
March 27, 1842; John F., born June 15, 1844; James, born October 29, 
1846; George W„ born March 3, L848; Luther M., born June 8, 1851, and 
an infant, .deceased. Mr. Johnston is a hardy and vigorous old gentleman, 
whose lease of life seems not nearly ended. He has served the township in 
the past as Trustee for several years. 

WILLIAM JOHNSTON/ farmer, P. O. Range, was born in Ross 
County, Ohio ; in 1812, and lived with his father until he was twenty years 
of age. attending the public school when opportunity offered. He married 
Felicity Hummels, and, for a time after marrying, he continued on the farm 
of his father, after which he rented land. His first purchase was 236 acres, 
which he bought in 1848, at $10 per acre. He has continued purchasing 
from time fco time, until he now owns 1,400 acres, having, since L848, paid 
over $60,000 for land alone. He has had ten children, of whom six sur- 
vive, viz., Elmer, born January 11, 1836; Isaac, born March 12, 1838; 
Arthur Taylor, born February 11, 1843; Bryant Kimball, born December 
18, 1850; W. D., born August 15, 1853; and Clarence Lee, born March 16, 
1856. The deceased are Rebecca Jane, died April, 1865; Martin Van Bu-. 
ren, died A.pril 10, 1842; Henry D., died January 29, 1865, and Luther D., 
died December 18, 1850. Clarence married Ella Manning and has two 
children — Harvey Clarence, born November 3, 1878, and William Floyd, 
born December 29, 1881, 

WILLIAM A. KOONTZ, banker, farmer and stock-raiser. Danville, 
was born in Rockingham County, W. Va., November 13, 1821. He was a 
son of Philip and Mary (Crumley) Koontz, the former of whom died in 
1825, and the latter at Fort Scott, Kan., September 7. 1877. Our subject, 
being left fatherless at the tender age of four years, had few educational 
privileges. He early began life for himself, and in all of his undertakings 
he has been eminently successful. He now owns nearly 1,500 acres of land 
in tracts of different size, in the States of Texas, Illinois, Nevada, Missouri 
and Kansas, and a fine farm of 535 acres in this township, on which he re- 
sides. On April 5, 1848, he married Louisa Counts, whose father was 
born in Rockingham County, W. Va. , and died January 22. 1873, aged 
ninety-four, and whose mother emigrated from England when a girl, and 
died April 2, 1867, aged nearly seventy -seven. They settled in this county 
and were among its earliest settlers. Mrs. Koonts was one of a family of 
thirteen children, of whom six now survive, viz. : Mary, wife of Frank 
Thompson; Joseph; Christina, wife of James Williamson; Louisa, Daniel 
A. and Levi. Mr. Koontz by his marriage has two children, viz. : Alice V., 
born Septomber 8, 1857. and married John Stroup June 26, 1877; and 
Philip, born April 21, 1849, married Emma Marrs, who died, and he 
married Fannie Orbaugh. Mr. Koontz resides in a spacious and comfort- 
able residence, and now gives some attention to discounting notes, cashing 
checks and doing other legitimate banking business. 

REV. ISAAC MACKBY, minister, P. O. Cross Roads, was born in Ross 
County. Ohio, November 28, 1834. and remained with his parents until he was 
twenty years of age. when he entered a school in Pike County, near Waverly, 
which was known as James Davis' Schoolhouse. Previous to this and while 
very young, he worked at carpentering with his father. In 1862. he en- 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 1051 

listed in the Ninety-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a member 
of the cornet band, and served three years. In 1867, he entered the min- 
istry, his first ministerial charge being Athens Circuit, on which he labored 
faithfully and successfully for one year. Ho then spent twelve years min- 
istering to different circuits in Ohio, and in 1882 accepted his present 
charge. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1812, and emigrated to 
this State when a child of two years of age. He located in Ross County, 
where he worked at carpentering. His father enlisted in the war of 1812. 
and while in the service; bis family moved to the West, he joining them at 
Chillicothe at the close of the war. 

ALEXANDER MANTLE, farmer, P. O. Range, was born in Madison 
County, October 10. 1840. He is a son of Richard and Ann Mantle, the 
latter a native of Pike County. When two years of age his father died, 
leaving him to assist in the support of the family. He remained at home 
until twenty-five years of age. In 1869, he married Keziah Shephard in 
this township, where she was born March 10. 1845. They have had four 
children, viz.: George S., born December 13, 1870; Nancy Jane, born Sep- 
tember 13, 1872: John, born September 26. 1874; and Annie L.. born April 
23. 1877. Mr. Mantle was one of a family of eight chilren, of whom six 
survive, viz. : Mary. Matilda. J?ne, Margaret, Jenette, William and Alex- 
der. Mr. and Mrs. Mantle reside on 207 acres of land, which they own, 
situated on the London & Danville Turnpike. 

JOSEPH SPENCER MARTIN, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Range, 
was a son of Jacob Martin, a minister, who was born near Marietta April 
>. 1806, and a grandson of Charles H. Martin, who emigrated from En- 
gland during the Revolutionary war. The latter was pressed into service; 
and placed on board a man-of-war, from which he deserted and joined the 
Federals. He was twice captured by the enemy, but succeeded in making 
nis escape both times. In 1800, he emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, 
and located near Marietta, where he remained until 1814, when he moved to 
Licking County. He raised a large family of children. Jacob, the father 
of our subject, had three children, all sons, viz.: James Douglass, born 
July 10. 1837, was a Colonel during the rebellion, opened the post office at 
Charleston, S. C. . after the war, and now resides in Washington, D. C. ; 
John \V., born in 1843, and died in 1845; and Joseph Spencer, born Octo- 
ber 22, L839. The latter married Elizabeth Harrison. March 5. 1873. and 
has has had five children, viz. : James Foster, born January 23. 1875; Ben- 
jamin H. born October 9, 1876; Joseph, born February 7, 1878; John Ja- 
cob, born February 3. 1880, and died in infancy; and an infant, deceased. 
Mr. Martin lived at home until nineteen years of age, and attended the 
Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. In 1862, he enlisted in Company 
K, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after serving three 
years was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. He was taken prisoner at Rich- 
mond, Ky. . but was paroled. He was in the sieges of Vicksburg and 
Mobile, the battle of the Cross Roads. Sligo, Oldtown and many other hotly- 
contested engagements, and in the march through Kansas and Missouri. 
Since 1866, he has been farming. He is a Republican in politics, and, since 
eighteen years of age, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

ISAAC McCLlMAXS (deceased) was born in Ross County. Ohio, 
March 23, 1805. He came to Madison County when five years old, with 
his parents. John and Mary (Craveson) McClimans, who were natives of 
Pennsylvania or Virginia, and who settled where Isaac lived and died, and 
where his widow lives. He farmed that place during the whole of his life, 



1052 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

and at his death it consisted of 600 acres. He married Mary Parker, who 
was born December 13, 1809, and died February 17, 1838, leaving four 
children — Rebecca, John, Mary and Solomon. On September 10, 1840, 
Mr. McClimans married Elizabeth Clarridge, who was born May 10, 1813, 
and by whom he had nine children, five living, viz. : Isaac, born September 
18, 1844: Elenore, born March 3, 1846; Andrew, born January 8, 1851; 
David, born September 10, 1852; and James Henry, born October 10, 1854. 
Those deceased are Edward, died October 10, 1869; Anna, died October 31, 
1860; Emily, died January 29, 1860; and Charles W., died February 15, 
1860. Mr. McClimans died June 6, 1880. He was a Democrat in life. 

SOLOMON McCLIMANS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Range, son 
of Isaac and Mary (Parker) McClimans, was born August 15, 1835, and on 
October 15, 1861, married Eliza Henry, by whom he had three children, viz.: 
Hermon A., born September 1, 1863; Ella May, born May 17, 1876; and 
Charles William, born Jnne 18, 1878. Mr. McClimans lived with his father 
until twenty-five years of age, assisting with the work on the farm. He 
then leased his father's farm for four years, at the expiration of which term 
he began renting, and so continued until he purchased 130 acres where he 
now lives, which he has since increased to 316 acres. He also owns 157 
acres on the Danville & Bloomingburg pike. He is a Democrat in politics, 
and a member of the Grange society, and for seven years was a Trustee of 
the township. 

MAXWELL MURRAY, farmer, P. O. Cross Roads, was born in 
Pennsylvania February 3, 1805, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gal- 
lagher) Murray, natives of Ireland. They emigrated to the United States, 
and in 1812 came to Ohio, locating in Ross County, where the mother died 
The family afterward lived in Frankfort five years, but finally settled near 
Chillicothe. The family consisted of five children, three of whom survive 
viz.: John, born in 1807, and living in Franklin County; Martha, wife of 
Peter Ullery, and Maxwell. The latter remained at home until six years 
of age, when his mother died, and he was " put out " among the neighbors 
In 1828, he married Jane T. (Armstrong) Gibson, daughter of Judge Arm- 
strong, and widow of Crayton Gibson. By her he had six children — Arm 
strong, Alexander, William (deceased), Mary J. (deceased), Josephine and 
Robert B. Mrs. Murray died April 22, 1863, and on December 13. 1864 
Mr. Murray married Elizabeth Leach, daughter of Benjamin and Sally 
(Bostwick) Leach, ho a native of Virginia, and she of Vermont. This 
union was blest with four children, viz. : Lydia Belle, Ella F.. J. Clark and 
an infant, deceased. Mr. Murray commenced life with little or no means, 
but by hard work he accumulated a handsome property, which he generously 
divided among his children, giving them the start in life that he had to 
make for himself. 

AND It l']\V SHEPHERD, deceased, was born in Ross County, Ohio, 
March 1. 1795; he was a son of James and Hannah Shepherd, datives of 
Virginia, who came to the West at an early day. and located in Ross County 
At thirty years of age. our subject married Elizabeth Moses, a daughter of 
Thomas and Susan Moses, natives of Virginia. Elizabeth at her marriage 
was only seventeen years of age; by her, Mr. Shepherd had si\ children- 
James (deceased), Moses. Mary (\ufeof Thomas W. Jones), Elizabeth (de- 
ceased). Andrew and Susan (deceased). In L829, Ur. Shepherd moved to 
Madison County, where his wife died in 1837. In L841, he married Nancy 
Price, a native of Ross County, by whom he had seven children— -John, 
Jesse (deceased). Keziah (wife of Alexander Mantle), Isaiah. Milton L.. Jo- 
sephus (deceased) and Zachariah. Mr. Shepherd died in 1874, leaving 900 



RANGE TOWNSHIP. 1053 

acres of land to his widow. Mrs. Shepherd has been a member of the Meth- 
odist Church for sixteen years; John Shepherd, oldest son of Andrew and 
Susan, was born in Range Township in 1843, and has spent his whole life 
farming. Zachariah 0. was born in 1855, and in 1877 married Emma 
Mead, by whom he has three children — Allen T., born December 29, 1877; 
Bessie May, born January 10, 1880; and Pearl, boru April 21, 1881. Mr. 
Shepherd has been farming for the past seven years, and now owns 100 
acres of land. Isaiah, was married February 11, 1872, and has had seven 
children— M. L., F. M., Edward T., Mertie M., Russel B., Adda J., de- 
ceased, and an infant, deceased. Mr. Shepherd owns 150 acres of land 
where he now lives. 

JESSE SHEPHERD, deceased, son of Andrew Shepherd, deceased, 
whose biography appears in this work, was born March 15, 1814, and died 
September 6, 1881; previous to his death he suffered for one year with that 
dreadful disease, consumption. He was raised on a farm, and attended the 
public schools of the county, in which he obtained about the usual education 
of a farm boy. He married Eva McCann, whose father was born in West 
Virginia, February 4, 1852, and emigrated to Ohio in 1854, settling in 
Madison County. By this union two children were born, a son and a 
daughter. At the time of his death, Mr. Shepherd owned 142 acres of land; 
he was a Democrat in politics, but never took more than an ordinary inter 
est in political issues; he was a steady, industrious man, and left many 
friends to mourn his loss. 

HENRY SHOUGH, farmer, P. O. Range, was born in Fayette County, 
Perm., February 18, 1832; he is a son of John and Rebecca Shough, natives of 
the above county, where the parents of both lived and died. They had six chil- 
dren, four boys and two girls — Ann, May, John B., Reyburn, Philip D. 
and Henry. The latter was raised on a farm and received his education 
entirely in the county schools. He married Margaret Linson, who was born 
in Paint Township, August 12, 1830; she was a daughter of George Linson, 
who was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., January 23, 1817, and 
whose family consisted of nine children, two now surviving. Mr. Shough 
by his marriage had four children — George L., born April 14, 1851; Annie 
R.. born December 5, 1856; Charles B., born October 19, 1859; and Edward 
T.. born January 15, 1802. Mr. Shough occupies 314 acres of land which 
his wife inherited from her people. 

MARCUS L. YATES, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Range. David 
Yates, the grandfather of our subject, was born ' October 11, 1774, and died 
March 39, 1830; his son John was born December 6, 1805, and his wife Eliz- 
abeth, was born May 1, 1808. They were married September 4, 1828, and 
had eleven children, nine living — David, born August 1, 1829; Emily, born 
December 19. 1830. died July 16, 1860; Marcus L., born in Deer Creek 
Township, Augusl 25, 1832; Clinton, born April 10, 1834; William, born 
December 24. 1835, died December 23, 1881; John, born November 24, 
1837; Frank Marion, born November 23. 1839; Soorates, born December 
16, 1842; Miranda, born March 1, 1844; Roland B., born February 18, 
1846; and Townsmond. born September 23, 1847. The father died July 
16, 1878, and was buried in Deer Creek Township July IS. 1878, at 10 
o'clock. Our subject married Angeline Harrison, March 13, 1860; she was 
born October 14, 1841. and by her he has had the following children: Bat- 
teal, born January 29, 1862; Annie D., July 1. 1S04; William M., July I, 
I860; Maggie P.. 'May 2, 1868; Charles M., September 11, 1872; Martha 
E., March 17. 1876, died July 22, 1876; and Benjamin L., born December 
18, 1880 



1054 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 

JOSEPH BIDWELL. farmer. P. O. Rosedale. Elisha and Dorotha 
Bidwell, parents of the subject of this sketch, settled in Madison County 
about the year 1814. To them were born seventeen children, eight of whom 
are now living, viz., Mahlon S., Addison. Nathan, Mary, Jackson, Augustus, 
Leonard and Joseph. They remained in Madison County until their decease. 
Joseph Bidwell, subject of this sketch, was born September G, 1832, in 
Canaan Township, Madison County. In November, 1859, he married Miss 
Lucetta J. Morse, daughter of Isaac and Lois Morse, by whom he has two 
children — Ellsworth and Jennie. She died in February, 1868. He again 
was married in February, 1873, to Martha J. Paugh, daughter of Solomon 
and Roxanna Paugh. To them have been born two children, viz. : Walter 
and Clarence. Mr. Bidwell is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge at 
Plain City, and the owner of 159 acres of land. He resides in the south- 
eastern portion of Pike Township. 

DARIUS J. BURNHAM, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Rosedale, a 
prominent young farmer of Pike Township, was born April 6, 1848, in 
Madison County, Ohio. His parents are John H. and Salina (Fullington) 
Burnham. He, in his youth, received a good English education, and on 
October 4, 1876, he married Miss Mattie L. Burnham, daughter of Henry 
and Eveline Burnham, of Monroe Township, this county, whose sketch ap- 
pears in this work Mr. Burnham has a tine farm of 515 acres, upon which 
he built a very desirable and commodious residence. 

JAMES P. CARTER, merchant and stock-dealer, P. O. Rosedale. Vin- 
ton M. Carter, father of the suJoject of this sketch, was born in Londoun 
County, Va. , July 12, 1812, and when nine years old, with his parents, came 
to Belmont County, Ohio, where" he remained until the time of his removal to 
Madison County. He married Margaret Harper, by whoin he had thirteen 
children — eight now living. In 1863, he located at Liverpool, where 
he now resides, and where he has practiced medicine several years. James 
P. Carter, our subject, was born May 21, 1842, in Belmont County, Ohio, 
and received a good common school education. In August, 1862, he enlisted 
in the Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and 
participated in the battle of Perryville, under Gen. Buell; Chickamauga, 
under Gen. Rosecrans. and at Mission Ridge under Gens. Thomas and 
Sherman. At a still later period he was engaged under Sherman in 
the battle of Snake Creek Gap, and the taking of Rome. He was also 
engaged in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Shortly after the latter bat- 
tle, he was taken ill, owing to severe exposure, and was conveyed to Chat- 
tanooga Hospital, thenue to Nasville, and later to Louisville Hospital. 
Having regained his health he was sent to Chicago, where he was honorably 
discharged in July, 1865. His parents having moved to Liverpool, Madison 
County, in 1863, after his discharge, he also came to Liverpool. For two 
and one-half years prior to his marriage, he studied medicine and dentistry, 
one year with Dr. Armstrong, of London, and the remainder of the time 
with his father at Liverpool. He, however, never entered into the practice 
of his profession. In August, 1867, he married Miss Nettie A. Fox, daugh- 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 1055 

terjof John and Elizabeth Fox. To them have been bom three children, 
viz. : Maud, bom November 10, 18(39; Lizzie, born December 26, 1871, and 
Fred., born September 19, 1870. After his marriage, for eight years, in 
connection with stock-raising, he farmed in Pike Township, and from that 
time since has been engaged in raising and dealing in stock. He is at 
present stock-dealing, as a partner of Mr. Walter A. Dunn, of Somerford 
Township. In April, 1880, he entered into the mercantile business in Liv 
erpool and has established a good trade, his sales amounting to about 
$10,000 per annum. Mr. Carter has served as Justice of the Peace in Pike 
Township for twelve years, and Assessor four years. 

JEREMIAH COONAN, retired farmer, P. O. Rosedale. The subject, 
of this sketch was born in January, 1837, in Kings County, Ireland. His 
parents were Thomas and Mary Coonan. In December, 1848, he emigrateci 
to America, and arrived here in the following February, by way of New 
Orleans; he came to Cincinnati, where he remained one year, and then went 
to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained a short time, after which he went to 
Springfield and remained a short period. From Springfield he came to 
Liverpool. Madison County, where he now resides. In 1853, his parents 
emigrated to America and came to Springfield, Ohio, where his father died: 
his mother then came to Liverpool, Madison County, where she remained 
until her decease. She had been twice married, her first husband, Mr. Ed 
ward Ferns, dying in Ireland. Mr. Coonan is a man of reliable character, 
and in a business transaction he always performs his part as per contract 
He is a Democrat, and a member of the Catholic Church. 

WILLIAM GUY, farmer, P. O. Rosedale, was born December 0, 1803, in 
Caledonia County, Vt. In 1814, with his parents, James and Polly Gay, he 
came to Ohio. They first located in what is now known as Union Town- 
ship, Union County, where they remained six years, when they settled in 
Monroe Township, Madison County, where his father died in 1827. His 
mother survived her husband about ten years, she having died in 1837. 
They were the parents of seven children, of whom three are now living — 
William, James and Jane. In March, 1828, our subject married Miss Ade- 
laide Fullington, born September 16, 1810, and daughter of George and 
Rebecca Fullington. To them have been born nine children, six of whom 
are now living — Edwin A., born November 17, 1829; Henrv C, born Octo 
ber 28, 1832; Mary J., born July 13, 1835, and died May' 26, 1880; Will- 
iam H. born May 2, 1838; Lewis F., born April 3, 1841, and died Novem- 
ber 14, 1843; Charles W., born November 8, 1843; Rebecca A., born Janu- 
ary 13, 1847, and died February 28, 1877; Clara A., born August 14, 1850. 
and Walter F., born August 19, 1854. After his marriage, he located on 
the same farm at present occupied by him in the western portion of Pike 
Township. Mr. Guy has served as Justice of the Peace in Pike Township 
three terms, and he has also served as Township Trustee. He is the owner 
of 475 acres of land in a fine state of cultivation, and on which are good and 
substantial buildings, making it one of the pleasant farms in the town- 
ship. 

HENRY Q. GUY, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, 
was born October 28, 1832, in Pike Township, Madison County. In his 
youth, he was trained to the pursuits of farming, in which he is now en- 
gaged. He received a good common school education, and on October 28, 
1860, married Miss Eliza A. Bradley, daughter of James L. and Betsy 
Bradley. To them have been born four children — Rolla B., William H, 
James C. and Cora M. Mr. Guy has from his youth up been a resident of 



1056 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Pike Township. In 1857, he went to England and France for the Darby 
Plains Importing Co., and imported English draft and Norman horses. In 
1870, he again went to England and Scotland, and imported Clydesdale horses 
for the Guy Company. For many years, Mr. Guy has been engaged in 
stock raising and dealing. He has served as Trustee of Pike Township, 
and as Justice of the Peace, and is the owner of 526 acres of land. He 
has also in Canaan Township 160 acres. The parents of Mr. Guy are Will- 
iam and Adelaide, a venerable couple, advanced in years, and of whom we 
have made mention in this history. 

NEWTON HUNT, farmer, P. O. Rosedale. Lester Hunt, father of 
the subject of this sketch, was born in Connecticut, and when about twenty 
vears of age emigrated to Madison County, Ohio. He married Aurilla Fen- 
ner, by whom he had three children — Newton, Pembroke and Asa. Shortly 
after the date of his marriage, he settled near where our subject now re- 
sides, and after living a number of years on the homestead farm, he moved 
to Liverpool, where he located for three years; and from thence moved to 
Mechanicsbiu-g, where he now resides. He has served as Trustee and Jus- 
tice of the Peace in Pike Township. Newton Hunt, subject of this sketch, 
was born January 20, 1840, in Madison County; he was reared to manhood 
on a farm, and received a rudimentary education in a district school. In 
May, 1859, he married Adella Lane, born July 31, 1843, by whom he had 
one chid- — Fillmore, born September 30, 1860. She died February 13, 
1864. By his second wife, Mary Ann Burson. born August 23, 1840, he 
had two children — Walter D., born September 26, 1865, and Capitola B., 
born November 26, 1867; she died September 21, 1870. For his third wife 
he married Sarah King, born June 20, 1832, by whom he had one child, 
which died in infancy. Mrs. Hunt's parents were Henry King, born March 
15, 1787, and Catharine (Foose) King. They were married in Pennsylva- 
nia and had eleven children, three of whom are now living — Henry J. , Han- 
nah and Sarah. In 1823, they located in Ross County, where they re- 
mained until 1827, when they came to Pike Township, Madison County, 
where they remained until their decease, he in November, 1869, and she in 
December. 1880. Our subject has always been a resident of Madison 
County, with the exception of two years, one year spent in Mechanicsburg. 
Champaign County, and one year in Franklin County. He is a member <>f 
the F. & A M. Lodge at Mechanicsburg, and at present is serving as Trustee 
of Pike Township. 

ORAMELL KENNEDY, farmer, P.O. Rosedale. John Kennedy, father 
of the subject of this sketch, was born in November, 1802, in Pennsylvania, 
and, when two years old, with his parents emigrated to Union County. Ohio, 
where they located near what is now known as Milford Centre, and where his 
parents remained until their decease. John was there reared amid thescenes 
of pioneer life, and in his youth he received but a rudimentary education. In 
1824, he married Betsy Morse, born July 7, 1797, in Kent County, R. I. • 
and by this union had an issue of six children — Mary A., Oraniell, Joseph, 
Eliza J., Matilda and Huldah H, the latter three of whom are deceased. 
The parents of Betsy (Morse) Kennedy were Joseph and Rheuma Morse, 
with whom, accompanied by the Farnham family, she emigrated to Ohio. 
Her parents first located for three years in Union County, then came to 
Pike Township, Madison County, and for five years located on the farm now 
known as the Joseph King homestead. From thence they returned to 
Union County, where they remained until their decease. She was one of 
the first girls employed in cotton spinning in the Dennison Cotton Factory. 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 1057 

at Providence. R. I., which, it is said, was the second one built in the 
United States, which is an historical item of some importance. After their 
marriage, they remained in Union County for a short time, when they came 
to Madison County, in which county, after living in different portions 
many years, they finally settled in 1850 in Pike Township, where they re- 
mained until Mr. Kennedy's decease. During the latter portion of his life, 
he endured great suffering, and died June 4, 1864. In February, L872, 
bis widow married Mr. Ralston Williams, who died in February, 1877. In 
Julv, 1877. she was stricken with paralysis, from which time until the date 
of her death she had but feeble health. On July 11, 1882, she quietly 
passed away at the borne of our subject. Oramoll Kennedy, subject of 
this sketch, was born August 27, 1830, in Pike Township, Madison County; he 
was reared to man's estate on a farm and received a good common school 
education. On October 27. L854, be married Miss Ariel Lyon, born May 
81, 1837, by whom ho has six children— Alfred V., born August 10, 1855 ; 
Rebecca E., born April 1, 1857; Swaiin, born March 25, 1851); Nancy, born 
August 20, 1801 ; John, born August 19, 1863; and William, born October 
12, 1866. Davis Lyon, father of Mrs. Kennedy, was a native of Vermont, 
and when one year old, with his parents, he came to Union County, Ohio, 
where his father remained until a short time prior to his decease, having 
died at the home of one of his sons in Iowa. He married Martha A. Cox, 
by whom he had three children, one of whom is now living — Ariel. After 
their marriage, thoy settled in Logan County, Ohio, where they spent the 
remainder of their days. In 1865, our subject with his family settled 
where he now resides, in the eastern portion of Pike Township, having been 
a resident of Union County ten years prior to his removal to Madison 
County. He has served as Trustee of Pike Township, also as School Direc- 
tor, and is the owner of twenty-four acres of land in Union County, and 
two hundred and eightv-ono acres in Pike Township, Madison County. His 
homestead farm is in a fine state of cultivation, and he has built thereon a 
fine and commodious residence, making for his family a pleasant home. 

PERLEYM. KEYES, farmer, P. O. Plain City. Loren Key es, father of 
the subject of this sketch, was born May 3, L801,in New Hampshire, and when 
seventeen years of age, with his parents, Ephriam and Esther Keyes, he em- 
igrated to Union County, Ohio, where his father remained until his decease. 
In December, 1822, he married Miss Lydia A. Morse, born March 11, 1804, 
and daughter of Joseph and Rheuma Morse. To them were born twelve 
children, eight of whom are now living, viz. : Perley M.. Lydia E., Esther 
A., Elizabeth A.. Jeannette A., Josephine A., Albert L. and William H. 
For two years subsequent to their marriage, they resided in Union County, 
when they settled in Pike Township. Madison Corinty. where his widow now 
resides. He departed this life inDeeember, 1862 or 1863, the exact time of 
his decease not being obtainable. He had served as Justice of the Peace in 
Pike Township, and was respected b} T all who knew him. Perley M. Keyes, 
our subject, was born November 13, 1832, in Pike Township. Madison Coun- 
ty, and from his youth up has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. On 
August 17, 1865. he married Miss Rose J. Bigelow, born December 11, 
L846, and a daughter of Eliplus and Eliza J. Bigelow. By this union there 
has been an issue of three children — Loren, born July 8, 1866; Orville E., 
born November 27, 1868. and Lydia A., born May 22, 1871. Mrs. Keyes. 
having with her devoted husband enjoyed for nearly fifteen years a life of 
peace and contentment, died on April 20. 1882. Politically, Mr. Keyes i» 



"I 058 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Republican, and he is the owner of 109 acres of land on which he resides, 
in the northeastern portion of Pike Township 

JOSEPH KING, deceased, was born March 6, 1811, in Penn 
sylvania, and when twelve years of age, with his parents, Henry and Cath 
erine King, emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, where they remained five years. 
From Ross County they came to Pike Township, Madison County, and set 
tied on the farm at present occupied by our subject's widow. In his father's 
familv there were eleven children, including himself, three of whom are 
now living, viz.: Hannah, Sarah M. and Henry J. The subject of this 
sketch in his youth received but a rudimentary education, and on December 
24, 1859, he married Miss Amanda M. Tarpenning, who was born August 
27, 1826, in Union County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Lawrence Tar- 
penning, a native of New York State, and Mary A. Tarpenning, a native of 
Pennsylvania. This union was blessed with five children, viz.: Ellen, 
born October 27, 1861; Emma, born January 10, 1864; Abigail, born Novem- 
ber 28. 1865; Benjamin, born September 4. 1867, and one child died in in 
fancy. Mr. King had served as Justice of the Peace in the township, and 
also held other township offices. In him the needy found a warm friend, 
for he always extended to them his helping hand. Besides his benevolence, 
he was at all times hospitable, and treated his guests with courtesy and re 
spect. In his death his children lost a loving parent, and his bereaved wid 
ow an indulgent husband. He departed this life June 27, 1879, beloved 
and respected by all who knew him. He left to his family 804 acres of 
land. 

WILLIAM A. MORSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born Septem- 
ber 17, 1831, at Milford Centre, Union Co., Ohio. His parents were Rav 
G. Morse, a native of Rhode Island, and Sarah Morse, a native of Pennsyl - 
vania. The former, when a boy, with his parents, emigrated to Union Coun 
ty, Ohio. Our subject remained in Union County until he reached the years 
of manhood. On January 18, 1857, he married Miss Caroline McAdams. 
born February 9, 1835, and to them have been born four children, one now 
living, Wallace C, born November 7, 1857. The parents of Mrs. Morse were 
Archibald Noadam, born January 27, 1812, in Champaign County, Ohio, 
and Almira (Kimball) McAdams, born in Vermont June 8, 1806: they were 
married in December, 1832. in Champaign County, where they remained 
until their decease. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom 
are now living, viz.. Caroline. Nathaniel, Perry and Almira. Mrs. McAd 
ams died July 19, 1846, and in October, 1847, he married Catherine Dean, 
by whom he had one child, Maria. He departed this life in February, L8 l x 
Our subject after his marriage settled where he now resides, in the north 
eastern portion of Pike Township, Madison County. Politically, he is a R<> 
publican, and he is the owner of 150 acres of land. 

J( >SEFH F. Ml .MM A, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The subject of 
this sketch was born December 2, L856, in Montgomery County, Ohio. His 
parents are Joseph and Mary Mmuma, of Champaign County. He was 
reared to manhood on a farm, and received a good common school education. 
When ten years old — with his parents — he came to Champaign County, and 
located in Union Township, where they remained several years, when fchey 
moved to Goshen Township and located near Mechanicsburg, where his 
parents now reside. They had nine children, eight of whom are now liv- 
ing — Sarah J., Ella, Caroline, William, Mattie, Elizabeth, Abraham and our 
subject. On December 10. L879, he was united in marriage to Miss Callie 
Davis, an estimable lady, and the daughter of Samuel C. and Jane Davis, 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 1059 

of Champaign County. In April, 1881, Mr. Muruina settled where he now 
lives in the western portion of Pike Township. 

GEORGE \V. NEWMAN, farmer and merchant, P. O. Mechanicsburg. 
Among the many enterprising families of Madison County there are none 
whose records are more worthy of perpetuation in the history of Madison 
County than the Newmans. George W. Newman, a prominent citizen of 
Pike Township, was born October 3, 1818, in Ross County, Ohio. His 
father, Nathaniel F., was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Elizabeth 
(Lawrence) Newman, was a native of Delaware. In 183(5, with his parents, 
our subject came to Madison County, and settled in Pike Township, where 
they remained until their decease, his father October 6. 1865, and his 
mother July 28, L866. They had four children— Henry L ., George W., 
John and Mary (deceased). Our subject had the advantages of obtaining 
but a meager education in his youth, but by constant reading and study he 
has made himself familiar with many important topics of his day On 
December 30, 1841, he married Miss Martha Morse, born May 21. L822, and 
a daughter of Caleb and Hulda Morse. To them have been born eight 
children — Anne, born January 23, 1843; Lafayette, born November 26, 
1844; Caleb, born September 11, L846; George, born March 21, 1849; Frank. 
born April 2, 185] ; Walter, born December 22, 1852; Addie, born May 27, 
1856; and Charles, born October 28, 1858. Id 1859, Mr. Newman settled 
where he at present resides, near Liverpool. For an example of industry, 
perseverance and economy, our subject may be taken as a very striking one ; 
for, after marriage, according to his own statement, "he had comparatively 
nothing" with which to start on the rugged journey of life; but, by contin- 
ual toil and close application to his business, he continued to prosper and 
add to the scanty store with which he began, until to-day he is the owner of 
360 acres of land, and has one of the finest homesteads in the county. He 
is engaged in the mercantile business at Mechanicsburg. having a fine store, 
and he has established a good trade. He has served as Trustee of Pike 
Township, and has also been Clerk and Director of the public school in his 
district for fourteen years. For nearly forty years, our subject enjoyed the 
happiness of wedded life, when, on September 6, 1881, death entered his 
happy home and called away his life companion. 

LAFAYETTE NEWMAN, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Mechanics 
burg. Lafayette Newman, a prominent young farmer, was born November 
26, 1843, in Pike Township. Madison Co. , Ohio. He is a son of George 
W. and Martha Newman, deceased. This gentleman has been reared on 
a farm, and received a good common-school education. For a short time 
he taught school in Pike Township. On October 15. 1871, he married 
Miss Eliza J. Rutan, daughter of David and Magdalena lint an. By this 
union there has been an issue of three children — Magdalena, Martha and 
Herbert. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Newman settled on a farm, about 
one mile northwest of Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, where he re- 
mained nine and one half years. From thence he located in the western 
portion of Pike Township, Madison County, where he still resides. He is 
a man of a retiring and unassuming nature. Politically, he is a Demo 
crat. He is also a man of strictly temperate habits, and the owner of 161 
acres of land in a good state of cultivation. 

CALEB L. NEWMAN, farmer, P.O. Mechanicsburg, was born Septem- 
ber 11, 1846, in Union Township, Union County; he is one of the sons of 
George W. Newman and Martha Newman, deceased. Having received 
a good common school education and a short experience in teaching. 

s s 



10H0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

he entered, in the fall of 1866, Wittenberg College at Springfield, 
this State, which institution he attended two years; for five months during 
the latter part of 1868, and the beginning of 1869, he taught as 
Principal of the Mil ford Centre graded school in Union County. On 
April 7, 1869, he married Miss Ollie Reed, born November 3, 1848, and 
daxighter of Robert D. and Olive Reed. This union has been blessed with 
two children— Clarence R.. born August 19, 1874, and Robert D., born 
August 30, 1878. After his marriage, for six years he remained in Union 
County, and for a short time taught school; from thence he went to Me- 
chanicsburg, Champaign County, where for one year he was eugaged in the 
mercantile business. In the spring of 1876. ho located in the western por- 
tion of Pike Township, Madison County, where he at present resides. In 
1882, he was elected Trustee of Pike Township, in which capacity he now 
officiates; he is the owner of 200 acres of land in a fine state of cultivation, 
and upon which are built fine and substantial buildings, making it not only 
a pleasant home, but one of the most pleasantly located and finest farms in 
Madison County. Mr. Newman is a strong advocate of prohibition. He 
has been for a young man quite successful in business. 

CHARLES PHELLIS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Rosedale. 
Among the many leading and entei^prising citizens of Madison County, we 
take pleasure in representing in this work the subject of this sketch. He 
was born September 8, 1814, in Butler County, Ohio; his parents were 
Thomas and Margaret Phellis. When six years old, his father died, and 
when nine his mother also died. Shortly after the death of his father, he 
went to Jive with a farmer and friend. Mr. Asa Phillips, with whom he 
removed to Hamilton County, and located near Cincinnati. When ten 
years old, with Mr. Phillips he came to Goshen Township, Champaign 
County, where they remained four years, when they came to Pike Township, 
Madison County, where he remained with Mr. Phillips until he was twenty- 
two years of age. On November 20, 1836, he married Miss Abigail Ful- 
lington, daughter of George and Rebecca Fullington; she, after enjoying 
for nearly a quarter of a century a life of peace and tranquillity with her 
devoted husband, departed this life November 20, 186(1 In the spring of 
1837, Mr. Phellis bought of the Fullington heirs 300 acres of land, and by 
his industry, economy and perseverance, kept adding to his first purchase 
until at the present time he is the owner of 3,000 acres of land in Madison 
and Union Counties, the greater portion of which, however, lies in Madison 
County. In 1853, with Messrs. Jonathan Farrar, of Madison County, and B. 
B. Browning, of Clark County, as agents for the company in which they 
were stockholders, went to England and imported a fine lot of both Short- 
Horn cattle and long wool sheep; prior to and since that time. Mr. 
Phellis has been quite extensively engaged in stock-raising; he has 
Ber rd as Clerk and Trustee of Pike Township, also as Justice of 
the Peace several years; and for sixteen years served as County Com- 
missioner. It seems that those township and county offices were but step- 
ping stones to others, to which is attached a greater responsibility, as will 
be shown by his subsequent official career. In L855 and 1856, he served as a 
member of the Ohio Legislature; in L870 and L87 1, he served as a member of 
the State Board of Equalization, and in 1ST:') lie Berved as a delegate in 
the Convention held to revise and amend the Ohio State Constitution, at 
Colmnbus. and subsequently at Cincinnati, to which city the Convention 
had adjourned. In the fall of 1872, he served as a Presidential Elector, at 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 1061 

the time of Gen. Grant's re-election, having been elected from the Eighth 
Congressional District to represent that district in that convention. 

CHARLES PHELLIS, Jr., farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Rosedale. 
Charles Phellis, Jr., was born January 9, 1845, in Hamilton County, Ohio. 
His parents were Jacob and Marilda Phyllis, to whom were born eight chil- 
dren, seven now living. Jacob died in Butler Count) in 1848; his widow 
survives him, and at present resides in Butler County. When nine years 
of age, our subject came to Pike Township, Madison County, to live with 
his uncle, Charles Phellis, whose sketch appears in this work, and with 
whom he remained until he reached the years of manhood. After receiving 
a rudimentary education, when sixteen years old he entered the Ohio Wes- 
leyan University at Delaware, which institution he attended one year, when 
the war of the rebellion broke out. He then withdrew from the university 
and in July, 18(31 , enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry Army of the Cumberland, and remained in the service ten months, receiv- 
ing an honorable discharge in May, 1862, and returning in somewhat 
feeble health. In the fall of 1862, he again entered the Ohio Wesleyan 
University, and this time he remained two years, leaving the izistitution at 
the close of his sophomore year. On October 5, ISO*.). he married Miss Clara 
A. Guy, an estimable lady, born August 14, 1850, and a daughter of William 
and Adelaido Guy, whose sketch appears in this work. Their union has 
been blessed with three children — Nellie A., born September 3, 1872; 
Charles W., born July 15, 1875, and Verne H, born June 10, 1881. Mr. 
Phellis has served as Clerk of Pike Township five years, one term as Justice 
of the Peace and for two years as Township Trustee. In 1880, he was 
elected County Commissioner, in which capacity he now officiates. In the 
management of his farming duties, Mr. Phellis has everything done in the 
most orderly and advantageous manner. He is of a pleasant, hospitable and 
entertaining nature, and a most sociable man, highly esteemed in the com- 
munity. 

OllLO STODDARD, farmer, P. O. Rosedale, was born March 6, 1825, 
in Mansfield, Vt. In 1829, with his parents, Cyrus and Aurilla Stod- 
dard, he came to Champaign County, Ohio, and settled in Rush Town- 
ship, where his parents remained until their decease, his father in March, 
1844, and his mother in June, 1873. They were the parents of six chil- 
dren, four of whom are now living — Orlo, Asro A. B. , George W. and 
Clara. Our subject has from his youth up devoted his attention to agricult- 
ural pursuits, having received the rudiments of an English education in a 
district school. In January, L859, he was united by marriage to Miss Eliza 
J. Curl, born September 16, 1838, an estimable young lady and daughter of 
William E. and Elizabeth Curl. To them have been born twelve children, viz. : 
Rosa, born August 26, 1856; Josie, born December 17, 1858; Cyrus, born 
May 29, 1863; Clara, born Mav 18, 1864; Edwin, born December 28, 
1868; Pearl, born January 10, 1870; Nellie, born July 7, 18 <6; Altie, 
born Apiil 21. 1S79; Douglass, born August 16, 1861, died June, 1863; 
Sherman, born March 14. i860, died March 13, 1876; Walter, born Janu- 
ary 1, 1868, died March 15, 1876; and Samuel, born January 4, 1870, died 
March 17, 1876. After their marriage, they resided in Champaign County 
until the fall of 1868, when they came to Madison County and settled in 
Pike Township, where they now reside. Mr. Stoddard has been quite sue 
cessful in a financial sense, and is the owner of 130 acres of land. The 
parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard, as well as their four deceased 
children, are all laid to rest in Woodstock Cemetery, Champaign County. 



1062 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Our subject had two brothers who participated in the late war of the rebell- 
ion. One fought under the Union and the other under the Confederate 
flag. Asro A. B. , who was living in one of the Southern States at the break 
ing out of the war, enlisted in a Mississippi regiment and participated in 
several prominent battles. At F8rt Donelson, he was taken prisoner and 
sent to Columbus, Ohio, where he was held three months and from there 
was sent to Johnson's Island, where he remained but a short time, when an 
exchange of prisoners took place, which secured for him his release. He again 
enlisted in the Confederate army, and was again taken prisoner at the fall of 
Vicksburg. Receiving his freedom a second time, again he re-enlisted and 
served until the close of the war. At the siege of Atlanta, he received a 
wound in his head, which, for a time, was thought would prove fatal. At 
the close of the war, he surrendered as a first lieutenant in and with Gen. John- 
ston's army. George W. Stoddard enlisted as a Corporal in the Union 
army among the first after the call made by the Government for volunteers, 
in Champaign County. He continued in the service until the close of the 
war, having participated in the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, the first 
battle at Bull Bun and numerous others of minor importance. At the close 
of the war, he received, as a Captain, an honorable discharge. 

COBNELIUS VANNESS, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The subject 
of this sketch was born May 15. 1806, in Butler County, Ohio. He was a 
son of George Vanness, a Revolutionary soldier, and Elleanor Vanness. 
who emigrated from New Jersey to Butler County at quite an early day. 
To his parents were born eleven children, four of whom are now living, viz. : 
Daniel, George, Judith and our subject. When eight years of age — with 
his parents — he came to Madisjn County. On their journey his mother 
died, which was an irreparable loss to the family. Having arrived here, 
they settled in Pike Township, near where our subject now resides, and 
where his father died in March, 1832. In February, 1830, he married Re- 
becca Bower, born April 8, 1805, and daughter of Jacob and Polly Bower. 
To them have been bom seven children, six of whom are now living — Mary 
E., born April 30, 1832; Lucy J., born February 21, 1834; George B., boru 
September 6, 1836; Jacob O, born December 2, 1838; Sarah E., born Sep 
tember 14, 1840, and died January 1. L863; Rebecca A., born August 11, 
1843; and John L., born November 23, 1848. Mr. Vanness has, since the 
date of his arrival here, been a citizen of this county. He has served as 
Constable and School Director. He is a member uf the Christian Church, 
in which he has for several years officiated as Deacon. He is the owner of 
L55 acres of land, and resides in the northwestern portion of Pike Township. 

JACOB WEAVER, deceased, was born April 3, 1802, in Virginia, and 
when a boy, with his parents, George and Elizabeth Weaver, he emigrated 
to Clark County, Ohio, where they remained until about 1835, at which 
time they came to Pike Township, Madison County, and settled on the farm 
where his widow now resides. On November 7, 1S37, he married Miss 
Mary Nagely, born September 21). L809. To them were born seven chil- 
dren, viz.: Sarah, born September 3, L838; died August. L840; Jane, born No- 
vember 20, L842j John, born April 3, L844; Henry, born April 20, L847; 
Aaron, born \pril 9, 1850; Joseph, born April 20, L854; and one child died 
in infancy. The parents of Mrs. Weaver were John and Klizabeth Nagely, 
who emigrated from Virginia to Clark County, Ohio, when she was but six 
weeks old. They Located in Clark County about eighteen years, when they 
rented in Madison County. They were the parents of si\ children, of whom 
four are now living — Mary, Ichabod, Aaron and Robert. Mrs. Nagely died in 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 1063 

April, 1850. Her husband, prior to her decease, had gone to California, 
from which time all trace of him was lost. Mr. Weaver had served as 
Trustee and Justice of the Peace in Pike Township, and was a member of 
the F. & A. M. After leading a life of usefulness, he quietly passed 
away, respected by all who knew him, oil Juno 24, 186] . He left to his 
family a largo estate. His widow, who has seen nearly three-quarters of a 
century, survives her husband, and resides on the homestead with her 
son Aaron, an industrious young man, of good standing in his community. 

JOHN WEAVER, Jr., farmer, P. O. Rosedale, a prominent citizen of 
Pike Township, was born April 3, 1844, in Madison County, Ohio. His par- 
ents are Jacob Weaver, deceased, and Mary Weaver, whose sketch appears 
in this history. Alter receiving a rudimental education, he entered, in the 
fall of 1862, the Ohio Wesleyan University, which institution he attended 
one year. In the fall of 1863 and winter of 1864, he attended the Iron 
City Commercial College, at Pittsburgh, Penn., for perhaps four months, 
when his services were demanded at home. On September 22, 1870, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Anna S. Burnham, a lady of culture and re- 
finement, and a daughter of John H. Burnham, formerly of Madison County, 
but now residing in Champaign County, Mr. Weaver has for many years, 
in connection with his farming, been engaged in stock dealing and shipping. 
He is the owner of 864 acres of tillable land. 

HENRY CLAY YEASEL, blacksmith. Rosedale, one of the prominent 
business men of Liverpool, was born December 13, 1853, in Clark County, 
Ohio. His parents are Abraham and Frances Yeasel. Our subject was reared 
on a farm until nearly fifteen years of age, at which time he came to Mechan- 
icsburg. Champaign County, and with his uncle, C. C. Barr, began the trade 
of blacksm i thing. He remained with his uncle three and one-half years. 
He then went to Springfield, where he remained several months. From 
Springfield he returned to Mechanicsburg, at which place he remained 
nearly three years. On September 19, 1872, he was united in marriage to 
Miss Josephine Kemmington, daughter of Edward and Catherine Kem- 
mington, of Mechanicsburg. By this union there has been an issue of two 
children — Lizzie M. and Walter P. In 1878, Mr. Yeasel located at Liver- 
pool, Madison County. In his business line, he does all kinds of general 
blacksmithing, and, being a first-class workman, deserves the good patron- 
age which he enjoys from the citizens in his locality. 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN BRADLEY (deceased). John Bradley, the subject of this 
sketch was born August 12, about the year 1812, in Madison Coun- 
ty, Ohio. He was a son of Jonah and Susan Bradley, who emigrated from 
Virginia and settled in Madison County at an early day. He was reared to 
manhood on a farm, and received a rudimentary education in a district 
school. He married Miss Sarah A. -Jones, born December 29, 1822, in 
Madison County. She was a daughter of Zachariah and Elizabeth Jones, 
who emigrated from Tennessee to Madison County at quite an early day. 
This union has been blessed with seven children, viz., Calvin, Elizabeth A., 
Arthur, Charles S., Emma, Albert and Martha A., the latter two of whom 



1064 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

are deceased. Mr. Bradley left to his family a large estate of about 1.100 
acres of land, and departed this life in Februaiy, 1874. He was an indul- 
gent father and a kind and affectionate husband, and respected by all who 
knew him. His widow survives him, and resides on her homestead in the 
southern portion of Monroe Township. 

CALVIN BRADLEY, farmer, P. O. Lafayette, was born October 13. 
1843, in Monroe Township, Madison County, Ohio; he is one of the sons of 
John Bradley (deceased) and Sarah A. Bradley, whose sketch appears in 
this work. From his youth up, he has been engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fortieth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of 
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, the fighting at Atlanta, Mission Ridge, 
and numerous other engagements, and having served his country faithfully 
he was, in October, 1864, honorably discharged. On November 14, 1867, 
he married Miss Margaret Johnson, who was born October 22, 1850, and a 
daughter of Lewis and Eliza Johnson, of Jefferson Township, Madison 
County. To them have been born four children — Olive, born December 21. 
1869; Ida, born September 29, 1871; Minnie, born August 13, 1874; and 
John L., born January 23, 1881. In May, 1868, Mr. Bradley located where 
he now resides, in the eastern portion of Monroe Township, near the waters 
of Little Darby Creek. He has served as Trustee of Monroe Township, is 
a member of I. O. O. F. Lodge. No. 193, at Plain City, and the owner of 
140 acres of land. 

DAVID BRADLEY, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born 
February 1, 1810, in Madison County, Ohio. He was the son of Jonah and 
Susan Bradley, who were early settlers of Madison County. In his youth 
he was trained to the pursuits of agriculture which he afterward followed 
until his decease. On May. 24, 1835. he married Miss Nancy Morrow, who 
was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., June 24, 1814. She was a 
daughter of John and Mary Morrow. This union has been blessed with 
five children, four of whom are now living — Delilah, John, Mary and 
Quincy. In 1840, Mr. Bradley settled where his widow now resides, near 
the central portion of Monroe Township. He had served as Treasurer of 
Monroe Township, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He 
departed this life July 6, 1850, and left behind him a large circle of 
friends and relatives who mourn their irreparable loss. 

DAVID M. BRADLEY, farmer, P. O. Lafayette. The subject of this 
sketch was born November 18, 1815, in Franklin County, Ohio. His parent-, 
were David and Nancy Lawson Bradley. His grandfather, James Bradley, 
emigrated from Virginia to Madison County, Ohio, and settled near where 
our subject at present resides about theyear L805 or L806, and. where he re- 
mained until his decease. In 1816, David Bradley with his family re 
moved from Franklin County, Ohio, where he had been residing twelve 
years, to his father's homestead in Monroe Township, Madison County. 
where he spent the remainder of his days and departed this life April 18, 
L848. His wife survived him several years, having died June L0, 1862. Of 
the several children that were born to them, but three of them are now liv 
ing. Our subject was in his youth trained to the pursuits of agriculture, in 
which he is still engaged. On September 21. 1837, he married Miss Han- 
nah R. Kampf. by whom he had eleven children, one now living, viz.. Will 
iam D. She died November 11, L863, and he again married, on October 
3,1866, this time to Mrs. Mary C. Hesser, widow of the late Henry H-s 
ser. By this union there has been an issue of four children, three of whom 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 1065 

are now living, viz., Carrie, Nancy A., and Franklin I. Mr. Bradley had 
two sons, Harvey and Henry, who served in the late war of the rebellion. 
Henry, who had been in the service more than one year, owing to exposure, 
was rendered unfit for any further service; he returned home, and, shortly af- 
ter his arrival, died. Harvey, the other son, served dining the greater part 
of the war, and when the expiration of the term of his enlistment trans- 
pired, received an honorable discharge. Our subject has served as Trustee 
of Monroe Township; also as Treasurer, and is the owner of 303 acres of 
good, tillable land. 

JOHN M. BRADLEY, farmer, P. O. Rosedale, was born July 17, 1833, 
in Madison County, Ohio. His parents were Alf rod and Jemima Bradley, 
who were early settlers of Madison County. He was reared to manhood on 
a farm, and received but a rudimentary education. In November, 1859, he 
married Miss Surrilda Morris, daughter of David and Sarah Morris, de- 
ceased, of this county. To them have been born seven children, six of whom 
are now living, viz. : Dewitt C. , Sarah L.. Lorenzo D. , Stella M., Mary V. 
and David C. In 1859. he settled where he now resides. He has served as 
Trustee and Clerk of Monroe Township; is a member of the Christian Church, 
and the owner of 148 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. 

HENRY BURNHAM, farmer, P. O. Rosedale The subject of this 
sketch was born August 1, 1823, in Madison County, Ohio. His parents were 
Darius, a native of Connecticut, and Lucretia (Hunt) Burnham, who emi- 
grated to Madison County about the year 1820 or 1821. Mr. Burnham was 
raised on a farm, and received but a common school education. On Janu- 
ary 1, 1852, he married Miss Eveline Williams, daughter of Ralston and 
Martha Williams. To them have been born five children — Lewis W. , born 
December 12, 1852; Martha L., born May 17, 1854; Amy, born April 13, 
1856: Walter D., born December 1, 1859, and Cora M., born October 29, 
1863. In April, 1860, Mr. Burnham settled in the northern portion of Mon- 
roe Township, where he now resides. For six years he served as Justice of 
the Peace in Pike Township, and he has also served as Clerk. He has served 
as Trustee and Treasurer of Monroe Township, and for one term he served 
as County Commissioner. He is the owner of 085 acres of land in Pike and 
Monroe Townships. 

THOMAS BURRELL, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. The subject of 
this sketch was born July 30, 1828, in Licking County, Ohio. His parents 
were Charles and Susan Burrell, who settled in Licking County at quite an 
early day. He has From his youth up been engaged in the pursuits of agri- 
culture, and received but a rudimentary education in a district school. 
While in Licking County he married Margaret Hickey, born November 13, 
1834, and daughter of Thomas and Betsy Hickey. To them have been born 
eleven children, seven of whom are now living— Hexekiah, Caleb I., Susan 
N , Rosa, Rebecca, Emma and Minerva; the names of deceased are as fol- 
lows: Mary E., Charles \V.. John H. and George. After his marriage, for 
about fourteen years, Mr. Burrell resided in Licking County, when he 
moved to Madison County, and in 1874 settled in the eastern portion of 
Monroe Township, where he now resides. He is a member of the I. O. O. 
F. fraternity, and the- owner of 216 acres of tillable land. 

JOHN*H. FINLEY, farmer. P. O. Rosedale. The subject of this 
sketch was born December 29, 1812. in Rockbridge County. Ya., where, 
in February, 1837. he married Martha A. Ruff, daughter of John and 
Martha Ruff. To them were born nine children, five of whom are now liv- 
ing, viz. : William A., David W., Horace T., Martha M. and Winfield S. ; 



1066 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the names of the deceased are as follows: John F., Amanda M. . Matilda 
V. and Samuel W. Mrs. Finley was born July 28, 1817, in Le'xington, 
Va., and departed this life December 20, 1878. About the year 1849, with 
his wife and children, Mr. Finley came Co Madison County, Ohio, and set- 
tled in the northeastern portion of Monroe Township. He has served as 
Clerk of Monroe Township many years, is a member of the Christian Union 
Church, and the owner of 280 acres of land. Winfield S. Finley, one of 
the sons of our subject, was born October 5, 1858, in Monroe Township, 
Madison County, and received a good English education. On August 11, 
1880, he married Miss Jennie Heath, daughter of James and Melinda 
Heath. They have one child — Emery. Mr. Finley resides on his father's 
homestead, the location of which has been given in this sketch. 

JOHN FLORENCE, farmer, P. O. Plain City. The subject of this 
sketch was born October 5, 1843, in Madison County, Ohio. His parents 
are Robinson and Elizabeth Florence, of Paint Township, this county. 
After receiving a rudimentary education, our subject, in the fall of 1862, 
entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, in which institution he 
remained for one year. On September 16, 1875, he married Miss Blanche 
Morgridge, daughter of Joshua B. and Harriet Morgridge. This union has 
been blessed with two children — Mary M., born August 6, 1876; and Walter 
T.. born May 31, 1878. After his marriage, Mr. Florence resided in Paint 
Township one year, when he settled in the northeastern portion of Monroe 
Township, where he now lives. He is the owner of 230 acres of land located 
partly in Monroe and Canaan Townships. 

JAMES GUY, farmer. P. O. Rosedale. The subject of this sketch 
was born July 17, 1825, in Madison County, Ohio; his parents were James 
and Mary Guy, who were among the early settlers of Madison County. He 
was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received the rudiments of an 
English education in a district school. In December, 1845, he married 
Miss Adelia J. Williams, born August 8, 1826, and daughter of Ralston 
and Martha Williams. To them have been born five children, viz. : Clara 
A., born September 17, 1847, died September 11, 1849; Sylvia J., born Oc- 
tober 9, 1849; Alice E., born August 12, 1852; Lewis A., born April 14, 
1857; and Francis M., born July 26, 1863. Mr. Guy has served as Trustee 
of Monroe Township, also, as Treasurer. He is the owner of 480 acres of 
land in a fine state of culti nation, and upon which are erected fine and sub- 
stantial buildings. His residence, located in the western portion of Monroe 
Township, is one of the best and most commodious in the township. 

JOSEPH HEATH, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born 
August 11, 1784, near Harper's Ferry, Va. He was reared on a farm and 
received the rudiments of education in a district school. On February 
20. 1811, he married Margaret Bates, by whom he had seven children. She 
died in December, 1821. About the year 1814 or 1815, he came to Madison 
County, Ohio, and settled in Monroe Township, from Franklin County, 
where he had located for a short time. For his second wife he married, on 
February 26, 1824, Elizabeth Bond, by whom he had ten children, five of 
whom are now living, viz.: Elizabeth, Mahala, Polly, Margaret . and Joseph 
R. She departed this life August 26, 1842. He again was married in 
October, 1847, this time to Catherine Cuples, by whom he has nine chil- 
dren, live now living, viz.: Robert W., Rachel A, Mary C Noah W., and 
William L. Mr. Heath served with the American Army during the war of 
1812, against the British. He had served as Trustee of Monroe Township, 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 1067 

and departed this life October 6, 1861. His widow survives him. and re- 
sides on the homestead, in the southern part of Monroe Township. 

JOHN KREAMER, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born 
February 9, L825, in Pennsylvania. When a boy, with his parents, Joseph 
and Mary Kreamer, he emigrated to Madison County. Ohio. He received 
but a meager education in his youth, schools then being not very numerous 
and of an inferior order as compared with the splendid schools of to-day. 
On October 16, 1848, he married Miss Mary Snodgrass, born February 5, 
! 329, and daughter of James and Mary Snodgrass. To them were born 
six children, four of whom are now living — Martha C. . Eugene C. , John 
and Rosella. In I860, Mr. Kreamer settled in Monroe Township, near 
where his widow now resides, and where he remained until his decease, 
January 27, 1871. He was a kind and loving father and an indulgent hus- 
band, respected by all who knew him. He had served as Trustee of Mon- 
roe Township. His widow, an estimable lady, still survives him, and re- 
sides in the eastern portion of Monroe Township. 

DAVID R. LOMBARD, farmer, P. O. Rosedale. The subject of this 
sketch was born February 29, 1824, in Kentucky. When a boy, with his 
parents, Jesse and Olive Lombard, he came to Champaign County, Ohio, 
where they located two years. From thence they came to Madison County 
and settled in Darby Township, where his parents remained until their de- 
cease. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are now living 
-Jesse H, Harvey D., Laura. Anne, and David R. On March 22, 1849, 
our subject was married to Miss Margaret A. Jones, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Jones. To them have been born six children — Elias M. , Ida 
E., William M., Madison S., Martha E., and Olive E. (deceased). After 
the date of his marriage, Mr. Lombard for eleven years resided in Darby 
Township, this county. From thence he settled in the northeastern portion 
of Monroe Township, where he now resides. He has served as Trustee of 
Monroe Township several years, and as such is now acting, and is the owner 
of 227 acres of land. 

EDWARD S. MANN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. Benjamin W. 
Mann (deceased), father of the subject of this sketch, was born March 1, 
1797, in Vermont, About the year 1815. with his parents, Samuel and Sarah 
Mann, he emigrated to Madison County, Ohio. On March 24, 1824, he 
married Jane Guy, born May 20, 1807; she is a sister of Mr. William Guy, 
whose sketch appears in this history. To them were born twelve children, 
seven of whom are now living. Mr. Mann departod this life April 12, 1861; 
his widow survives him and resides at present with his son, Dewitt C. Mann, 
in Monroe Township. Edward S. Mann, subject of this sketch, was born 
August 19, 1836, in Madison County, Ohio, and in his youth received 
rather a limited education. On November 8. 185'.'. ho married Harriet 
Howard, daughter of William and Nancy Howard, of Union County; she 
died January 1, 1861. On March 31, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Hoyt, 
who was born May L6, IS 10. in Batavia, N. Y. Her parents are Hubbell 
and Elmira Hoyt. To them have been born five children', four of whom are 
now living - Helen A., born May 18, 1863; Lily G., born August 28, 1865; 
Freddie, born July 25, 1867; Charles C, born March 26, 1874; and Dora 
M., born June 14, 1879. Lily G departed this life April 17. 1872. Mr. 
Mann has. with the exception of eighteen years (eight years in Henry 
County and ten years in Fulton County), been a resident of Madison County 
all his life. In 1880, he returned to Madison Countv and settled in the 



1068 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

western portion of Monroe Township, where he now resides. His political 
views are Republican, and he is the owner of 200 acres of land. 

JOSIAH MORRIS, farmer, P. O. Rosedale. Da , id Morris, father of 
the subject of this sketch, was born November 24, 1807, in Kentucky. 
With his parents, Joseph and Levinah (Drake) Morris, about 1812, he came 
to Clark County, Ohio. On January 14, 1831, he married Sarah Weaver, 
daughter of Greorge and Elizabeth Weaver. To them were born six chil 
dren, five of whom are now living — John W., Benjamin F., Solomon, Josiah 
and Surrilda. Directly after his marriage, Mr. Morris located for five years 
in Logan County, Ohio. From thence he came to Madison County, Ohio, 
and settled in the northern portion of Monroe Township, where he now 
resides. His wife died March 10, 1881. He has served as Trustee, 
Treasurer and Justice of the Peace in Monroe Township. Politically, he is 
a Republican, and the owner of 300 acres of land. Josiah Morris, subject 
of this sketch, was born March 23, 1837, in Madison County, Ohio. He was 
reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a rudimentary education. 
On May 26, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
for a term of three months, the regiment, however, was not called into 
active service, and he received an honorable discharge September 20, 1862. 
On July 4, 1863, he was elected Captain of Company E, Second Regiment 
Ohio Militia, for a term of five years. On February 21, 1865, he married 
Miss Orpha Sidebottom, born November 10, 1846, and daughter of John H. 
and Elizabeth Sidebottom. By this anion there has been an issue of two 
children — Carrie and Rosa. About the year 1859, Mr. Morris went on a 
Western tour to Missouri, where he spent three years. He then returned to 
his home in Madison County. He is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, 
No. 311, at Plain City, and the owner of 181 acres of land. 

WILLIAM F. SANFORD, farmer, P. O. Rosedale. The subject of 
this sketch was born March 2, 1819, in New Jersey. In the fall of 1833, 
with his parents, Nathan P. and Anne Sanford, he emigrated to Somerford 
Township, Madison County, Ohio, where they settled, and remained until 
his mother's death, in 1855. His father then went to Allen County, where 
he spent the remainder of his days, having survived his deceased wife sev- 
eral years. Of the seven children that were born to them, five are now liv 
ing William F. , Horace, Samuel, Edwin and Abigail. On February 8, 
1849, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Brown, daughter 
of James and Mary A. Brown, who also were early settlers in Madison 
County. By this union there has been an issue of ten children — David B. . 
born May 18, 1850; Man A., born October 23, 1851; Fletcher, born May 
1, 1853, died September* II. 1SN0; Charles F.. born December 20, L854; 
Marshall, born December 20, 1856; Louisa, born October 13, L858; Arthur 
M., born October 3, L860; Francis M.. born January 12. 1863; Carrie M.. 
born July 29, L865; and Erwin It., born February 5, 1869, died March 15, 
1873. After his marriage, Mr. Sanford settled in the western portion of Mon- 
roe Township, where he now resides. He has served as Clerk of Monroe 
Township several years, and is the owner of KM) acres of land. 

JOHNM. THOMAS, fanner, P. O. Rosedale. The subject of this 
sketch was born October 20, is:'. 1. in Madison County. Ohio. His parents 
are Benjamin and Melinda Thomas, of StokeB Township, this county. He 
was reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a limited education. On 
March 28, 1862, he married Miss Margaret A. Can-, born January 31, 1844, 
and daughter of Michael and Mary Carr, of Payette County, Ohio. To them 
i live boon born six children, live now living Mary P., Luella, Melinda O., 



MONROE TOWNSHIP. 10 6i> 

Milton E., Minnie M., and Samnel F. (deceased). After his marriage f or five 
years he lived in Stokes Township, this county, and from thence he located 
in Fayette County two years. He then returned to Madison County, and after 
locating for twelve years in Union Township, finally settled in the western 
portion of Monroe Township, where he now resides. Mr. Thomas is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church, and the owner of 140 acres of land in a good 
state of cultivation. 

WILLIAM AVAGNER, farmer, P. O. La Fayette, was born in Franklin 
County, Ohio, Montgomery Township, September 2, 1842; he is a son of 
Martin and Sarah (Devore) Wagner. He is a farmer, and owns thirty acres of 
land near where he lives.' He was married, August 7, 1873, to Mary Eliza- 
beth Akerson, daughter of William Wesley and Susanah (Tillman) Aker 
son. She was born June 23, 1854 Her father was a native of Ohio, and 
her mother of Vermont. Our subject's grandfather was Henry Tillman. 
Our subject is the father of five children, viz. : Cora Melissa, born Septem 
ber 1, 1874; William Harvey, born December 15, 1875, and died July 6, 
1877; Christopher Martin, born September 11, 1877, died October 23, 1877; 
Virginia Mayne, born November 3, 1878; and Robert Jefferson, born Janu- 
ary 5, 1881. Mr. Wagner served eighteen months in the United States cav- 
alry, Company E, with Capt. Sandford, and participated in several battles. 
He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, Penn., in the hand, for which 
he receives a pension. 

JOSEPH WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Rosedale. The subject of this 
sketch was born June 11, 1837, in Madison County, Ohio; his parents were 
Ralston and Martha Williams, who settled in Madison County at quite an 
early date. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an En- 
glish education in a district school. In the summer of 1862, he enlisted in 
the Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Cumberland. He 
participated in the battles of Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, and in the lat- 
ter he received a wound in the left foot, which obliged him to remain in the 
hospital for several weeks, when he returned home to Madison County, in 
December, 1863. After being at home a short time and believing himself 
capable, he again reported himself for duty at Camp Chase. He, however, 
was again taken ill, and confined in the hospital a few weeks. He was then 
sent to Columbus, where he was ordered on garrison duty ; he also was a • 
short time at Cincinnati, and received an honorable discharge in the sum- 
mer of 1865. On December 19, 1867, he married Miss Elizabeth A. Brad- 
ley, daughter of John and Sarah A. Bradley. To them have been born eight 
children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : Edgar A.. Kate, Clara, Nellie, 
Ralston, Marion and Bessie. Mr. Williams has served as Trustee of Mon- 
roe Township, and is the owner of 322 acres of land. 

LAFAYETTE WILSON, farmer, P. O. La Fayette. The subject of 
this sketch was born December L9, 1839, in Madison County, Ohio. His 
parents were William D. and Nancy Wilson, early settlers of Madison 
County. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an En- 
glish education in a district school. On May 'J I, L871, he was united in 
marriage with .Miss Sarah A. Temple, daughter of Thomas and Mary .J. 
Temple, of Madison County, formerly of Guernsey County, Ohio. This 
union has been blessed with two children — Howard, born February 19, 
1873, and Maud L., born June L2, L878. Shortly after the date of his 
marriage, Mr, Wilson located in the southern portion of Monroe Township, 
where he remained until the fall of 1876, .when he settled about one and 
one-half miles north of where he first located. He also, for six months, 



1070 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

served in the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the late war of the 
rebellion, bnt did not participate in any active service. He received an 
honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment, and re- 
turned home. He is the owner of 400 acres of land in a good state of cul- 
tivation. 

JONAH WOODS, farmer, P. O. La Fayette. The subject of this 
sketch was born December 26, 1838, in Madison County, Ohio. His parents 
were Jacob and Mary Woods, who were early settlers of Madison County; 
they both died when Jonah was a mere boy, and thus left him to shift for 
himself. From his youth up, he enjoyed the cpiietude of farm life, and 
received but a limited education. On September 24, 1861, he enlisted in 
Company A, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Cumberland. 
He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw 
Mountain, and numerous other important engagements. He received an 
honorable discharge in October, 1864. He has thus enrolled his name with 
the thousands of others, who so bravely volunteered in defense of their 
country, whose flag was about to be trampled under the iron heel of a most 
formidable enemy. On February 15, 1870, he married Miss Isabella Ben- 
nett, by whom he had four children, three now living— Leora A., Winnie 
G. and Sylvia C. Mr. Woods has served as Trustee of Monroe Township; 
he is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge at Plain City, and the owner of 
230 acres of land. 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 

HENRY ALDER (deceased) was born on the old "Alder place," in Ca- 
naan township, March 16, 1809. He is a son of Jonathan Alder, one of Madi- 
son County's earliest settlers, who is fully spoken of in the body of this work. 
Our subject grew up on the farm and devoted his whole life to that honorable 
avocation. He was one of twelve children, eight daughters and four sons. 
He began life for himself by renting land, and afterward purchased a tract of 
two hundred acres across the creek from his father, where Henry Clay Alder 
now lives; when about twenty three years of age, he married Elizabeth Millikiu, 
who died January 1, 1874. He afterward married Rebecca Timmons, daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Hannah (Silvers) Timmons, natives of Pennsylvania. He 
died March 2G, 1877, about eighteen months after his second marriage. He 
had nine children, all by his first wife, viz.: Isaac, Jacob (deceased), James 
(deceased), Mary (deceased), Henry Clay, Angeline (wife of Martin High), 
twins (who both died young), and Lewis (who lives on the old homestead). 
Mr. Alder was a promenint Republican, County Surveyor many yens, and, 
Justice of the Peace more than thirty years. His widow resides on their farm 
in Canaan Township. She was born in Pennsylvania, while all the balanee of 
the family were natives of Ohio. 

ISAAC ALDER, farmer, P. O. Canaan, is the descendant of a family that 
is considerabh' noted in this part of the country, they being among its earliest 
settlers. He was born in Franklin County. Ohio, November 27, 1836, and is 
a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Millikiu) Alder. His father was a native of 
Canaan Township; was born in 1809, and died March 26, 1*77; his mother, a 
native of Washington County, I'enn.. was horn in 1812, and died January 1, 
1874. Our subject was married March 24, 1864, to Margaret Crego, a native of 
Madison County, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Davis) Crego; her 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 1071 

father, a native of New York State, aged sixty-eight years, and her mother, a 
native of Ohio, Madison County. Subject's father was surveyor of this county 
for several years. Our subject's parents were married in 1834. Mr. Alder has 
had nine children, seven boys and two girls, four living — Isaac, Jacob (deceased), 
James (who was a member of the Ninety-fifth Regiment, Company K, Capt. <■ 
W. Daugherty; participated in the battle of Richmond, Ky.; served as teamster, 
and died of black jaundice in 18G3, aged twenty-three years), Mar}* (deceased, 
aged eight years). Henry Clay (married Elizabeth Patterson), Angeline (wife 
of Martin High), two died at birth, and one at the age of six or seven years, 
and Lewis C, who married Nancy Patterson, and resides on the farm of the 
grandfather and father on the banks of Big Darby. 

DANIEL ANDERSON, farmer, P. 0. Plain City. The subject of this 
sketch was born May 28, 1811, in .Madison County, Ohio. He is a son of 
Daniel and Louisa Anderson, who were among the early settlers of Madison 
County. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received a good 
common English education. On October Hi, 1862, he married Manzilah Ortman, 
born November 12, 1837, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth Ortman. 
of Franklin County, Ohio. To them have been born two children — Thomas 
McLelhm, born July 28, 1863, and Maud, born March 29, 1875. Mr. Anderson 
has from his youth up been a resident of Madison Count}*; he is a member 
of the M. E. Church at Wilson's Chapel, and the owner of forty acres of land. 
William Ortman, father of Mrs. Anderson, was born in Maryland, where he 
married Elizabeth Ilarlin, by whom he had eleven children, seven of whom 
are now living — Joshua, Thomas, Emily J., Joseph, Mary I']., James W., and 
Manzilah. About the year, 1849, he emigrated from Maryland to Henry County, 
Ind. where he located one year, when he came to Franklin County, Ohio, where 
he and his wife remained until their decease. 

S. D. ANDRFW, merchant, West Canaan. This gentlemen was born in 
Washington County, Penn., July 23, 1828 ; he isa son of Cyrus and Sarah (Dille) 
Andrew. He emigrated to Madison County, Ohio, in October, 1856. He received 
common school education, and is by occupation a merchant. He was a salesman 
two years at Van Buren, a partner four years, farmed eighteen years and was 
in business for six years in Amity. His grandfather's name was Cyrus. He. 
our subject, was married March 1, 1855, to Ann E., daughter of John and 
Rachel (Bayne) Milliken, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish, German and Scotch 
descent. By this union there were bonfjsix children, viz.: James C, deceased, aged 
twenty-three years, married Martha Wbrthington ; Flora B.; Cyrus H.; Rachel 
Odessa, deceased, at eighteen months; Elmer, and Aim. deceased. Mr. and Mr- 
Andrew are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has held the office of 
Township Clerk and is a Democrat in politics. 

WILLIAM ATKINSON, farmer, P. O. Plain City, a native of Greene 
County, Ohio, came to Canaan Township in 1853. He was born February 22. 
1832. His father, Cephas Atkinson, was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to 
Ohio in the year 1811, and settled in Clinton County. He was born November 30, 
1790, and died in November, 1860. His wife, Abigail (Oren) Atkinson, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, where she was born in April, 179(5; she died December 21, 
1876. Joseph Atkinson, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of En- 
gland, and his wile was Susannah (Mills) Atkinson. William A. was married. 
May 29, 1866, to Lueinda, daughter of John and Mary (Rhulen) Nunemaker, 
natives of Germany. lie was born November 22, 1808; came to Fairfield 
County. Ohio, at the age of eight years, and died in April. 1879. His wife was 
born December 26, 1806. The grandfather, Nunemaker. died at the ripe old age 
of eighty-three years. Oursubject's wife was the widow of Robert Flemming, and 
was born in the year 1839. By her Mr. Atkinson has three children, viz.: Mary 
Eva, born June 17, 1867 ; Charles Francis, born June 24. 1870 ; and Cephas, 



1072 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ES : 

born December 24, 1876. Mr. Atkinson owns 1,037^ acres of land, situated five 
miles southwest of Plain City. He has served as School Director and Trustee, 
and in politics is a Republican. 

THE BEACH FAMILY.* The genealogy of the Beach family of Madison 
County runs through ten generations since coming to America. Moses Perkins 
Beach of 309 Fifth avenue, New York City, son of the late Moses Yale Beach, 
of the New York Sun. in his arrangement of our genealogy, refers to our earliest 
ancestor in America, as "ye pilgrim Thomas, of Milford," Conn., in contradis- 
tinction to " ye pilgrim John," of Stratford, Conn., the original Beaches who 
came to this country in the early days of emigration. My great-grandfather, 
Amos Beach, born at Wallingford, Conn., in 1724, was a great-grandson of "ye 
pilorim Thomas ;" and he married December 24, 1746, Sarah Rice, or Raj-s, as 
it was then spelled. To them were born twelve children, eight sons and four 
daughters, as follows : Chloe, born 1747 ; Chauncey, born 1748 ; Ambrose, born 
1750 was a soldier in Captain Titus Watrous' company, in the Revolutionary 
army and died July 8, 1776, of camp distemper ; Amos, born 1751 ; Brewer, born 
1753-' Abraham, born 1755, died June 5, 1777, at Milford, Conn., on his way home 
fromBritish prison ships ; Esther, born 1757 ; Obil, born December 27, 1758 ; 
Sarah, born 1760 ; Isaac, born 1762 ; Roswell, born in 1764, and died May 1st, 
1858, in Belmont County, Ohio; Sarah, born 1766. Of the eight sons above 
named, all were soldiers in the Revolutionary army. The mother of these children 
died in 1820, at the home of her son Brewer, in Goshen, Conn., aged 
ninety years. Of the above children, Obil Beach, born in Goshen, Conn., De- 
cember" 27, 1758, was my grandfather. In October, 1777, when two months 
less than eighteen years of age, he entered the Revolutionary army, under 
Capt. Chapman and Col. Swift ; and was present and witnessed the surrender 
of Burgoyne, at Saratoga, October 17, 1777. He served for three years, and was 
mustered out in New Jersey in October, 1780. On the 27th day of June, 1782, 
he married Miss Elizabeth Kilbourne, or Kilborn, of Litchfield. Conn., born 
June 9, 1765. She used the Quaker dialect ; but I think she was a Presbyte- 
rian at the time of her marriage. She is said to have been of Scotch descent. 
They each had small interests in real estate, the one in Goshen and the other 
in Litchfield ; but soon after marriage they moved to the township of Poultney, 
in Rutland County, Vt. By a deed, now in my possession, it appears 
that one Ebenezer Hyde, of Poultney, County of Rutland, for and in consider- 
ation of the sum of twenty-three pounds and ten shillings, " lawful money," sold 
to Obil Beach, of Goshen, Conn., seventy-five acres, "in said Poultney," on the 
8th day of March, " in the sixth year of American Independence," Anno Domini, 
1782. And on the 6th day of November, 1782, he also received a deed from 
Jason Hell, of the Township of Poultney, County of Rutland, lor fifty acres ; 
for which he paid sixty pounds. On the 10th day of September, 1783, Joseph 
Ballard, of Fairhayen, County of Rutland, State of Vermont, for the sum of 
thirty pounds, sold to Obil Beach, -of the Township of Poultney." one hundred 
acres ; so it would seem probable that he moved to Vermont in 1782, the same 
year of his marriage, or early in the spring of 1783. He subsequently moved 
to New Haven Core. Addison County, Vt. ; and on the 5th day of December, 
1788, Oliver Strong, of Poultney, Avvdvil him seventy-six acres "in a gore of 
land called New Haven Gore," in the County of Addison. State of Vermont, for 
sixty pounds, •lawful money :" and also, with even date, fifty acres for forty 
pounds at the same place, to Elizabeth Beach, liis wife. So that, in the absence 
of better proof, it is presumable that lie moved to New Haven Gore in 1788. To 
him and his wife Elizabeth were born twelve children, as follows: Susannah, 
born September 20, 1783; Amos, born July !». ITS.") ; Marova, born April 18, 
1787 ; Uri, born December 7, 1789 ; Ambrose, born March 17, 1792 ; Rhoda 

*By William Morrow Beach, M. D. 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 1073 

born June 24. 1794; Sarah, born June 9, 1797: Lorenzo, born November 7, 
1793; Roswell, born August 3, 1801; Irene, born February 19, 1804; Obil and 
Oren, twins, born March 10. 1807. Of the above twelve children, the three first 
were born in the township of Poultney, Rutland County. Vt.. and the nine last 
were born at New Haven Core. Addison County, Vt. Tn the year 1812, Uri, the 
third son and the fourth child, when he was twenty-three years of age, deter- 
mined upon emigrating to Ohio, lie met with great opposition from the family; 
but he arranged his " pack," and. swinging it over his shoulder, started alone 
and on foot. He came first to Cleveland, near where he stopped for three days 
to replenish his purse by working. He worked for three days for a farmer, in 
helping to build, a mill-dam. where he had to work all the time in water, some- 
times waist-deep. For this he received si a day; but as he had to pay the 
tavern keeper 75 cents a day I'or his hoard, he round he was only 75 
cents better off for his three days' hard work. He then struck a •■ bee line" 
for Marietta, Ohio, which had then been settled for twenty-four years. There 
he made four barrels of cider, for a fanner, on the halves; and taking his two 
barrels down to Marietta, sold it out of his skiff, at a lively rate, to the United 
States soldiers quartered there, at 12.1 cents a quart. Returning up the 
river with his skiff, he washed out of the pomace, at the cider mill, about 
three pecks of apple seeds, which, adding to the weight of his original pack, he 
swung over his shoulder and took another bee line for Worthington, Ohio, 
directing his course through the wilderness as he best could, and strapping 
himself in the tops of trees at night to save himself from being devoured by 
wolves while trying to obtain his needed rest. In the spring of 1813, he rented 
a small piece of ground, at Worthington, and planted a [tail of his apple seeds 
lor a nursery. In the spring of Is I 1. he came to Madison County arid bought 
ninety-two acres of land of Walter and Ann May Dun, in Darby Township, and 
planted more of his apple seeds on it: and on the 1st day of September, 1816, 
he married Mrs. Hannah (Noble) (iorham, of Worthington. Ohio— a widow with 
two children — daughter of Rev. Seth and Hannah (Barker) Noble, born at Ken- 
duskeag .Meadow (Bangor), Province of .Maine, September 11, 1789. He 
brought her to his home in Darby Township, and they both remained citizens 
of Madison County until the time of their death. He died at Amity. Canaan 
Township, January 11. L 832, aged forty-three years; and she at Amity on the 
17th day of November, L85 1. aged sixty-five. To them were born seven children, 
four daughters and three sons, as follows: Elizabeth ("Eliza"), Mary. Hannah No 
ble. Malona Case, Uri, John Noble, William Morrow. In 1813, Lorenzo Beach 
came to Ohio, ami joined his brother Uri a! Worthington; and in IS] 1 his broth- 
ers, Amos and Ambrose, and his sister Sarah (Ketch) and her husband, came to 
Madison County. In 1815, Ambrose went back to Vermont and married Joanna 
Perry; and in 1 Si 7. Obil. their lather, came on with all the remainder of the fam- 
ily, reaching their destination on the Darby Plains on the 25th day of October 
of that year. Of what they wroughl in Madison County, it is presumable that 
sufficient reference has been made by the historians of Darby and Canaan 
Township, and will appeal- elsewhere in the history of these townships. Uriel 
biographical sketches of some of the individual members of the family will be 
found elsewhere in this work also. Of this family, Obil died at the home of his 
son Dr. Lorenzo, in Darby Township, September, 1846, aged eighty-eight; 
Elizabeth, his wife, in Caiman Township, ai her son Uri's, in September, 1826, 
aged sixty-one: Susannah (Hallock), in 1856, aged seventy three: Amos, in 
Plain City. Ohio, February :!.">. 1875, aged ninety: Marova, in infancy: Uri, 
January 11. ls:;^. of pneumonia, at Amity, aged forty-three; Ambrose, in 
Brown Township, Franklin County. Ohio. September 20, l"870, aged seventy- 
eight: Rhoda (Hallock). on the Darby Plains in Canaan Township, of milk- 
sickness, September 23, 1823, aged twenty-nine: Sarah (Ketch-Converse), at 



1074 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

Plain City, Ohio, January 16, 1876, aged seventy-nine; Lorenzo, at Fairbury, 
111., August, 1878, aged eight}-; Roswell, still living, at Centerville, Iowa; 
Irene. September, 1824, aged twenty; Obil, still living at Bucks Grove, Kan.; 
Oren, died in Kansas (or Missouri) November 4, 1863. from fatigue in being 
chased by rebel guerrillas, aged fifty-six. The descendants of " ye pilgrim 
Thomas, of Milford," Conn., are scattered through Connecticut. Massachusetts, 
Vermont, New York, New Jerse}', Ohio, Missouri. Illinois, Iowa. Kansas, 
California, Texas, Georgia and elsewhere. Joseph Perkins Beach, our geneal- 
ogist, in a recent personal communication, says: "For over thirty years, I 
have been gathering in the Beaches, from every ' original record ' I thought 
likely to yield returns; and I am not ashamed of any record of any of them I 
have yet found. They are a good race, enterprising, brave, of average longevity, 
average piety, full of energy, and in all respects worthy of a history." 

JAMES L. BRADLEY, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Virginia December 9, 1806. and died September 14, 1881. He was mar- 
ried September 30, 1832, to Elizabeth, daughter of James and Nancy (Vankirk) 
Mark. She was born December 7, 1814, her father was born February 14, 
1782, and died December 10, 1845; her mother was born November 2."). 1787, 
Our subject was the father of seven children, three boys and four girls; of 
which number three are living, viz.: Nancy, deceased, born September 6, 
1833; Alma, born February 3, 1836; James ML, born November 14. 1838. and 
died August 31). 1841; Eliza Ann, born February 7, 1812: David, born April 
14, 1844, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, born November 14, 1846; and Ma- 
thias, born September 25, 1854. Our subject came to an untimely end while 
crossing the railroad between his farm and Plain City. He owned nearly nine 
hundred acres of land five miles southwest of Plain City. He was a successful 
farmer and a large stock-raiser. 

R. E. CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. West Canaan. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Canaan Township, Madison County, July 11. 1850; he is a 
son of Wesley and Sarah (Smith) Carpenter, natives of Ohio. He owns 170 
acres of land in Canaan Township, one mile south of Amity, on the lower pike. 
He was born and raised on this farm and has two sisters, viz.: Marv Amanda, 
and Irena, wife of John Stalbird; Marv makes her brother's bouse her home. 
Our subject's father's sister was Mrs. Dr. Jane McCloud. Mr. Carpenter is a 
Republican in politics. 

JAMES N. CONVERSE, stock-raiser, P. O. West Canaan, was born in 
|):irl)\ Township, Madison County, Ohio, October 2! ». 1823, in a log cabin on 
his grandfather's farm. He is a son of Charles and Phebe (Norton) Converse. 
His father was a native of Vermont and died October 31. 1849, aged fifty-five 
years; he wis of English descent. Our subject was married, November 22. 
1846, to Julia Ann, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Calhoon, her 
lather a native of Portage County. Ohio, of Scotch and Irish descent. By this 
union two children were born, viz.: Elizabeth Ann. born September 11. 1848, 
wife of Butler Smith, who died May 27. 1877, and she married Cary Milliken 
September 15, 1881. They reside in Jeflerson Township. Benry B., born 
January 8, 1850, was married September 17. 1875, to Elizabeth Beach, daugh- 
ter of Uriah and Hlenor (Downing) Beach, by whom he has two children, viz.: 
Walter and Julie E. 

GEORGE II. CRBGO, farmer, P. 0. West Canaan, was born in New 
Fork July l. 1817; he is a son of Noah I), and Abigail (Maybe) Crego. Be 
emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1821. His mother was born March 15, 
1793, and died June 30, 1882. His father was born in December, 1793, and 
died in September, 1864. They were natives of York State, where they mar- 
ried. The father was in the war of 1812, Our subjeel was firsl married, 
October 8, 1838, to Rachel Gary, who was born in Madison County, Ohio. 



(ANA AX TOWNSHIP. 1075 

October 8, 1838; she was a daughter of Stephen and Katie Johnson. His 
second marriage was to Lydia (Chellis) Pendlan, widow of Jackson Pendlan, 
on December 15, 1874. Her father was a native of Vermont, who was born in 
1800, and died May 26, L879. Her mother was a native of Lower Canada, 
where she was born .May 6, L810. Mrs. Grego was horn in Vermont January 1. 
L829. She is the mother of one child, J. W., born February 5, I860. Onrsnbjeet 
is a fanner by occupation, and a Republican in politics. He is the father of 
nine children, viz.. Sarah, wife of L. M. Frazell; Mahala, wile of Henry Nunna- 
maker; Isaac, married; Elizabeth, wife of James Ruttan; Catherine, widow of 
Peter Strickland, who married James Mills; James, married to Hester Canada; 
Abram, married to Ada Fisher; Rachel, wife of Charles Chellis, and George R., 
Jr., single. 

D. J. CUTLER, farmer, P. 0. West Canaan, was horn in Madison County, 
September 11, 1840. His father, Elisha Cutler, was born February 2, 1809, 
and at an early day emigrated to Ohio, where he married Emma Marquis, who 
was horn in this State May 22. 1817. Our subject was reared on the farm and 
attended the district schools until 1860, when he entered the graded school at 
Plain City. In 1861, he attended the academy at London, after which he 
taught school for several years during the winter season. He was married, 
March 28, 1^72. to Electra •)., daughter of James Gr. and Hannah (Newhouse) 
Miller, of Pickaway County. By this union two children were born, viz.. 
James Benjamin, born in August. 1S74, and Eva Maud, horn July 4, 1880. 
Mr. and Mrs. Cutler are members of the Universalist Church, in which he is a 
Trustee. He is a Republican in politics and has served as Justice of the Peace 
for two or three terms. 

J. T. DOMINY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was horn in Darby Town- 
ship September 24, l^-i> ; he is a son of Jeremiah and Abigail (Norton) Hom- 
iny, natives of York State, who emigrated to Ohio in 1812. His father died 
in February, 1865, and his mother in 1830. His grandfather, James Norton, 
emigrated from York Stale in 1S12. Our subject owns 180 acres of land one 
mile southwest of Amity, and by occupation is a farmer. In politics, he is a 
Republican, and he has tilled different otlices in the town-hip. He was married 
September 24, 1848, to Martha, daughter of Abram and Chloe (Marsh) Scrub- 
ner, natives of York Slate, of English descent. By this union their children 
were Clide. wife of Hiram Douglas; Julia, wife of J. Forshee; Eva, Harry and 
Emmett. Hiram Douglas, son-in-law of our subject, was a member of Com- 
pany G, One Hundred and Seventy Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. J. 
llaynes. and acting Sergeant for three months. Mr. Domiuy and wifeare mem- 
bers of the Universalist Church. 

HON. GEORGE FORREST HARRINGTON, son of Alvin and Eliza- 
beth (Beach) Harrington, grandson of Uri and Hannah (Noble) Beach, and 
great-grandson of Obil Beach, was born in Canaan Township, Madison Co., 
Ohio, February 4. 1836, raised in Amity, and educated at Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, Delaware. Ohio. Studied law with Hon. Samuel Sullivan I'ox. of 
Columbus, Ohio, and admitted to the bar in 1857. Practiced law in Rolla, 
Mo., in Memphis, Tenn.; was in the service of the Juarez Government, 
Mexico, in 1864, and located in Mobile. Ala., after the surrender of that city to 
the Federal forces, for the practice of law. He was, for one term, a member 
of the Lower House of Representatives of Alabama, and was unaminously 
chosen Speaker of the llou,'. He was Mayor of Mobile, and died at his 
homestead, " Bay View," near Mobile, July 18, 1876, aged forty years. 

CHARLES LYS VXDHK HEMENWAY, A. M.. son of Daniel Rand and 
Hannah Beach) Hemenway, grandson of Uri and Hannah (Noble) Beach, and 
great-grandson of Obil Beach, was born in Jerome Township, Union Co., Ohio. 
May It!. 1840. He was left an orphan, by the death of his father, who died in 

TT 



1076 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

West Jefferson, Madison Co., Ohio, March 1, 1844, when Charles, the oldest of 
three children, was only four years old. He was raised in Arnit}-, Madison Co., 
Ohio, and was graduated at Ohio Wesley an University, Delaware, Ohio, in the 
class of 1862. He was, for one year, Superintendent of the Public Schools at 
Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio, after which he commenced the study of law 
with the Hon. Samuel Sullivan Cox, of Columbus, Ohio, but died at West Jef- 
ferson, Ohio, April 27, 1863, of typhoid fever, aged twenty-two. In physical 
perfections, Christian gentleness, urbanity, suavity, and all the nameless graces 
and attractions that draw one to another, he excelled all gentlemen I have ever 
known. His sister, Harriet, had died at the age of fourteen ; and a month 
after his death, the body of his brother Edward, who had died in the army, was 
sent home for burial. 

MARTIN V. HIGH, farmer, P. 0. West Jefferson, was born in Columbus, 
Ohio, April 12, 1837, and was reared in Franklin Count} 7 ; he is a son of Hosea 
S. and Mary A. (McCormick) High, the former a native of New Jersey, who 
died at the age of seventy-eight years. Our subject owns 146 acres of land, 
between West Jefferson and Plain City, and is a farmer by occupation. He 
has served as School Director a number of years. He was married. November 
4, 1869, to Angeline, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Millikin) Alder, native 
of Washington County, Penn., she was born August 29, 1853; her father died 
in 1876, aged sixty-six years; her mother died in 1874, aged sixt}--three years. 
Our subject is the father of five children — Delia, born March 16, 1872; Lizzie 
(deceased), born in 1870; Laura, born July 24, 1876; Etta, born March 16, 1878; 
and Walter, born in October, 1881. 

N. M. HUBER, farmer, P. 0. Plain City. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Hocking County, Ohio, June 23, 1849; he is a son of Joseph and Mary 
(Cost) Huber, who emigrated to Ohio in 1842. Our subject is a farmer by 
occupation, at which he has been very successful, now owning 240 acres of 
land four and one half miles south of Plain City. In politics, he is a Republican; 
he has served as School Director in his township. He was married, December 
8,1877, to Alice (Gladden) Atkinson, widow of James Atkinson, daughter of 
Amos and Eliza (Barbon) Gladden. She has one child by her first husband, 
viz., Nellie, bom February 2, 1871. 

DR. WM. H. JEWETT, Sr., physician, West Canaan, was born in Franklin 
County. Ohio, October 2, 1831; he is a son of B. F. and Eliza (Burgess) Jewett. 
His parents emigrated to Franklin County, Ohio, about 1815. His father'was 
born in Vermont July 29, 1800, and died September 23, 1867; his mother was 
born January 1, 1810. and died March 29, 1862. Our subject attended the 
common schools awhile, and then commenced the study of medicine with 
Andrews & Johnson, of Worthington, Ohio, completing his studies under Dr. 
Pinny, of Dublin, same county. His first course of lectures were at the 
Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. He also attended a course in Cin- 
cinnati, and attended the normal school at Dublin, Ohio, two terms. He 
practiced one year at Belle Point, and was in the army two years. He was a 
member of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, for fourteen 
months; he was Second Lieutenant and acting as Orderly Sergeant, and was 
detailed for hospital duty, serving three months in the Louisville Hospital, 
and tlncc months as physician. In politics, he is a Democrat, lie is a member 
of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 193, Plain City, and also of Urania Lodge, No. 
311, F. & A. M., Plain City. His wife is a daughter of George and Mary 
Ann Wirt/., who emigrated to Ohio in L835, and are of English descent. By his 
marriage he has had ten children, viz., .Mary E., George F. Laura E., Flora E., 
Sarah A.. Charles lv. Katie lv. Dumpie (deceased), Leslie and an infant. Dr. 
Jewett returned to Billyard after the war in 1864, and practiced medicine there 
until 1871, since which time he has resided in Amity, Madison County, Ohio 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 1077 

DR. GEORGE F. JEWETT. Jr., physician, West Uanaan, was bom in 
Franklin County, Ohio, March 17. L857 ; he is a son of Dr. W. II. and Lina E. 
(Snouffer) Jewett, the former a native of Ohio, whose sketch appears elsewhere, 
and the latter a native of Maryland, both of English descent. Our subject 
received his rudimentary education in the schools of his native county, and in 
1878 commenced reading medicine with his father. From 1874 to 1877, he 
attended the Central Normal School at Worthington, and in 1877 entered the 
State University, at Columbus, graduating February 24, 1882. During the 
winters of 1873 to 1881, he was engaged in teaching school. Since his gradua- 
tion, he has been practicing his profession with his father, at Amity, in this 
county, where he is well acquainted and highly esteemed. 

THOMAS KILBURY, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Windom 
County, Vt, July 1(3, 1797, and emigrated to Ohio at the age of seventeen 
years. He commenced blacksmithing with his father, Richard Kilbury, who 
was a blacksmith, and continued in it until about 1847, when he turned his 
entire attention to fanning. On February 3, 1820, he married Martha B. 
Finch, who was born in New York State October 16, 1800, and died in Madi- 
son County, December 18, 1840. Ten children blest this union, viz.: Ira, born 
March 25, 1821; Richard, born July 21, 1823, and died in infancy; Orson, born 
April 19, L825; Armenius, born June 12, 1827; Thomas T., born June 6, 1830; 
Sarah II., born September 10, 1832; John F., born November 28, 1835; James 
M.. born January 25, 1837, died August 16, 1880; Thomas McD., born May 5, 
1839, died July' 22, 1840; and Martha M., born December 11, 1841. On the 
15th of March. 1842, Mr. Kilbury married for his second wife Polly (Clark) 
Summers, daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Harris) Clark, and widow of James 
Summers, deceased. She was born in this county August 22, 1819, and by 
her first marriage had one child, Ruth, born October 18, 1838. By her marriage 
to Mr. Kilbury, five children were born, namely: Isaac, born December 9, 1842, 
died October 22, 1863; Emily 0., born December 1, 1844; William H., born 
October 10, 1847; Levi A., born November 3, 1849; and Onina, born November 
28, 1853, died July 21, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Kilbury are members of the 
church, he of the Christian and she of the Baptist. In his farm operations, he 
has been very successful, and as a reward for his well-directed labor, he now 
has 150 acres of land in Franklin County, 151 in Union County, and 523 in 
Madison County, lie is a Republican, and has filled several township offices. 
A singular incident in the history of this family is that the father and all the 
brothers of Mr. Kilbury were blacksmiths, and all the sisters married black- 
smiths with one exception. 

ROBERT B. KILBURY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan 
Township April 22, 1S46; he is the son of Asa ami I.utii Kilbury. the former 
a native of Vermont and the latter of Ohio. Their nationality was Irish. They 
were among the early settlers of this county. Our subject has followed the 
occupation of farming through life; he is in politics a Republican; he is a 
member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Plain City. lie was married, April 12, 
1868, to Rena, daughter of Iv 1». Smith, a son of ('apt. E. C. Smith, and Lavina 
(Bailey) Smith. Mr. Kilbury has one daughter, Minnie, born June 19, 1869. 
His wife is a member of the .Methodist Episcopal Church. He resides four and 
a half miles south of Plain Pity, on the middle pike. 

P. C. KILBURY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Madison 
County, Ohio, May 18, 1856; he is a son of Asa and Ruth (Clark) Kilbury, the 
former a native of Vermont and the latter of Ohio. Ilis father is seventy -six 
years of age, and his mother sixty six. His grandfather was Richard Kilbury, 
and his great-grandfather's name was John Kilbury. His maternal grand- 
father and grand-mother's names were Thomas and Rachel (Harris) Clark. 
Our subject was married December 26, 1878, to Ruth Hill, who was born in 



U78 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Delaware County, Ohio. September 11, 1861. She was a daughter of Solomon 
and Mary (Jackson) Bill. Her grandfather on her lather's side was Stephen 
Hill; on her mother's side, William Jackson; her grandmother was Katie 
McKetric. Our subject is the father of two children, viz.: Marley C, born 
September 5, 1879, and Frank Richard, born November 13, 1881. Mr. Kil- 
burv owns 460 acres of land, and is a farmer by occupation, at which he has 
been successful. In politics, he is Republican. 

WILLIAM KILOORE, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Canaan 
Township, January 26, 1823. He is a son of Thomas and Jane (Patterson) 
Kilgore, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Virginia, both of 
Irish descent. His grandfather, William Patterson, was a Revolutionary sol- 
dier. Our subject's occupation is farming, and he owns 175 acres of land four 
miles south of Plain City, on the middle pike. He was Justice of the Peace 
three terms. Constable nine years, and also served as School Director. He was 
married, December 6, 1845, to Mary Bo} r d, a native of Washington County, Penn., 
born June 25, 1830, and a daughter of James and Martha (Millikin) Boyd, of 
Irish descent. Our subject is the father of four children, viz.: Martha, born 
September 23, 1850, wife of Samuel Francis; Eliza Jane, born October 17, 1853. 
wife of Charles Slvh; Etta, born 1857; and Willie B., born February 28, 1869 

ELIHU KNAPP, farmer, P. O. West Canaan, was bora in "New York 
State February 12, 1800; he is a son of Elihu K. and Amy (Audress) Knapp. 
His fatiier emigrated to Ohio in 1815. His grandfather, Luke Knapp, was a 
native of Connecticut, who served in the Revolutionary war. Our subject was 
married December 31, 1819, to Keziah Norton, daughter of James and Delany 
Norton. By this union there were four children, viz., Albertus, Delany, Jacob 
and Anna. Mrs. Knapp died in 1833, and in 1837 Mr. Knapp married .Mr- 
Hayes, by whom lie had three children, viz., Melvin, an infant (deceased), and 
Defany. His second wife dying. Mr. Knapp married Hannah Patch. At her 
decease he married Phebe (Norton) Converse, sister to his first wife. She also 
died, and for his fifth wife he marrried Jane (Dominy) Tarpening, daughter of 
Almon and Rachel (Cook) Dominy, and widow of E. Tarpening. Our subject 
came to Darby Township in 1816, and after eight years' residence there, came 
to Canaan Township. He lived seven years in Delaware and five years in 
Plain City. He owns 100 acres of land three- fourths of a mile south of Amity. 
and is a farmer by occupation, but in former years worked at tanning and 
shoe-making. He and wife are members of the Universalist Church, in which 
he is a Deacon. 

LUTHER LANE, banker, West Canaan, was horn in Vermont July 20, 
1810. In 1817, he emigrated to Ohio and settled near Milford, Union County. 
In 1833, he came to Canaan Township and has since made this his place of res 
idence. 11" commenced life for himself by working by the month. He has 
devoted his life to fanning and trading, al which he has been very success- 
ful, at one time owning 1,500 acres of land. He now has about 530. As a trader 
he was indefatigable in the prosecution of his business, having, at one time 
ridden horseback constantly for seven years. Helms been called to the various 
offices of the township during his life, including Justice of the Pence. Land 
Appraiser and Trustee. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, in 
which he has been very useful as a Deacon and Superintendent of the Sabbath 
Bchool. He was married in 1832 to Elizabeth Morrison, daughter of Henry 
and Martha (Davis) Morrison. By this union eleven children were horn. viz.. 
Margaret, wife of Israel N. Worthington; two that died in infancy; Delilah, 
wife of .M. Worthington; Martha, deceased; Adellah, deceased; Elizabeth, de- 

I; Ada, wife of Isaac Leonard; Mary, deceased; Pearl, deceased, and 

Luther, dr., who married Josie Keys. In polities, Mr. Lane is a Republican. 
He has always been a prominent citizen for a number of years, having been 



CANAAN TOWNSHIP. 1079 

largely identified with the mercantile interests of the township. During life he 
bus given away Dearly $100,000, and has quite as much left for himself. He 
lias retired from the more active duties of life and is now connected with the 
Exchange Hank of Plain Citj in the capacity of President. 

J. S. MILLIKIN, tanner. P.O. West Canaan, a native of this county and 
township, was born August 13,1841; he is a son of James Millikin, Jr., and 
Rachel (Carey) Millikin, the father a native of Washington County, lVnn., and 
the mother of Ohio. Mis grandparents were dames Millikin, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and Elizabeth (Cook) Millikin. lie emigrated to Ohio in 1830. Our 
subject was married, January 1, 18-74, to Mattie E. Flennekin, a native of 
Franklin County, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Wilson) Flenne- 
kin. By this union two children were born — Francis Wilbur, born October 27, 
1875, and Lulu May, born June 11, 1876. 

J. F. MILLIKIN, farmer, I'. 0. West Jefferson. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Washington County. Penn., Augual is. 1842; he is a son of 
John and Rachel (Bane) Millikin. He came to Darby Plains, Madison County, 
in 1856. His father was born August 15, 1807, and died in February, 1882. 
He owns ninety-one acres of land live miles northwest of Jefferson and a half 
mile from the Alder farm. He makes farming his business, and in politics is 
a Democrat. He has filled several township offices. He was married, March 
27. is;:., to Elizabeth M.. daughter of Rowland and Almira (Hall) Thomas, a 
native of Ohio, born November 28, is.")!). Her father was a native of Wales, 
her mother of Ohio. By this union there were three children, viz.: Charles 
Rowland, born .)h\h> 28, 1874; Wyal Lester, born September 28, 1875, and 
Marvin Stanley, born August 27, 1877. Mr. Millikin's grandfather, James 
Millikin, emigrated to Ohio at an early day and died at the age of eighty-eight 
years. 

FRANCIS NUGENT, farmer, P. 0. West Canaan, was born in Ireland 
about sixty years ago; he is a son of Michael and Christinia (Hroadburn) 
Nugent, lie came to Ohio at the age of nineteen years, and engaged in 
farming, which occupation he has since followed. He owns 180 acres of land 
in Canaan Township, one half mile from Amity, on the lower pike. He is a 
member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat, and lias served 
as Trustee and member of the School Board. He was married in December, 
1859, to Isabel (iallahcr, a native of Ireland, who was born in 1825, and died 
August 27, 1865. She was a daughter of John and Sarah Oallaher. Mr. 
Nugent has had eight children, one son and seven daughters, of whom three 
survive. 

JOHN PRICE, farmer and stock-dealer, P. 0. Plain City. The subject 
of this sketch was horn in Clark County, Ohio, duly 1, 1833; lie is the son of 
James and Margaret J. (Ryan) Price, his father a native of Wales. His paternal 
grandfather was dames Price, and his maternal grandmother was Mary Harvey. 
Our subject was married, December 8, 1859. to Sarah Wilson, a native of 
Madison' County. Ohio, born March 10, 1844, and daughter of William D. 
and Nancy (Moore) Wilson, her mother a native of Clark County, born 1808, 
nationality English, and her father born February 27. 181)7. Mr. Price's 
wife's grandfather, John Moore, of Kentucky, emigrated to Ohio in an early 
dav. Mr. and .Mrs. Price have had four children, viz.. Flora, dames W., Rosa 
(died March 25. 1877) and William (died May 25, 1873). 

MATHIAS SFYII. farmer. P. O. West Canaan. The subject of this 
sketch was born in West Virginia April 12. 1800; he is a son of Mathias and 
Mary (Drill) Slyh. His father emigrated to Ohio at an early date, and was of 
German descent; his mother died in Maryland about 1817. His grandfather, 
Mathias Slyh, was born near Fit tie York, Penn., and was through the Revolu- 
tionary war, serving as Major or Colonel. Subject's father was also in the 



1080 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

battle of Brandy wine when only fourteen years of age; he served as wagon 
master for three years. Our subject's grandfather on his mother's side was 
named Jacob Drill. His grandmother's name was Eva Drill. Mr. Slyh owns 
505 acres of land in Franklin and Madison Counties, and is a successful farmer 
by occupation. In politics, he is a Democrat. He was married, August K), 
1819, to Sophia Martin, who died October 17, 1827, and by her he had four 
children, viz.: Phebe, John, Rebecca and F. Richard. His second marriage 
was celebrated March 17, 1830, to Sarah Patterson. He has served as Town- 
ship Trustee, Constable and School Director, and is one of the Trustees in the 
Baptist Church, of which he is a member. He has had thirteen children. 

CHARLES SLYH, farmer and horseman, P. 0. West Canaan. The 
subject of this sketch was born March 26, 1848, in Madison County; his 
parents were Matthias and Sarah (Patterson) Slyh, natives of Virginia. He 
was married, March 26, 1874, to Eliza, daughter of William and Mary (Boyd) 
Kilgore, and by this union has had born to him three children, viz.: Ora, Alma, 
and Rodney. In politics, Mr. Slyh is a Democrat. He has served as Assessor 
for four years, and also as School Director. A more extended sketch of his 
ancestry appears elsewhere in this work. 

CHARLES B. SMITH, banker, Plain City, was born in Delaware County. 
Ohio, July 16, 1840; his parents were of English and German descent; Alvah 
and Catherine (xMoore) Smith, who settled in Madison County Jul}' 16, 1843. 
The former is a native of Penns i ylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents 
when small. He is President of the Plain City Bank, of which our subject 
has been cashier since 1876. Mr. Smith was married, September 5, 1861, to 
Melissa, daughter of Alvin nd Polly (Barlow) Dominy, and by his marriage 
has six children, four living, viz.: Katie, Alvin, Emery, Lawrence, Charles B., 
deceased, and an infant, deceased. Mr. Smith owns 132 acres of land in 
Canaan Township, six and a half miles south of Plain City. He carries on 
farming, and deals extensively in stock. He is a pleasant gentleman, a man of 
good business qualifications and a useful citizen. 

G. E. SPRING, farmer, P. O. West Canaan, was born in Tuscarawas 
County, Ohio, November 21, 1844; he is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Foland) 
Spring, natives of Harford County, Md., who emigrated to Carroll County, 
Ohio. The father of our subject was a native of Loudoun County, Va. 
His grandfather on his mother's side was Benjamin Foland. His grandmother 
on his mother's side was Elizabeth Denbow. Our subject owns seventy-eight 
acres of land one mile east of Amity, and is a farmer by occupation. He is a 
Republican in politics, and has been Township Clerk, Assessor four years in 
Tuscarawas County, and taught school seventy-two months. He was in the 
Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and participated 
in several battles. He was married, August 1!>. 1869, to Catharine, daughter of 
Benjamin and Elizabeth (Heater) Lclm, natives of Warwick Township, Tusca- 
rawas County. She was born in 1858, and died April 21, 1877. By this union 
there were tour children, viz.: Laura E., Rov E., Arthur R.. and a daughter, 
deceased. Mr. Spring was again married. April 22, 188(1. to Margaret (Wortli- 
ington) Andrew, widow of. lames Andrew, and daughter of Israel and Margaret 
(Lane) Worthington. By this marriage there is one child, Bertha, born Jan- 
uary 14, 1882. .Mrs. Spring is a member of the Baptist Church. 

JACOB TAYLOR, farmer, P. 0. West Canaan, was born in Canaan 
Township, February 20, 1819; he is a son of William and Elizabeth (Casto) 
Taylor, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of New Jersey. The 
Father was horn in 1771, and died in 1838, and the mother was born in L794, 
and died in 1838. Our subject owns 545 acres of land in Canaan Township, 
and is a fa mer by occupation. In politics, he is a Republican. He was mar- 
ried Aprils, 1847, to Rebecca, daughter of Thomas and Jane Patterson; she 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1081 

was born February 6, 1827, and by her he has had five children, viz.: Sarah, 
deceased, wife of Robert Carey; Zachariah, married to Taylor Wilson's widow; 
William, Jeniry and Sarah (deceased). Mrs. Taylor's grandfather, William 
Patterson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 

WILLIAM M. WILSON, farmer and stock dealer, P. 0. West Jefferson, 
was born in this county and township August 10,1841; he is a son of William D. 
and Nancy (Moore) Wilson, natives of Ohio. His father, who was born Febru- 
ary 27, 1807, and died March 25, 1873, was of Irish descent. His mother, who 
was born in December, 1808, and died in October, 1882, was of German de- 
scent. The\ r were married December 29, 1829. Our subject is a farmer and 
stock-dealer, and owns 1,385 acres of land midway between Plain City and 
Jefferson. He was married, January 10, 18(57, to Mary S. Slyh, a native 
of this county, where she was born, March 8,1815. She was a daughter of 
Matthias and Sarah (Patterson) Slyh, and by her Mr. Wilson had one child, 
Ellen A., born October 11, 1867. Our subject pays considerable attention to 
stock-raising, and has at present about 150 head of nice cattle. His wife is a 
member of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Wilson is a Republican. 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

JOSEPH BENJAMIN, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, a native of this county 
and township, was born January 31, 1832, and is a son of William and Clar- 
rissa Benjamin, he a native of Maryland, and she of the State of New York. The 
grandpaients were Jonathan and Elizabeth Benjamin. He was born in New 
Jersey, but became a resident of Maryland, where he married Elizabeth Barnes, 
and about 1803 removed to Ohio and settled near Chillicothe; thence about 
1807 he became one of the pioneer settlers of Madison County, locating on the 
land now owned by D. D. Downing, where he purchased a large tract of land, 
and had it nearly paid for, when another owner presented himself with a bona- 
fide title to the land, and Mr. Benjamin was compelled to leave it; he, however, 
remained a resident on the land till his death. William, the father of our sub- 
ject and the eldest child of his father, was born March 1, 1790, being thirteen 
years of age when their family came to Ohio. Here he grew to manhood, and 
was seventeen years of age when they became settlers of Madison County. 
After he arrived at manhood, and after his father had lost his land by a defect- 
ive title, he purchased 150 acres where Joseph, our subject, now lives, and here 
cleared up his farm, and made a home right from the woods; and here he resid- 
ed till his death, May 28, 1877. He married Clarissa Waldo, with whom he 
lived till his death. She survived him till in November, 1881, She died from 
being burned by her clothes taking lire in front of their fire-place, in her eighty- 
first year. They had two children — Herrick (deceased) and Joseph. The for- 
mer grew to manhood, and enlisted in the war of the rebellion, in the Twenty- 
sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. (Company K), and died of camp 
diarrhoea at Gallipolis, Ohio. November 12, 1861, in his thirty-second year. 
The subject of this sketch was raised and grew to manhood on the old home 
place, where he still resides. On August 13, 1856, he was united in marriage 
with Margaret Perigo, a native of this county, who was born February 22, 1835. 
By this union they had live children. William II.. born October 27, 1858: Alfred 
H., born May 23^ 1860; Herrick J., born August 1. 1863; Thomas J. T., born 
April 22, 1865; and Clarissa, born September 3, 1868. Mrs. Benjamin died 
November 27. 1880. Mr. Benjamin has heeded the old motto. " A rolling stone 



1082 BIOGRArillCAL SKETCHES: 

gathers no moss, " and has spent his life upon the old home place of his father, 
which has now been in possession of the family forty-seven years — nearly- 
half a century. 

JOEL M. BYERS, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in this county 
May 26, 1841, and is a son of John W. and Sarah J. Byers, natives of Penn- 
s\ lvania. The grandfather, James Byers, a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated 
to Ohio with his family, and settled in Ross Count}", in 1806. In 1826, he re- 
moved to Madison County and located in the north part of Fairfield Township, 
where he died, being one of the first settlers of that neighborhood. His house 
was one of the first places where preaching and worship was had, long before 
any church existed in this vicinity. His "latch string" was ever out to the 
ministers of the Gospel. Among the first preachers were Rev. Dr. Hogue, of 
Columbus, a Presbyterian, and Rev. William Dickey. John W., the father of our 
subject, was twenty-six years of age when they settled in Madison County, and 
here he married Matilda Hunter, a native of Franklin County. Ohio, by whom 
he had three children, one now living — Matilda, wife of Samuel Truitt. His 
wife died and he married for his second wife Sarah J. Painter, by whom he had 
four sons and six daughters. Eight now survive, viz.: Rosanna, wife of N. P. 
Gardner, resides in Iowa; Jane, wife of T. J. Price, resides in Emporia. Kan.: 
Flora, Kate, Joel M. and James W. (twins), John C, and Andrew T., now a 
practicing lawyer of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Byers was a very successful 
farmer. He commenced life here when the countiy was in its wild, primitive 
state-; when the stock roamed at will over the prairies and through the woods; 
and often he would early in the morning start out on horseback and ride over 
prairies with the wild sedge grass higher than his head, to bring up their 
horses for work, a picture which can now only be seen in imagination. Mr. 
Byers became owner of more than 600 acres of excellent land, with good im- 
provements. The last years of his life he spent in London, having retired from 
the active labors of the farm to pass in quiet and rest the declining years of 
his life. He died February 2, 1881, aged nearly eighty-one years. He had 
lived a devoted Christian life, having been a member of the Presbyterian 
church more than half a century, and an Elder in the same many years. In 
business he was prompt and reliable, and filled the offices of Trustee and 
Treasurer of his township many years. His widow still survives and resides 
in London. The subject of this sketch was married November 23, 1864, to 
Louisa M. Fitzgerald, a native of this county, where she was born June 6, 1841, 
and a daughter of Judge Edward O. and Lacy Ann Fitzgerald. By this union 
they have three children: Luella, born September 18,1865; John E., born 
March 20, 1872, and William G-., born January 24, 1878. In the spring of 
ISC,"). Mr. Byers located on the farm where he now lives and has since resided. 
The farm contains 152 acres of excellent land with good improvements. Mr. 
Byers is a ver}' congenial and agreeable gentleman, and inherits many of the 
excellent qualities of his father, and is highly esteemed and respected through- 
out his circle of acquaintances. 

JOHN C. BYERS, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, is a native of Madison 
County, where he was born January 18, 1845; he is a son of John W. and 
Sarah J. Byers, whose history is given in the sketch of Joel Byers. The sub- 
ject of this biography was raised in this county. On November 2, 1871, he 
was united in marriage with Josephine Rickabaugh who was born in Ross 
County duly 10, L849,and was a daughter of William and Sophia Rickabaugh, 
natives of Gallia County, Ohio, where they were married and soon after 
removed to Ross County, Ohio. In the spring of 1869, they removed to Mad- 
ison County ami located in Fairfield Township, where they have since resided. 
They have three children: Mary, wife of Thomas McFarland; Francis M., and 
Josephine. Mr. Byers and wife have one child. Jessie, born September 14, 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1083 

1872. Mr. Byers located on the old home place where they lived six years, 

and then in the fall of 1877 they located at their present place of residence. 
This was known as the Joel Painter farm. In the summer of 1877 Mr. Byers 
erected his present large frame house, and now has a pleasant home and farmer's 
residence. He is one of the Township Trustees and one of the prominent and 
reliable farmers of Fairfield Township. 

ALFRED CARTMILL, farmer. P. 0. Big Plain, was horn in Franklin 
County, Ohio, February !>. 1819, and is a son of William and [sabel Cartmill, 
natives of Virginia, who, when quite young, with their parents emigrated to 
Kentucky among the early settlers of thai State, when they had to be protected 
in block-houses from the savages. Under those trying ordeals, they grew to 
maturity, were married, and. about 1813, in the spring, removed to Ohio and 
located on the Darby, near G-eorgesville, in Franklin County. About 1824 or 
1825, they removed to Madison County and settled on land now owned by 
Elijah Chenoweth, where they remained through life and where Mrs. Cartmill 
died, after which Mr. Cartmill made his home with his children till his death 
in November, is',"."), in his ninety-seventh year. They had live sons and two 
daughters, of whom six now survive: Thomas; Fidelia, wife ofM. Y. Patrick: 
John C, Alfred. William F., and Margaret, wife of Daniel Rhodabaugh. The 
subject of this sketch was raised and grew to manhood in Madison County, 
and at nineteen years of age commenced teaching school, which occupation he 
followed about nineteen years, when he purchased a tract of land just below 
where he now lives and entered upon farming which he has since followed. 
Mr. Cartmill has been twice married; first to Catharine Keller, a daughter of 
Peter and Rebecca Keller, natives of Pennsylvania; this union was of but brief 
duration, as in the fall of 1861 she died. On February 22, 1865, he was mar- 
ried to Mrs. Margaret Freeman, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, 
September 9, 1837, and was a daughter of Reuben and Fmza Chaffin, natives 
of Pennsylvania. By her he has had eight children, six now surviving: Grace, 
born May 3l, 1S07: Clyde, born November 20, 1868; Marcia, born March 1, 
1872; Gale Forest, born April 8, 1874; M. Dell, bom April 5, 1877, and Alfred 
Pearl, born December 14, 1881. Since the first tract of land which Mr. Cart- 
mill bought, he has added more by purchase till he now owns 400 acres of good 
land. In 1880, he erected a large brick house and has made various improve- 
ments in buildings, ditching and draining, till he now has an excellent farm 
and a fine home. He never desired public office, although he has served as 
Township Clerk and a Justice of the Peace. He commenced in life without 
means, and by his own industry has acquired a comfortable competency, and 
is now one of the prominent farmers of Fairfield Township. 

JOHN R. CHAMBERLAIN, farmer, P. O. Big Plain, was born in Gallia 
County, Ohio, May 3, 1842, and is a son of Nicholas H. and Susan Chamber- 
lain, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia. The maternal grand- 
parents (Bishops) were natives of Virginia, but became early settlers of Gallia 
County. Ohio, where they lived and died. Nicholas II.. the father of our subject, 
came from Pennsylvania to Ohio when a young single man. and married Susan 
Bishop in Gallia County, where they located and lived till about 1850, when 
they removed to Jackson County, where they resided till the war of the rebell- 
ion, when he enlisted in the army and served till the close of the war, after 
which they lived a 1 unit two years in Madison County. They then removed to 
Clark County, where on June 10, 1870, Mrs. Chamberlain died, after which Mr. 
Chamberlain spent the balance of his life with his children in Clark and Jack- 
son Counties, and died in the latter county March 2."). 1880. They had a 
large family of children, of whom live now survive — William II.: John R; Mary 
Ann, wife of Moses Rider, of Clark County; Martha, wife of John Betts, of 
Jackson County; and Sarah, wife of John Jones. Mr. Chamberlain was a shoe- 



1084 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

maker by trade, which business he followed through life. John R.. the subject 
of this sketch, was raised in Jackson County, and when about eighteen years 
of age came to Madison County, and on February 13, 1867, married Martha E. 
Gill, who was born in this count}" January 2, 1850. She was a daughter of 
Henry and Sarah Ellen Gill, natives of Ohio. By this union they have had 
nine children — eight of whom now survive — James, born August 12, 1867; 
Sarah E., December 27, 1870; Lucetta, December 10, 1872; Alphretta, December 
27, 1874. Minnie, February 6, 1877; Kinnie and Lena (twins). March 4, 1879, 
and John H., July 17, 1881. Mr. Chamberlain has devoted his life to farming, 
and all within this county but two } T ears, during which he lived in Franklin 
County. He started out in life at eighteen years of age depending upon his 
own industry and economy to make a livelihood, and has fought his way through 
life, step by step, till now he owns a good farm of eighty-three acres, with 
improvements. 

ELIJAH CHENOWETH, farmer and stock-dealer, P. 0. Big Plains, was 
born in this county March 15, 1831, and is a son of John F. Chenoweth, whose 
sketch appears in the biographies of London City. The subject of this sketcli 
was united in marriage, December 16, 1858, to Susan A. Pringle, whose ancestors 
are given in the sketch of William D. Pringle, in this work. By this union 
they have three children — William D., born November 5, 1859; Elmer J., born 
October 3, 1861, and Mary C, born May 6, 1876. Mr. Chenoweth has devoted 
his life principally to farming, and raising and dealing in stock, the latter 
receiving his main attention. From 1864 to 1869, he resided near West Jeffer- 
son, and engaged in a general trading business — dealing in fruit and wool, 
and buying and shipping stock; thence he returned to his farm in Oak Run 
Township, and thence in the fall of 1875, having previously erected his 
present fine brick house where he now lives, he moved into it where he has 
since resided. He is one of the extensive farmers and stock-dealers of Madison 
County. In April, 1882, he purchased the old home place, where he was born 
and raised. He now owns 1,150 acres of land, all in one body, and has over 
3.000 head of sheep. During the season, he usually buys and sells several thou 
sand sheep and several hundred cattle. He has held but few offices of his county 
or township, as his whole interest, taste and energy are devoted to his busi- 
ness, and in this he ranks among the leading men of Madison County. 

THOMAS COX, farmer, P. O. Big Plain, was born in Ross County, Ohio, 
December 25, 1831, and is a son of Noah and Mary Cox, he a native of Man - 
laud and she of Delaware. He was about three years of age when his father 
died, and was brought to Ohio by his mother, who settled in Ross County, 
where she married again, and became an early settler of Madison County, 
where she died. They settled in Ross County about 180.'!. and there Noah 
grew to manhood and married .Mary Cook. They settled in Ross County. 
where they resided till 1850, in the fall, when they removed to this county, 
and located on the place where our subject now lives, and here remained till 
his death, September 15, 1881, aged eighty-one years. His wife still survives, 
and resides on the old home place with her son, now about seventy-seven years 
of age. The\ had live sons and three daughters, four of whom now survive — 
Sarah, wife of Wiley Creath; William, Thomas, and Maria, wife of William C. 
Cook. Mr. Cox was one of Ohio's pioneers, settling early in Ross County, 
where he helped to clear up two farms; then he came to Madison County and 
cleared up his farm here, mostly from its wild, unimproved slate. Notwith- 
standing his upright, moral life, he had lived to the faith of Universalism, and 
a few days before his death he felt dissatisfied with his faith, and told his 
family that Universalism would do very well to live by, but did not reach far 
enough, and he then and there accepted Christ as his only salvation, and died 
with a full hope of a blessed immortality. The subject of this sketch was mar- 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1085 

ried, February 25, 1853, to Nancy Ann Robey, who was born in this county in 
June, 1829, and who was a daughter of Michael and .Matilda Robey, lie a native 
of Virginia and she of Kentucky, who became early settlers of Madison County. 
where they resided till his death in the fall of 1880; his wife still survives 
and resides near Mechanicsburg. They had eight children, six now surviving 
— Thomas, Nancy Ann, John, David, Mary Jane (wile of William Diehl), and 
Michael. Mr. Cox and wife have had six children, four now surviving — 
Courtney, Malissa Jane, Austin R, and Debbie Ulaly. Mr. Cox has made 
farming his occupation during life, and mostly on rented places within this 
county, till in January, 1882, he located on the old home place of his father, 
where he expects to remain through life. Here he has fifty-three acres of land 
with good improvements. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, 
to which they have belonged ten years. 

WILEY CREATH, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, was born in this township 
September 4, 1825, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Creath. The former 
was born in Bourbon County, Ky., September 11, 1797, and the latter in Virginia 
September 13, 1794. The grandparents were William and Margaret Creath . 
he was of Irish descent and became an early settler in Kentucky. In 1811. 
they removed to Ohio and settled in Madison County, near Mount Sterling, 
where they died. John was about fourteen years of age when his parents came 
to Madison County. On March 25, 1823. he married Elizabeth Robey, a 
daughter of Notly Robey, by whom he had seven children, five now surviving 
— Wiley, Samuel, Margaret (wife of Thomas Hume, residing in Kearney, Neb.), 
Elijah (living in Logan County, Ohio), and George (living in London). Mr. 
Creath lived several years near Mount Sterling, thence he moved to the Dun 
farm, thence about 1838 he bought and located on the tract of land in Fairfield 
Township, now owned by his son Samuel, where he remained till his death. 
This land was then nearly all in its wild, unimproved state, and here he lived 
about forty-three years. He died January 15, 1881, at the ripe age of eighty- 
three years. He served as a Captain of the militia seven years. He was raised 
a Presbyterian, but at the age of sixty } r ears he united with the United Breth- 
ren Church, in which he remained a devoted member till his death. He was 
one of the honored and reliable citizens of Madison Count3 r , served as Township 
Trustee several years, and died esteemed and respected by his many friends. 
His wife died in December, 1873. The subject of this sketch lias been thrice 
married; first on February 22, 1855, to Susan Alkire, a daughter of John and 
Susan Alkire, by whom he had two children — Laura Jane, born -January 10, 
1856, and Susan, born February 18, 1862. Mrs. Creath died February 21. 
1862, and on November 2!>, 1863, he married Elizabeth Alkire, a sister of his 
first wife; by her he had tour children— Charles, born May 5, 1864; Mary E., 
born April 1, 1860; Armilda. born December 13, 1808, and Josie, born March 
1, 1870. His second wile died November 29, 1874. and on April 14, 1877, he 
married Mrs. Sarah Collins, daughter of Noah and Mary ('ox. Mrs. Creath had 
by her first husband, Noah Collins, three children, who now survive — Albert, 
John Wesley and Ransom. During the war of the rebellion, in August, 1802, 
Mr. Creath enlisted in the defense of his country in Company Gr, One Hundred 
and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till .June 24, 
1803, when he received his discharge on account of sickness and disability. 
He has made farming his occupation through life; he first located near Mount 
Sterling where he resided seven years, till his enlistment in the war. After his 
return, he located upon the old home place, where he has since resided, a period 
of eighteen years, lie and wife are worthy members of the United Brethren 
Church at Dennison Chapel, to which they have belonged many years. 

DAVID D. DOWNING-, farmer, P. O. Big Plain! was born on the Lower 
Glade, Madison County, Ohio. June 17. 1 853, and is a son of Albert and Frances 



1086 IRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Downing, he a native of Franklin County. Ohio, and she of London, this 
county." The grandparents were Timothy and Elizabeth Downing, of Scotch 
descent and among the first settlers on the Little Darby, a part of their pur- 
chase of land being located in what is now Madison County, and a part in 
Franklin County, their residence being in the latter county. The exact date 
of their settling there is not known, but it is believed to have been prior to 1800, 
as that section was then all a vast wilderness, with but four or rive other fam- 
ilies in that region of country. One of these families was Jonathan Alder, of 
pioneer fame, and there Mr. Downing resided until his death. Subsequently 
his wife married for her second husband Mr. Rathburn, who is also now 
deceased. Mrs. Rathburn still survives and resides on the old home place, 
now about seventv-tive years of age. Albert, the father of our subject, was the 
eldest child of his father. :\n 1 has one brother. Isaac II., who has b 'en a resi- 
dent, of California for thirty years. Albert Downing was raise! to farm labor, 
and after arriving at his majority he went to London and entered upon the 
mercantile trade in partnership with Mr. Shanklin, and continued in this busi- 
ness in London and Plain City for several years. During the war of the rebell- 
ion, he served in the army, and after his return entered as check clerk in the 
railroad office at Columbus. But at the last call of the President for troops 
he again enlisted in the army. After the close of the war. he located in Colum- 
bus and was book-keeper there till 1S7F when he moved on to the farm of our 
subject) and there resided till the spring of 1879, when he returned to Colum- 
bus, where he has since resided, being engaged in book-keeping. Mr. Down- 
ing has been twice married, first to Frances Dunkin, a daughter of David Dun- 
kin. She died during his residence at London. By her he had two children — 
David D. and Timothy Lawson — the latter deceased. His second wife was 
Ann E. Philips, daughter of Milford Philips, of London. Of Mr. Downing's 
career his greatest fault in life has been being too lenient and kind in busiuess, 
trying to accommodate his friends, greatly to his own injury; being kind-hearted 
and honest himself, he tried to believe others to be the same, ami in conse- 
quence has met with many losses. Our subject grew to manhood, receiving a 
good education at the public schools of Columbus, and at nineteen years of age 
entered upon farming, which has been his principal occupation since. Mr. 
Downing is now Clerk of Fairfield Township, having been elected to that office 
in the spring of 1 882 

GEORGE DURFLINGER, blacksmith. Lilly Chapel, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Ohio, April 16, 1S45, and is a son o[' William and Clara 
Durflinger, whose history is given in the sketch of William Durflinger. 
The subject of this sketch was raised in this county and brought up to farm 
labor, which occupation he followed till in January, 1881, when he purchased 
Mie interest of S. A. Sidner, oi' the firm of Wilson & Sidner. blacksmiths and 
wagon-makers, at Lilly Chapel. Thence, in February. 1882. he bought out 
Mr. Wilson's interest, since which he has conducted the entire business in his 
own name, has a good trade and a prosperous business, and being located in a 
growing and thriving village, his prospect for an increasing business is good. 
On July 21, 1864, lie married Miss Jennie George, who was born in Hardy 
County. Va., July 20, 1847: she was a daughter of Thomas R. and Sarah 
(Rumer) George, natives of Virginia. The grandparents were Jeremiah and 
Ann (Wood) George, also natives of Virginia, who lived and died in that State. 
Thomas 11. grew to manhood and married and resided in Virginia till in No- 
vember, 1857, when he removed to Ohio and located in Madison County, where 
he has since resided, with the exception of six years — from lStiu to lSi'>f> — 
during which he lived in Franklin County. Mr. George has always made 
farming his principal hu>iness. and has now resided in Ohio twenty-five years. 
His wife died in Virginia in 1856. She bore him four children — Jennie, Nata- 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1087 

lia C. wife of Nathan Reed ; Hannah S., wife of Stephen Summers ; and Isaac 
P. Mr. George married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah Thomas, a daughter of 
Levi Ilann. Mr. Durflinger and wife have three children— Thomas W., horn 
July 23, 1867; Sarah A., July 18. 1875 (deceased) ; and Pierce Beach, born 
July 24, 1880. 

SAMUEL H. EDWARDS, grain merchant, Lilly Chapel, was horn in Cam- 
den County, N. J., May 21, 1840, and is a son of Job II. and Eleanor I'. 
Edwards, natives of New Jersey. The grandparents were Kicha.id H. and 
Deborah Edwards, also natives of New Jersey, their ancestors heing of Ger- 
man and Irish descent ; the}' lived and died in New Jersey. The maternal 
grandparents, Samuel B. and Susan Hunt, were also natives of New Jersey, 
where he died; she subsequently died at La Fayette, Ind. Mr. Hunt was a 
soldier in the war of the Revolution. They were of Irish descent. Job H.. 
the father of our subject, was brought up to the carpenter trade, which he fol- 
lowed through life, lie married Miss Eleanor P. Hunt, of New Jersey, and 
settled in that State, where they resided till the spring of 1844, when the}' emi- 
grated to Ohio, and located at South Charleston, (Hark County, where they 
lived about two years. Thence the}' moved over the line into this county ; 
thence they moved into Fairfield Township, where his wife died March 3, 1877. 
Mr. Edwards still survives, and now resides with one of his sons at California. 
aged sixty-eight years. He is now totally blind, and has been thus for three 
years. He is the father of eleven children, of whom nine now survive — Thomas. 
Susan (wife of F. M.Thomas), Samuel H., Richard, Isaiah, William, Ellen (wife 
of Andrew Bell), and Charles. Four of these sons were in the Lite war of the 
rebellion. Samuel II. and Isaiah enlisted in Company B, Ninety-fifth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in July, 1862 ; the former was taken prisoner 
at Richmond, Ky., on August 30 of the same year, by Kirby Smith, was 
paroled, about six months after was exchanged, and then entered the Sixtieth 
Regiment Second Battalion Veteran Reserves and served till the close of the 
war, receiving his discharge in August, L865. Isaiah was soon stricken down 
with the measles, from the effects of which he became unfit for duty and was 
discharged in 1863, after a few months' service. Richard enlisted in the One 
Hundred and Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till 
the close of the war. Jacob enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and served till near the close of the war; when at the battle of 
Guntown, Tenn., he was severely wounded in the thigh, from which cause he 
was discharged, and has since drawn a pension. The subject of this sketch, 
the fourth child of his father, was about four years of age when brought to 
Ohio, and here was raised to manhood, brought up to farm labor, and received 
a good common school education. He attended Gundries' Commercial College 
at Cincinnati, and then taughl school during winters for ten years in succes- 
sion, and in all has taught seventeen terms. On March 1<>. 1870, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Hume, who was born in Madison County 
October 7, 1830. She was a daughter of George and Ann Hume, natives of 
Virginia. George was a son ot William and Vim Hume, natives of Ireland. 
who became early settlers of Virginia, where they lived and died. Ann. wife 
of George Hume, was a daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Owens) Scott, native-. 
of Ireland. Mrs. Hume was but four years of age when brought to Ohio in 
1798, and settled in Pike County, where she grew to womanhood and married 
Mr. Hume. They settled in Pike County; where they resided till 1826, when 
they removed to Madison County, and here resided till his death, March 20, 
L856. Mrs. Hume still survives, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Edwards, 
at Lilly Chapel, now eighty-eighl years of age. She is truly a pioneer, and is 
one of the oldest surviving early settlers of Madison County. She has now 
resided in Ohio eighty-four years, and in Madison County fifty-six years. She 



1088 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

is the mother of thirteen children, six now surviving — Thomas, George, James, 
Mary (wife of Richard Jones), Sarah A. and Francis Marion. Mr. Edwards 
and wife have two children — Oscar H., born December 25, 1870, and Anna E., 
born March 8, 1872. Mr. Edwards followed farming and teaching till in Octo- 
ber, 1880, when he entered upon his present business, that of buying and 
shipping grain, in which he is doing a profitable and flourishing business. 
He is a member of Lilly Chapel Grange, No. 583, and is a worthy member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged for twenty-nine years. 
EDWARD FITZGERALD, farmer, P. 0. Rig Plains, was born in Hamp- 
shire County, Va., August 26, 1806, and is a son of Thomas and Mary 
Fitzgerald. The former, it is said, was born on the ocean, and the lat- 
ter in Virginia. The grandfather, Thomas Fitzgerald, was a native of the 
northern part of Ireland, and married Eleanor O'Farrel, with whom he 
emigrated to America in 1778, and settled in Virginia, where they lived and 
died. Thomas, the father of our subject, and the eldest child of his father, 
was born on the ocean in 1778, while they were sailing for America. He was 
raised and grew to manhood in Virginia, and on September 13, 1799, mar- 
ried Mary Ruffington, who was born January 13, 1780. She was a daughter 
of William and Mary Ruffington, natives of England, who emigrated to 
America about the same time as the Fitzgerald family, and located in the 
same town, Romney, Va., where they remained till death. By this mar- 
riage, Mr. Fitzgerald and wife had eight children, of whom four now survive — 
William B., born March 4, 1804; Edward; Eliza, bom January 8, 1809, now 
Widow Taylor, and has been a widow since 1831 — over half a century; and 
Mary, born November 28, 1814, wife of John W. Kennedy. Mr. Fitzgerald 
died March 28, 1815; subsequently his widow married, for her second husband, 
Jonathan Black, and in 1827 the}' came to Ohio and settled in Madison 
County, where Mrs. Black died in 1873, aged ninety-three years. By Mr. 
Black she had two daughters — Rebecca and Sarah Ann — both deceased. The 
subject of this sketch was the fourth child and second son of his father ; he 
grew to manhood in his native State, and on October 15. 1827, married Lacy 
Ann Taylor, a native of Virginia, born February 18, 1810, and a daughter of 
Edward and Margaret (Means) Taylor, natives of Virginia, who lived and died 
in their native State, he in 1839, and she in 1854 or 1855. In November, 1827, 
Mr. Fitzgerald, with his bride, started for the wilds of Ohio. They came first 
to Newark, Ohio, and remained there till April 1, 1828, when they removed to 
Lancaster, Ohio, and resided one year, and in April, 1829, came to Madison 
County and settled where he now lives and has since resided a period of fifty- 
three years. He first purchased 140 acres of land of Gen. Mc Arthur ; to this 
lie lias since added by purchase till he became owner of over 900 acres of 
excellent land. He commenced in a log house with shingle roof, which was 
then one of the best houses in the neighborhood. Over half a century has 
passed with its great changes and improvements, and the Judge has kept pace 
with the general advance and progress of the country ; he has good improve- 
ments, a well-stocked farm and a pleasant home. He is the father of eleven 
children, of whom eighl now surviv* — Mary E., horn July 23, 1830, wife of 
W. L. Morgan ; Barriet, born June 14, 1832, wife of Robert Alkire ; William 
H., born February 15, 1834 ; Sarah Ann, born April 15, 1836, wife of Alfred 
Pringle ; Warner T., born November 2, 1838 ; Louisa, bom June 15, 1841, 
wife of Joel W. Byers; Lydia, born March 23, 1849, wife of Elias Florence; 
and George, born September 11, 1851 ; all are married and settled in life, and 
doing well. Margarel lv, their eldest child, '..as born September 11, 1828, 
married Samuel Robinson September, 1849, and died December 9, 1879, hav- 
ing had three children, of whom two, Edward -). and Mary E., survive. Mr. 
Fitzgerald held the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty years; served as 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1089 

a member of the Legislature in the session of 1846 and 1847, and served as 
Associate J udge two years, in addition to various township offices. The Judge 
is now one of the oldest surviving pioneers, and one of Madison County's most 
esteemed aud worthy citizens. Though now in his seventy-sixth year, his 
mind is clear and bright, his recollections of the early settlers and scenes of 
pioneer life are vivid, and his narration of those reminiscences, Lucid and com- 
prehensive. He has given us much valuable information for this history of 
Madison County, and we ma)' hope that his last days may be as full of peace 
and happiness as his life has been of labor and usefulness. 

WILLIAM H. FITZGERALD, farmer, P. 0. Big I Main, is a native 
of Fairfield Township, born February 15, 1834, and is a son of Edward 0. and 
Lacy Ann Fitzgerald, whose history is given in the sketch of E. Fitzgerald. 
Our subject grew to manhood on the farm of his father, Judge Fitzgerald, and 
was married in September, 1855, to Matilda Biggart, who was born in Frank- 
lin County. Ohio, in 1837, and who was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Big- 
gart, natives of Franklin County. By her he had three children, of whom two 
now survive — Mary S., bom June 22, 1857, now the wife of Charles L. Bales ; 
and Frank P., born February 28, 1859. Mrs. Fitzgerald died February 23, 
18(13. On November 17, 1863, he married for his second wife Margaret A. 
Booker, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 22, 1841 ; she was 
a daughter of William and Rachel (Biggart) Booker, he a native of Virginia, 
and she of Franklin Count)', Ohio. Mr. Booker came to Ohio from Virginia, 
when a young single man, and was married in Franklin County. In 1843. he 
with his family moved to Illinois, where he died about 1845, aged twenty-seven 
years. After his death, Mrs. Booker with her three children — George, Margaret 
A. and James — returned to Ohio ; the two sons are now both deceased. Mrs. 
Booker married for her second husband David Clark, by whom she has two 
children, John and Matilda. .Mis. Clark now resides at Lilly Chapel. Mr. 
Fitzgerald, by his second wife, has had five children, four of whom now survive 
—Harry A., born September 9, 1864 ; Sallie K.. born Augusts, 1866 ; Edward 
0., born August 20, 1868, and Laura H., born June 17, 1878. Mr. Fitzgerald 
has made farming and stock-raising his business through life ; he lived five 
years on his lathe. 's farm, and in 18(!0 bought and located where he now lives 
and has since resided. His first purchase was 214 acres from Moses Bales, to 
which he has since added by purchase, till he now owns 320 acres of excellent 
land with good improvements. He has been Trustee of the township, and 
was School Director for fifteen years. He is a prominent and reliable farmer, 
a kind neighbor, and a worthy citizen. 

ROBERT FULLERTON. fanner. I>. (). Lilly Chapel, was born in Clark 
County, Ohio, October 27, 1827, and is a son of James and Mary Fullerton, he 
a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia. He came from Pennsylvania 
to Ohio, and settled in Clinton County about 1815. He served in the latter 
part of the war of L812 as a teamster. In Clinton County, lie married Mary. 
McQuerter. and about 1822 removed to Clark County and located near Lis- 
bon, afterward lie removed to Madison County, and located west of London, 
and in that neighborhood and east of London he resided till the death of his wife, 
after which he removed to Fairfield Township and lived the remainder 
of his life with his son, our subject; he died March 2, 1881. in his eighty-sev- 
enth year. He was the father of seven children, five now living — Hugh. John, 
Robert, James, and Charity, wife of John Rankins. of South Charleston. Mr. 
Fullerton followed teaming for many years and then he entered upon 
farming. He w 7 as an early pioneer, and experienced the hardships of that 
day. The subject of this sketch, the fifth child of his father, was six years of 
age when brought to Madison County, and here grew to manhood. He was 
married, October 25, 1855, to Ruth Johnson, a native of Madison County, and 



1090 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

a, daughter of John and Elizabeth Johnson, who were married in this county, 
and were among its early settlers. R}' this union Mr. Pullerton and wife have 
had twelve children, eleven now survive — Laura, wife of W. Sidner ; Elizabeth, 
wife of J. Sidner ; Jennie, Ellen, John, Anna (deceased), Robert, James, Hum- 
phrey Lee, Harry and Maud. .Mr. Pullerton has made farming his business 
through life. He bought and located where he now lives, in 1855, where he 
has resided twenty-seven years. This farm he purchased of W. Alkire, it con- 
tained one hundred and ten acres, to which he has added by purchase till il 
now embraces one hundred and fifty-five acres, with good improvements. He 
is a reliable farmer, and a much respected citizen. He served several year- as 
Township Trustee, is a worthy member of the Methodist Church, and also a 
member of the Lilly Chapel Grange, No. 583. 

JOHN H. GARDNER, Justice of the Peace, P. 0. Rig Plain, was 
born in Ross County. Ohio, April 5, 1819, and is a son of Edward P. and 
Sarah Gardner. The grandparents were Joseph and Margaret Gardner, he a 
native of Pennsylvania, and she of England. He removed to Virginia, where 
he married ; thence, prior to the war of 1812, he removed to Ohio and settled 
in Ross County, where he lived till his death, lie was one of the early settler- I 
Ross County, and a leading man in the political affairs of the county. He 
served several years as Judge of the Court. His wife was a sister of Gov. 
Tiffin, the first Governor of Ohio. Edward P.. the father of our subject, was 
born in Virginia in 1707, and was but a young lad when brought to Ohio, 
where he grew to manhood and married Sarah Hall, who was also born in Vir- 
ginia, and a daughter of John and Mary (Hayes) Hall, who became settlers of 
Ross Count}- soon after the war of 1812, and lived and died there. About. 
1828, Mr. Gardner, with his family, moved to Franklin County, Ohio, and there 
settled and resided till his death in 1863. His wife survived him several yen-. 
They had ten children, six now surviving — John H., James P., Mary Ann. 
Margaret (wife of William Coberly); Sarah Jane (wife of George Switzer). 
and Nancy (wife of James Whitten). Mr. Gardner was a miller by trade, a 
good millwright, an excellent workman, and at this and the carpenter trade 
he worked the most of his active life Mr. Gardner, our subject, was 
raised in Franklin and Madison Counties. He learned the carpenter trade, 
which he followed several years, and then he entered upon farming. In 
1864, he bought and located upon the place where he now lives and has 
since resided. On January 9, 1845, he was united in marriage with Man 
Bradford, who was born in this county March 20. lS2li; she was a daughter 
of Thomas and Sarah Bradford, he a native of Maryland, and she ol* Virginia. 
By this union they have had three children, two living — Thomas Edward, 
born December 20. L 848, and Maggie J., born duly 16, 1852. Mr, Gardner 
also has an adopted child. Newton Webster, born December 20, 1858, whom 
he has raised from an infant three months old. Mr. Gardner has now 
been a resident of this township for thirty years, and is one of its reliable an ! 
much respected citizens ||e served the township as Clerk seventeen year-, 
and is now serving his eighth term, which will make twenty-four consecutiv • 
years as a Justice of the Peace, a period of time equaled by bul few 

JOSEPH II. GARDNER, farmer, I*. < >. Lillj Chapel, was bom in Jeffer- 
son Township, this county, Augusl 25, 1836, and is a son of William ami Aner 
Gardner: he ia s of Virginia, and she of Maryland. The grandparents, 

.1 i aes and Mary Gardner, were natives of Virginia, from aear Harpers Ferry ; 
they emigrated to Ohio in L813, making the entire journey on horseback, lie 
and his son William riding one horse and his wife and her little daughter the 
other, with all the effects they had carried in saddle-bags <>n their horses. 
They located in Ross County, being among the early settlers of that county. 
There his wile died. Subsequently, he married tor his second wife Susanna 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1091 

Beaver, and about L816 he removed to Franklin County and settled in the 
forks of the Big and Little Darbys, where they lived till their death, the old 
home plaee being now occupied by his grandchild. .Mrs. Dyer. William, the 
father of our subject, was born in 1806, and was about seven years of age 
when brought to Ohio, and here grew to manhood. He married Aner Marett 
and settled near the home plaee. About 1834, he removed to Madison County 
and settled on the Little Darby, in Jefferson Township. In 1842, he purchased 
a farm in Fairfield Township, where they lived till death, his wife April 11, 
1870, and he April If). IST'.i. They had six children, four now surviving — 
Abel M., Samuel C. and Nathaniel P., residents of Washington County, Iowa, 
and Joseph EL, our subject. Mr. Garduer was an active and prosperous farmer, 
and during his life held m >st of the offices of his township, lie was a devoted, 
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty years. The sub- 
ject of this sketch, with his twin brother (John 8., deceased), were the young- 
est of his father's family. John S. grew to manhood, graduated at the Ohio 
Wesleyan College at Delaware, and entered the ministry of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in the Ohio Conference. During the war of the rebellion, 
he enlisted in the one hundred days' service in the One Hundred and Thirty 
third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was taken prisoner at North Mount- 
ain, Virginia, and imprisoned at Florence, S. C, where he died November 
2, 1864. Joseph II. was raised to the occupation of a farmer, which he has 
followed through life. On September 22,1859, he was united in marriage 
with Susan E. Biggert, who was born in Franklin County. Ohio, May 20, 1839 ; 
she was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Biggert, also natives of Franklin 
County. By this union they have; three children — Mary A., born November '1. 
1861, now the wife of \V. P. Coberly ; Matilda M, bora September 29, 1865, 
and Lottie J., born October 26, 1868. Mr. Gardner first located on what is 
known as the Shneler McDonald farm near the old home place, and has spent 
all his life since in Fairfield Township, except five years' residence in Iowa, and 
three years in Pickaway County, Ohio. In April, 1881, he purchased the 
property where he now lives, and has since resided, being a very pleasant 
home in the village of Lilly Chapel. He has never desired office although he 
has served as Township Trustee, and in other minor offices. He is a member 
of Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, 1. 0. O. F.. and also a worthy member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged twelve years. 

LOUIS GIERICH, farmer, P.O. Lilly Chapel, was born in Germany 
May 4. 1S2S. and is a son of John F. and Barbara Gierich, who lived and died 
in their native land, Germany. They had eighteen children, all now deceased 
but two. Magdalena, now widow Gearhart, resides in Columbus, Ohio, and 
Louis, the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest child of his father, 
and who in 1849 emigrated to America, and landed in New Vork on May 4 
<>f that year, being jusl twenty one years of age on that day. Be first located 
in Beaver County, Penn., and worked one summer; thence he came to Wesl 
Jefferson, this county, and there, and in Kentucky. Indiana, and various other 
places he lived and worked till April 13, 1853, whenhe was married to Barbara 
Kuhner, and settled in West Jefferson In the spring of 1855, Mr. Gierich 
made a visit to his native land and returned to America, and to his family in 
October of the same year. In November, he bought the farm where; he now 
lives, and has since resided, a period of twenty fight years. He now has a 
farm of sixty-seven acres of land with good improvements, which he has prin- 
cipally made by his own labor and industry. He has had born to him five 
children, of whom four now survive — John Christian, born January 25, 1857 ; 
Mary, born November 1!>, 1860, now the wife of Guess Bennett; Jacob, born 
May 4, 1863; and Emma, born November 13, 1866. Mr. Gierich and family 
are worth)' members of the Lutheran Church. 

uu 



1092 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

HENRY G-ILROY, retired farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born near Leb- 
anon, Warren Co., Ohio, December 10, 1818, and is a son of John and Mary 
(Knight) Gilroy, natives of County Firmanagh, Ireland, who emigrated to 
America about 1815 and located near Lebanon, being among the pioneers of 
that county. Thence they removed to Clark County, and subsequentby to Mad- 
ison County about 1830, or possibly a little earlier. Here they resided till 
their death. The}' had seven children, of whom three now survive — James, 
Henry and Greorge. The subject of this sketch was raised in Clark and Mad- 
ison Counties, and was married in 1841 to Patience Hunt, who was born near 
South Charleston. Clark Co., Ohio, in April, 1826; she was a daughter of Isaiah 
and Rebecca Hunt, natives of New York. Mr. Grilroy first located in Allen 
County, Ohio, but in the fall of 1848 he removed to Madison Count}' and pur- 
chased the land where he now lives, a part of which is now occupied by the 
village of Lilly Chapel. Here he has resided thirty-four years, and has been 
one of the leading men of this community. In 1874, he and Henry Lilly laid 
off the town which was called "Gilroy," in honor of our worthy subject and 
pioneer. He has lived to see this countrv greatly improved. 

DR. CHARLES W. HIGGINS, physician, Big Plain, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Ohio, November 1, 1838, and is a son of Charles and Druzilla 
Higgins, he a native of Maryland and she of* Pennsylvania. The grandfather 
was Charles Higgins, a native of Maryland, who emigrated to Ohio and settled 
in Franklin County in 1812, ranking as a pioneer of that county. At that 
date there was but one house in Columbus, and that was a primitive log cabin 
Mr. Higgins remained in that county till his death, aged sixty years. Charles, 
the father of our subject, was about six years of age when brought to Ohio, and 
here he grew to manhood fully accustomed to pioneer life. He married Dru- 
zilla Ball, a daughter of William Ball, a native of Pennsylvania, and settled on 
a part of the home place, where he remained through life, having devoted his 
entire life to farming, and lie was a very successful and prosperous farmer. He and 
his wife both departed this life in the year 1855. They had eight children; seven 
grew to maturity, and three now survive — Lorretta, wife of A. J. Richey; Jane, 
wife of Calvin Bcattv. and Dr. Charles W., our subject. Mr. llig»ins was a 
very industrious, active man. and as a farmer was very successful. The Doctor 
our subject, was brought up to the healthful and honorable employment of 
the farm till sixteen years of age, when he entered the public schools of Colum- 
bus, where he attended one year. He then entered the Commercial School 
and completed their course of study. Then he attended the Capital University 
two years, and then after a short time of teaching he attended the Granville 
College two years. He then engaged several years in the work of teaching, 
and during this time entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. L. Woodruff, 
of Alton, Ohio. Then he entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, 
from which he graduated in the spring of 1865. He then entered upon the 
practice of his profession with Dr. Richey at Martinsville, Irid. [n October, 
1865, he returned to Ohio and located at California, where he has continued 
the practice of his profession to the present time, lie has thoroughly estab- 
lished himself in the confidence of t he people of this community, and has a large 
and growing practice. In addition to the practice of medicine, in 1868 he 
entered upon the drug business. In 1869, he purchased the stock of groceries 
of Harvey & Bro., and in 1876 he moved into his present building and entered 
upon a general merchandise trade, in which he has continued to the present 
time. On December 31, 1865, was celebrated his marriage with .lane A. Say, a 
daughter of James and Matilda Say, he a native of England and she of the 
State of New York. By this union they have had eleven children, eight of 
whom now survive .Minnie B.. Laura. Carrie, Walter, Florence, James N., 
Rettie and Mary. During the war of the rebellion the Doctor enlisted in 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1093 

July, 1862, in Company C, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and 
served six months, when, from sickness and disability tie was discharged, hav- 
ing been engaged in one battle — Richmond, Ivy. 

WILLIAM 11. HILL, merchant, Big Plain, was born in Pickaway 
Count}', Ohio, July 16. 1837, and was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, 
receiving a good common school education. Then he learned the trade of a 
plasterer, which business he followed aboul three years, [n June, 1859, he 
entered as a clerk in the store of O. T. Curry, at Harrisburg, Franklin 
County, Ohio, where he continued three years. In the fall of 1862, he located 
in California, Madison County, Ohio, and entered upon the mercantile trade on 
his own account, in which he has continued to the present time — a period of 
twenty years. .Mr. Hill started in life without capital, depending upon his own 
strength, intellect and integrity of character to win him success. He has suc- 
ceeded, and now has a good property and a good stock of general merchan- 
dise, such as is needed in a village like California. He has a good trade, and 
has thoroughly established himself in the confidence of his community. On 
May 2-4, 1863, he was united in marriage with Nancy Ellen Snider, who was 
born in Pickaway County, January 7, 1842, and is a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Snider, of Pickaway County. By this union they have four children 
— Alma Lillian, born August 10, 18(58 ; Lorena May, born June 16, 1871 ; 
Etta Imo, born July 28, 187.:. and William Henry, born May 17. 1880. Mr. 
Hill united with the Methodist Church in 1850, when in his fourteenth year, 
and has remained a eonsistent and worthy member for thirty-two jears. His 
wife is also a member of the same church to which she has belonged twenty- 
two years. Their eldesl child united with the church in the winter of 1882. 

THOMAS HORN, farmer, P. 0. billy Chapel, was born in Ross County, 
Ohio, January 26, 1836, and is a son of John M. and Elizabeth Horn. 
natives of Rerkeley County, Va. The grandfather, Jacob Horn, also a 
native of Virginia, lived and died in his native State. John M.. the father of 
our subject, grew to manhood, and married a lady in Virginia by name of 
Millhoff, who died in Virginia, having borne him two children — both deceased. 
About 1817, he removed to Ohio and settled in Ross County, at that time 
there being but one shingle-roofed house in the town of Chillicothe. He mar- 
ried for his second wife, Elizabeth Recob, whose history is given in the sketches 
of Frederick and Valentine liccob. They settled in boss County, where they 
resided till the fall of 1851, when they removed to Madison County and settled 
three miles west of California. He remained a resident of Fairfield Township 
till his death. March 4. 1861, aged seventy-four years. His wife subsequently 
removed to Med, can County. 111., where she resided with her daughter till 
her death in the fall of 1872. They had seven children, six now living — Will- 
iam ; James, a resident of Kansas ; John ; Valentine, a resident of Nebraska; 
Elijah, a resident of Illinois, and Thomas, our subject. Mr. Horn was a black- 
smith by trade, which occupation he followed through lite. While a young, 
single man, living in Virginia, in the time of slavery, he was an overseer, hav- 
ing charge of a number of slaves owned by Maj. Bedinger. He was an indus- 
trious, hard-working man. and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for many years. Thomas I lorn, our subject, married Sarah J. Court- 
right, who was born in Franklin County. Ohio. July 1, 183!) ; she was a 
daughter of Jesse and Mary A. (Brown) Courtright. also natives of Franklin 
County, where he died in April, L874, aged fifty-eight years. Mr. Courtright 
was a farmer by occupation, and held the office of County Surveyor two 
terms, or six years, and was a prominent, leading man of that county, who held 
quite a number of minor offices. Mrs. Courtright still survives, and resides on 
the old homestead, aged sixty-four years. They had ten children, nine still 
living — Sarah J., Martha A., John, William, Jesse, Edward, Samuel and 



1U94 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Milton and Newton (twins). Mr. Horn and wife have had seven children, six 
now surviving — Walter, born April 21, 1868; Edward, born February 10, 1871; 
Josephine, born January 19, 187o; Samuel, born August 21, 1875; Mary, born 
August 18, 1877, and Emma, born February 26, 1880. Mrs. Horn while 
young obtained a good common school education, after which she attended the 
college at Worthington two years, and then entered upon the useful yet ardu- 
ous work of teaching, which occupation she followed seven years prior to her 
marriage. She is a worth}' member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to 
which she has belonged twenty-four years. Mr. Horn, after his marriage, 
entered upon the mercantile trade at Georgesville, Franklin County, and con- 
tinued there till 1872, when he came to Madison County and purchased the 
farm where he now lives. He built the first house in Lilly Chapel, after the 
town was laid out, and there entered upon the mercantile trade ; was the first 
Postmaster of the place and became the first local agent for the railroad com- 
pany after the road was completed. He continued in business there until 1878. 
when he retired to his iarm, where he has since resided, and to which he has 
devoted his attention. On March 24, 1862, he answered his country's call, and 
enlisted in her defense in Company H, Second Battalion Eighteenth United 
States Infantry, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Mumfordsville, Ky.. 
and paroled the same day. after which he engaged in the battle of 
Hoover's Gap, at Chickamauga and others. He has eighty acres of good land 
just north of Lilly Chapel, whei'e he has a pleasant home. He is a member of 
the Lilly Chapel Grange, No. 583, of which he was a charter member ; and he 
is also a member of Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, I. 0. 0. F., at Lilly Chapel. 

ANDREW JACKSON, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in Rockbridge 
County, Va., December 28, 1816, and is a son of William and Nancy Jackson : 
he is a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. The grandfather, William 
Jackson, was a native of Ireland, who, with six brothers, emigrated to America 
about the time of the war of the Revolution, and all of them espoused the 
cause of this country and fought for its independence. After the war, Mr. 
Jackson never heard of any of his six brothers ; subsequently he married and 
located in Pennsylvania, and from there removed to Virginia, where he died in 
1826 or 1827, at a very advanced age. He was the father of one son and four 
daughters, all now deceased. William, the father of our subject, an only son, 
grew to manhood in his native State and there married Nancy Ilea. In 1828. 
they removed to Ohio and located in Madison County near London, and in 
Union Township he spent the balance of his life. He was a weaver by trade, 
but after he came to Ohio he engaged in farming, which he followed till his 
death. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife died in 1850 or 1851. 
he in 1858. He was the father of live children, who grew to maturity, of 
whom four now survive — Andrew, William, Evaline now Widow Armstrong), 
and Sarah (now Widow Parker, residing in Iowa). Mr. A. Jackson, the 
subject of this sketch, was twelve years of age when with his father's 
family he came to Madison County ; here he grew to maturity and was 
married. September 12. 1844, to Eliza Armstrong, a native of this county, 
born April L3, 1821, ami a daughter of .John P. and Elizabeth Armstrong, 
natives of Pennsylvania. John F., when a small child, with his parents 
James and Nancy (Fulton) Armstrong, removed to Kentucky, and thence 
to Chillicothe, Ohio, in a very early day, before there was a town at 
Chillicothe ; subsequently he bought a farm about three miles from the town, 
where they lived till their death. There John V. grew to manhood and mar 
ried Elizabeth Warren, alter which he located in Madison County, where they 
lived and died. He also served in the war of 1812. He died August 12, 1864, 
aged seventy-two years ; his wife survived till September 2, 1867, aged seventy 
two years. They had twelve children, of whom nine grew to maturity and six 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1095 

now survive — Eliza, Warren, Samuel. Frances, William H. and John F. Mr- 
Jackson and wife have had four children, all deceased. They firsl Incited in 
Southern Illinois. In the spring of 1850, at the time of the great gold excite- 
ment in California, Mr. .).. with many others, made the laborious and tedious 
journey across the plains to seek his fortune in ''the land of gold." He arrived 
there in August of the same year, and remained nearly four years, starting for 
home in June, 1S54. and coming by water and across the Isthmus, he arrived 
in the last of June. The experiences of Mr. Jackson on this trip were too 
extensive and varied to admit of giving anything of a detailed description in 
this sketch. His hardships were of the; severest kind, and the associations and 
society of the roughest character ; there was no law, no courts, no jury ; but 
vigilants and lynch law were the regulators. At oue time, on a trip over the 
mountains in mid-winter, in a terribly deep snow, they were out of provisions 
and lived for eight days on sugar, of which they had a supply. In his search 
for wealth, at times he was very successful ; at other times he lost heavily. 
During his four years' stay, he knew what it was to be without a dollar, and, 
again, at one time, he had $15,000. But suffice it to say, he succeeded in 
bringing home some money and a large amount of experience. He then set- 
tled with his family in Madison County, till in December, 18."V7, when he again 
embarked on a vessel from New York for California, taking his family with 
him. They remained four months and returned to Ohio, and entered upon 
farming. He purchased the place where he now lives, in 18(!(i, of James Lilly. 
It contains ninety acres, upon which he has good buildings and improvements, 
and is pleasantlv situated just north of the village of Lilby Chapel. 

RICHARD M. JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, Md., February 13, 1824, and is a son of Thomas W. and Aletha 
Johnson, natives of Maryland. The grandparents were Reason and Elizabeth 
Johnson, of English descent, who lived and died in Maryland. Thomas W., 
the father of our subject, was raised and grew to manhood in his native State, 
where he married Aletha Reed. In 1835, he emigrated with his family to Ohio 
and settled in Madison County, about five miles southeast of London. He 
died in 1812. His wife survived till September 9, 1863. The}' had nine 
children, of whom three now survive — Richard M., Ann M. (wife of William 
Douglass, residing in Kansas), and Martha. Mr. Johnson served as a soldier in 
the war of 1812, and was a farmer through life. The subject of the sketch 
was in his eleventh year when they settled in Madison County, and in his 
eighteenth year his father died. From this time he had the principal care of 
his mother, who lived with him till her death. Mr. Johnson was united in 
marriage, November 1, 1860, with Sarah Jane Griffin, a daughter of Nathaniel 
and Maiy Griffin, he a native of Ohio and she of Virginia. They were married 
in Ohio, and settled on the count}' line between Champaign and Madison Coun- 
ties, where she died August 31, 1864. Subsequently he removed to Illinois, 
where he died August 10, 1880. They had ten children, seven now surviving — 
Ann, wife of John Caldwell ; Lydia, wife of R. B. Rogers ; Sarah Jane; Will- 
iam Robert; Henry Clay ; ami Mary, wife of Granville Lewis. Mr. Johnson 
has devoted his life to farming and the stock business. He started in life with ■ 
no capital, and by his own industry, economy and good management has 
arisen to wealth and affluence. He now owns 900 acres of land in Madison 
County and eight}' acres in the State of Indiana. At the home place, he has 
erected a fine residence, and made other improvements. He has been an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-two years, and served 
his township as Trustee three years. 

WILLIAM B. LEVER (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born near 
Providence, R. I., February 18, 1822, and was a son of John and Sarah (Slater) 
Lever, natives of England, who emigrated to America during the war of 1812, 



1096 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

he coming first to select a location, after which he sent for his family, who, as 
soon as peace was declared, or as soon as they were permitted to sail and land 
in this country, came across the waters, landing in Canada, from whence they 
went to Rhode Island, where they resided till their death, he March 5, 1842, 
aged sixty-seven years, and she June 11, 1845, aged sixty-two years. They 
had a family of eleven children, of whom three now survive — Henry, who mar- 
ried and is a farmer near Northboro, Mass.; Mary, wife of Samuel Hodgson, ana 
tive of England, and residing at Fall River, Mass.; and Martha, wife of John Marsh, 
of Union Township, this county. Mr. William B. Lever was the youngest child 
of his father's family. He grew to manhood in his native Slate, and in the 
spring of 1857 emigrated West, making a prospective tour through Missouri 
and Kansas, but returning, to Ohio in June of the same year, he located in 
Madison County. In February, 1859, he bought the farm where his widow- 
still resides, and located upon the same in the spring following. Although a 
machinist by trade, having no practical knowledge of farming, yet he concluded 
to enter upon farming, the leading occupation of this Western country. On 
November 11, 1859, he was united in marriage with Margaret Arnett, a native 
of this count}', born October 12, 1836, and a daughter of Thomas and Jemima 
(Acton) Arnett, natives of Ross Count}', Ohio, who settled in this county about 
1832; he died in August, 1837, aged thirty years. He was the father of one 
son and three daughters — Elizabeth (deceased); Sarah, wife of William Harvey; 
James, a resident of Columbus, and Margaret. Mrs. Arnett subsequently mar- 
ried for her second husband, Mr. Mitchel Lane, of Union Township. She died 
in May, 1872, aged sixty-three years. By her second husband she had two 
children, now living — Mary E., wife of Marion Harvey, and Richard. Mr. 
Lever and wife by their union had three children — Edward E., born August 
21, 1860; Laura E., born September 22, 1862, and Ada L., born September 25, 
1865. Mr. Lever died October 5, 1879. He was a man of high moral charac 
ter. not a member of any church, yet he held to the Universalist faith. He was 
a man of undoubted integrity, a kind husband and a much esteemed neighbor. 
HENRY LILLY, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, is a native of Franklin 
County, Ohio, and was born September 14, 1840; he is a son of Wesley and 
Mary Lilly, natives of Virginia; the former was born in Fluvanna County, Ya . 
March 30, 1803, and in 1808, when five years of age, emigrated with his parents, 
Thomas and Theodosia Lilly, to Ohio, and settled in Ross County, where 
Thomas Lilly died in the fall of 1823. In 1830, his wife Theodosia, and her 
family removed to Madison County, where she died about 1838. In 1829, 
Wesley married Mary Durflinger, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Dur 
flinger, natives of Virginia, who settled in Madison Count} aboul 1827. In 
1830, when Mr. Lilly came to this county, he purchased land, all in the woods 
and prairie, in its primitive, wild state, for which he paid $1.50 per acre; this 
was a tract of land north of Lilly Chapel where Thomas Horn anil Philip 
Sidner now live. There Mr. Lilly commenced in a rude log cabin, with no 
means and in debt for his land. He remained there eight years, but the him! 
was so wet with no drainage that it was difficult to do much with it; he there 
' fore sold out and removed into Franklin County, where he remained till 1850, 
when he again bought land iii Madison County, where he located and has since 
resided. From his early commencemenl here as a pioneer, right in the woods 
and wet prairie, he has by his industry, hard labor and economy become owner 
of 336 acres of good land, with good buildings and improvements, and is one 
of the most respected and prominent fanners of Madison County, and a man of 
undoubted moral and Christian character. He united with the Methodist 
Church in Ross County when aboul twenty live years of age. In building the 
church at Lilly Chapel, he gave freely of his means, and has now been an car- 
nest worker in the church for more than half a century, and a class leader and 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1097 

a trustee for many years. They have had seven sons and one daughter, of 
whom three sons now survive — Henry, James and Albert. During the war of 
the rebellion, this family furnished five of her sons in defense of our liberties. 
Thomas and Daniel enlisted in August, 1861, in Company A, Fortieth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which Thomas became Second Lieutenant and at 
their first battle — at Prestonburg, Ky.. Thomas had his left arm shot off, which 
disabled him from further duty, and in June, 1862, he was discharged) and re- 
turned home. Having but one arm. he could be of little service on the farm, 
and in 1864, under a commission from the Governor, he entered upon the work 
of recruiting, and raised three companies that were organized into the Seventy- 
sixth Battalion, of which he was made a Major. In consolidating their regi- 
ments, Thomas became Captain of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-third 
Regiment, which entered the one hundred days' service. Thomas was taken 
sick and died at Bermuda Hundreds, \'a.. in July, 1864. One incident of his 
military life, showing his undaunted courage and bravery, should here be placed 
on record to commemorate his noble services, and of which his descendants 
may justly feel proud. After he had so far recovered from his wound as to 
attempt to return to his regiment, he took boat up the Ohio River to the Big 
Sandy, and there had one and one-half days' walk to reach his regiment, and 
through a rough, ''bushwhacking" country. He met some citizens — Union 
men, who informed him of a man lining near there, a bushwhacker, who gave 
them much trouble by frequently shooting down Union men, and they desired 
him to take the man as a prisoner to his regiment. He agreed to attempt it, 
and with but one arm and no weapon but his swoixl, he started for the hazard- 
ous undertaking, approached the house and entered with drawn sword, and 
commanded him as his prisoner to march before him, which he did, and he 
hurried him away as fast as possible. They had to stop overnight at a 
stranger's house, not knowing whether he was friend or foe. He placed his 
prisoner in bed, while he lay down by the door and thus guarded him all night. 
The next day he marched him on and delivered him over to their commander. 
Such service and deeds of bravery deserve to be placed upon the pages of his- 
tory, where they may remain and be read and known by future generations 
long after the tombstone which marks his quiet resting-place shall have become 
obliterated and effaced by the destroying elements of time. Daniel continued 
in the service until at the battle of Chickamauga he was killed, September 19, 
1863. James. I'hilip and Henry enlisted in the spring of 1864, and went into 
the Seventy-sixth Battalion under their brother, Capt. Thomas Lilly. Henry 
was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company A. in the Seventy-sixth Bat- 
talion Ohio .National Guards I'hilip soon after entering the service took the 
measles, from the effects of which he died November 2d, 1867, about two years 
after the close of the war. James served till discharged at the close of the 
war. In forming the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, the three companies of the Seventy-sixth Battalion Ohio National 
Guards which had been recruited by Capt. Thomas Lilly, were taken to fill up 
that regimen I. and from a surplus of commissioned officers thus obtained. the older 
officers in the service took the precedence, and Lieut. Henry Lilly was not called 
into active service. Thesubjectof this sketch was principally raised in Madison 
County, where he was married, January Hi. 1862, to Martha Ann Ilartsook, 
who was horn in Franklin County. Ohio. May 1. 1841, and was a daughter of 
Noah and Mary Ilartsook. natives of Maryland, who had three children — Mary 
and Martha Ann (twins) and Lemuel, all \\<>\\ deceased but Martha Ann. 
Lemuel, when seventeen years of age. enlisted in the war of the rebellion and 
served nearly three years, when sickness ami death took him away. He en- 
listed in Company A. fortieth Regimenl Ohio Volunteer. Infantry. Mr. Lilly 
and wife have four children — Frank S., born September 20, 1863; Weslev. 



1098 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

March 18, 1866; Rosie, November 23, 1869, and Wallace H., born May 15, 
1877. Mr. Lilly has devoted his life to farming; he bought and located upon 
the place where he now lives in the spring of 1868. This place he purchased 
of his uncle. James Lilly; it consists of 225 acres of excellent land with good 
improvements, situated just west of the village of Lilly Chapel, a, part of the 
town being located upon lots taken off of this farm. Mr. Lilly was Township 
Trustee five years, and is now one of the Commissioners of Madison Count}'. 
As a farmer and a citizen, he is held in high esteem throughout this community. 

RICHARD O'BRIEN, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in Ireland in 
1815, and in 1837 emigrated to America and landed at St. John, New Bruns- 
wick; thence he came to Boston, remaining in Massachusetts and other New 
England States till about 1845, when he came to Ohio and settled on the farm 
where he now lives and has since resided — a period of thirty -seven years. This 
tract of land he purchased of John Chenoweth ; it consists of 160 acres. He 
first lived in a small log cabin, and after about one year's residence, he made 
some repairs and an addition to another log cabin on the place, into which he 
moved and lived till 1861, when he erected his present two-story frame house; 
he has also erected a barn and made other improvements till he now has a very 
pleasant and comfortable home. In the fall of 1839, he married Mary Chat- 
ham, a native of England, by whom he has eight children — John T,. born 
July 6, 1842; Caroline M., born April 15, 1845, wife of Harvey Clarridge; 
Christopher P. W., born August 26, 1847; Henry S., born June 23, 1849; Mag- 
gie A., born November 15, 1852, wife of Frank Bayliss; Joseph W.. born April 
5, 1857; Ellen M., born October 4. 1859, and Jennie L., born October 24, 1862. 
Mrs. O'Brien died August 7, 1879, aged fifty-seven years. Mr. O'Brien came 
to this country a poor man. and by his own labor and industry, and that of 
his family, he has accumulated a good competency. 

ELIJAH W. OGILVIE, retired, Lilly Chapel. This esteemed and well- 
known citizen was born in Fairfield Township July 12, 1824; he is a son of Will- 
iam and Nancy Ogilvie. The former was born in Hardin County, Va., 
December 30, 1781; his parents were natives of Scotland. Mr. Ogilvie was a 
soldier in the war of 1812. He was twice married; first to Margaret Godfrey, 
by whom he had one child, Jane, who married Patrick Davidson of this county, 
where she resided till her death. She raised a large family of children, two 
of whom are still residents of this count}'. Mrs. Ogilvie died, and he married 
for his second wife Nancy Robey, who was born in Moorfield, Va., June 
16, 1796. About 1822, he emigrated with his family to Ohio, and settled in 
Fairfield Township, Madison County, on land now owned by R. M. Johnson, 
where he resided till death. Mr. Ogilvie came here possessed of but little 
means. He first purchased eighty acres of land at $2 per acre, after which he 
made additional purchases, but never became an extensive land-holder, as at 
that early day he did not consider land of much value, most of it being very 
flat and wet and not at all inviting in its appearance. He followed farming 
and stock-raising through life, giving especial attention to the latter business 
in which he was very successful, and before his death he became possessed of 
a good competency. In his life and character, he was well known for probity, 
honesty and reliability. He held many offices of his township, and possessed 
the entire confidence of his community, lie was a worthy member of the United 
Brethren Church, to which he belonged during nearly his entire residence iu 
this county, and he tilled most of the offices of the church. He died Decem- 
ber 25, L857, and the church h>st :i faithful and devout supporter, and the com- 
munity a worthy and valued citizen. His wife died February 14, 1862, having 
been a faithful wile, a devoted mother and an earnest and devout Christian. 
They had six children -Elizabeth, married Rev. Isaac Pretzinger, and now 
resides at Galesburg. 111.: Hannah, married Thomas Timmons; Elijah W., 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1099 

the subject of this sketch; Mary, married Benjamin Price, and resides in Frank- 
lin County, Ohio; Nathan, married Angeline Lane; Julia Ann, married Daniel 
Thompson, but is now a widow and resides in Franklin County. The subject 
of this sketch, on December 5, 1844, married Charlotte Thompson, a native of 
this county, born September 20, 1826. They located in this township, where 
they have spent their lives, with the exception of four years, during which they 
resided in the adjoining county of Franklin. Mr. Ogilvie made farming and 
stock-raising his business till 1858, when he entered upon the mercantile busi- 
ness in the village of California, which he carried on very successfully lor fif- 
teen years, since which be has lived retired from any active or regular line of 
business, devoting his attention to promiscuous trading and the proper care 
and use of his land and capital. Mr. Ogilvie and wife have had six children — 
William, married Margaret Ann Hunter, and resides in Kansas; Daniel F., de- 
ceased; Jane, married \V. A. Florence, and resides in Bates County, Mo.; 
Lucretia, married E. N. Miller, and is now removing to Missouri; Charles L., 
married Carrie Shepherd, and resides in Kansas, and John F., who died in in- 
fancy. Mr. Ogilvie is a worthy member of the Methodist Church; has held 
most of the offices of his township, a man whose character and integrity are 
above reproach, and a much esteemed and respected citizen. 

WILLIAM 1). PRING-LE, fanner, P. 0. Big Plain, was born near South 
Charleston. Clark Co., Ohio, January 14, 1813, and is a son of James and Sarah 
Pringle, he a native of Loudoun County, Va., and she of Kentuck}-. The 
grandfather, Thomas Pringle, was a native of England, and, when young, he 
entered the British Army, and it is believed fought under the crown in the war 
of the Revolution, was captured by the American Army, and after peace was 
declared became a settler of Virginia, where he married ; subsequently re- 
moved to Pennsylvania, thence to Kentucky, and became one of the early- 
settlers of Bourbon County. In 1810, with his family, he settled near South 
Charleston, and was one of the pioneers of that township, where he died at 
the advanced age of eighty-eight years. James Pringle, the father of our sub- 
ject, was the eldest of three brothers. Robert and William, the two younger, 
served in the war of 1812; the latter married in Kentucky, where he lived 
several years, but finally died near Crbana, Ohio. Robert married and settled 
near South Charleston, but about 1828 removed to Indiana, and from there to 
Washington County. Iowa, being one of the pioneer settlers of that county. 
About 1850, he started to visit his brother James, in Ohio, and while journey- 
ing down the river on a boat, was taken sick and died with what was supposed 
to be cholera. James, the father of our subject, married Sarah Vance, of Ken- 
tucky, and about 1810 removed to Ohio, and settled near South Charleston, 
they being among the pioneers of that section. There Mr. Pringle resided till 
his death. During the few last, years of his life, he resided in South Charles- 
ton, having retired from the farm and all active labor. He died August 18, 
1867, in his eighty-fifth year. His wife died April 21, 1876, in her eighty 
eighth year. They had six children, of whom four grew to maturity — Thomas, 
David V.. William I), and James. Thomas married Cynthia Herrod. and set- 
tled in Champaign County, Ohio, where he was a practicing physician for 
twenty-five years ; thence he came back to Clark County and resided at South 
Charleston till the death of his wife, after which he lived with his father till 
his death, September 17, IS;")!*, aged fifty years. David V. married Margaret 
Davidson and settled near his father, and resided in the same neighborhood till 
his death. At the age of twelve years, long before there was any church 
edifice in the place, he was awakened by Spiritual grace at a prayer-meeting 
in a private house, and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which he continued for thirty six years. In 1859, to. gratify the wishes of 
his parents, who were members of the Presbyterian Church, with his wife, 



1100 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

transferred their connection to that church. In March,- 18(50, he was chosen 
and ordained an Elder, and served acceptably as such till 1875, when, by his 
own request, from the infirmities of advancing years, he was excused from 
serving longer. He died March 10, 1882, aged seventy -one years. James, the 
youngest son, married Susan Bales, and also settled near his father. He became 
an extensive farmer and stock-dealer, and a leading business man of that com- 
munity ; he was a stockholder and one of the organizers of the National Bank 
of South Charleston, and also an active member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He died April 12, 1881, aged sixty-six years. Mr. James Pringle, the father 
of the sons above mentioned, set for them the noble example of early Christian 
work. In 1822, he was one of the constituent members and organizers of the 
Presbyterian Church of South Charleston, in which he was a Ruling Elder for 
forty years. Although he possessed the entire confidence of his community. 
and held from time to time many of his neighborhood and township offices, 
yet he never sought office. In his death, the church and the community lost 
one of their most useful members and a bright and shining light. The subject 
of this sketch grew to manhood in Clark County, and on November 5, 1835, 
was married to Catharine Bales, who was born in Frederick County. Va., April 
2, 1813 ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Jane Bales, he a native of Penn- 
sylvania and she of Virginia. They were married in Virginia, where they set- 
tled and lived till the fall of 1832, when they emigrated to Ohio and settled in 
Madison County, where they lived till the death of his wife, in February, 1842. 
Subsequently he removed to South Charleston, where he died in March, 1861. 
aged eighty-four years. Mr. Bales was a very reserved and unpretentious man, 
devoting his life to farming, and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church many years. The}' had five sons and five daughters, of whom seven 
grew to maturity, and four now survive — Mary, wife of Thomas Chappell. 
residing in Illinois ; Moses; Catharine, and Susan Ann, now Widow Pringle. 
Mr. Pringle and wife have had seven children, of whom five now survive — 
James A., born November 24, 1836 ; Thomas J., born March 18, 1838 ; Susan 
A., born August 18, 1841 ; Mary E. Q., born August 18, 1843, and Charles W.. 
born September 6, 1850. The second son, Thomas J., is now a practicing law- 
yer in Springfield, Ohio. Mary E. Q., in 1867, married James C. Lyons, by 
whom she had three children, two now surviving — Anna C. and Leila M. Mr. 
Lyons died November 2, 1876, aged thirty-four years. Since his death, Mrs 
Lyons, with her children, has lived with her parents. Charles W., the youngest 
son. who is unmarried, resides at home and is engaged in fanning and slock 
raising, and in buying and shipping grain at Lilly Chapel, under the linn name 
of Pringle & Bro. Mr. William I). Pringle, after his marriage, resided in 
Clark County, near South Charleston, till the spring of ISIS, when he pur- 
chased and located upon the place where he now lives and has since resided. 
with the exception of two years, from 1865 to 1867, during which he lived near 
West Jefferson. His fust purchase was 300 acres, since which he has added, 
by purchase, till he owned 850 acres of excellent land, from which he has 
apportioned a large amount to his children. On the home place he has erected 
fine. Large buildings, and made other improvements, lie is now one of the 
oldest living early settlers of this township, and has been one of the Leading 
active men in all matters of public interest and improvement throughout his 
community; he ha- held the various offices of his township, and commands 
the esteem and respeel of his large circle of friends and acquaintances. He 
and wife arc members of tin' Presbyterian Church, to which they have belonged 
fort v-livc years. 

JAMES ALFRED PRINGLE, grain merchant and fanner. P. (). Big 
Plain, was bom near South Charleston, Clark County. Ohio. November 2 1. 1836; 
his ancestral history is <j,iven in the sketch of his father, William D. Pringle 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1101 

Mr. Pringle was raised in Madison County, being about twelve years of age 
when his father's family moved from Clark to Madison Count}'. On February 
7, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Fitzgerald, whose ancestral 
history is given in the sketch of her father, Judge Edward Fitzgerald. By 
this union they have four children — Elta C, born .January 18, 1862; William 
Edward, born April 28, 1867; Lydia Mary, born February 17, 1872, and Anna 
Laura, born September 15, 1874. Mr. Pringle. after marriage, located on the 
place where he now lives and has since resided. For several years he gave his 
attention to raising and dealing in stock, carrying on an extensive and profit- 
able business. During the last live years he has given more attention to farm 
ing and the raising of grain. In the fall of 1877, in company with his brother 
Charles, he entered upon the business of buying and shipping grain at Lilly 
Chapel, buying property there and erecting machinery for shelling corn, elevat- 
ing grain, etc., since which they have done a large business, which forms a 
leading enterprise of this community. Mr. Pringle is one of the live, active 
business men of this community. He has a fine farm of 250 acres, well im- 
proved, besides some town property in Columbus and Westerville. In the 
summer of 1881, he erected his present fine brick house, which is one of the 
best in the township. 

VALENTINE RECOB, farmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, is a native of Madison 
Count}', where he was born July 25, 1844; he is a son of Valentine and, Lydia 
Recob. The former was born in Ross Count}', Ohio, June 15, 1806, and was a 
son of Daniel and Catharine Recob, natives of Pennsylvania, who became early 
settlers of Ross County, Ohio, and thence removed to Clinton County, where 
Mrs. Recob died, after which he removed to Madison County, where he died. 
Valentine, the father of our subject, was raised to manhood in Ross County, 
and on April 1. 1829, married Lydia Toops, who was born in Ross County 
November 3, 1808, and was a daughter of Henry and Sarah Toops, natives of 
Pennsylvania, by which union they had eight children, four now surviving — 
William H.. Valentine, Margaret (wife of Joseph Gardner) ,and Ellen (wife of 
Hamilton Badgley). Mr. Recob settled in Ross County; in 1840, he removed to 
Madison County and located on the Dun farm in Range Township. In 1846, 
he purchased the Melvin farm in Fairfield Township, where he lived till his 
death, December 15, 1877. He was a very industrious, hard-working man, of 
undoubted honor and integrity. He started out in life a poor man, and by his 
own industry and good management became possessed of a comfortable com- 
petency, including 480 acres of land with good improvements. During the last 
twelve years of his life, he was an earnest worker in the Methodist Church, and 
died esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 
His wife still survives and resides on the home farm with her son-in-law, Ham- 
ilton Badgley, who was born in (Jrcene County, Ohio, April 11, 1848, and was 
a son of Moses and Elizabeth Badgley, lie a native of Preble County, Ohio, 
and she of Maryland. Moses was a son of Benjamin Badgley, a soldier in the 
war of 1812, under Gen. Hull, and one among the number surrendered to the 
British; he died in Preble County. Moses, who followed boating on the river 
for several years, finally married and settled in Greene Count}-, and resided near 
Cedarville about nineteen years. His wife died in June, 1864. A.bout'1867, 
he removed to near South Charleston, and there and near London spent the 
balance of his life; he died in August, 1879. He was the father of nine chil- 
dren, six now surviving -Henrietta, wife of Harvey Q. Downey. Hamilton, 
Harvey. (Danville. Simeon and Alfred (twins). Mr. Hamilton Badgley was 
married to Ellen Recob October 19, 1876; they have one child — Warner, born 
March 8, 1878. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Recob, the subject of this sketch, was married. December 25. L 866, to Miss 
Alice McClellan, who was bom in Ross County July 25. 1847. and was a 



1102 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

daughter of William and Rachel McClellan, he a native of Pennsjdvania, and 
she of Ohio. He came to Ohio in 1843, married here, and had one child — 
Alice. Mr. McClellan was twice married; by his first marriage he had one 
child, who, with its mother, died in Pennsylvania. Mrs. McClellan, the second 
wife, was also twice married; by her first husband, Samuel Cooper, she had two 
children — Emma (wife of John Horn), and Marv Ann (wife of James Pierce). 
Mr. McClellan died in October, 1867. Mr. Recob and wife have two children 
—Ella May. born September 26. 1868; Nora Etta, born July 9, 1876. Mr. 
Recob first located where his mother and Mr. Badgley now live, and in March, 
1879, they removed to their present location. He has 166 acres of land, with 
good buildings and improvements. He is a member of Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, 
I. 0. 0. F., at Lilly Chapel, to which he has belonged since its institution. 

WILLIAM H. RECOB, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in Ross 
County, Ohio, September 7, 1831, and is a son of Valentine and Lydia Recob, 
whose history is given in the sketch of Valentine Recob. Our subject was 
about nine years of age when his father with his family removed to Madison 
County, and here he grew to manhood, and was married, September 25, 1862, 
to Anna Sothoron, who was born in this county October 21, 1840; she was a 
daughter of Henry G. and Ann Sothoron, natives of Maryland. The grand- 
father, Sothoron, was of Scotch descent, and lived and died in the State of 
Maryland. The maternal grandfather, Henry Clark, came from Maryland to 
Ohio and was an earl}' settler of Madison County, where he lived till his death. 
Henr}- G., who was born and raised in Maryland, married in that State, and 
about 1836 removed to Ohio and settled in Guernsey County. They after- 
ward removed to Madison County, and resided at Somerford and La Fayette, 
and in 1844 became residents of London, where they remained till their death, 
he February 6, 1858, and she January 14, 1882. They had seven children, of 
whom two died in Maryland, and five now survive — Margaret A., wife of J. M. 
Winchester; Mary E., wife of L. P. Wildman; John C; Minerva, wife of Philip 
Sidner; and Anna, wife of William C. Recob, our subject. Mr. Sothoron was 
a plasterer by trade, which business he followed through life. He was an in- 
dustrious man, of firm principles, good morals and temperate habits, and was 
an active member of the society of Good Templars. Mr. Recob and wife have 
six children — Lydia, born March 28, 1864; John S., born October 25, 1865; 
Harriet, born February 27, 1868: Stephen D., born July 31, 1870; Maud, born 
February 20, 1873, and Harry, born February 1, 1881. Mr. Recob first settled 
on the old home place, where Mr. Badgley and Mrs. Lydia Recob now reside. 
In 1870, he removed to where he now lives. In 1868, he erected his present 
large frame house. He owns 190 acres of good land, and with the improve- 
ments he has made, has a pleasant home and farmer's residence. He has made 
farming his business through life, and is one of the leading and respected 
farmers of Fairfield Township. He is a member of Lilly Chapel Grange, No. 
583. to which he has belonged since its institution. John C. Recob, a cousin 
of our subject, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 13. 1829, and is a 
son of Jacob and Sarah Recob. of Ross County. He grew to manhood in Clin- 
ton County, Ohio, and about 1856 became a resident of Madison County. He 
has lived with our subject on his farm for twenty-five years, having never mar- 
ried. 

FREDERICK RECOB, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in Clinton 
County, Ohio, December 1.'!. lSl'.t, and was a son of Daniel and Barbara Recob, 
he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Ross County, Ohio. The grandpar- 
ents are given in the sketch of Valentine Recob. Daniel was a lad of nine 
years when his parents settled in Ross County, and there he grew to manhood 
and married Barbara Toops. They then located in Clinton County, where they 
lived four or five yeais, and then returned to Ross County and resided till his 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1103 

death, September 29, 1857, aged sixty -one years. His wife survived him till 
in November, 1874, when she died at Williamsport, Pickaway County, Ohio, 
aged seventy-three years. They had ten children, six now surviving — Mary 
Ann, wife of Henry Roberson, living in Highland County; Frederick; John; 
George; Effie Ann, wife of Peter Snider, residing in Kansas; and Eliza, wife 
of Clinton Lee. Mr. Recob, the subject of this sketch, was raised in Ross 
County. On April 16, 1848, he married Susanna (irubb, who was born in Ross 
County April 26, 182G; she was a daughter of Daniel and Barbara Grubb. 
natives of Pennsylvania, who became early settlers of Ross County, Ohio, 
where they lived and died. They had sixteen children, eight now living — Jacob; 
Margaret, now Widow Strouse; Joseph; Elizabeth, wife of .Michael Lallier; 
Christina, wife of J, Recob; Susanna; George; and Lucinda, wife of William 
Rube. Mr. Recob and wife have had ten children, nine now surviving — James 
M., born February 2, 1849, resides in Kansas; Josephus. Sep! ember 3. 1850; 
Thomas. J., October 16, 1851; Lucinda E., February 23, 1853, wife of Calvin 
Durflinger; Eliza. I., March 10, 1855; Hester Ann, January 13, 1857, wife of Ros- 
well Hume; Cornelius, September 28, 1858; Jamison. April 30. 1860; John B. 
February 9, 1863; and Mary E., born July 17, 1867. In the fall of 1853, Mr 
Recob removed to Madison County and settled on the place where he now 
lives and has since resided — a period of twenty-nine years. This farm he pur- 
chased of Amos Morris; it then consisted of 405 acres, from which he soon 
after sold a portion, reserving 196 acres which he still owns. Mr. Recob 
started out in life a poor man, and when he purchased his farm he went in 
debt for it; but by his own industry and labor and that of his family, his fine 
farm and pleasant home is now his own, and he owes no man. He and wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they have belonged 
many vears. 

JOHN C. STRAIN, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, was born in Highland County. 
Ohio, January 18, 1812, and is a son of John and Jane Strain, natives of South 
Carolina, who removed to Ohio and settled in Highland County about 1810, 
being among the early settlers of that county, where they remained till their 
death. Mr. Strain was a cooper by trade in his younger years, but after his 
arrival in Ohio he gave his principal attention to farming. He was a worthy 
member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and died esteemed and 
respected by all who knew him. He was the father of four children, of whom 
two died unmarried. Thomas married and subsequently removed to Iowa, 
where he died in the spring of 1881, aged about seventy-live years ; and John 
C, the subject of this sketch, being now the only surviving one of his father'-. 
family; he grew to manhood in Highland County, and on December 26, 1833, 
was married to Delilah Powers, a native of Ohio, born September 11, 1814. 
By her he has had ten children, four now surviving— Mardella. born April 21, 
1812; William, born Augusl 2."). 1847 ; Nancy G., born August 31, 1850, wife 
of W. Scott Roberson; and Isaac, born January 28, 1856. .Mr. Strain, after 
their marriage, raised one crop ot grain in Highland County, and in the fall of 
1834. removed to Madison County, where he has since resided, a period of 
nearly half a century, lie first located on and opened out the farm where 
Henry Luse now lives, which is now owned by Charles Warner. In 1869, 
having sold the above farm, he bought and located where he now lives, and has 
since resided. He is now one among the oldest residents of Fairfield Township 
and has been one of her most prominent and useful citizens. About 184 L he 
was elected a Justice of the Peace, which office he idled to the satisfaction of 
the people for twenty-one consecutive years, when he refused all solicitations 
to again accept the office. In 1869, he was elected Treasurer of Fairfield 
Township, to which office he has ever since been re-elected, a period of thirteen 
vears. He was Postmaster in California from 1869 to L874. 



1104 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH I.- 

ROBERT THOMAS, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, a native of Madison County, 
was born March 2, 1822, and is a son of Elijah and Margaret Thomas, natives 
of Virginia. The grandparents, Robert and Mary Thomas, were natives of 
Virginia, his ancestors being from Wales and hers from England. They emi- 
grated from Virginia to Ohio and settled on the Scioto, in Franklin County, 
about 1810. They had, however, made a short stop in Muskingum County, 
prior to settling in Franklin County. At that time there was no town where 
the city of Columbus now is, and Mr. Thomas hunted through the woods on 
the very ground where the city now stands. About 1815, he, with his family, 
removed to Madison County, and settled on a tract of land just east of Cali- 
fornia, in fact, the east part of the town is built on his land, and here he 
remained till his death. August 9, 1831, aged sixtj'-five years. His wife died 
August 28, 1814, aged seventy-two years. They were truly pioneers of Ohio, 
experiencing all that was wild and rough in this then vast wilderness. Of 
their children, Elijah, the father of our subject, was but a youth when they 
came to Ohio, and at the time of the war of 1812, he was about sixteen years 
of age and desired to enlist in the war as a soldier, but being so young was 
prevented from doing so by his friends. He grew to manhood, and married 
Margaret Godfrey, and about 1824 they removed to Kentucky to take care of 
lhs> wife's mother, who resided there, and who was old and feeble. After her 
death, they returned to this county, where they resided till their death, he, Juh/ 
4, 1860, aged sixty-five j'ears, and she in August, 1857, aged sixt}'-three years. 
Tiny had seven children, of whom six grew to maturity, and four now survive — 
Robert; Eleanor F., wife of Charles B. Johnson ; Margaret, now Widow Rea, 
residing in Nebraska, and Charles C. The subject of this sketch is now one 
of the oldest settlers who was born and raised in this county. He was married, 
January 1, 1854, to Lacy Ann Bell, born in this county January 7, 1839, and 
a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Bell, he a native ot England and she of Ross 
County, Ohio. They were quite early settlers of Madison Count}-, where his 
wife died September 23, 1842. They had ten children, of whom seven grew to 
maturity, four now survive — Sarah Ann (wife of Thomas Douglas). John (both 
reside in Iowa), Elizabeth and Lacy Ann. Subsequently Mr. Bell married for 
his second wife Susan Montgomeiy, by whom he had four children, three now 
surviving — Celinda C. (wife of John Martin), Andrew S. and Eva (wife of Caleb 
Lucas). Mr. Bell died February 3, 1875, aged eighty years. Mr. Thomas and 
wife have; had eleven children, eight now surviving — Charles Nelson, born 
December 29, 1859 ; John W., May 1, 1862 ; Rebecca Ellen, October 9, 1864 ; 
William. July 6, 1867 ; James Elmer, April 3, 1870 ; Eva C, May 6, 1872 ; 
Cyrus .Milton. November 2, 1878; and Alice G., born August 23, 1880. Mr. 
Thomas has made farming his occupation through life, and from his birth he 
has resided in sight of where he now lives, a period of threescore years. 
Although in his youthful days, from the meager advantages then existing, he 
obtained but little schooling, yet his life has been filled with usefulness, he 
having been an energetic, active member of the community, aiding in the gen- 
eral public improvements. He was one of the men who laid out the town of 
California, and has given freely of his means and influence in supporting 
schools, and in building and supporting the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
California, of which lie and wife have been members for a score of years. 

SAMUEL TRUITT, farmer, I'. (). billy Chapel, was born in Madison 
County, Ohio, March 8, 1838, and is a son of James D. and Anna Truitt, he 
a native of Maryland and she of Warren County. Ohio. The grandparents 
were George and Martha Truitt, natives of Maryland, when' he died about 
1804. About 1811, his widow with her family removed to Ohio, and settled in 
Madison County, on land now owned by Augustus Bonner. Here she was one 
among the early settlers. She died at South Charleston about 1850. James 



FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1105 

D., the father of our subject, was about eleven years of age when brought to 
this county by his mother, and here he grew to manhood and married Anna 
Thomas, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Thomas. He settled on the old home 
place of his mother, where he lived till about 1836, when he sold that farm and 
purchased in the north part of Fairfield Township, where he resided till the 
spring of 1873, when he removed to London, where lie died October 15, 1875. 
His wile died in February, 1862. They had twelve children, nine now surviv- 
ing — Mary, wife of James Hume; Martha, wife of William Anderson; Mar- 
garet, wife of David Rupert; George W.; Samuel; Joshua; Prudence, wife <>f 
John Baber; Ellen Amanda, wife of Rudolph Durflinger; and Thomas T. Mr. 
Truitt was raised in the days when schools were scarce, poor and far between; 
hence he obtained but little education, and that he received by going three 
miles to the nearest school. He made farming his occupation through life; 
was an industrious, hard-working man, and a devoted member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church for more than half a century. The subject of our 
sketch, the fifth child of his lather, was brought up to farm labor, and on Feb- 
ruary 4, 1862, married Matilda II. Byers, who was born in this county, and 
whose ancestors are given in the sketch of Joel M. Byers. By this union Mr. 
Truitt has had seven children, six of whom now survive — Alma E., born Sep- 
tember 11. 1864; John B. and James T. (twins), born September 8, 1866; Rosa 
A., born September 7, 1868; Flora J., born January 23, 1872; and Charles K., 
born February 24, 1876. Mr. Truitt has devoted his life to farming within 
Fairfield Township. He has resided on the place where he now lives since 
December, 1871. He now owns over 300 acres of good land, and has a pleas- 
ant home, and is one of the reliable farmers of Fairfield Township. He is a 
member of the Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, I. 0. 0. F., at Lilly Chapel. 

CHARLES R. WARNER, fanner. P. (). Big Plain, was bom in Madison 
County January 8, 1820; and is a son of Joseph and Sarah Warner; he is a 
native of Virginia, and she of Kentucky. The grandparents, Joseph and Ruth 
Warner, emigrated from Virginia to Ohio with their family about 1804, and 
settled in Madison County; subsequently they removed to near Cincinnati, 
where his wife died, aged ninety years. Thence he returned to Madison Coun- 
ty and lived several years with his son Joseph, and while on a visit to one of 
his daughters in Indiana, he was taken sick and died at the remarkable age of 
one hundred and four years. He had been a man of powerful constitution, and 
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. While a resident of Madison 
County, and at the advanced age of one hundred years, he rode on horseback 
to Washington, D. C, and back again, to see about obtaining a pension. This 
was a remarkable feat for one of his age, such as was perhaps never known in 
history before or since. And again, after his return from Washington, and 
when one hundred and three years of age, he rode the same horse to Indiana to 
see his daughter, and while there died as above stated. Joseph, the father of 
our subject, was a voung single man when he came to Madison County. He 
received but little education in his native State, and after his arrival here he 
contracted to build a schoolhouse, for which he was to receive a year's school- 
ing. After this he continued working at his trade — that of a carpenter. He 
elected the first house in London, and then built and lived in the second house 
in the town. This was when lumber and nails were unattainable, and theee 
were hewed-log houses, with puncheon floor and slab doors. He continued to 
follow his trade through life, combining with it more or less of farming. About 
1813, he married Miss Sarah Atchison, by whom he had eight children who 
grew to maturity, and five now survive — John A., Eli C, Charles R., Rebec- 
ca A., and Rachel C, wife of James Scarf. Mr. Warner was a man of weakly 
constitution, but of good morals and temperate habits, and lived to quite an ad- 
vanced age. He and wife were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal 



1106 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Church to which he belonged forty-five years. Ho died A.ugust .'hi, 1866, 
in his eighty -first year; his wife died in April, 1850, aged fifty-four years. 
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the homo farm, and 
has spent his entire life in this county. Wc was married, December 
3, 1846, to Isabel Jane Chenoweth, whose ancestors are given in the 
sketch of Elijah Chenoweth. By this union they have had twelve chil- 
dren, eleven now surviving Sarah Jane, born October IT. 1847, wife of 
Henry Luse; Prances M. born May 4, 1849; Thomas S., born Juno 1. 
1851; John S., born October 21, L853; Joseph 11.. born May 20, 1855; Milton 
C, born Juno 4. 1857; Charles S.. bom March 21, 1859; Belle M.. born Apni 
_7. 1861; Minnie A., born July 21, 1863; William Grant, born May 19, 1865; 
and Olin E., born February 8, 1868. En the fall of 1847, Mr. Warner settled 
on the place where ho now lives, ami has since resided —a period of thirty-five 
years. Ho owns b'n acres of land, consisting of two good farms, and is one of 
the substantia] and reliable farmers of Fairfield Township. He and his wife 
are worthy and life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ho hav- 
ing joined the church in 1837, ami she in 1840. \lc has held the offices of 
Steward, Trustee and Class Leader for over a quarter of a century. 

BENJAMIN F. WELCH, M. lb. Big Plains, was born in Kentucky No- 
vember 7. 1835. His father, Thomas Bennett Welch, was born in Virginia, 
and at an early age emigrated to Kentucky, where ho married Druzilla Drum- 
mond, a native of that State, by whom ho had but one child — the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Welch remained in Kentucky some years after his marriage, and 
then moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, where ho engaged in merchandising. Ho 
afterward wont South to some relatives in Tennessee, and since the rebellion 
nothing has boon hoard of him. Our subject's grandfather, with his wife, who 
was a >i~-tor of Gov. Worthington, moved from Virginia to Chillicothe, where 
they both diod. Dr. Welch, when ton or twelve years of age, wont to Cincin- 
nati, where ho was raised by his uncle, Prof. A. 11. Baker, of the Cincinnati 
School of Medicine. \\^ road medicine under Mr. Baker and attended a full 
course of lectures at the school, graduating in 1854. \\v then Located at Wesl 
Jefferson, where he remained two or three years, after which he located at Cal- 
ifornia (Big Plain P. 0.), in this county, where ho is now enjoying an extensive 
and lucrative practice (>n October 7. 1871, he married Mrs. Isabella (Pelton) 
McClimons, a native of New Hampshire, and widow of Edward McClimons, 
deceased. By her he had one child— J. Leete, born August 8, 1872. Mrs 
Welch died June 2, 1875, and on December 14, 1877, the Doctor married 
Lottie McHenry, a native of Chillicothe, who still survives. Dr. Welch is 
a firm advocate of Democracy and of the principles of State Sovereignty. In 
1865, he received the nomination for Secretary of State on the State Bights 
ticket, but was defeated by the Republicans, who thou held all the reins of 
power. Wo is a prominent and active member of the Ohio State Medical Son 
ety, and also of the Madison County Medical Society. 

FREDERICK 1. FOUNG, farmer. P. O. Big Plain, was born in Germany, 
September 10, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Martha Young, natives of Ger 
many, who still reside in their native country. Two of Jacob's brothers, Adam 
and Frederick, came to America in quite an early day. and settled near Mount 
Sterling, Madison Co.. Ohio, whore Frederick died soon after the war of the 
rebellion. Adam still resides there now. about seventy years of age, Jacob 
and Martha Young had four sons and tour daughters Frederick 1.. (our sub- 
ject). Adam. Jacob, Julius, Catharine, Laura, Martha and Mary, all of whom 
still remain in their native country. Frederick, the subject of this sketch, em- 
igrated to America, and to Madison County, Ohio. June 1. 1854, and here has 
sinee resided, a period of twenty-eight years. On December 19, 1859, he mar- 
ried Ahira Ann Young, born in this county A.ugust 28, 1842, and a daughter 



OMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1 107 

of Frederick and Luciada M Young; by this union they have had nine children, 
six now surviving Charles K.. born June 1. 1864; Willis J., born March 22, 
1867; Eliza L. born December 26, L869; Perry L., born January 7. 1873; John 
W.. horn August 22, 1875; and .Milton I', born Februar) 17 L880. Mr. Soung 
came to this county a poor man, but, with a strong physical constitution and 
energy and determination of character, he went to work with industry, married 
a frugal and an industrious wife, and about 1867 bought and located on the 
place where he now lives. This place he purchased of Nelson Timmoi 
which lie has added more land by purchase, t.ill he owns ! 18 acres of excellent 
land, and is now one of the reliable and well-to-do farmers of Fairfield Town 
ship. Be and wife are members of the United Brethren Church at Dennison 
Chapel, to which they have belonged twelve years. 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 

REV. ELI ADAMS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Worcester County, Md.. July L3, L785. He was brought by his widowed 
mother to the Western wilds, and settled in what now constitutes the State 

of Kentucky, when lie was but seven years of age. \1>t<' he remained until 
L808, when lie removed to Xenia, Ohio. In ]810, ho was united in mar 
riage to Elizabeth Hecks, with whom lie lived long and happily In 1SI 1, 
(hey both experienced religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and continued faithful members of the same until death gave them 
their discharge and reward. Mr. Adams was Licensed to preach about fifty 
years ago: four years after, was ordained Deacon, and, four years from that, 
Elder. In his private and public relations to the church, he was always faith- 
ful, earnest and devoted. Ho preached a great deal, and was always re 
spected as a very industrious and earnest minister ot the Word, and only 
failed to work for the Master when old age and increasing infirmities ren- 
dered it impossible. As a citizen, he stood without reproach or suspicion, 
strictly upright in all business relations, and much esteemed by his neigh- 
bors. His religious life was more distinctly marked by a holy, sweet exam 
pie than by words or outward professions. He lived well, and around his 
life there gathered a quiet, spiritual power. Thus was the church blessed 
through fifty years with this pine and devoted life. Many will rise up in 
heaven and call him blessed His form and words are gone, but his spirit 
is indelibly impressed upon our souls. His patience, love and wisdom are 
more sacred now than when he moved among us. His last sicknoss was at- 
tended with much suffering; yet endured with Christian patience and resig- 
nation. Be peacefully I'll asleep in Jesus at the house of his son, Eli, in 
Madison County, Ohio, May I'.). 1S70, at the advanced age of eighty four 
years ten month- ;n id four lays Eis son, Eli H. Adam-, who gave me 
the above facts, was ben \pril 10. 1S17, and is an extensive farmer and 
stock-raiser of Somerford Township, Madison County. 

WILLIAM ALLEN, deceased, was born in Kentucky March 6, L818, 
and was a son of Eliza and Nancy 'Young) Allen native-; of Virginia. At 
the age of twenty-one years, he engaged in farming for himself as a renter, 
and thus continued for five years, when lie bought forty-three acres of land in 
Madison County, which ho sold and located on 300 acres his wife inherited 
from her father's estate. The widow has now 115 acres of the 300 left, to- 

vv 



1108 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

gether with property in Somerford. Mr. Allen acquired a common school 
education, and was Township Trustee of Somerford Township for a number 
of years. He was married, December 24, 1840, to Lucinda Wilson, who was 
born January 7, 1820, iu Madison County, Ohio. This union was blest with 
one child, now deceased. Mi". Allen died January 5, 1882. 

WILLIAM ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was bom in Mad- 
ison County, Ohio, May 28, 1815, and is a son of John and Elizabeth 
(Bishop) Arbuckle, who were both natives of Virginia. John was married 
twice." His first wife was Nancy Sturgeon. William, at twenty-three years 
of age, engaged in working by the month. Thus he continued for one sum- 
mer, when he inherited 101 acres of land from his father, it being the farm 
he now occupies. He acquired a very limited education, and was united in 
marriage with Frances E. Taylor, February 10, 1842. In 1878, she died, 
leaving him to mourn her loss, ana he has remained a widower, living outhe 
farm with his children ever since. He is the father of six children, of whom 
three survive, viz. , John H., Frances Rosaltha and Elmer. Mr. Arbuckle was 
elected School Director by his neighbors. 

CHARLES ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Madi- 
son County, Ohio, February 1, 1821, and is a son of John and Elizabeth 
(Bishop) Arbuckle, who are mentioned in the sketch of J. L. Arbuckle. 
Charles Arbuckle, at twenty-one years of age, engaged as a farm hand to 
work on a farm by the month, and thus continued for five months, when he 
inherited 170 acres from his father, and commenced farming on that. He 
acquired a common school education, and was united in marriage with E. 
J. Richmond February 27, 1845. She was a native of Ohio, born in 1829. 
To this union have been born four children, of whom three survive, viz. : 
Adelia Ann, Louisa Jane and Laura Frances. Mrs. Arbuckle died June 21, 
1855. 

J. L. ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born on the farm 
where he now resides, in Somerford Township, Madison County, Ohio, 
December 14, 1828, and is a son of John Arbuckle, who was born in Vir- 
ginia October 2, 1771. He was united in marriage with Nancy Sturgeon, 
October 3, 1799, emigrated to Ohio, October 27, 1805, and settled in Madi- 
son County, where he remained until his death, which occurred September 
30, 1845. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Bishop, his second 
wife, February 2, 1813, and she died April 8, 1865. J. L. Arbuckle en- 
gaged in farming, when he was seventeen years of age, on 170 acres of 
land, which he had inherited from his father. He acquired a good common 
school education, and has filled the office of Township Trustee of Somer- 
ford Township for two years. He has voted the Republican ticket ever 
since the Republican party existed. He was united in marriage with Caro- 
line Hoxiston, November 23, 1852. This union was blessed with four chil- 
dren, viz. : Violie, Walter, Lizzie M. and Flora. Mrs. Arbuckle died March 
19, 1866. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Arbuckle has 
an excellent reputation as a man of correct business habits. 

DAVID BALES, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Clark County, 
Ohio, September, 1836, and is a son of Moses and Catharine (Graves) Bales, 
who were both natives of Virginia. They emigrated to Ohio in 1833, and 
were married in Clark County, Ohio, in 1834. He was a farmer and en- 
gaged in farming. In 1837, they moved onto the farm now occupied by 
our subject. Mr. Bales was married three times. He was first united with 
Mary Fish, after her death with Rebecca Stanford, and when she had passed 
away from earth, he married our subject's mother, who yet survives him, 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1109 

now eighty-one years of age. He died September 1, 1849. David was 
thirteen years of age when his father died, and he engaged immediately in 
helping to manage the farm. When sixteen years old, he went West, and 
remained there two years, then returned to the old home farm in Madison 
County, where he has resided ever since. He was united in marriage Sep- 
tember 6, 1857, with Jennie Mitchell, a native of Madison County, who 
was born January 6, 1840. In 1862, he bought an interest in the home 
farm from one of the heirs, and has since that time purchased until he now 
has 281 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation. He and wife are the 
parents of four children — Newman F. , Ida E., Charles W. and Flora M. 
Mr. Bales is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian 
Church. 

DAVID BROWN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in Somer- 
ford Township, Madison Co., Ohio, April 8, 1838, and is a son of James 
and Mary Ann Brown. The former was born in New York June 21, 1795, 
and the latter in Virginia in 1803. James emigrated from New York to 
Canada when a small boy, and from Canada to Ohio, whei'e he settled in 
Somerford Township, Madison County Mr. and Mrs. Brown were united 
in marriage in Madison County, where he died March 13, 1875. Our sub- 
ject engaged in farming for himself as a renter, when he was twentv-four 
years of age, and thus continued for three years, when he bought ninety 
acres of land, which he afterward sold, and in March, 187(5, bought 
the old home farm, where he resides, consisting of 206 acres of 
land, in a high state of cultivation. He has held the office of Town- 
ship Treasurer of Somerford Township, has been Township Trustee 
nine years, and is at the present time Justice of the Peace. He has been 
married twice; the first wife that blessed his home was Isabella Patrick, to 
whom he was married April 29, 1857, and by her he had two children, of 
whom one survives — William Edgar. His first wife died April 21, 1861, 
and he remained a widower until June 15, 1864, when he was united in 
marriage with Sarah E. Taylor, by whom he has had eight children, seven 
surviving, viz.: Frank Irwin, Clara, Ida Belle, Charles D., John F., Eva G. 
and Nellie. 

A. J. CLINGAN, tailor, Somerford, was born in Maryland August 21, 
1820; emigrated to Ohio in 1839, and, locating in Somerford, has been a 
resident of this vicinity ever since. He learned the tailor's trade in Mary- 
land, and has since engaged in business for himself: being a practical tailor 
of long experience, he has secm'ed for himself a large patronage. All the 
township offices have been intrusted to him, and he is now filling the office 
of Justice of the Peace of Somerford Township, an office he has held for a 
number of years. He was married, February 17, 1842, to Elizabeth Ann 
Clark, a native of Frederick- County, Md., who was born January 24, 1824, 
and to whom have been born seven children, six now living, viz. : Alonzo P., 
Laura V., Mary J., William L., James H. and Fannie H. Mr. Clingan is 
a member of the Sons of Temperance aed his wife is a member of the 
Christian Church. 

L. H. CREAMER, farmer, P. O. Tradersville, was born February 18, 
1840, in Fayette County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Ben- 
son) Creamer, who were both natives of Fayette County. Jacob was born 
in 1809, and Elizabeth in 1813. Our subject was united in marriage No- 
vember 25, 1856, to Miss Electa Mitchell, a daughter of Newman Mitchell, 
whose sketch appears in this work. Our subject acquired a common school 
education, and was elected County Surveyor of Madison County in 1876. 



1110 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He is a member of the Masonic order, and has been for sixteen years. He 
is now engaged in farming on a tract of 200 acres of well-improved land, 
where he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Creamer are the parents of two children, 
viz., Iva Iona, born June 17, 1873, and Royalton, born December 1, 1878. 
Mr. Creamer is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the 
community in which he lives. 

W. M. EVANS, hotel-keeper, Somerf ord, was born in Clark County, Ohio, 
February 27. 1832, and is a son of John and Sidney Evans, natives of Vir- 
ginia; the former born February 7, 1806, aad the latter April 21, 1809. They 
were married in Clark County, Ohio. Mr. Evans emigrated with his par- 
ents when twelve years of age to Clark County, where he remained until 
1848, when he moved to Champaign County, where he remained till 
his death, which occurred May 11, 1881. Our subject began business for 
himself when he was twenty -three years of age, by engaging in farming as 
a renter, and thus he continued five years, when he went to La Fayette, and 
commenced hotel life; he also farmed and traded in stock until 1867, when 
he moved to Somerf ord, and took charge of the hotel, a business he has fol 
lowed ever since. He was united in marriage with Anna Helmer February 
6, 1855. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 21, 1832. To 
this union have been born three children — Alice, John A. and Emma. Mrs. 
Evans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

MATTHEW J. FANVER, grocer, Somerford, was born in Montgomery 
County, Ohio, August 24, 1834, and is a son of John and Ann (Johnson) Fanvftr. 
John was born in New Jersey July 7, 1793, and Ann June 15, 1797. They 
were married in New Jersey in 1816, and emigrated to Dayton, Montgomery 
Co., Ohio, May 16, 1828, where they remained until their death, he, March, 
1877, and she March, 1879. They were the parents of nine children, of 
whom six are living. Our subject is the fifth son and eighth child of the 
family, and when he was eighteen years of age he began clerking in a 
store, and thus continued for eight years. He next engaged in farming, a 
business he followed for fifteen years. Becoming tired of farming, he 
moved to Somerford, bought property, and engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, which he has followed ever since. He acquired a common school ed- 
ucation, and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge for eight years. 
He is at this time Township Trustee of Somerford Township. He was 
united in marriage with Maria J. Prugh May 27, 1858. She was born in 
Madison County, Ohio, February 17, 1842, and is a daughter of G. W. 
Prugh, whose sketch appears in this work. To this union have been born 
three children, viz., Anna L., born January 1, 1861; Harry F., born October 
30, 1864; and Augusta L., born July 27, 1875. Politically, Mr. Fanver is 
a Democrat; for more than fifteen years he and his wife have been members 
of the Christian Church. 

I. N. GARDNER, farmer and stock- raiser, P. O. Somerford, was born 
in Champaign County, Ohio, October 7, 1841, and is a son of David H. and 
Fannie F. (Harris) Gardner. David was a native of Maryland, and Fan- 
nie of Washington County, Penn., and they were married in Ohio. 
He emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and settled whore he remained until 
his death, which occurred July 23, 1849. He was born in L803. His wife 
died March 4, 1851; she was born in 1805. Our subject, when fifteen years 
old, began working by the month on a farm, and thus continued for two 
years, when he commenced trading in stock, pilncipally horses, a business 
he has followed all his life. In 18(55, he bought L55 acres of land, and has 
since added to it until he now owns 355 acres of good land. He acquired 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1111 

a very limited education. He has been a member of the Masonic order for 
twenty years, and is also a member of the American Legion of Honor. He 
was united in marriage with Cynthia O'Day October 7. 1863. To this 
union have been born four children, viz., Jeriah S., born November 8, 1864; 
Fannie, born May L5, L870; Harvey, born June 4, 1807; and Baldwin G., 
born November 0, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church at London, Ohio. 

JAMES Q. GEER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Madison County, 
Ohio, September 12, 1837; be is a son of James and Rachel (Minchell) 
Geer, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ross County, Ohio. 
They were married in Madison County in 1823. and were the parents of 
eleven children, of whom nine survive, our subject being the fourth son and 
sixth child. His father died when ho was but seven years of age, and he 
was compelled to go to work to help support the family. His mother died 
in 1855. He was married, October 0. 1859, to Elizabeth Heffley, and soon 
after his marriage he bought seventy-eight acres of land in Somerford 
Township, to which he has since added twenty acres, making in all ninety- 
eight acres of good land. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. By his 
marriage he has had seven children, of whom six are living — Charles, 
Luther, Wilbert, Cora L., Guy and Rea. A very sad accident befel Mr. 
and Mrs. Geer July 6, 1870, when they met with the loss of little Minnie 
Estella, who fell in the well and was drowned before aid could reach her. 

MONMORTH P. GOODYEAR, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in 
Pennsylvania June 4, 1830, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Timmons) 
Goodyear, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married 
in 1826. Eliza was his second wife; his first wife's maiden name was Sear. 
They emigrated to Ohio, in 1834, and settled at Springfield, Clark County, 
where he died August 25, 1878. Elizabeth is still living at the old resi- 
dence in Clark County, Ohio. Monmorth, at twenty-one years of age, en- 
gaged to work by the month, and thus continued for three years, when he 
bought fifty acres of land in Somerford Township, but afterward traded it 
for 119 acres, where he now resides. He acquired a common school educa- 
tion, and was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth McCorkle, De- 
cember 16, 1856. To this union had been born fourteen children, of whom 
thirteen now survive, viz. : Naomi J., Charles A., Eliza A., George S., Mary, 
Lincoln, Thomas, Luther, Lawrence, Anborr, Emery, William B. and 
Ulysses G. Mr. Goodyear's son, Charles, is a young man of industry and 
energy, and is much respected in the community in which he lives. Mr. 
and Mrs. Goodyear are both members of the Christian Church, and are very 
pleasantly situated, surrounded with the comforts of life, as the result of 
their economy and industry. 

S. C. GUNDY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in "Washington 
County, Penn., October 0, 1841, and is a son of James \\ . and Mary Gundy, 
who were natives of Scotland. They were married in Scotland, and emigrat- 
ed to Pennsylvania, where they settled. James died in Pennsylvania in 
1848; Mary is still living. S. C. Gundy, at eleven years of age, went to 
work by the month, and thus continued until 1801, when ho began farming 
as a renter. Ho was united in marriage with Jennie Weaver, September 9, 
1864; she was a native of Pike Township, Madison County, where she was 
born November 20, 1842. After marriage they moved on their own land, 
and farmed and cultivated the soil. Ho is a member of the I. O. O. F. and 
the Masonic orders. They have no children of their own, but have an 
adopted daughter, Alice, who was born July 24, 1867. She has been with 



1112 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

them since she was two years old, and has been attending school at the con- 
vent, in Somerset, one year, and intends to finish her course of education 
there. 

JACOB HEFFLEY, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Greene County, 
Ohio, January 11, 1822, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Wilson) 
Heffley. Charles was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., where he was 
born in 1789. He died August, 1864. Elizabeth was a native of Ken- 
tucky, and died in 1855. They were married in Greene County, Ohio, in 
1814. Our subject, at the age of twenty-two years, engaged in chopping 
wood at 37^ cents per day, and thus continued working by the day and 
month until he was married. After his marriage, he began farming as a 
renter, and thus continued for four years, when he moved to Indiana, where 
he bought eighty acres of laDd, and remained there seven months, but be- 
coming dissatisfied he sold his land and moved back to Ohio. He began 
farming again as a renter, for the period of six years, when he bought 100 
acres of fine land, where he resides, to which he has since added until he 
now owns 212 acres of land in Clark and Madison Counties. The land is 
in a high state of cultivation, with splendid building improvements upon 
it. He acquired a common school education, in the common schools of 
Ohio, and was united in marriage with Mary Ann Goodyear, February 20, 
1845. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born August 10, 1827. To this 
union have been born two children, of whom one survives, viz. : Martha 
Ann. 

AMOS J. HOWARD, deceased, was born on Goose Island, in the Con- 
necticut River, Grafton County, N. H, and was the son of Amos and Miran 
(Mills) Howard, who were natives of New Hampshire. Mr. Howard was 
born April 9, 1775, and Mrs. Howard, March 18, 1774. They were united 
in marriage, March 22, 1796, and in the fall of 1808 he moved his family to 
Virginia, where he engaged in teaching school that winter, and in the spring 
he resumed his journey down the Ohio River in a flat-boat, to the site where 
he died. His family consisted of himself, his wife, two daughters and our 
subject. He remained in that locality until his death, which occurred 
January 15, 1843; his wife died March 26, 1860. Our subject was only six 
years old when he settled in Madison County, Ohio. When very young, he 
engaged in fanning and stock-raising, a business he followed until his death, 
which occurred April 16. 1882. He was married twice, his first wife being 
Rachel Kirkly, to whom he was married December 22, 1825, and by whom 
he has five children, all now living, viz.: Napoleon B., Mary J., John M. , 
Clinton and Marion. She died September 4, 1858, and on March 24, 186.1, 
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Cowan, with whom he lived until 
his death. Marion Howard, the son who furnishes the above facts, was 
born in Madison County, Ohio, and now resides with his step-mother on the 
home farm. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns 900 
acres of splendid land in Madison and Champaign Counties. He is a young 
man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which hn 
lives. 

JOHN B. LANCK, farmer, P. O. Tradersville. was born in Virginia 
January 17, 1814, and is a son of Simon and Mary (Beck) Lanck, who 
were both natives of Virginia John emigrated to Ohio by himself. After 
he was twenty-one years of age, he worked for his father on the farm ten 
yeari . and his father gave hi in sixty acres of land. He, after that time, 
gave him 1^0 acres, ami John afterward added until be had 126 acres; he 
has given 150 acres to his children, leaving for himself 276 acres, which is 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1113 

all well improved. He acquired a common school education. He was 
united in marriage, September 1, 1846. with Louisa Morris, a native of 
Ohio, where she was born in 1826. By her he has had six children, viz., 
Catharine S., Reason G, Simon F., Sallie R., Corwin and John F. The 
oldest one of the children is the present Representative of Madison County. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lanck are both members of the Methodist Church. 

SCHUYLER LEWIS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Tradersville, was 
born in New York February 25, 1812, and is a son of Gardner and Martha 
(Barber) Lewis, natives of New York, the former born March 3, 1786, and 
the latter September, 1788. They were married in New York in 1811, emi 
grated to Vermont in 1822, pressed forward to Ohio in 1836, and settled in 
Somerford Township, Madison County, where they remained until their 
death. She died in March, 1845. and he married for his second wife Ruth 
Hutchison, who lived until September 1, 1880, at which time she died, Mr. 
Lewis, her husband, having died in 1862. Schuyler engaged in farming 
by the month at seventeen years of age. and continued, at $8 per month, for 
eight yoars, when he bought 100 acres of land, and has since added to it 
until he owns 1,6(52 acres of fine land, the most of which is in Madison 
County. He was united in marriage, October 25, 1836, with Lida Hasard, 
who died August 8, 1862. He married for his second wife Eliza J. Candler, 
April 4, 1866, and by her had one child, viz., Howard, born November 22, 
1872. Mr. Lewis has had a verf limited education, but he has become one 
of the largest and most successful farmers and stock-raisers in the State. 

PHILIP MARKLEY. farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Somer- 
ford Township, Madison County. Ohio, August 12, 1825, and is a son of 
Jonathan and Mary Markley. Philip, at twenty-one years of age, en- 
gaged in farming ; he bought fiftv acres of land, and his father crave him 
fifty acres more, to which he has since added until he owns, at the present 
time, 413 acres of fine land, in a high state of cultivation. He has been 
married three times; his first wife was Catharine Kiskeder, to whom he was 
married in 1847. She died September 12, 1849, and in October, 1851, he 
was united in marriage with Eliza J. Atcheson, by whom he has five chil- 
dren living, viz., William A., Jacob M., Jonathan F. , Maria and Eliza 
Jane. His second wife died May 20. L861, and he was united in marriage 
with his third wife October 6, 1862, and by her has five children living, 
viz., Philip M. , John G., Harry K., Bertha R. and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. 
Markley are church members, he belonging to the Christian Church and she 
to the Methodist. 

JOHN L. MARSH, farmer, P. O. London, is a native of Clark County, 
Ohio, and is a son of Noah and Eliza (Egman ) Marsh. The former was 
born in North Carolina August 31, 1796, and emigrated to Ohio via 
Springfield when there were only eighteen houses in the town, the best be- 
ing a hewed-log building. They first stopped in Champaign County where 
he remained till 1812, when he pressed forward to Clark County, and then 
to Madison County. Ohio, where he settled and remained until his death, 
which occurred February 11, 1853. His wife was born in Ohio February 
19, 1798: they were married in Clark County, Ohio, October 5, L820. John 
L. Marsh engaged in work for himself at twenty-one years of age. He first 
assisted on the farm one year, then engaged as a renter, and thus continued 
for three years, when ho bought fifteen acres, and has since added to it un- 
til he owns 240 acres; he was married in March, 1859, to Cleopatra Good- 
year, who was born in Clark County November 4, 1839. This union has 
been blessed with eight children, of whom six survive — Samuel, Wilbert, 



1114 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Henry, Howard, Cora and Toland. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are both members 
of the Methodist Church. 

NEWMAN MITCHELL, one of the men who helped make a history 
for Madison County, was born April 29, 1811, on the banks of the Ohio 
River, forty miles above Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of Ensign and 
Lucy (Hubbard) Mitchell. His father moved to Madison County, Ohio, 
and settled on a farm about four and a half miles southeast of Mechanics- 
burg, in the year 1815. In about the year 1826, his father moved to an- 
other farm, near Rosedale. This farm consisted of 600 acres, bought from 
one Galloway. Newman and his brother Abizar bought 450 acres of this 
farm from their father, and succeeded in paying for it; he married, Janu- 
ary 1, 1837. Miss Cassandra Bradley, daughter of David and Nancy Brad- 
ley, born March 17, 1818, sister to Lawson, David M. and Shelton Bradley. 
He made subsequent purchases until he owned over 400 acres of land in 
that settlement; and in 1853 he bought the "Tom Morris farm," uear 
Tradersville, on to which he moved in that same year. In 1865, he bought 
the Nathaniel Griffin farm, 433 acres, for which he paid $20,000. He after- 
ward assisted his son-in-law, David Bales, in buying out the heirs in the Bales 
farm, one mile north of Somerford, consisting of about 355 acres; he then 
added, by three different purchases, nearly 1,000 acres from the D. W. C. 
Sawyer farm, adjoining his home farm. His later purchases, made after 
the war, were in conjunction with his son, Charles Mitchell, as an equal 
partner. With what he has given to his children, he now owns about 2,200 
acres, all of which is well improved; he has always been diligent, industri- 
ous and honest. "Uncle Newman's" word has always passed at par value. 
For many years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church; he has made his money in legitimate enterprises. He never 
indulged in any "wild cat" speculations. He dealt in cattle and other 
live stock, and has generally been an extensive farmer, employing hired 
help to quite an extent; he has been a good husband, a good father, a good 
neighbor, a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, and a good example for both 
voting and old. What more need be said of auv man? 

THOMAS H. NICEWANNER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in 
Washington County, Md., February 1, 1844, and is a son of Henry and 
and Sarah (Brown) Nicewanner. Henry was a native of Virginia, 
born in December, 1815, and Sarah was a native of Maryland, 
born January 18, 1819. They were married in Maryland, emigrated to 
Ohio in 1861 and settled in Somerford Township, Madison County, where 
Sarah died in 1844. He married for his second wife Sarah Smith. Our 
subject, when twenty -two years of age, began farming and milling, and con- 
tinued until 1877, when he bought 100 acres of land, sold that and bought 
133 acres in Indiana. Soon afterward he sold that and bought town prop- 
erty in Somerford, where he resides. He has held the office of Township 
Trustee of Somerford Township. He was united in marriage with Nancy 
A. Ellsworth, December 26, 1868. She was born in Clark County, Ohio, 
May !. L844. To this union have been born five children, of whom four 
survive — Candy H, Ressie D., Rosa L. and Thursey D. We are called 
upon to chronicle the sad death of little Willie, which occurred March 29, 
L882. While the little fellow was carrying an armful of corn in the barn 
lot. he was hooked by a cow, causing his death almost instantly. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nicewanner have been members of the Methodist Church for a 
great many years. 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1115 

WILLIAM M. OVERTURF was born in Ohio, December 21, 1832, 
and was a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Griffin) Overturf, the former a 
native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. They were married in 
Ohio, where they settled and remained until their death, the former in Feb- 
ruary, 1847, and the latter in June, 1881 They were the parents of ten 
children, all of whom are living. Our subject, after his father's death, be- 
gan working for himself as a farm hand by the month, and thus he con- 
tinued for a time, after which he learned the carpenter trade. He acquired 
a common-school education, and was tinited in marriage, August 14, 1854, 
with Hannah J. Long. Four years after his marriage, he commenced 
studying for the ministry, and in i860 he began active service in the 
Christian Church. Ho has been engaged in the good work for twenty-two 
years, preaching in Somorford for sixteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Overturf 
are the parents of five children, viz.: Frank, Clark. Flora. Klinore and 
Hattie. Mr. Overturf is hold in the highest esteem by his congregation 
and the people of his community. 

JOHN PAINE, retired farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Maryland, 
iu 1813 and is a son of Jesse and Nancy (Griffin) Paine, who were natives 
of Maryland. They were married in Maryland, emigrated to Ohio, and set- 
tied in Madison County, where they remained until their death, he in 1859, 
a ad she in 18(34. Our subject, when twenty- two years old, began working 
by the job, and thus he continued for two years, when he commenced farming 
as a renter, and followed this for five years, when he bought hfty-one acres 
of land, which he worked for himself. He also owns nice town property. 
He was married four times. The first time he was unite; i in marriage with 
-lane Helderstine, in 1835. She died in 1840, and he married Sarah Celler 
in 1842. She passed away in 1844, and he married Betsy Cuberly in 1846. 
She died in 1848. He remained a widower until 1851, when he was united 
in marriage with Sarah McDonell. He is the father of twelve children, of 
whom seven survive, viz., Arminta, Anna Belle, John \Y., James O., Catha- 
rine. Eliza J. and Mary. Mr. Paine is a member of the Methodist Church, 
and is a very pleasant and sociable old gentleman. 

G. M. POTEE, retired farmer, P. O. Somerford, is the son of Sutton 
and Hannah (Markley) Potee, was born in Maryland, March 21, 1817. His 
parents emigrated to Ohio in September, 1817, and settled in Madison 
County, where they remained until their deaths, he March 9, 1863, and she 
February 7, 1868. Gabriel, at the age of nineteen, began farming as a 
renter, and thus he continued for eight years, when he bought twelve acres 
of land, to which he has since added until he owns 243 acres, in a high 
state of cultivation. He acquired a common school education, and has been 
Township Trustee of Somerford Township for three terms, an office he filled 
with credit to himself and his constituents. He was united in marriage with 
Levina Mitchell December 4, 1836 She was a native of Madison County, 
Ohio, where she was born January 22, 1819, and by this union has had 
eight children, of whom five survive, viz., Claudius, Lizzie, Newton, John 
M. and Nancy A. Mr. and Mrs. Potee have been members of the Meth- 
odist Church since they were sixteen years of age. 

SAMUEL PRUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Somerford, was born 
in Maryland October 28, 1811, and is a son of George and Margaret (Markley) 
Prugh, the former of German descent, and the latter a native of Maryland, 
where they were united in marriage. They emigrated to Ohio in 1S12, and 
settled near Somerford, Madison County, where they remained until their 
death. Samuel, the third son and fourth child of the family, acquired a 



1116 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

common school education, and remained at home with his parents until 
twenty one years of age, when he went to work for himself by the day as a 
farm hand, but at the expiration of the first year, he engaged as a renter for 
a few years. He was united in marriage, March, 1835, with Nancy Bradly, 
who was born in Greene County, Ohio, November 8, 1818. Soon after their 
marriage, he purchased and kept a grocery in London, a business he en- 
gaged in for three years, at the expiration of which time he and his brother 
bought 600 acres of land in Union Township, Madison County. He has 
since added to this purchase until he owns at the present time 960 acres of 
well- improved land. He and wife are the parents of thirteen children, of 
whom eleven are living, viz., Ellen, Margaret, Mary, George W., Nancy 
F., H. H., Malinda, Emma M., Samuel M., Laura E. and James B. Mr. 
Prugh is a member of the German Baptist Church. 

G. W. PRUGH, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Somerford Town- 
ship, Madison County, Ohio, June 16, 1816, and is a son of George and 
Margaret (Markley) Prugh, natives of Maryland, where they were married. 
They emigrated to Ohio in 1812, and settled in Somerford Township, 
Madison County, where they remained until their deaths, the former in 
1841, and the latter in 1864. G. W. Prugh, when twenty-one years of age, 
engaged in farming as a renter, and thus continued for twelve years, when he 
bought sixty-two acres of land, which he afterward sold, and his wife having 
inherited 409 acres from her father's estate he farmed that. He acquired a 
common school education, and has filled the office of Treasurer of Somer- 
ford Township for seven years. He was united in marriage with Louisa 
Wilson February 8, 1838. She is a native of Madison County, and was 
born January 5, 1823. To this union have been born three children, viz. : 
Valentine H., Maria J. and Theodore. Mr. and Mrs. Prugh are members 
of the Christian Church. 

GEORGE PRUGH. farmer, P. O. Somerford. The subject of this 
sketch was born in London, Madison Co.. Ohio, January 13, 1832, and is a 
son of Gabriel and Matilda (Wilson) Prugh; the former was born in Mary 
land in 1804. and emigrated to Madison County, Ohio, when a boy. The 
latter was a native of Ohio. They were married in Madison County in 1831 , 
and settled in Somerford Township, where they now reside. George Prugh 
was engaged for the first few years of his life in working by the month, 
after which he engaged in fanning as a renter, and thus continued for six 
years, when he engaged in taking public contracts, a business he followed 
for fifteen years, at the expiration of which he bought a hundred acres of 
woodland in Clark County, Ohio. In a short time he sold that, and 
bought 340 acre-, of land in Somerford Township, where he now resides, and 
from which he has since sold 105 acres, leaving 235 acres of good land. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has held the office of Township 
Trustee of Somerford Township for five years. He was united in marriage 
with Julia Connors September 15, L858. The rosult of this union has been 
four children, viz. : Effie, William, Thomas and Lewis. Mr. Prugh lives in 
one of the oldest houses in Madison County. 

JAMES W. D. STATELER, farmer, P. O. London, is a native 
of Licking County Ohio, where he was bom June 28, 1S18. He is a son 
of Micli.iol and May (Dunlap) Stateler, who were both natives of Virginia. 
They emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, and afterward to Madison County, 
where they settled and remained until their deaths, he in IS 12. and she in 
1873. James has been engaged in farming and raising stock all his life. 
He rented land the first ten years, then bough! 200 acres of well-improved 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1117 

land, to which he has since added until ho now owns 4S0 acres. He 
acquired a common school education, has been a member of the Masonic 
order for ten years, a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-five years, and 
has served as Trustee and Clerk of Somerford Township. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Phebe Round March 23, 1843. This union has been 
blessed by the birth of eight children, of whom five survive — Michal, Sarah, 
William, Mary and John. 

ASA TAYLOR, retired farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in New 
York January 20, 1803, and is a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Davis) Tay- 
lor, natives of New York, whore they were married. They emigrated to New 
Jersey, where they remained fifteen years, and then emigrated to Fairfield 
County, Ohio, in 1821, where they remained until after Andrew's death, 
when the widow moved to Madison County, whore she remained until her 
death. Asa Taylor first engaged to work in a woolen factory, and in this 
occupation he continued for four years, when he lost his health. The next 
two years of his life he spent in traveling for his health, and feelino- able 
once more to resume work, he engaged with a man to drive stage, and con- 
tinued at that business for four years. After he quit driving stao-e, he 
moved to the country, and sottled within one half mile of where he now re- 
sides. He first bought 150 acres of timbered land; sold that and bought 
100 acres of improved land, where he resides. He acquired a common school 
education, and was united in marriage in 1830, with Eliza Comer, who has 
borne him eight children, of whom six now survive, viz. : David, Oliver, 
William, Sarah, Sylvanus and Oscar. Mr. Taylor is one of the oldest citi 
zens of Somerford Township. 

WILLIAM TETER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Virginia 
November 25, 1827, and is a son of John and Dorothy (Lossen) Teter, natives 
of Virginia, where John was born in 1805, and Dorothy in 1808. They were 
married in Virginia, where they remained until their death. William em- 
igrated to Ohio in November, 1851, and settled in Madison County. He first 
engaged as a farm hand, working by the month, and thus he continued for 
seven years, when he engaged as a renter, and has continued ever since in 
this capacity. He raises a great deal of stock, principally sheep. He ac- 
quired a common school education in the common schools, and was united 
in marriage, June 8, 1853, with Miss Mary Kennedy. 

DAVID WARD, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Clark County 
October 15. 1825, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Marsh) Ward. An- 
drew was a native of Virginia, and Sarah of Clark County, where they were 
united in marriage. They moved to Madison County, Ohio, in 1842, and 
settled in Somerford Township, where they remained until their deaths, 
which occurred in 1852. David Ward, when twenty-one years of ao-e, en- 
gaged in farming at $10 per month, and thus continued for four years, when 
he inherited from his father's estate seventy-five acres of land, to which he 
has since added until he owns about 700 acres, all well improved. He en- 
gages to some extent in the raising of cattle and hogs. Ho acquired a com- 
mon school education in the common schools of Ohio. He was united in 
marriage with Mary Lannon in 1869. To this union have been born four 
children, all living. 

ALEXANDER W EST (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born 
June 21, 1809, and is a son of Edwin and Margaret (Shell) West Edwin 
was born December 17, 1788, and Margaret, December 10, 1782. The sub- 
ject of our sketch was united in marriage with Elizabeth Curl, March 31, 
1831. She was born March 29, 1812. He engaged in farming as a renter 



1118 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

for the first few years, when he bought seventy acres of fine land where his 
widow now resides. He acquired a common school education, and served 
as Justice of the Peace of Somerford Township for a number of years, and 
was filling that office at the time of his death, which occurred December 20, 
1861. Mr. and Mrs. West were the parents of fourteen children, of whom 
seven survive — Margaret, Sarah, Edmond, Linnie, Samuel, Mary Ann and 
Thomas. He was a member of the Methodist Church. 

JAMES M. WILLARD, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Somei- 
ford Township, Madison County, Ohio, October 21, 1829, and is a son of 
Abner S. and Hulda (Colver) Willard. The former was a native of Vermont, 
and he was born in 1791 ; he emigrated first to Canada, then to New York, 
and in 1812 to Champaign County, Ohio, where he remained until 1815, 
when he came to Madison County, where he settled and remained until his 
death, December 16, 1872. Our subject's mother was born on the banks of 
Lake Champlain, in the State of New York, 1796. They wore married in 
Madison County, Ohio, in 1817, where she died June 3, 1861. James 
M. Willard was united in marriage with Ellen Hull November 25, 1851. 
She was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 2, 1830. Soon after their 
marriage, Mr. Willard engaged in farming and stock-raising, a business he 
has followed ever since. He rented land for a few years, when he bought 
^00 acres, and has since added to it until he now owns 258 acres of well- 
improved land in Somerford Township. He acquired a common school ed- 
ucation, and served as. Commissioner of Madison County for three years — 
elected by Republican votes. He has held the office of Township Trustee 
of Somerford Township at different times; has been elected School Director 
by his neighbors, and has filled that office for twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Willard are the parents of six children, of whom five are living, viz. : Tab- 
itha, Edwin E., Nettie O., Louie R. and Horace M. Mr. Willard is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and he and his wife are both members of 
the Universalist Church. 

THE WILSON FAMILY.* 

Jacob Wilson. — The first authentic information I have been able 
to gather of this family is that of Jacob Wilson, an Irishman, who 
had married a German wife. In the year 1790, he left the South 
Branch of the Potomac River, in Virginia, not far from Harper's 
Ferry, and emigrated to Kentucky, to what is now the county of Clark. 
In the year 1802, after having lived twelve years in Kentucky, he came to 
Ohio, and settled on the head- waters of Beaver Creek, Bath Township, and 
county of Greene, near the present site of the village of Fairfield. 

Jacob Wilson was the father of thirteen children, or of twelve, as some 
of the friends believe. Their names were as follows, although probably not 
in the order of their births: Jacob, William, Michael, John, James, Val- 
entine, Jeremiah, Isaac, Daniel, Mary, Eleanor, Elizabeth and Rachel. 
Some of the friends think there was not one of the name of Rachel. 

Jacob Wilson, the first born of Jacob, the first known ancestor, re- 
mained in Kentucky until the time of his death, which was at a ripe old 
age. He became very wealthy. He became the largest holder of slaves in 
that portion of the State. He enjoyed the unenviable notoriety, also, of 
being the heaviest weight in that part of the Slate, weighing, at one time, 
over four hundred pounds. He and his wife together weighed seven hun- 

•By William Morrow Beach, M. D 



SOMERFORI) TOWNSHIP. 1119 

dred pounds. He became the father of eight children, one of whom, I 
think, remained in Kentucky. 

William Wilson died during the war of 1812, at Fairfield, Ohio, of 
" cold plague, " or cerebro spinal meningitis. He left three children — Su- 
sannah, Elizabeth and William. 

Michael Wilson died in 1813 at Fairfield, Ohio, leaving three chil- 
dren — Washington, Josiah and Michael. Josiah is said to have been the 
brightest and handsomest man ever born into the Wilson family. He died 
at an early age. 

John Wilson emigrated from Kentucky to Putnam County, Ind. 

James Wilson emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana, settling in the 
vicinity of Wolf Lake. He became the father of five children. 

Jeremiah Wilson remained in Kentucky until the time of his death, in 
1864. 

Isaac Wilson, who came to Ohio with his father in 1802, remained at 
Fairfield, Greene County, Ohio, until his death, in the spring of 1859. He 
was a short, heavy, very fleshy man, who, in walking, stepped out little 
more than the length of his feet. 

Mary Wilson married Daniel Funderburg, of Greene County, Ohio, 
but died when young. 

Eleanor Wilson married John Bradley, of Greene County, Ohio, but 
subsequently came to Madison County, and both lived and died one mile 
north of Somerford, where Uncle Wash Wilson now lives. 

Elizabeth Wilson married Charles Hefley, of Greene County, Ohio, 
but afterward came to Madison County, and settled near Somerford, where 
both died advanced in years. 

Valentine Wilson, son of Jacob, the first known ancestor, came to Ohio 
with his father in 1802. He was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., Octo- 
ber 1, 1785. He moved to Kentucky with his father in 1790, when five 
years of age; and was seventeen when he came to Ohio. In 1806, he was 
married to Miss Eleanor Judy, of Greene County, Ohio, daughter of John 
Judy, a Swiss, and Phoebe (Lamaster) Judy, his wife — a woman of French 
parentage. To them were born six children — William D., born February 
27, 1807; James, born December 20, 1808; John, October 19, 1810; Eli, 
July 12, 1812; Matilda, October 12, 1814; Malinda, January 12, 1817. 

On the 5th day of September, 1818, Eleanor (Judy) Wilson died; and 
in the year 1819 he was married to Miss Susannah Humble, who became the 
mother of four children — Lucinda, born January 7, 1820; Washington, 
September 7, 1821; Louisa, January 5, 1823; Jackson, September 3, 1824. 

On the 18th day of August, 1825, Susannah (Humble) Wilson died; 
and on the 18th day of June, 1827. he was married to Miss Nancy Roberts, 
who became the mother of nine childron— Caroline M., born June 28, 
1828; -Alexander Hamilton. February 7, 1830; Emeline, September 12, 
1831; Mary Ann, October 1, 1832; Valentine C, January 19, 1834; Marga- 
ret, May 5, 1835, and died in infancy, June 3, 1835; Jacob W., April 29, 
1836; Daniel Boone, December 4, 1837; Nancy Frances, October 26, 1840. 
By the three marriages he became the father of nineteen children, seventeen 
of whom became heads of families. Margaret died in infancy, and Daniel 
Boone died, unmarried, at the old homestead, April 26, 1860. 

It was not my pleasure to have had a personal acquaintance with Val- 
entine Wilson; but that ho was a man of no ordinary gifts, both mental 
and physical, seems to be a fact of general acceptance among those who 
knew him the most intimately. He was a man of great presence of mind 



1120 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

— which gift stood him in good stead on more than one occasion. Once, 
when riding after night, he was halted by highwaymen who suspected him 
of having money in his possession, whom he completely disarmed by an- 
swering in a calm and unruffled tone of voice: "Well, well, boys, you have 
got me this time; I have 25 cents in my pocket, and if you will go back to 
the tavern with me. we will take that out in a treat all round." They then 
let him pass without a search or further parley, without suspicion of the 
fact that he had upon his person, in "genuine coin of the realm," more than 
$7,000, besides his 25 cents! He was also an unconscious psychologist. He 
could divine a man's errand when approaching him. when a long distance 
off — forming an opinion which was seldom founded in an error, as to wheth- 
er he was coming to buy, to sell, or to borrow money ; and he often robbed a 
refusal of its poignancy, from this latter class, by forestalling them with 
the question if they knew of any of their neighbors who had $200 or $300 
that they would loan for <t fete days! He died of dropsy, on the 2d day of 
July, 1855, on the farm where he settled in 1816; but from the small begin- 
ning of 160 acres — his first purchase — in the thirty-nine years of his after- 
life, he accumulated about seven thousand acre* of land! besides over $60,- 
000 in personal property, and died the wealthiest man who had ever been a 
citizen of Madison County ! 

William D. Wilson, the Land Baron of Madison County, was the first- 
born of Valentine and Eleanor (Judy) Wilson. He was born in Bath Town- 
ship, Greene County, Ohio, February 27, 1807; and died of erysipelas at 
his homestead on the Darby Plains, on the 25th day of March, 1873. In 
1829, he married Miss Nancy Moore, of Madison County. Ohio, who died at 
the old homestead in September, 1882. Her father was killed by the In- 
dians in the war of 1812. By this marriage there were born to them eight 
children — Alexander, Ellen, James Monroe, La Fayette. William M., 
Sarah, Washington and Taylor. In writing of William D. Wilson, I am 
writing of no ordinary man. I knew him intimately and well; and in many 
respects I think he was the most remarkable man I ever knew. 

There is no photograph or other likeness of him left, while living. 
There was a post mortem photograph taken, but it is a monstrosity. He 
stood six feet in his boots. He was straight, and with well-rounded and 
of comely proportions, up until late in life, when he inclined to corpulency. 
His hands and feet were small and short; his hair dark brown, thick and 
oily; his head large — No. 1\ hat — well rounded, and well balanced phreno- 
logically; his complexion clear, and slightly florid; his lower jaw strongly 
set; his teeth short, even, pearly white, and without signs of decay up 
until the time of his death. His face was full, and his cheeks full, round 
and solid, like Bob Ingersoll's. There was an irresistible charm in his full, 
round. Saxon ey« the honest inheritance from his Saxon grandmother. 
If one was. at first sight, when his face was severely* in repose, impressed 
with the idea that he was somewhat gross and sensual, the varied expression 
of his wonderful eye. when he became animated, soon set that illusion 
aside. He was a good and entertaining talker, with an inclination to ask 
more questions than he was called on to answer. If you were not on your 
guard, he would cautiously and quietly pump you dry, without giving back 
an equivalent, unless it was in the pleasure of his company. In conversa- 
tion, his voice was agreeable and pleasing; but when it was raised to a high 
pitch, one would be reminded of the fable of the lion and the foxes — '"''One, 
but a lion "' 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1121 

In the race of life, he commenced as his father before him had done 
single-handed and alone. He served his father faithfully and well until ho 
was twenty-one years of age. He then hired, as an ordinary farm laborer, 
for three months "wet and dry," at $7 a month, to Judge John Arbuckle, a 
near neighbor. Shortly after this term of service, he married, and bought 
200 acres of land, out in the Darby Plains, at 80 cents an acre. This was 
bought with borrowed money, his uncle Daniel going on his notes. The 
Darby Plains were mostly tmder water in those days during the v?et season 
of the year; but they grew a rank, coarse kind of wild grass, which, if cut 
and properly cured, contained just enough nourishment to keep cattle from 
starving to death. As it had been with his father before him, when a boy 
at home, so it became with him now. They were not raisers or breeders of 
cattle. They bought them when two or three years old, and then kept them 
until fat enough for market. Sometimes a $7 steer, brought from the 
timber land in Indiana in the winter or spring, and put on the open grass 
land of the Darby Plains, would bring $25 or $30 in the fall of that year. 
These fatted cattle passed into the hands of another class of dealers, of 
which the Renicks, of Pickaway County, were the originators the class of 
dealers who took them on a six weeks' slow journey, over the mountains, to 
the Baltimore or Philadelphia markets. So that his motto became like that 
of Emperor Constantine — ' ' By this sign ye conquer." Money began to 
grow. Each year his herds grew larger, and soon he began to add new 
acres to his first purchase. His first cabin stood over across the road from 
where he died, in a cluster of apple trees that are still standing. 

About a year before he died, he was at my house, and I questioned 
him as to his mode of accumulating so much property. His answer was 
that it was "easy enough! easy enough! No mystery about it! Gather in 
and spread out! Gather in and spread out!" It probably seemed easy 
enough to him, for he was not a common or ordinary man. But if it was 
all so easy and simple, how did it happen that he absorbed nearly a half 
township of improved farms, whose tenantless houses, or solitary chimneys, 
scattered for miles across his possessions, looked like a vast and limitless 
harbor, with fleets lying dreamily at anchor! 

The free turnpike leading from London to Plain City passes for nine 
miles through his farm; and within three years he paid $28,000 in taxes 
for free turnpikes alone. His farm, on the west, adjoined Dun Glen, the 
farm of John G. Dun, in Deer Creek Township, and stretched continuously 
to where he was buried, on his own farm, in the old Baptist Burying-Ground, 
on Big Darby. 

He was social and convivial in his habits, fond of good company and 
plenty of it — upon all of which occasions he was the central figure. He 
did nothing by halves; it was either all work or all play. He was a natural 
born wit; and when in a merry mood kept everybody around him in a roar, 
excepting himself. He was never boisterous; never off his balance in any 
direction. His wit was keen, original, and generally practical- with a vein 
of philosophy running through it. He never indulged in any repartee that 
was bought second hand. He was original or nothing. He was never 
profane. 

On one occasion, while a fiddler was tuning-up and resting his arm, 
Uncle Bill reminded him of the prodigal waste of time, by saying: "Mr. 
Tucker! Mr. Tucker! you must remember that every time a sheep stops to 
bleat it loses a mouthful!" 



1122 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He was never quarrelsome or contentious. Neither he nor bis father 
before him, I am told, were ever engaged before any court, either as 
plaintiff or defendant. And I never heard him speak ill of any man. 

Like his father, he had great presence of mind; and like, as it was with 
him, it stood him in good stead on many occasion?. His nearest bank, 
thirty years ago, was at Columbus, twenty miles away. Sometimes it 
required a large amount of money to carry on his business, and he was 
often suspected of having money upon his person or about his house. Once, 
when traveling at night, not many miles from home, he was halted by high- 
waymen, and with the muzzles of some old-fashioned brass-mounted horse- 
pistols in unpleasant proximity to his head, was ordered, peremptorily, to 
hold up his hands. He suspected the identity of the parties, and jocularly 
called them by name. The question with them then was, either cold-blooded 
murder or joining in the laugh, as if the whole thing had been intended for 
a joke. This they did. They wilted, and allowed him to pass on home. 

It was generally his custom to not go out after night without company. 
One of these protectors, not infrequently, was Ira Kilbury, an infant who 
kicked the beam at 240 pounds, and who could " whip his weight in wild 
cats." Returning from Plain City after night on one occasion, his car- 
riage was flanked by highwaymen, who began to close in on either side; 
but his coolness saved him then. He spoke very loudly, and in a peremp 
tory tone — " Ira! Ira, my boy! whip up, whip up, or we won't get home be 
fore midnight! " Visions of the infant who could whip his weight in wild 
cats struck terror to the heart of the footpads, and they gave a wide berth 
and a fair field, when Ira, in reality, was snoring away in the quiet and 
security of his own cabin home, more than five miles away. 

I have spoken of him as a Land Baron. In 1870, the State of Ohio 
contained fifty -six cultivated farms, of over 1,000 acres each. Of these 
fifty-six, thirty-six were in Madison County. William D. Wilson, in 1870, 
owned the largest improved farm in Ohio; he had 1,200 acres in one pas- 
ture, upon which you could not find a bush large enough for a riding whip. 
There were giant burr oaks in clusters or groves, but no brush. And in ai! 
the fifty or more miles of fencing on his farm, there was no one rod that 
did not look like it had been put up for corraling mules or wild deer. His 
farm had a capacity for more than 2,000 head of cattle; but he usually had 
' a variety of stock. Before the war, he was in the habit of " turning off" 
about $10,000 worth of mules of his own raising annually. Once, since the 
war, in a time of depression in that line, he sent down among the hills of 
Southeastern Ohio, and bought about 18,000 head of sheep, at about $1 ahead. 
Times soon changed for this class of stock, and when the boom reached $7 or 
$8 a head, he sold out and changed over to something else. 

He amassed a great fortune. Is this the story of his life? Not at all. 
He was a remarkable man aside from his fortune; he could as easily and 
would have as surely attained to great responsibilities and honors, had his 
great genius beon early directed in the channels that led that way. He 
had natural capacity enough to have been a railroad magnate, like Vander 
bilt; a financier like Alexander Hamilton or Chase; or a General of an 
army — for he was naturally a leader, and never a follower of men. 

But was this fortune accumulated without fraud, misrepresentation, 
treachery or the oppression of the poor? I think every dollar of it was. 
William D. Wilson was an honorable and an honest man. 

James Wilson, second born child of Valentine, and grandson of Jacob 
the first known ancestor, was born in Bath Township, Greene Co., Ohio, De- 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1123 

cember 28, 1808, and came to Madison County with his father in 1816, when 
eight years of age; he, like his brother, William D. Wilson, remained in 
service with his father until he was twenty-one years old. 

In 1832, when he was twenty-five years old, he went to Kentucky and 
bought, at $2 an acre, of a man named Morgan, 400 acres of land out on 
the Darby Plains, this county, and which is now a part of the Taylor Wil- 
son estate. Of this he kept 160 acres, sold fifty acres to his brother John, 
and the remainder to his brother William D. 

In Jane, 1833, he married Miss Lucy Ballou, of Milford Centre, Ohio, 
a daughter of Martin Ballou, a native of Providence, R. I., and grandniece 
to Hosea Ballou, the Boston publisher. In September, 1833. three months 
after marriage, his wife died of milk sickness, just as he had a cabin on his 
farm on the plains nearly ready to commence housekeeping. The associations 
connected with his tenantless cabin were unpleasant to him; and in 1835 he 
sold his Plains farm and bought the John Scott farm, in Somerford Town 
ship, where Uncle Sammy Prugh now lives. He boarded with the Scott 
family, and raised a large crop of corn, which he fed to hogs, but this class 
of stock ran so low that year that he lost all his summer's work. 

On the 2d day of October, 1836, he married Miss Elenor Smith, born 
June 20, 1818, near Granville, Ohio, daughter of John and Sophia (Bond) 
Smith; her father then lived two miles east of La Fayette, on the farm now 
owned by Jonathan Booth. At the time of his marriage, she was teaching 
the district school in Valentine Wilson's district. Thoy went to house- 
keeping on the John Scott farm, and there John, the first child, was born. 
In 1837, he bought two small parcels of land, one of which was where his 
brother Eli died. In 1838, he sold out in Somerford Township; he had 
lost faith in raising hogs to make a fortune out of-, he preferred risking 
in cattle and grass, and he went back to the Darby Plains and bought the 
Charley Arthur farm — 400 acres — which is now a portion of the John Price 
farm. He moved there and lived on it for five years. Two of his children. 
Valentine Henry and Thomas Bond were born there. In 1838, he bought 
fifty acres of the MacCumber farm; and in the fall of 1841, he bought 300 
acres of the Russel Bidwell farm, at administrator's sale. 

In the fall of 1842, he left the Darby Plains, and moved over to the 
Christman farm, one mile south of Somerford, and entered into a partner 
ship with his father, as a general trader and business manager. On this 
farm, on March 28, 1844, his only daughter, Lucy Elenor, was born. 

In 1846, his half-brother, Jackson, being old enough to take his place 
as a partner with his father, he moved back to the Darby Plains, and settled 
on the Russel Bidwell farm; but in that same year he bought the Paul Alder 
farm, of 310 acres — where his son John now lives — and he then moved to 
it. In this same year, also, he bought fifty-seven acres of Nathaniel Saw 
yier. In the year 1847, he bought the Paul Smith farm, 175 acres. 

In the year 1854, he sold the Arthur farm to his brother, William D., 
and bought the Stanley Watson farm. 400 acres, adjoining the village of 
La Fayette, where he moved, and where he now lives. He paid §16,000 for 
this farm, and, it is believed that it was the first $40 farm sold in the 
county. In 1855, he fell heir, by the death of his father, to 381 acres ad- 
joining the W T atson farm; and in 1856 he bought the Carter farm, 400 acres, 
where his son-in-law, Dr. W. M. Beach, now lives. In 1860, he bougUt his 
half-brother Hamilton's share of his father's estate— 463 acres — adjoining 
his home farm; whilst Hamilton bought his brother William D. Wilson's 

w w 



11-24 BIOGH M'HI'Al. SKETCHES: 

share, adjoining the village of La Fayette, on which stands the old Ander- 
son Tavern. 

For more than thirty years James Wilson has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church I am writing this on the 20th day of Decem- 
ber, 1882, the seventy- fourth anniversary of his birthday, and it finds him a 
halo and vigorous old man. in full possession of all his faculties, and the 
owner of about 2,350 acres of well-improved land with accompaniments, a 
part of which he has passed over to the control of his children. He is now the 
patriarch of the Wilson family, having attained a greater age, it is believed, 
than any other one who has ever been horn into the family. Knowing his 
modesty and retiring disposition, a eulogy upon his life and character as a cit- 
izen, and as a man. it is believed, would be distasteful to him. and I forbear. 

Washington Wilson, son of Valentine, married Miss Linney "West, 
daughter of Edmund and Margaret (Shaw) West, born near Catawba, Clark 
County, Ohio, November L6, L824. Mr. Wilson has been a Deacon in the 
Christian Church, and a Trustee of the township of Somerford for more than 
twenty years. He is a large laud-holder, residing one mile north of Somer- 
ford; is a good neighbor, and a citizen of so pure and stainless a character, 
as to be above reproach or suspicion. 

Alexander Hamilton Wilson, sou of Valentine, married Isabella Par- 
sons Koogler, of Greene County. Ohio. He is a Justice of the Peace, and 
influential citizen of La Fayette. Ohio. 

Valentine C. Wilson, son of Valentine, graduated at the Ohio Wesley- 
an University, Delaware. Ohio, in the class of L860 — the first classical grad- 
uate in his father's family. He died August 23, L861, of epidemic dysentery. 

■ I ujob W. Wilson, son of Valentine, resides at Somerford. Ohio. He is 
a man of great inventive genius, his latest invention being a twine grain- 
binder, which promises a success. 

Of the daughters of Valentine Wilson. 1 have given only the names; but 
they must have inherited something of the sagacity and psychological char- 
acteristics of their father. They all married poor boys. But the names of 
such men as Robert Boyd, Hiram W. Richmond and Thomas John Stutson, 
who all married into the family, offer a sufficienl evidence of the soundness 
<>f their judgment 

VALENTINE WILSON, deceased, son of Jacob Wilson, a native of 
Virginia, was born in Pennsylvania in L786, and died in Madison County, 
July '_'. 1855. He emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1802, and settled 
on the head-waters of Beaver Creek. Bath Township, Oreene County, where 
he remained until 1816, when he removed to Madison County, and settled 
on the head waters of Deer Greek, where he bough! 160 acres of land. He 
added to that until he had at the time of his death, which occurred July 'J. 
1855, nearly 10,000 acres of hind, and 1,000 head of cattle and sheep. He 
died the wealthiest man who had ever been a citizen of the county. He 
was married three times and was the father of nineteen children. He 
married for his first wife F.lenor Jndy, in 1806, and she lived until L819, at 
which time she passed away from earth: the next wife that blessed his home 
was Susan CJmble, who died August 18, L825; for his third wife he married 
Nancy Roberts, June I s . 1827, with whom he lived until his death. She 
resides in Somerford, and has at this time about 2,500 acres of land which 
are under a high state of cultivation. She is a member of the Christian 
Church. 

WASHINGTON WIl.soN. farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in 
Madison County. Ohio. September T. 1821, and was a son of Valentine and 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1125 

Susan (Umble) Wilson; Valentine' was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, and 
Susan in Ohio in 1790. They were married in Madison County in 1818. 
He was married three times, Susan being his second wife. She died 
August 18, L825, and he died July 2, 1ST)."). Our subject, when twenty one 
years old, began working by the month, and thus continued for three 
months, as he wanted to get money enough to gel married; at the expiration 
of that time he had $27. He was then united in marriage with Linnie 
West, November 17, 1842. She was born in Clark County November 16, 
L824. After their marriage he began farming as a renter, and continued 
for four years, when he bought sixty acres of land, to which he has since 
added until he now owns 800 acres. He is a member of the! O. O. F. 
order, and served as Township Trustee of Somerford Township for fourteen 
.ear-. Mr. and .Mrs. Wilson are the parents of eighl children, of whom six 
survive — Jackson, Alexander, Valentine, Belle, Griffin and Charles. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Christian Church. 

JOHN P. WILLIAMSON, deceased. The subject of this sketch 
was the son of James Williamson, was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 
1834, and was united in marriage in October, 1856, to Frances Wilson, a 
daughter of Valentine Wilson, whose sketch appears in this work. She was 
born October 26, I MO. After their marriage he engaged in farming, and 
trading in stock, principally horses: a business he followed until bis death, 
which occurred January 1 1, 1862. He and his wife were the parents of one 
child, viz.: Winfield Scott, born July 21, L857; he is engaged in trading in 
stock and farming, and was united in marriage, October 11. 1S78, to 
Amanda Odell, by whom he has one child, Lillie .May, born May 21, L881. 

T. L. WOOSLEY, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Madison County, 
Ohio, November 17, 1852, and is a son of David and Nancj (Moss) Woosley, 
natives of (dark County, Ohio, the former born January 12, L812, and the 
latter in 1822. They were married in Clark County in 1851. Our subject 
engaged in farming when twenty-one years of ago as a renter, and thus con- 
tinued for six years, when he bought 1G0 acres of land where he now resides. 
He was united in marriage with Emma M. Prugh, February 17, 1880. She 
was born in Madison County, May 1, 1852, and is a daughter of Samuel 
Prugh, whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. Woosley acquired a 
common school education, and is a member of the Methodist Church. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF DAVID WATSON. 

RE-ARRANGED BY REV. C. A. VAN ANDA. 

My parents. Walter and Rachel Watson, were born in the State of 
Maryland, about the year 1750. My mother was a member of the Method - 
is! Episcopal Church from my earliest recollection. Such was the gentle- 
ness of her character, the strength of her religious conviction- and the con- 
-i-tency of her life, that she exercised the most happy influence over my 
father. He was a man of remarkable physical strength, but from the evil 
associations and customs of the times, he unfortunately, in early life, fell 
into the ruinous habits of drinking and fighting. 

I was born in Calvert County, Md., near the coast of the Chesapeake 
Bay, in the year 1788. I possessed a very lively temperament and an ex- 
traordinary degree of muscular activity. It was perhaps owing to these 
things that in my fourteenth j ear, I was induced to leave my father's home. 
The circumstances of my departure were as follows: In 1797, old Capt. 



1126 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Brandon, from Massachusetts, visited our country in order to trade in gro- 
ceries. He seemed to take quite a fancy to me, and ou one occasion asked my 
father if he might take me home with him. " AA'hen will you bring him 
back?" my father asked, and added that he had no objection, if mother 
was willing. The wily Captain wont at once to ask the same question of 
mother, taking care to say nothing about the conversation he had just had 
with father. Mother replied, " 1 am willing, if his father has no objection " 
I was exceedingly anxious to go. and had but little difficulty in overcoming 
all objections, save those urged by my brother. I finally offered him all my 
toys if he would consent, and succeeded in getting away. We embarked 
on the Patuxent River, and in two days reached Norfolk, Va.. our first port. 
At that time I felt as if I would have given the world, had I owned it, to have 
been at home. I there for the first time began to experience that disease 
so well known and yet so difficult to describe, namely, homesickness. 

Shortly before leaving Norfolk, a very interesting incident occurred. A 
negro, preferring freedom to slavery, had by some means secreted himself 
in the hold of our vessel, and remained some two days or more without 
anything to eat. /I was sent below for some purpose, and while creeping 
over boxes and barrels I caught sight of his teeth and eyes. I afterward 
fed him until we reached Beverly, Mass., where the poor fellow was free. 

The Captain took me to his home and introduced me to his wife, who 
asked my name, and seemed much pleased to see me. In a short time 
the Captain started on a voyage to England, leaving me at home to attend 
school. I however attended school but little, having too many errands to 
run. During the summer, an incident transpired at Beverly, Mass., of deep 
and painful interest. I had formed a very pleasant acquaintance with a 
young man who owned a distillery in the town. Going down street oue 
day. I saw a great many people running toward the distillery. I joined the 
crowd, and upon reaching the building was shocked to hear that my friend 
had committed suicide. He had fastened an iron kettle to his body, opened 
the hat eh way and east himself into the large rum cistern. He so arranged 
matters that all the hands were away at the time. So soon as he was miss 
ing. search was made in Beverly, and Salem, an adjoining town. At length 
some one thought of examining the cistern, and taking a boat-hook, he 
caught his clothing and drew him up. Physician- were called immediately, 
but all without avail, as he had been in the cistern about four hours. There 
were evidences that the love of life had returned before consciousness was 
lost, as attempts had been made to loose the kettle. 

The Captain, having returned, wintered at home, determined in the 
spriug to ^o on a tishing excursion. 

Everything was in readiness by the L8th of March, but we were com- 
pelled to wait for the "line gale" to subside. While lying there, a large 
buy among my comrades, proposed .that we should drink something. The 
proposition was universally agreed to. "David.* - said he, "what have you 
aboard?" "Everything," [responded. - Hum?" "Yes." "Eggs?" 
'• Y.'s." I knew nothing about making "effffnoff," hut he knew it all. I 
furnished the ingredients, and the coveted beverage was soon reads, and all 
partook freely. The article was decided to be so superior that we ought by 
all means to have some more. Accordingly, the Becond dish was prepared, 
and all indulged the second time. I soon began to feel uncomfortable] and 
went to my hammock. 1 was doubtless somewhat restless, for sometime af- 
terward my friend, who had brought all our trouble upon us, came and 
asked: "David, are you dying?" I said "yes." 1 knew nothing more un- 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1127 

til morning. The boys all found their ships, and I returned to the Cap- 
tain's for breakfast. When my mistress called, J answered: "I thank you, 
[ don't want anything." The Captain inquired what we had been doing, 
and I frankly told him all. He simply said : "David, never do so again." 
I replied, " No, mi-/' And I never did. 

On the 23d of March we weighed anchor, and started for the banks of 
Newfoundland. Reaching our destination, we fished for a short time with 
some success, and tin 'i i sailed for a better position. Running for a school 
of fish, the Captain discovered that ice was not tar to the windward, but ap- 
prehending no immediate danger, all laid down to rest except one man, 
who was stationed so as to keep a sharp lookout for the ice. Instead of 
obeying orders, however, he soon went to sleep. While we were all wrapped 
in slumber, the ice was rapidly nearing our vessel. The Captain was the 
first to discover our danger. Awaking from his nap, he found the vessel al- 
ready partially on an iceberg, and a whole island of ice was bearing down 
upon us. All hands ran to the windlass, but our united strength could no 
more move the ship than if she had been a mountain. Every fathom of ca- 
ble was out, and our destruction seemed certain. The Captain calling for 
an ax, cut the cable, when it flew swift as lightning. At length, hoisting 
all sail and using crotches, we backed her out stern foremost. We then re- 
turned home, washed out our fish, and as soon as possible prepared for a 
second voyage — going this time to British America, and stopping at a point 
called Donahoe's Cave. 

The origin of this name is declared by tradition to be as follows : Don- 
ahoe was a brave seaman, but so fond of sport as to be sometimes cruel in 
securing it. On one occasion, while stopping at the cave, in order to tease 
the Indians, he spread tar over the deck of his ship, invited the red men 
aboard. After having sprinkled scupper-nails everywhere, and then ran af- 
ter them with the ropes-end, and amused himself by watching their awk- 
ward and painful attempts at running. The Indians were terribly enraged, 
and tried all their ingenuity to entice him ashore. At length they succeed- 
ed, and then revenged themselves and showed their savage nature by cutting 
his heart into pieces as small as possible, and eating it, in order, as they 
said, to become as brave as the Captain was. From this occurrence the point 
was called Donahoe's Cave. 

Returning from our fishing excursion, the Captain, after a time, took a 
position as first mate on an East Indiaman. By reason, however, of some 
disagreement between him and the Captain, as to wages, he concluded not 
to go. but gave me my choice, to go as cabin boy, or stay with him. I 
chose to go. My new Captain was a man of very violent temper, as I soon 
found to my groat sorrow, Capt. Brandon had given me a beautiful 
comb, such as sailors wore at that time to keep their hair, which was worn 
very long, from falling over their facoe Going down one morning to get 
buscuit to make toast for breakfast, I chanced to look into an empty hogs- 
head and saw that a rat had fallen into it. I ran for the cat, and put 
her in to catch it; but she was afraid and kept as far away as possible. I 
then reached down and caught it by the tail, when it turned and bit my 
finger. Upon coming up, the Captain asked me how I had hurt myself. 
When I told what had happened, he swore a terrible oath, and striking me 
on the head, he broke my beautiful comb. Then my troubles began. 
When we were but a few days out. we were attacked by a whale. He was 
a huge fellow, though but about two-thirds grown. .He would lash the 
stern of the ship with such violence that every timber would quake. The 



1128 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

attack began on Saturday evening and continued until late Sunday morn- 
ing. We had two swivels on board, but could not bring them to bear on 
him, as he kept so near the ship. Many musket balls were fired into him 
and he was severely wounded with pikes. So freely did the blood flow 
that the Bea was purple in our wake. At length our enemy was so weak- 
ened by loss of blood that he could no longer hold out, and so dropped 
astern. 

The time passed without any incident worthy of especial notice until 
I experienced the process of being shaved by Neptune. The Captain had 
talked a great deal to the boys about an old man who lived on the " line.'' , as 
he said, whose habit it was to shave all who crossed it for the first time. S i 
much was said about the matter, and with such apparent sincerity, that at length 
some of the younger boys began to believe that all was real. Before my 
doubts were entirely removed, I would ask how the old man lived on the 
"line?" How he got his food? and so on. The replies, however, seemed 
so plausible, that my doubts were pretty much removed. On a certain 
morning, we found the sun directly over our heads. Never was there a 
more lovely morning. The Captain directed me *-o go below and ask the 
boys to come up and scrub the deck. All were glad to do so, and started 
very merrily for the deck, which they had no sooner reached, than the com- 
panion leaf fell. Instantly all seemed to be impressed with the idea that 
all this was somehow connected with the shaving process so much talked 
about. Meantime, preparations had been made above for the sport. When 
all was ready, the Captain went on deck with a speaking-trumpet, when an 
imaginary person — real enough to us — hailed him, and inquired for the 
boys who were for the first time crossiug the line. At first the Captain de- 
nied having any, but Neptune insisted, and at length mentioned the cabin 
boy. Presently Neptune came aboard and addressed the Captain very cor- 
dially. They shook hands and seemed very happy to meet each other. I 
was called upon to bring the stranger a glass of grog. Upon looking out. 
there he was, sure enough. His mouth was wide open, his face smeared 
with tar, and his old coal stuffed with oakum, producing a great hump on 
his back. I started back with fear, when he stooped just in time to secure 
the glass. Some were sent down who blindfolded me and brought me up 
on deck. Neptune approached me in a very friendly way. shaking my hand, 
calling me a fine little fellow, etc., etc. No one, he said, could become a 
good sailor unless he was first shaved. He then told me I must answer all 
his questions, or else he would take me away in his little boat and I should 
never see the ship again. I was then -worn, and made to answer many 
foolish questions. Lather, composed of all kinds of filth, was brought and 
applied to my face with a paint brush. An old piece of iron, filed so as to 
resemble, 9omewhat, a saw, was used as a razor. It was so dull and was 
used with so much violence, as actually to cut my face in several place- 1 
would beg not to be killed; Neptune would talk soothingly, and thus this 
part of the programme was finished. I was then place! upon a board 
which lay across the top of a large cask filled with salt water. A trumpet 
was placed to my mouth, and I was told to Bay three times, as loud as I 
eoidd. "God bless the United States of America." "Louder," shouted 
Neptune. I was preparing to do m\ very best, when suddenly the old Bea 
god poured a bucket of salt water int i the m >uth of the trumpet, which 
came Dear strangling me; at the same instant, the board on which I 
was turned, and 1 fell into the salt water, feeling sure that I was overb >ar I 
and all was lost Eorever In a moment, I was drawn out of sk, the 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. H29 

bandage was taken from my eyes, and I saw Neptune and knew him. My 
anger knew no bounds. I cursed and swore, "Hush! Hush!" said he, 
there are the other boys. .My desire to see them shaved cooled my wrath, 
and I joined heartily in the spurt. 

After this experience, our time past monotonously for many days. At 
length, the following sad incident occurred: A sailor went up to the fore- 
top to shake out the reefs. A kink in the rope caused him to lose his bal- 
ance, when he pitched out of the foretops, and falling across the gunwale 
broke his thigh. The Captain set the broken limb, and arranging a chicken- 
coop, so that it might swing back and forth like a hammock, placed the 
poor fellow upon it. where he remained for sixty days. When he did get 
up, he was entirely well, scarcely limping at all. Sad to relate, a few days 
afterward, by a mistop, the unfortunate man broke his thigh again. 

It was our custom to kill a pig once a week. This we generally did 
on Saturday evenings. It was my business to prepare the head and feet for 
t e Captain and officers. Our butter was becoming low, and fearing none 
could be had at our destination, the Captain gave orders that I should use 
no more of it in preparing the head and feet. When dinner was ready, on 
the day the above orders were given, I saw the butter was lower than at 
breakfast, and that the Captain was angry about it. Addressing me, *he 
said, " I thought I told you not to use any more butter in this way." I 
replied, " I did not use any. " " I will settle with you after dinner," he 
said. When the officers had gone on deck, he rang a little bell for me. I 
went into the cabin, when he addressed me as thus: " Do you still say you 
did not use the butter?" " I did not use it, Captain," I replied. With a 
terrible oath, he declared he would make me own it. " Go into the state- 
room," he thundered, " and bring me that cat." Returning with it, he bade 
me remove my roundabout, and then grasping my left wrist, he whipped me 
until he was tired out, and then stopping to rest, he repeated the question. 
I responded "no." as before. He then laid on again; stopping to take 
breath, the question was repeated, and the same answer given. He then de- 
clared he would make me own it, or whip me to death. Again the cruel 
cat was applied; I could noc shed a tear, though my sufferings were excru- 
ciating. When I went down to the cabin, I resolved thai should the Cap 
tain shoot me, I would die rather than toll a lie. But now my resolution 
began to waver. To be whipped to death seemed so terrible. It was more 
than I could endure, and feeling that I could last but a few moments 
more. I said I had taken the butter. I went on deck, and sitting down, 
began to think of how tenderly I had been raised; of what a good home I 
had left; of how far I was from it, and of the awful fact that I was help- 
less in the hands of this inhuman wretch. For a moment, I seriously de- 
bated whether it would not be better to take my life then and there. 
and so put an end to my misery. But better thoughts prevailed. For 
many weeks, I could not lie upon my back, and to this day L bear the marks 
of that terrible flogging. 

I have often since thought that the awful question of taking my own 
life was decided in the negative, in part, at least, through the following in- 
cident: The day was one of great beauty, and we were sailing at the rate 
of four or five knots per hour. The Captain said to the mate. "How are the 
hammocks holding out?" The mate replied, " Many of them are almosl 
worn out." Directions were accordingly given, that new ones be made from 
sails not in use. Not long after, the Captain and mate were sitting not far 
from me. when in reply to the declaration of the mate, that all were sup- 



1130 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

plied with hammocks but David, the Captain said, with an oath, " He don't 
need any, the spars are good enough for him. " I had not up to this mo- 
ment shed a tear, but this cruel remark opened the fountain, and I wept 
profusely. For a moment I gave way to anger, and it seemed to afford some 
relief. Looking at him, in profane language, I declared that upon reach- 
ing home, I would waylay him and take his life. I *at once gave up all 
thoughts of taking my own life, arose and went about my work. 

All our pigs had been killed but one; he was to be kept until we came 
in sight of land. Our grain had given out, and it became my business to 
provide him something to eat. This I did by catching " boobies," a sea 
bird about the size of a goose. These silly birds would alight upon the 
yard-arm, and remain perfectly quiet until I caught them. With these I 
so long supplied the pig that he came to know their peculiar noise, and 
would squeal his satisfaction when he heard them. I threw them alive into 
his pen, and he caught and devoured them without ceremony. When in 
sight of land, piggy was killed; but judge of our disappoinment to find him 
so fishy that he could not be eaten. Being utterly useless, we threw the whole 
overboard. 

It was evening when we came in sight of land. We were met by a 
boat load of natives who had fish to sell. Having purchased some of these, 
we cleaned them and hung them up to dry; but such was the effect of the 
climate upon them as to spoil the whole. There being no wharves, we ran 
into " Man Eater's Island," and anchored some distance from the shore. 
The natives were a great curiosity to me. I was especially interested in the 
manner in which they confine a certain class of criminals. A vessel called 
' the Galliot is anchored some distance from the shore. Once incarcerated 
there, they were perfectly secure,since the alligators were so numerous as to 
make it impossible for any one to swim ashore. Our Captain went to the 
Harbor Master and hired ten of these prisoners to load our cargo. Their 
manner of eating was very curious to me. Their food was rice, an article 
of red color, and altogether siiperior to any I have ever seen in this coun- 
try. This was prepared by boiling. Each man was provided with a "nog- 
gen" and ten sticks about four or five inches long, flattened somewhat at one 
end; taking the sticks in one hand and holding the noggen in the other, 
they would eat with great rapidity. When they wished a piece of meat, 
they used the thumb nail instead of a knife, that article being allowed to 
grow to a great length. 

We found several American ships in the harbor, and enjoyed ourselves 
very much in meeting with our countrymen, none of whom we had seen for 
nine months. It was decided to have a large party while we lay there, which 
was to be held aboard our ship. I, of course, was head cook. I did my very 
best, and many were the compliments I received for my excellent dinner. 
One Captain said it was the best dinner he ever ate on the water. Having 
only money, we had nothing to do but to purchase our cargo. This con- 
sisted of pepper, coffee, cloves and camphor. The money expended for 
this cargo amounted to about fifty thousand Spanish dollars. 

After lying at Batavia about fifteen days, we made ready to start on 
our return voyage. The port was regarded as a very sickly one. The Cap- 
tain had said that quite possibly one-fourth would be left, but not a single 
case of sickness occurred. We had taken in rain water enough to fill our 
hogsheads, as the water of the port was regarded as very unhealthy. Hav- 
ing been for a long time without fresh meat, we determined to secure some 
at the first opportunity. Accordingly, coming in sight of the Island of Sen- 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1131 

ter, we cast anchor, and sent four men ashore to catch turtles. These were 
found in incredible numbers. Tho men were instructed to turn them upon 
their backs, for in that condition they are helpless. In the morning we wont 
ashore and fastening ropes around their " nippers," drew them into the 
water and on board the ship. In this way we secured nine very large ones. 
It was supposed that some would weigh at least fifteen hundred pounds. 
They laid us many eggs. I think I counted eleven hundred from one. Their 
eggs are most excellent, as well as their flesh; so that we had fresh meat for 
many days. Some persons may not know that these animals can use their 
flippers for both fins and feet, but so it is. Upon the land their flippers am 
turned backward and upward, and the first joint coming to the ground, is 
used as a foot. Their gait is awkward and slow. 

Thus the time passed pleasantly, though monotonously, as we sailed 
homeward. All were in excellent health and happy at the thought of soon 
reaching home. But an event occurred which illustrated the uncertainty of 
this world's affairs, and our liability to disappointment in this life. "When 
not more than two weeks from home, we were taken prisoners by a French 
privateersman, a sloop of war named Bazier. The time about which I am 
now speaking was during the Presidency of John Adams. The French 
claimed certain moneys from the United States for funds lent us during the 
Revolutionary war. Our Government not admitting the claim, they took 
such of our ships as they found unable to defend themselves. For several 
i lays the Captain had thought we were in the latitude where the French 
might be expected. One beautiful afternoon, as we were driving rapidly 
before the wind, a French sloop was discovered under our lee bow, and we 
were driving right down upon her. The first intimation we had of imme- 
diate danger was the cry of the man on theforetop: "A sail ho!" "Where 
away?" cried the Captain. "Under the lee bow," was the reply. The Cap- 
tain took his glass and hurrying to the main top, decided the vessel to be a 
French sloop of war. 

The first mate drew his glass, and decided she was not. The Captain 
came down and ordered the ship drawn on the wind. The privateersman 
was at this point about three leagues away; all her sails being furled, she 
seemed quite small to us; but when we changed our course, her sails were 
unfurled in a moment, and she gave chase. 

She was a very fast runner, and gained upon us so rapidly that at dawn 
next morning she was plainly visible from our mast-head, right in our wake. 
At 10 o'clock she was along side, and hailed us, " Ho! where from?" " Ba- 
tavia." " Where bound?" "Beverly." " What is your cargo?" " Pepper and 
coffee." "Bon prize," said the Frenchman. The officers came aboard, 
.overhauled our papers, then drank and caroused until near 1 o'clock in the 
afternoon. Then the French Captain called out excitedly, "Embark! Em- 
bark! on board Bazier to sweet America." We were taken to Cayenne. 
Our cargo was, of course confiscated, and we were taken to jail. Our treat- 
ment was not severe. Sometimes we were taken to the sail lofts to work on 
sails. So matters continued for about ten months. At the expiration of 
that time, a Capt. Adams, of Baltimore, hearing that there were some Amer- 
ican prisoners at the jail, came to the gate, one morning, and inquired if 
there was not a little American boy there. He called me to the gate, and 
inquired if I did not want to get out of there. Of course I replied yes. He 
took me aboard his ship, and we sailed for Lisbon. 

There was not the most friendly feeling, at that time, between Portu- 
gal and the United States, although our ships were allowed to enter any 



1132 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

port in time of distress. Oar Captain was not troubled with conscientious 
scruples, and, knowing his cargo was valuable in Lisbon, he determined to 
put in there under pretense of distress. The mainmast was somewhat in- 
jured, and he arranged to have it carried quite away, by putting on sail. 
The vessel was forced on her beam ends; every moment the pilot feared a 
shot from the fort. At length a carpenter was bribed to come on board and 
condemn the ship. This cost the Captain one hundred guineas. We took 
great pleasure in viewing the city of Lisbon. Everywhere were plainly 
visible the effects of the terrible earthquake, which had destroyed millions 
of property and thousands of lives. The wharves being destroyed, we rowed 
ashore in a boat. Not a house remained on the old site of the city. It 
seemed, from appearances, as if the earth, like a thin crust, had broken 
through wherever there was any considerable weight upon it — other por- 
tions being left undisturbed The poverty, wretchedness and superstition 
of the inhabitants was extreme. Many women nocked around us, having 
the cross in a box, covered with glass; with this they passed from one to 
another, asking, " You no care for St. Antoine?" By this means, they ex- 
pected from each of us a sou. Here I witnessed that cruel sport, a " bull 
bait. " The day was the Sabbath. I found the seats were sold, as at our 
theaters. These were circular in form, inclosing a large area. Upon these 
were seated many thousands of people. Horsemen and footmen were within, 
for the purpose of worrying and killing the animals. While we were look 
ing on, one man was killed, but the sad event produced no more feeling than 
if the victim had been a horse instead of a man. Our attention was espe- 
cially attracted by twelve men whose business it was to keep the animil-. 
away from the seats occupied by the King and Queen. 

Having disposed of our cargo, we sailed for Hamburg. On the voyage, 
we came near being cast away between two islands. There had been an 
easterly swell and a westerly gale; these uniting, the current, into which 
we were drawn, set with great force toward the land. We were just at din- 
ner; our danger, for a few moments, was indeed very great, but by 
great exertions we were saved. At Hamburg, I had the pleasure of 
seeing the King and Queen of Denmark. The King was in a row- 
boat with a hundred men; the Queen was seated in a sail- boat. The 
excitement was intense, thousands upon thousands having gathered to wit- 
ness the imposing scene. Having laid in a cargo of cheese, we sailed for 
London. Arriving in sight of this great city, many things attracted our 
attention. One sight, I remember, was harrowing in the extreme. At 
almost every bend of the river, we beheld a gibbet. In these were hanging 
criminals, whose bodies were in various stages of decomposition. In all 
cases they were to hang until the flesh dropped off their bones. Going into 
the harbor, the Captain ordered a man to run up tho colors. "Which?' 1 
was asked. ''Danish," was the Captain's reply Now it happened on that 
very day, an embargo had been laid on all vessels belonging to the Danes. 
Swedes, Prussians and Russians. Of course we had made a serious mis 
take. Had we ran up the American colors, all would have been well. 

The abuse I there suffered is inexpressible. The press gang, often 
visited the ship, and tried every means to get me. Sometimes they would 
threaten, then again they would coax an 1 then try to buy me off, 

On one occasion, one of these wretches stole from me a new pair of 
shoes. I met one of them on shore the next day. and charged him with the 
theft. He was so indignant that his rage knew no bounds. He swore with- 
out stint. I, also was angry, and nothing restrained me but the fact that 



SOMtillFORD TOWNSHIP. 1133 

I was on foreign soil. My sufferings so deeply impressed me that my feel- 
ings of indignation are still aroused at every recollection, though the 
occurrences were more than seventy years ago. 

Our next voyage was from Plymouth to Bordeaux, France. I recall 
many things that there impressed me deeply. Among others a garden of 
great beauty near the city. It was said a gentlemen of great wealth had 
left an immense fortune to his son, who having a strong taste for gardening, 
had laid out vast sums of money in making this spot the scone of the won 
der and beauty it was. It was surrounded by a beautiful fence, and also by 
a hedge. The walks, which were wide enough for two to walk abreast, 
were also bounded by hedges. These were so accurately trimmed, that the 
slightest variation from a straight edge could be observed. Every variety 
of flowers and shrubs grew here. In the center was a curiosity in (he form 
of a labyrinth. This consisted of many walks with so many windings that 
we were soon lost. After repeated trials we gave up the effort, seeing we 
invariably came back to the point of departure. At length, some one more 
experienced than we, piloted us out. From Bordeaux, we sailed to Barston, 
Point- Peter and Jacknell. At the latter place occurred an incident, illustra- 
ting English feeling against the United States, on the ground of our peace- 
ful attitude toward France, with which England was then at war. A 
British man-of-war, had been kept cruising around the harbor, and a few 
days before our arrival an American brig frorn Baltimore was boarded, the 
brains of the watch were knocked out and the vessel taken to England, 
simply because she had a French cargo. The cargo, was condemned and 
the hull liberated. For this reason the authorities sent eighteen marines on 
board to protect us. • 

Just upon the eve of our departure from this port, a circumstance 
occurred worthy of note. We were in a great hurry to weigh anchor, having 
been so long from home. It became dark just as the last barrel was to be 
put aboard. The man whose duty it was to fasten the can-hook to the 
chimes of the barrel did his work so imperfectly that it held just long 
enough to be brought over the comb of the hatch, when the hook slipped, 
letting the barrel fall so hard, as to break one head; the man below sprang 
forward and raised the barrel in time to save about one-third of the contents, 
which I have omitted to state, was wine. The crew regarded the accident 
as a rare good fortune, and determined to drink what was saved. We in- 
vited every American in the port. I need not say we drank largely. Befoiv 
leaving, I met with the Governor of the island, who was a black man. 
When we met, he politely lifted his hat, and I, of course, returned the salu- 
tation. He was regarded as an excellent officer. 

At length, we set sail for New York. A run of fourteen days brought 
us to the city. We anchored in the sound, and there lay at quarantine for 
many days. True, we had been examined, and pronounced healthy, yet so 
terribly was the yellow fever prevailing that the authorities feared to allow 
us to land. Imagine our feelings — we had been six years from home, had 
endured incredible hardships — now we were in sight of our dear native 
land, and yet dared not go ashore. But as all things have an end, so had 
our imprisonment, and we were once more free. 

Having been paid off, I bade my shipmates and Capt. Adams farewell. 
Preferring coin to the paper money I had received, 1 started for the bank 
to make the exchange. On the way, I stopped at a silversmith's, and 
bought a watch. Having arranged my money matters, I started for home by 
way of Philadelphia, by coach. I had never learned the use of money, and 



1134 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

never having had so large an amount in my possession, I spent it freely, 
feeling rich and living high. Reaching the city, I put up at a private room 
and lived in considerable style, frequenting the barber's, having my hair 
powdered, wearing a ruffled shirt, and seeking amusements in various ways. 
Meantime, I just escaped shipping again for a three years' voyage on an 
East Indiaman. Going aboard, I met the last man just coming from the 
cabin, having signed his shipping papers. I told the Captain my desire; he 
said, " Had you been an hour earlier. I could have taken you, but now we 
are full." The next day a packet arrived, bound for Alexandria, Va. 
In four or five days, we reached our destination. Approaching the wharf, 
I narrowly scanned the people on shore, and they seemed to be returning 
the compliment. Among that crowd on the shore was my brother, who at 
the time was engaged in driving a team from Frederick County, Va., to Al- 
exandria; neither of us recognized the other. 

Being so near the capital, I detei'inined to visit it, and also George- 
town, having often heard my father speak of these cities. I hired a boat- 
man to take me up, but had only gone a short distance when I found I had 
forgotten my trunk. However, an additional 50 cent piece induced him to 
return for the missing article. Having looked about Washington as long as 
1 desired, I made inquiry at the post office for the direction home. The re- 
ply was, that I had better take the stage for a place, the name of which I 
have forgotten. At that point I tri^d to hire a horse, but no one would 
trust me. Seeing I could do no better, I started home on foot. I took it 
very leisurely, greatly enjoying the scenery. My design was to reach home 
a little after dark, in order to surprise my parents. I aimed to go to Lower 
Marlboro, there being also a town called Upper Marlboro. It happened I was 
directed to the upper town, and by that means went five miles out of my 
way. An old negro directed me to Nottingham. Crossing the fields, I saw 
a negro coming toward me on a pony. Accosting him, I said, "Old 
man, what will you take to carrv me to Nottingham?" " Can't do it, raassa." 
"Why?" "Hoss too small." " I'm small, too." " You can't ride. " "I 
will." "If you must, give me a dollar." Handing him the money, I 
jumped on behind, and rode into Nottingham. 

The ferry-boat was just pushing off as I reached the river. My father 
— as I supposed — was living on the other side. I cried out to the ferryman 
to stop. The people, hearing me, were alarmed, and ran to their doors to 
see what was the matter. One man asked, "Are you a mechanic?" I an- 
swered " No." Then, seeing the boat was gone, I inquired if he knew Mr. 
Watson. " Very well," he replied, " Walter Watson moved up the country 
one hundred miles. He was down two weeks ago, with a drove of horses. 
Who are you ?" I told him my name, and be asked if I had not an uncle 
in that place. I replied I had, but I did not know where he was now. He 
said, " Come along with me, and I will show you his house." Reaching the 
dwelling, I entered without ceremony. My aunt not recognizing me, was 
much surprised to see me walk across the room and deliberately hang up 
my hat. I then made myself known. My dear aunt was overjoyed, and the 
servants who had known me rushed into the room and manifested their joy, 
in true negro style. The evening was spent in giving an account of my 
adventures by sea and land. The next morning. I crossed the river in the 
ferry-boat, in order to visit another uncle. While crossing, I gave the 
boatman some account of my voyages. Reaching the shore, I saw a man 
with two horses, whom I knew to be a friend of my father's. I spoke to 
him, calling him by name. He seemed scarcely to notice me, and spoke 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1135 

slightingly; not knowing me, I did not stop to explain, being stung by his 
coldness. He inquired of the boatman my name. Having learned who I 
was, he went to my aunt's and got the whole history of my voyages, and be- 
ing then on his way to my father's, he was the first to tell them of my re- 
turn. Going to my uncle's, I found him and his two sons at work in the 
fields. Having told him my name, he called the boys, who came running 
to greet me, and, gathering me up in their arms, carried me, pack and all. 
into the house. My aunt, upon seeing me, gave thanks to God: "See," 
said she to her husband, the goodness of God in preserving this child. " All 
were melted into tears. Several days were spent with these dear friends. 
Nothing could exceed their kindness. The boys furnished me with the best 
horse and saddle the place afforded, while I, in turn, furnished them a great 
deal of amusement by my awkward attempts to keep my place in the saddle. 
Sometimes, they would suddenly start on a rapid trot, while I could scarcely 
hold on, even at a slow walk. 

In a few days, my father sent a cousin for me, with a horse. Returning 
to the point where I left my trunk, I found no one wanted to buy it, and, as 
I would not give it away, it was a serious question how to manage it. 1 
proposed to my cousin that a circingle which he had brought with him, be put 
through the handles of the trunk and that it be strapped to my back. Thus 
mounted, I had not gone two rods before down came trunk, rider and all. 
Being determined to succeed, I remounted, and, by bracing myself in the 
stirrups with all the skill I could command, we reached Alexandria, where 
the trunk was left for my brother to carry home at his next trip. We then 
started directly for my father's, Frederick County, Va. 

On the way, we met with my brother, in company with Jonathan 
Minshall, who afterward became my brother-in-law, on their way to Alex- 
andria with their teams. Near by the place of our meeting was a little 
public house. We were so ignorant as to know no better way to express 
our joy than to turn aside there, and eat and drink all the proprietor had. 

It was late in the evening when we reached home, where we found the 
whole family had gathered, expecting us. At the bark of the dog, all ran 
to the door. Imagine the joy all felt at the return of the long-lost son. 

For several days but little was done, besides listening to my tales of 
wonder. Young people came from a great distance to see the sailor boy 
and hear him talk. 

In the fall of 1803, a protracted meeting was held at Newtown, by 
the Rev. James Quinn and the Rev. Mr. Mathews. The meeting became 
one of great interest and power, so much so that many people attended 
from distant towns and counties. Two of my sisters were converted dur 
ing the early part of the meeting, and also two of my younger brothers. 
An older brother and myself would accompany the rest to the church and 
then going to the tavern, would spend our time there until the service 
closed. My eldest sister threatened to inform father of this fact. This, we 
felt, would never do, so we consented to go into the church with them, hav- 
ing agreed among onrselves to slip out and return before the meeting closed. 
When our two younger brothers were converted, we were greatly enraged. 
As for the girls, we said, they were older and could do as they pleased; but 
the boys, we believed, were frightened into their religion. One day we 
determined that, should such excitement occur that night as we had before 
witnessed, we would enter the house and bring our brothers out. Accord- 
ingly, we took ou: stations at the door. Soon the interest became intense; 
the people became very happy, and many of them gave expressions to their 



1136 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

feelings of joy, in songs and exclamations of praise to God. With an oath, 
we started forward. I had agreed to take one and my brother the other. 
We kept close together until we came near to where they were standing. 
The boys were some distance apart. I remember reaching for my little 
brother, and asking, "What are you doing here?" He looked at me and I 
saw the tears of joy rolling down his face as he said, "David, my soul is 
happy." I emember no more — nothing as to where I was or the flight 
of time — until I was clapping my hands and shouting, "Glory to God." 
My brother also failed to do as he intended, but he succeeded in reaching 
the door. I here record the fact that Jonathan Minshall was converted at 
the same meeting. 

During the time intervening between this and the following New Year's, 
my brother tried every means to discourage us, being determined to get us 
back into the world. Some time after this meeting there was a camp-meeting 
held at a place called the " White House, " a distance about twenty miles 
from us. We attended that meeting. My brother James was greatly op- 
posed to our going, and determined to secure a load for Alexandria, so that 
the team should be engaged. At length father interposed his authority. 
James could do nothing more than nurse his anger, which he continued to 
do. The meeting was an excellent one. Upon our return, James tried to 
disturb me by ridicule, using such language as " How much grace did you 
get? " " I suppose all the tears shed there could be put into a small bottle," 
etc , etc. He continued his opposition until New Year's Day, 1805 At 
that time, Rev. Mr. Phelps held a watch-night meeting at his house. James 
attended. Rev. William Hughes, a step- son of Father Phelps, preached. 
During the preaching, I saw James trembling. At first I supposed it to be 
ague, but soon I saw him praising God; the lion had become a lamb, and 
the bitter scoffer had become a professor of religion. This was Saturday 
evening. On Sabbath morning there was a love-feast at Newtown. James 
attended, much to the surprise of the people, very few knowing of the change 
he had experienced. After a few had spoken, he arose to give his testimony. 
Every word seemed to come from the depths of his heart; a Divine power 
seemed to fall upon all present; all wished to hear his experience, and yet 
they could scarcely restrain their joy. 

In the spring of 1805, my father purchased a lease of a Mr. Helphen- 
stine, which I went to see, expecting that brother James and I would farm 
it. After looking around the farm, I went to the house, and there saw the 
girl whom I afterward married. Her mother was dead, and she, only ten 
years of age, was acting as housekeeper. She politely offered me a chair; 
we had some general conversation, during which I resolved that if I could 
succeed I would make her my wife when the proper time had come. 

About this time my attention was turned to the West, especially to Ohio. 
I knew there was better land there than that we were farming. One day I 
said to father, let us go to Ohio. You have always been a renter here, and 
have paid rent enough to buy a farm there. We are all working hard and 
accomplishing but little. At first be tried to persuade me not to think of it, 
but seeing how anxious I was, he consented to my going, saying if I was 
pleased with the country he would go, too. Mr. Helphenstine was going 
West, which I frankly confess increased the attraction. Ho had four horses 
and I had one, which just made a team. Accordingly we united, and with- 
out any special incident, reached Chillicothe, Ohio, in October, 1805, where 
we remained until January. 

We found a Col. Langam, who was going up into the "barrens" to 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1137 

lay "warrants" and divide lands. Mr. Helphenstine and myself accompa- 
nied the Colonel as assistants. We remained with him until the 14th day 
of February. On the morning we were about finishing the survey of the 
1,700 acres on which I now live, the Colontd said there was a mistake of 
100 acres in the survey. We did not wish to run it over again, and Mr. 
Helphenstine proposed that I should buy it, and thus the survey could stand 
as it was. I replied, "I have nothing to buy it with." " Yes,'' the Colonel 
said, " there is your horse, how much is he worth? " I replied, "one hun- 
dred dollars." The Colonel took him at that price. I then gave my watch 
for $20, which left me in debt $60. I afterward worked oue $20 more. 
The Colonel had some prairie land in the neighborhood, which he wished 
broken up, which I agreed to do for $10, on the condition that I should 
have as much more land as I needed for $2 per acre. We carried the chain 
on our return to Chillicothe, and having measured fifteen miles from the 
point of our departure, we came to the cabin of a Mr. Oxford, where we 
spent the night. In the morning I asked what he would take for that lease, 
and give possession the following October. He agreed to take the making 
of 2,000 rails, which offer I accepted. The next day we reached Chillicothe. 

In March, we built a cabin about three miles from the city. There I 
spent the summer and raised a crop of corn, getting one-third of it for my 
labor. I worked out what I could, for the purpose of getting money enough 
to return to Virginia. I started back the last day of September, 1806. I 
found all my friends in good health, and fully prepared to accompany me 
to Ohio. There were thirty-nine of my connection in the company; of this 
number, I am the only survivor, April, 1870. There were six or seven 
wagons, my own taking the lead. We reached Chillicothe, about the last 
of October. Father moved at once to the place I had rented for him, and 
Jonathan Minshall and family accompanied him. A few days after our 
arrival, Jonathan purchased 100 acres of land lying alongside of mine. 
Some time about the last of December, he and I built a log cabin for him. 
This was the first house built in this part of the country. We completed it 
about the 12th of January, 1807. We returned to Chillicothe, and after a 
few days, probably about the seventeenth of the month, he moved into his 
new house, and I came with him. No more moved into our part of the 
country until the following March. 

The preacher on the Chillicothe Circuit, had established a society at 
my father's house, making that the limit of his work on the north. Brother 
Minshall, his wife, and I, felt our spiritual destitution sadly, Cuming away 
from the privi leges which we enjoyed in Virginia. I proposed to visit 
father and consult with him about the matter. When I laid the matter be- 
fore my father, he said, it could hardly be expected that the preacher would 
extend his work to embrace us, since it would be compelling him to ride 
thirty miles to preach to us three. Rev. Mr. Lakin was told of the want 
wo had expressed, and left word that if one of us would be there at his next 
round, he would accompany us, and preach in our cabin. Accordingly 
Brother Minshall went down and brought him up, and he preached the firsl 
Methodist sermon ever preached in this part of the country. Brother Min- 
shall, his wife and myself, formed the first class, Brother M. being ap- 
pointed leader. And it may be said of the members of this class, that there 
were no absent marks against their names. 

About two years after this time, father moved up and built a cabin just 
across the brook from where my house now stands. Preaching was then 
appointed at his house, where it continued until mother's death, in 1822. 



1138 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

This sad event occurred quite suddenly. Brother Minshall being at quar- 
terly meeting at the time, word was ^ent him to bring the Presiding Elder 
to preach the funeral discourse. His name was Rev. John Strange, Rev. 
D. Davidson being preacher in charge. After dinner, he said to me. Brother 
Watson, you must have preaching at your house now. I said, " I' don't 
know, we are so poor." My wife said. " We will do the best we can." 
Brother Davidson replied. "That is all we ask." During the twenty-nine 
years that intervened, between the organization of the first class and the 
building of the church now standing at Newport, we bad faithful ministers 
and many excellent meetings. I remember one meeting in particular, of 
four days' continuance, at which twenty-four persons joined the church at 
one evening service. This meeting was held by Alexander Morrow. 

Before passing from this subject, I wish to record the following inci 
dent: Some years after preaching was established here. Rev. J. B. Finley 
was sent on to the district as Presiding Elder. He would often stop with us, 
on his way to his quarterly meetings in London. One day while plowing. 
I looked up and saw Brother Einley and Rev. Z. A. Morris, afterward 
Bfshop Morris, coming up the road. They stopped at the house, and I left 
my team to go and welcome them, and take care of their horses. After 
dinner, I excused myself and returned to my work Shortly afterward. 
Brother Finley came out to the field; as he came within hearing he said, 
" O. Brother Watson, if I had nothing to do but plow, how easy I would 
feel! " " Why " I said, " What have you to do now? " " This day " said 
he, " I have a family of twenty-one orphans to feed and clothe, beside the 
care of the church over which I am placed. " He then requested me to go 
and tell my neighbors that there would be preaching at my house this even- 
ing, saying, " I will plow, until you return." So he went to plowing, 
and I started off to publish the appointment. A large congregation assem- 
bled to hear the word. A dancing- master had, that week, formed a class in 
London. When I told Finley of it, he turned to Brother Morris and said. 
" Brother Morris, you owe me a roundy sermon and must preach it to-mor- 
row. " Brother Morris did not say whether he would or not. but Sabbath 
morning, he did as requested. The sermon was a close, practical discourse 
on dancing, which the dancing-master had the privilige of hearing, being 
present 

Perhaps, just here, better than elsewhere. 1 may record the fact that 
it was once my pleasure to meet Bishop Asbury. About the year 18 lb, a 
camp-meeting was held on the ground now occupied by the town of Me- 
chanicsburg. 

Father and mother. Brother Minshall and wife, Rev. Mr. Sutton ami 
wife, and myself and wife, went up to the meeting. 

Bishop Asbury. came in a carriage from Urbana, and preached on Sab- 
bath at 1 1 o'clock A. M. I remember his appearance very distinctly, though 
it was fifty-two years ago. 

He was very feeble, so much so that he sat during the delivery of a 
part of the sermon; his hair was remarkably white. The preachers knew 
of his coming, and had prepared for him a very comfortable tent. This 
was the last visit of the bishop to the West. 

On July 28, 1807, I started for Franklinton to secure a marriage li- 
cense. My intended's father gave me an instrument of writing testifying 
to his willingness that the marriage should occur. 

On the way I went in sight of Col. Langam's cabin, near where London 
now stands; he called to me, and asked where I was going; I told my desti- 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 113U 

nation and the object of my journey; he asked if I had any testimonials, 
and when I showed him what 1 had, he said his name might be of some use, 
and so he put it down, and I continued my journey. 

And now commenced a series of difficulties which severely taxed my 
courage and patience. I had tied my overcoat behind the saddle; by some 
means the strings which were of tow, either wore out, or became untied, 
and my overcoat was lost. The road being obscure, and the grass being 
very high. I knew there was scarcely any chance of finding it. and hence 
kept on, following a path made by cattle, until I reached Georgesville, in- 
tending to secure the services of a Justice of the Peace living there. 

Reaching his cabin, I tied my horse to the fence, went in, and much 
to my distress, found that the Justice had drank so deeply as to be unable 
to hold intelligible conversation with me. I determined to continue my 
journey and return so early as to find him sober. 

Going to untie my horse, I found to my horror, that a cow had so in- 
jured the bridle that it seemed to me impossible to use it; however, I re- 
paired damages as best I could, and pushed on to Frauklinton. There I 
made my business known to the clerk of the court, Lyne Starling, and how 
did my heart sink when he informed me that my testimonials were not suf- 
ficient. In vain, I assured him all was right. There was a penalty of 
$1,500 for issuing a license without a full proof that all was right. I 
started for the door with a sad heart, when the Clerk called me back, ami 
asked to see my papers again. After looking at them a moment he said, 
" Seeing Col. Langam's name is on your recommendation, I will issue the 
license." I received the document with great joy, supposing my troubles 
were well-nigh over. 

I went to Gen. Foos' Hotel to stay all night, telling him I wished to 
pay my bill before retiring, as I must start quite early. I soon went to bed 
but not to sleep much. 

Very early in the morning I found my gray horse and started for 
Georgesville, determined to find the Justice before he had time to take his 
morning dram. But alas, for all human expectations, he was too quick for 
me. I found him in a worse condition than he had been in the evening be- 
fore. After much fruitless effort to get him started, he said, " Stranger, go 
home," repeating his order three times ''and bring your girl here, and 1 
will marry you, and you shall love her better than any man ever loved his 
wife in the world." I replied, " I love her well enough to marry her." I 
then asked, if he could not direct me to another Justice. Staggering to the 
door, he gave me the direction to Esquire Gotes. I took the direction in- 
dicated and found the cabin late in the afternoon. Much to my disappoint- 
ment, however, I found that Justice's horse was out on the barrens: he 
started to find the animal, and I was left to put in the time as best I could. 
I walked back and forth in the yard, every few moments stopping to look 
for the returning horse, and listen for the bell. The moments rolled away 
slowly, and still nothing was seen of the horse or its owner. I went into 
an old corn crib, and rolled and tumbled about there for a long time. At 
length, when I was about to despair, the Esquire returned with a borrowed 
horse; hastily changing his clothing, he mounted and gave the order to 
go on as fast as I chose. 

Now, thought I, my troubles are over; I felt light as a feather and 
happy as a bird. Suddenly the thought struck mo that I might not have 
money enough to pay the Justice for the marriage ceremony. Quick as 
lightning, my spirits sank to zero. I thought, what shall I do? I had 

xx 



1140 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

but $2 and that was borrowed. I did not know of any one that I could 
borrow a cent. I felt that the Justice would trust me, if he only lived in 
my neighborhood, but living so far away, 1 could not expect him to do 
that. 

Several times, I fell back, determined to know the worst, but my heart 
would fail me. Then I would conclude to keep quiet about it until the 
ceremony was over; then if his price should be too high, I would be mar- 
ried at any rate. At length, I could endure the suspense uo longer, and 
decided to know the worst if it killed me. " Esquire " said I, " what do 
you generally charge for performing a marriage ceremony." "The law 
allows me $2" he replied. "Good" thought I. "I'm safe." All my gay 
feelings returned, and we journeyed on We reached home an hour before 
sundown. 

The wedding occurred July 29, 1807. My wile's name was Mary Hel- 
phenstine, and she was born March 5, 1793. I went half a mile further to 
get my clothes, and was married in true backwoods style. My roundabout 
was of nankeen, being the remnants of a suit presented me by my super- 
cargo in Germany. We went to my father's, where we spent a few days, 
then commenced housekeeping in a cabin belonging to a Mr. Smith, stand- 
ing where my son Samuel now lives. 

Mr. Smith and his family proved to be very strange people. He came 
to the settlement with a family of three sons and one daughter. When he 
had cleared about eight acres of land, and things began to look home-like about 
him, his children suddenly left him, he pretending not to know why they had 
left him or where they had gone. He had said to me that if I would marry 
Polly, we could come and live with him and use what he had about the 
house. This kind offer had been accepted; all had thus far gone well. On 
a certain day, wife and I had gone over to Brother Minshall's to assist in 
killing some pigs. Some time during the day, we had observed a wagon at 
the house and wondered what it could be. Returning home in the evening, 
we found the house empty. Smith had left as unceremoniously as his chil- 
dren had done before him. Our distress was great, indeed. Wife asked 
with tears, "What shall we do?" I reminded her that we had some corn 
meal; that I could make a trough in a fewiminutes, and she could mix her 
dough in that; that we could roast our meat and live well. "But," 6he 
asked; " what shall I heat water in?"' I thought of a Mr. Withrow, who 
was camping out a short distance above us, and of having seen an iron kettle 
in his possession. I concluded to go up and see if I could borrow it. Upon 
telling him our troubles, he lent us the kettle with pleasure. Thus 
we managed, though suffering many privations, to get through the 
winter. 

A Mr. Groves came into the neighborhood and spent the winter with 
us He had a few articles necessary for housekeeping; in addition to 
these. I borrowed two knives and forks, made one out of buck-horn, my shoe 
knife made the number even — three knives and three forks. A chesl served 
us for a table. A short time after commencing housekeeping, my wife re- 
ceived the first present ever made us. She had spent the day in visiting 
Bister Minshall; when she came to leave in the evening, wife's sister said 
she had nothing fit to make her a present of; "but." said she, "here is a 
cloth that will do to wipe your dishes." Wife declared she could not have 
given her anything that would have been more acceptable. 

I was still owing $60, the last payment on my land. How to meet 
that obligation was a question that gave me great trouble. Col. Langani 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1141 

and a Mr. Huffman had a settlement of business matters, in which the 
Colonel came out just $00 in debt. He told me of the debt and requested that 
I would give my note to Mr. H. for that amount, saying that he would wait 
upon me until it was convenient to pay it. I hesitated, because I had not, 
as yet, received a deed for my land. My father-in-law stated that he had 
authority to make me a deed and would do so at any time. 1 therefore 
gave my note, payable on demand. Mr. Huffman wont to Chillicothe; put 
the note into the hands of an attorney, by the name of Brush, with orders 
to have it collected as soon as possible. Of this fact, however, I remained 
in blissful ignorance until a writ was served upon me by the Sheriff'. Mr. 
Groves nobly offered to go my security on the docket, and I went to work 
to make the money as speedily as possible, which was very slow, indeed. 
Having secured $13 of the amount, I went, in company with the Sheriff, to 
pay it. Col. Brush had just arisen from bed, and was washing himself. 
The Sheriff said I had brought $13 of the amount of that note, and asked if he 
should take it. "Yes," said Brush, "take all you can get." " Colonel, "said I, 
"can't you give me a little more time on that note. " Not another minute; 
not another minute," said he, shaking his linger at me. We turned away, 
and the Sheriff informed me that my horse was advertised for saie at the 
court house, and he feared that I would be imprisoned. I made up my 
mind that 1 would never go there alive, and so told the Sheriff. He 
promised to do all in his power for me, and, if possible, stave the m alter .off 
until another court. I mounted my horse and, ridiug by Col. Brush, on 
his way to the court room, made my way home. 

By all possible industry and economy, we succeeded, during the several 
months following, in saving $12 more. I was almost afraid to trust myself 
with the money, and hence took it over to my father, asking him to keep it 
for mo, telling him what it was designed for. Some days afterward, Col. 
Langarn called upon my father and stated that he was fooling badly, be- 
cause some parties who owed him had failed to pay him, and was much dis- 
tressed for a little money. He asked my father if he had any that he could 
lend him. Father said he had the little I had put in his hands for safe 
keeping. The Colonel pledged his honor to return it before the next 
court. At length father was prevailed upon to let him have the money. 

When I was made acquainted with this fact, I expressed my fears that 
il would not be forthcoming, but my father assured me there was no ground 
for uneasiness. But when the court came on, these fears were realized. 
One day a horseman rode up to my father's door and asked for David Wat- 
son. Being within hearing, I stepped forward, and said that my name was 
David Watson. It was then about 10 o'clock in the forenoon. The man 
assured me if I was not in Franklinton before noon it would bo a sorry time 
for me. I asked if the money had not been paid. He said it had not, and 
ho was sent for me. I knew if I could see Col. Langam there would be 
some way out of the difficulty; but he had gone to Chillicothe. AVe agreed 
to meet at the Esquire' s office that night, who was living with Col. Langam. 
I went over, but the Colonel had not yet returned; and his son assured me 
he could do nothing for me. I agreed to accompany the Sheriff in the 
morning. Starting for home, I heard the bars fall, and looking up whom 
should I see but Col. L., with Judge Scott and other gentlemen from Chil- 
licothe. I told him of the difficulty into which he had brought me. He 
heard me through, with the utmost coolness, and then said, " the Esquire may 
examine my papers, and he will find your receipt. The papers were exam- 
ined, and at the bottom of a large bundle my receipt was found. How 



IU'2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

eagerly I grasped it, and what a load was lifted from my heart! The 
Deputy Sheriff wanted to take it, but I had suffered so much I would not 
give it to any one. Thus was the trouble settled, and I was once more free. 

The following spring we raised a cabin for Mr. Groves, where Mr. 
Evans now lives. After the logs were up, I said to the friends standing 
near me: "I wish I had as good a house as that." Some one desired to 
know where I wanted it. I told him I wanted it about one mile west, on 
the creek. I was then asked if I would be there the next morning; and 
upon my replying in the affirmative, all agreed to meet there at that time 
and assist me. The company met according to agreement, and we put up 
my first cabin — twelve by twelve feet. It was small, indeed, but large 
enough to contain our household goods, with room to spare. 

The following items composed our outfit: One spinning wheel; my 
shoe bench; one bed; a few stools, and the table before referred to. Into 
this new home, all our own, we moved, February 12, 1808. 

In the fall of 1808, a camp-meeting was held on Hay Run, near Chilli 
cothe. Brother Minshall and his family, my wife and myself attended 
together. On Saturday, Brother M. came to me. and asked if I had any 
quarterage. I replied: "Yon know how poor I am-" and putting my hand 
in my pocket, I drew out all the money I had — 37 1 cents — and said, "take 
what you think I ought to give, if it is the whole." He took 25 cents, say- 
ing, "I will take this, and may be God will convert Polly to-night." Surn 
enough my wife was converted that night. 

When the meeting closed, we went to Chillicothe, being desirous of 
purchasing some household goods, and also some clothing. You ma}' 
imagine my feelings when I thought of my depleted purse, and saw the 
many things we so sadly needed. I went to the little store of James Mc 
Clintock, whom I had known in Vii'ginia, and spoke to him of my wants, 
adding, but I am poor, and see no prospect of paying you He generously 
told me to give myself no uneasiness about that, but to take just what I 
wanted. As it was then nearly night, he kindly suggested that we bring 
our bedding into the store, use such groceries as we needed, adding, in the 
morning you shall take such as you want of my goods. This generous offer 
was thankfully accepted, and we returned to our little home very happy. 

And now began a series of events which led to my being able to cancel 
this indebtedness, with some others that I had contracted. Jonathan Mm 
shall had a friend in the East, who was by pi'ofession a school teacher. 
This friend desired to come West and purchase a home. A short tinn> 
before the occurrences above alluded to, a Quaker, who owned a small tract 
of land near to mine, desired to go to some friends near Richmond, Ind.. 
and gave his land and cabin to Minshall and myself for moving him. Ther-i 
was a legacy coming to Brother Minshall from some friend in Philadelphia 
With his share of that, the school teacher bought this piece of land. With 
this money I paid James McClintock for the goods bought of him, and 
also canceled some other obligations I had contracted, and had $9 remain 
ing. With this surplus money I bought three calves. Thus far the 
Lord had brought me on. We were out of debt, in our own house, owne I 
three calves, had good health, and better than all, my dear wife was con- 
verted. Surely the Scripture was confirmed. " He that goeth forth weep 
ing, bearing precious Beed, shall doubtless come again, with rejoicing, 
bringing his sheaves with him." 

My dear mothi-r died January ■">, lS'J'J, and my father six months after- 
ward, viz., June 11, 1822. It had long been his wish and prayer that he 



SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. 1143 

might outlive mother, and then speedily follow her. His wish was granted. 
Lovely and beautiful were they in thoir lives, and in death they were not 
long divided. My father's funeral was preached by Rev. William Sim- 
mons. 

In the spring of 1810. Madison County was formed, and Commission- 
ers appointed to select a county seat. The present site of London was se- 
lected. The land belonged at that time to John Murfin. My father bought 
four lots, two in and two out lots. Three houses were built the following 
spring, one of which I helped to build. Rev. Father Sutton, living here at 
the time, built one of them, which stood until a short time since. By this 
time we began to raise more than we needed for our immediate use — such as 
butter, eggs and vegetables. These I occasionally carried to our new coun- 
ty seat for sale, being the first one to do so 

I wish hastily t<> record my connection with the war of 1812. In those 
days all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-live, were 
required to muster once a month, and to meet for general muster once a 
year. Expecting a call to active service, our Captain had divided us into 
classes of eight in number. We were soon called out to build a block-house 
at Mill Creek, near Marysville, Ohio. "We spent four weeks there, and as 
we could see no signs of trouble from the Indians, we returned home. I 
made up my mind not to try to secure a substitute, nor in any way avoid 
going when I svas needed. Soon we were called to Sandusky. On the way 
we met an express with the command to return. Several weeks were quiet- 
ly spent at home. One day the Captain came with the word that I must go 
again. We hurried to Sandusky, arriving there at noon the day after the 
battle. It was decided to discharge 4,000 men, leaving 3,000 still in the 
held. I was among those that remained, and returned with others to Frank- 
linton. Two wagon loads of us had been taken down with the measles, and 
were hauled home. 

While in camp at Franklinton, I had formed the acquaintance of Mother 
Beam, as she was familiarly called. She had known my parents in Virgin- 
ia, and said she was a member of the same class. While returning sick with 
the measles, I encouraged myself with the thought of meeting her, feeling 
sure she would receive me kindly arid give me a chance to rest. Crawling 
out of the wagon and hurrying with what strength I had, I went to call on 
Mother B. At every step I felt stronger. Just before reaching the door I 
heard loud talking, as if there was a gale of some kind within. At the door 
she met me coldly, when the following conversation occurred : " Can I come 
in?" "There is a large house,'' pointing across the way. With a sad heart 
1 started across the way to the large house. Just before reaching there I 
saw a fellow-soldier refused the privilege of stopping. Returning, Mrs. B. 
asked, " Did you not get permission?" I replied I saw a fellow-soldier re- 
fused who was as good as I was, and concluded it was useless for me to try. 
I reminded her thai I was small, and would get into a corner and occupy 
as little room as possible. She declared if I stayed at her house I would be 
in the way. However, I concluded not to go away until ordered to do so, 
and setting my knapsack down and leaning against the door, I spoke a 
pleasant word as often as opportunity offered A length she offered me a 
chair, which I accepted with thanks. In a short time supper was ready, and 
sne asked me if I would not have some. I feared to decline lest the invi- . 
tation should not be repeated, and under the circumstances I did not like to 
accept. While I hesitated she said. " You had better do so.'" I very glad- 
ly accepted. After supper a kind of bed was shown me. which I reached by 



1144 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

climbing a ladder to the second story. In the morning I was so stiff, it 
seemed for a time that I could not get up; but after several attempts I suc- 
ceeded in doing so. I went to headquarters, got my discharge, and started 
home. On the way I gave out, but being assisted by my companions to a 
house near by, I was refreshed by a night's rest, and reached home the next 
day. Thus ended my experience in the war of 1812. 

From 1818 to 1824, I was employed to distribute the laws through this 
western district — a territory embracing some fifteen counties. During my 
long and tedious journeys, many amusing incidents occurred Among 
many that I might record, I select the following: Once, when on my go- 
ing to the western part of my work, I stayed overnight with a Quaker, who 
lived a short distance below Wilmington. He told me that the next night 
I would be among the horse -thieves of the Miami Valley. During the next 
day, I was much troubled with reflections upon what the old gentleman 
said. As the evening drew near, I found these troublesome impressions in- 
creased in frequency and intensity. The surroundings were well calculated 
to deepen such thoughts. For long intervals, I saw no one, not even a 
dwelling:. When I came within hearing: of the waters of the river, I felt, 
surely, this is the place. 

About dark, I came to where a new road turned off to the left. A short 
distance before me, on the main road, I could see a cabin; I was about to 
leave my team in the road to go and inquire the right way, when a large, 
rough-looking man came out of the cabin, and, walking up to one of my 
horses, said, with an oath, " That's a fine horse." Then he looked at the 
whole team before speaking to me, or apparently noticing me. At length, 
he addressed me thus: " Good evening." " Good evening," I replied. 
"What are you loaded with?" " Laws," said I. " Laws? laws?" he re- 
peated, "have they nothing else to do but to haul laws?" " I don't know 
what they have to do," I said, " but I am loaded with laws." "Can I stay 
all night with you?" I asked. "Yes, sir," he replied. "Have you any 
feed?" "Yes, sir. " Ah, thought I, you wish to deceive me. If I stop with 
you, I will be in the Miami before morning. " How far to the next house?" 
I inquired. "'Three miles," he said. "But you can't get there to-night. " 
" Why?" I saw a road leading in that direction." " That was a road for a 
two-horse wagon. It won't admit of the passing of a four- horse wagon." 
" We'l," said I, "I believe I will try it." "You may try it, but you will 
never get through," he said. Accordingly, I started full of fears, imagin- 
ing danger at every step. It seemed to me, my horses were my only 
friends. Speaking to them as if they were intelligent beings, I promised 
them extra care, provided they took me safely through. 

I soon found difficulty. When but a short distance on the new road, 
my wheel struck a tree, and I was fast. I unhitched my leaders, fastened 
them to the l>ack part of (ho wagon, drew it back some distance, then hitch 
ing them to the wheel, I drew it as far from the tree as necessary, replaced 
my horses, and, with all possible care and perseverance I soon came to 
clearing, and saw a light through the window of a cabin. Going to the 
door, I asked the woman if I could stay all night. Hor husband not beine; 
in at the moment, she could not tell me. certainly. Turning to my horses, 
I met her husband. " Can I stay all night with you?" Yes, sir; glad to 
see you.** Ah, thought I again, so would any horse-thief be glad, tinder 
the circumstances. However, I male up my mind to -top with the man. and 
take the chances My hoi's.'- were well taken care of, and I had a good 
night's rest. After having completed my work, 1 presented my bill, and it 



SOMfiRFORD TOWNSHIP. 1145 

may be mentioned, as an illustration of the financial condition of the State 
in that early day, that there was not money enough in the treasury to pay 
me. 

In the fall after I moved into my house, the brook, now running near 
to where I live, suddenly disappeared some distance above this point, and 
did not re-appear for a considerable distance. We were put to considerable 
trouble to secure water. It never occurred to us to dig for it, and since 
there were no springs we were compelled either to carry it from the point 
above us where it disappeared, or below us, where it appeared again. And 
as I did not own a bucket, all must be carried in what was called a " piggin," 
a sort of little tub without a bail. In the spring I noticed the water stand- 
ing around in pools, and the thought struck me that plenty could be secured 
by digging for it. I therefore dug a few feet and found abundance of good 
water near the surface. That first well is still to be seen. 

When I first came to this part of the country, the Indians were numer- 
ous. They often came near my cabin, and my association with them was 
quite intimate. I will relate two or three incidents with which the Indians 
had some connection, as illustrative of their character. One day while I 
was digging trenches in which to plant apple and peach seeds, an old Indian 
woman came and sat down near me. It was said she was one hundred and 
five years old. She remained perfectly quiet until I had finished my work. 
When I arose up from my work she left her seat, and, coming close up to 
me, patted me on the back and said, " Bye and bye you have heap, heap." 
at the same time turning around and motioning with her hand. She doubt- 
less meant to assure me that the time would come when I would own a great 
quantity of land. This occurred in 1807. 

During the years 1807 and 1808, we went all the way to Chillicothe to 
mill, not knowing of any one nearer. I asked Capt. Johnny, an old Indian, 
if he did not know of a mill near to us. He said there was one on the Mi- 
ami somewhat nearer. I offered to give him $1.50 if he would blaze a path 
from my house to the mill. I recollect as if it was yesterday his coining up 
from his camp, a short distance below, to commence his work. He was a 
very large man, and came up the creek smoking, and puffing the clouds of 
smoke above his head. He struck his hatchet into an oak that stood near 
the cabin, and then started as straight as a bee-line for Clifton, the location 
of the mill, a distance of about twent} r miles. Just here 1 think I ought 
to speak of the first grist I «-ver sent to mill. It will give the young people 
of to-day some idea of how we began life in this country. On a certain 
day my father was going over to the neighborhood of the mill on horseback. 
I asked him if he could not take a pair of saddle-bags along. Upon his 
assuring me that he could. I put a peck of wheat into one end of the saddle- 
bags and a peck of rye into the other, this being the amount of grain then 
ready for grinding. 

Some time during the year L808, E was helping to prepare some timbei 
with which Mr. Withrow intended to build a house. On my way home in 
the evening, I passed the Indian camp. The hunters had just returned 
with some excellent venison. Seeing an Indian with whom I was well ac- 
quainted, I offered to wrestle with him for some of the game. He declined, 
giving as a reason that his ankle, which some time before he had injured by 
falling from a tree, still pained him. There 1 was a very large fellow near 
by. who. having heard the conversation, accepted my offer. He was very 
unpopular with the tribe, being a lazy, good-for-nothing sort of a fellow. 
He was almost twice as large as myself, but I knew he was slow and clumsy. 



1146 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

I threw him very quickly. No sooner had he struck the ground than the In- 
dians set up a great shout at his expense, which greatly enraged my an- 
tagonist. While I was talking, he slipped up behind me and threw me with 
s\ich violence as greatly to injure my breast, which retained the soreness 
produced thereby for a long time. After reaching home, some nice por- 
tions of venison were sent me in recognition of my skill in throwing the 
big Indian. 

Some eighteen years before the death of my wife, she experienced a 
wonderful cure from a very serious sickness. One of her hands became 
strangely affected, being much swollen and almost useless, giving her at 
times great pain. In addition, she had great difficulty in breathing; so 
much so that she dared not lie down for fear of suffocation. From these 
afflictions, she was much reduced in strength, and at last was entirely pros- 
trated—unable to walk and needing some one to watch with her day and 
night. This had been her condition for a long time; we had begun to des- 
pair of her recovery. On a certain evening she said to the person waiting 
on her, that she must arouse her up, in case she went to sleep, as she very 
much feared if she did not she would be sure to smother. In a few 
moments she dropped into a doze, and beginning to smother we raised her 
up and she was relieved. I being weary, laid down to rest, and in a few 
moments was sound asleep. Presently my wife lay down again. She 
afterward told us that as she did so she prayed, saying, " O Lord, do with 
me as Thou seest best." She soon fell asleep, and without any further 
trouble in breathing, slept soundly for about two hours. At the expiration 
of that time, I was awakened by her talking. She told the lady who was 
watching with her, that she felt she was made new, and that she was sure 
she could get up and walk across the room as well as she could twenty years 
ago. The lady expressed her astonishment, and I said, " I have no doubt 
you think so, but I don't believe you have strength to do it." She replied, 
" My dear, I will show you," and rising from the bed, she walked rapidly 
back and forth across the room, clapping her hands, and saying, " I am 
made whole, soul and body." And strange to say, her hand so badly 
swollen, and for so long a time nearly useless, was entirely restored, the 
swelling going down and its ordinary strength immediately returning. The 
same was true of her general debility; it was removed instantly. 

After this change, she was spared to us for eighteen years, dying 
January 19, 1855, and never, in her life enjoyed better health than during 
that time. Her own statement was that during the sleep referred to, she 
was taken to heaven; saw the beauties of the place; heard the sweetest 
music that ever fell on her ears; that, she was told she could not remain, 
but must return to earth and publish these things to as many as she could 
reach. The neighbors came from all directions and great distances to hear 
her strange account and see for themselves the wonderful cure that God had 
wrought in her. To them, she would tell her experience, and confessed to 
having been sanctified during this time. And such was the earnestness c*f 
her Christian life, and the consistency of her daily life, as to confirm her 
confession. 

We had born to us the following children, viz.: Susannah, born Sep- 
tember 29, 1808; James. December 20, 1810; Jesse, April 29, 1813; Eliza- 
beth, June 15, IS 15; Mary E., September 16, 1817; Samuel H., September 
7. L821; Isabella, September 10. L824; Stephen, June 4, 1827; David, June 
24. 1830; Catherine P., April 26, L833; Josephine, March 19, 1836; 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 1147 

Louisa, December 27, 1840. Of these, Susannah, Isabella. Stephen and 
David are living. 

There are many incidents of deep interest to myself that come to my 
mind as I think of the past. Some of them might be considered worthy of 
a record in this sketch: and it may be that some of my friends, who have 
heard me speak of them, will wonder why I have not written them. But 
upon the whole. I do not deem them of sufficient importance to justify their 
notice in this place. 

In conclusion, I may say I am now an old man. and have lived for 
more than sixty years on this spot. I shall soon go the way of all the earth; 
and in view of this solemn fact, it is an unspeakable pleasure to me to know 
that during all that time I have lived in peace with my neighbors, no 
serious misunderstanding having occurred in all these years. I have wit- 
nessed numerous and great changes, and rejoice to believe that the majority 
of them have resulted in good to my fellow men. I do not sigh for the 
days or usages of the past, believing that, the present is immeasurably 
better than the past. If what I have written shall aid in keeping fresh in the 
memory of my friends anything worthy of their remembrance, and in show- 
ing the young people of to-day their superior advantages, I shall feel that I 
have not written in vain. David Watson, Sr. 

London, Ohio, April, 1870. 

Mr. Watson died April 19, 1870. 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 

MADISON A. BASKERVILLE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. Lon- 
don, was born in Paint Township. February 15, 1840. His father. William 
Baskerville, was born in Virginia, and died in Ohio August 4, 1867. His 
grandfather, Samuel, was born east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Va. , 
and in 1807 removed to Ohio. In 1810, he was one of the Associate Judges 
of the county, and on June 7. 1813, he received from the Government a land 
warrant for 333^ acres of land. Our subject was raised by his father, with 
whom he remained until his father's death, when he took possession of the 
farm, which consists of 202 acres. In 1850, he married Mahoney Creamer, 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Benson) Creamer, the former a native of 
Germany and the latter of Virginia, and both are now living at Mechanics- 
Imrg. They had six children, of whom Mrs. Baskerville was the oldest of 
three girls and the fourth child of the family. She was born December 13, 
1844, and by Uer Mr. Baskerville has had six childreu, viz.: Mahoney (de- 
ceased); Maud (deceased); Icie (deceased); an infant, deceased; William B. 
born May 6, 1867, and Jacob H., born December 28, 1875. Mr. Basker- 
ville is a Republican in politics, and has been Trustee of the Township. 

GEORGE W. BOTKIN, farmer, P. 0. South Charleston, was born 
near South Charleston. Clark Co., Ohio, October 10, 1829. His grand- 
parents came to Ohio from Virginia, in 1802, and settled for a time in 
Warren County, but afterward moved to Clinton County, near Todd's Fork, 
three miles from Wilmington, where they remained until 1808, when 
they permanently settled in Clark County. The father of our subject, Jere- 
miah Botkin. came West with his parents and followed their fortunes to 



1148 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

their settlement in Clark County. He married Anna Elsworth, December 9, 
1800. and had by her nine children, viz.: Jesse, Levi S., Ruhama, Mar 
garet. Amos, Moses E. , George W., Annie and William I. Our subject re- 
mained with his father, farming in summer and teaching school in winter, 
until April 5. 1849, when he married Eliza Maxey, daughter of Stephen and 
Fanny Maxey. By her he had six children, viz. : Frances E., Albert C. , Mary 

E. (wife of Henry H. Snyder, London), Florence J. (deceased, wife of 
Franklin Pierce, of Franklin County), Stephen H. and Annie J. After mar- 
riage, our subject engaged in farming for himself, and has so continued, 
now owning 180 acres of good land. He is a Republican, a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

VINCENT L. BUEL, farmer, P. O. Walnut Run, was born in Ver- 
mont July 1, 1828. His father came to Ohio in the fall of 1833, or 1835, 
and located at Cleveland, where he remained five years. He then moved to 
Circleville, and two years later came to Madison County, Ohio. He was a 
farmer and lumber dealer by occupation. His family consisted of eleven 
children, viz.: Julia E., Eliza A., Fannie M., David O, Jane W , Will- 
iam H. , Mary M., Vincent L., James E., George W. and Caroline E. Our 
subject was raised on the farm and attended the public schools, in which 
he received his only education. On March '25, 1854, he married Nancy H. 
Farrer, who was born September 1, 1834. By this marriage five chil- 
dren were born, viz.: Albert L., born October 20, 1858; Luther, born 
January 15, 1800, and died in infancy; John W., born in January 25, 1801, 
and died September 4, 1803; Edward Grant, born November 28, 1807, and 

F. M., born May L0, 1871. Mr. Buel cast his first vote for a Democratic can- 
didate, bnt since then has always voted with the Republicans. He now re- 
sides on 187 acres of good land on the London & Washington Turnpike, 
where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 

JAMES E. BUEL. farmer, P. O. Walnut Run, was born in Vermont 
September 11, 1830. He is a brother of V. L. Buel, in whose sketch an ac 
count of the family's settlement in Ohio is given. Our subject was raised 
on a farm mostly in Ohio, and received his educatiou by an irregular at 
tendance at the public schools of his neighborhood. He enlisted in the war 
against Mexico, was sent to Madison, Ind. . from there to Jefferson barracks, 
and two weeks later to Vera Cruz, where he remained until marched to the 
City of Mexico. When he returned home, he engaged in farming on 
seventy acres of land in Range Township. He was married, in L854, to Isa 
belle Bethards, whose father was born in Maryland in 1800, and died in 
this county in L871, and whose mother was born in 1809. They were the 
parents of nine children, all now living and married. Mr. Buel by his mar 
riage became the father of five children, viz.: Theodore, William, Elizabeth, 
Charles A. and Ada M. Mr. Buel now lives on the London & Midway 
pike, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 

JAMES S. CLEELAND, carpenter and storekeeper, Newport, was 
born in Pennsylvania October 1.8, 1825. He is the son of John and 
Sarah (Stewart) Cleeland, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of 
Pennsylvania. Our subjecl received his education in the graded schools 
of Clark County and in Wittenburg College, Springfield He re- 
mained on the farm until nineteen years of age, when he learned the car- 
penter's trade, which he has followed twenty-three years. 11" also opei 
a saw-mill, which he sold in ISiU. In IS71, he rem »ve I to Ohio and oper 
ated a store at Newport, in which he still continues. He also works at his 
trade and owns eighty acres of land in Indiana. In 1861, he married Mary 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 1149 

Jewell, who died in 1873, leaving one child -James — born in 1869. Mr. 
and Mrs. Cleeland were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, iu 
which he is a local preacher. He formerly voted the Free-Soil ticket, but 
is now a Republican. He has been Township Clerk and is now ;i Justice 
of the Peace. 

JOHN G COBERLY, farmer and stock- raiser, P.O. Walnut Run, was 
born on his present farm January 1, 1818. Thomas Coberly, the grandfather 
of our subject, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio about 1810. 
He came to Madison County, purchasing 100 acres of land, in Paint Town- 
ship, where he resided till death. He was a pioneer citizen of this part of 
Madison County, and an industrious man through life. He reared a family 
of three daughters and four sons — William, Job, Andrew, James, Eva (wife 
of William Watson), Polly (wife of James Sutton), and Hannah (wife of 
William Sutton). One son, William, the father of John G, was born in 
Virginia, and after coming to this county served in the American Army 
during the war of 1812. He was a farmer and trader and followed those 
occupations through life. He was joined in marriage to Amantha Green, a 
native of Virginia, who presented him with live children, all living — John 
( r. : James, a resident of Missouri; Betsey, wife of John Berry, of New- 
port; Hannah, wife of Augustus Watson, of Bates County, Mo. ; and William, 
residing at Georgesville, Franklin Co. , Ohio. Mrs. Coberly departed this life 
in 1822, and Mr. C. married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah (Miller) Hamilton, 
widow of Thomas Hamilton. Of the nine children born to this latter union, 
five survive — Catherine (wife of Jackson Willoughby, of London), Andrew 
Jackson (in charge of the Newport saw-mill), Samuel (a farmer, residing in 
Newport), Thomas (same occupation and residence), Sarah (wife of 
James Crawford, of Paint Township), and Mary (wife of John Murl, of 
Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. Mr. Coberly died in June, 1865. 
John G. Coberly grew to manhood on the old homestead, his educational fa 
cilities being rather limited. He remained with his fathor until thirty-three 
years of age, when he purchased 130 acres of land, located between his 
present farm and the Madison & Fayette pike. He resided there six 
years and then rented the '* Job Plowman farm." now owned by Richard 
Florence, ex -Treasurer of Madison County, where he farmed for one year. He 
then removed to the home farm, and a year later built his present residence. 
From 1862 to 1865, he lived on John Dunn's farm, in Deer Creek Town- 
ship, and subsequently on land owned by John Houston, in the same lo- 
cality. He then came to his present farm of fifty acres, having previously 
sold his first purchase. Mr. Coberly is a member of the Republican party, 
but has never been an aspirant for office. He was married, in 1851, to 
Eliza, daughter of Thomas Hamilton. Five children were born to these 
parents — Winlield, Sorepta, Perry 'residing at Springfield, Clark Co., 
Ohio), Robert B. and Rodney. Mrs. Coberly was a consistent member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life in December, 1880. 

SAMUEL COBERLY, farmer, P. O. Walnut Hun. son of William 
Coberly, whose sketch appears under the name of JohnG. Coberly, of this 
township, was born in Madison County July 4 1832. He was raised 
as a farmer and has spent his entire life in that occupation. He received 
a limited education in the district schools of his neighborhood, which he 
attended when work on the farm was slack. He married Eliza Simpkins, 
of Clark County, Ohio, by whom he has had four children, viz.: Darius, 
born October 6, 1852, married Lavina Clark and has three children; Mary, 
born March 8, 1860; Dora, born April 4, 1862, married David Suth, and 



1150 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

has two children: and Samuel W., born July 31, 1869. Mr. C. remained 
on his father's farm five years after marriage, when the farm was sold to 
Samuel Watson, with whom he remained as a tenant eighteen years. He 
then moved to Clark County, and remained two years, after which he went 
to John G. Coberly's. and from there to where he now resides, in Paint 
Township, having lived there three years. He is a vigorous, industrious 
man, a good, practical farmer and steadv in all bis habits. 

JOHN CRAWFORD, farmer, P. O. London, is son of William and 
Sarah (Blizard) Crawford. His father came to Ohio from West Virginia, 
about 1814, and located on a farm two miles west of London; from there 
he moved to Midway, and then to the farm occupied by our subject, on the 
Madison & Fayette Turnpike. He was hardy pioneer and good farmer, 
and lived until 1875. Subject's mother was alsc an early pioneer of the 
county, her parents having come from the neighborhood of Chillicothe in 
1811. They had twelve children. Our subject's grandfather was born near 
Culpeper Court House, W. Va., where he lived and died. John was 
raised and born in the county, where he has since resided. He attended the 
public schools at intervals, and received the rudiments of an English edu- 
cation. He is a Democrat in politics, having cast his lirst vote for George 
B. McClellan, and in 1874, served as Township Assessor. He occupies 190| 
acres of land, where his father settled, and is engaged in farming and stock- 
raising. 

STEEL DOUGLASS. James Douglass, the father of our subject, was 
the eighth child of William Douglass who.it is said, was born in Ireland 
and emigrated to America when a youth. On June 21, 175-5, he married 
Elizabeth Matthews, of York County. Penn. , where he afterward lived, 
•lames Douglass was born in York County October 8, 176^*. and on October 
27, 1797, married Polly Taylor, oldest child of James and Martha (Steel) 
Taylor. There were born to them nine children, seven sons and two daugh- 
ters, viz.: Levi, born April 4, 1799; Elizabeth, born July 29, 1801; Absa- 
lom, born October 22, 1804; Jeptha, born September.il. 1806; Thompson, 
born April 2, 1808; Steel, born March 10, 1810; Milo Adams, born August 
12, 1812; Seymour Austin, born July 15, 1815, and Mary May. born May 
15, 1818. All grew up and raised families, Hxcept Levi, who died in Co- 
lumbiana County, Ohio, in his sixteenth year. Only two, Thompson and 
Steel, now survive. Mr. Douglass moved t<~> Columbiana County. Ohio, in 
April, 1800; thence to Warren County in 1815. and one year later to Clinton 
County, where he settled on what was known as Hinkson's Prairie, on An- 
derson's Fork. He died August 21, 1835, leaving the home place of 232 
acres to the four youngest sons. Our subject was raised to hard work on 
the farm, attending country schools during the winter seasons. Shortly 
after his father's death, Thompson, the eldest, son, sold his interest in the 
home farm to the other three sons, and our subject being the eldest left, as- 
sumed the management of the farm. In the spring of 1840, he sold his in- 
terest to the others and moved to Madison County, where ho devoted his 
time to farming in summer and teaching in winter. In 1843, he married 
Sarah Ann Thompson, eldest daxtghter of Charles and Rebecca (Graham) 
Thompson. After marriage, he settled in Union (now Paint) Township, on 
a farm of 160 acres. In 1854, he sold this place and bought 220$ aa IB 
near Newport, in this township. This he has since divided between his 
children, reserving for himself only a nominal rent for life. His wife 
died of consumption January 3, 1876, having borne him six children, viz. : 
Charles Anderson, born June 11. 1844, married Emma J. Morris January 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 1151 

7, L869, and has two daughters; James Porter, born December 15, 1846, 
married Charlotte Belle Postle December 24, 1868, and has two children; 
Mary, born October 31, 1848, and died August 18, 1872; Rebecca Jane, 
born June 11, 1853, and died May 27, 1880, married John Harrow, October 
16, 1873, and has three children; Dora Ann, burn August 10, 1857, and 
died February 12, 1858; and Milo, born September 21, 1859, married 
Anna May Gil'tin. of Sabina, Ohio, May 10, L881, and lias no children. Mr. 
Douglass is, as was his wife, a member of the Methodist Church. He was 
an Old-Line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, since which 
time he has voted with the latter party. Ho has never taken an active in 
terest in politics, but has served his township in the capacity of Justice. 
Trustee and Clerk. Ho is a firm advocate of temperance principles, and has 
been a member of the temperance society, but is opposed to abolition 

JOHN W. EACHUS, farmer, P. O. London, Ohio, was born near Rich 
mond, Ind. , October 4, 1829. His mother, Elizabeth Troxel, was a 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Troxel, who came from Virginia 
to Ohio during the second decade of the present century. Our sub 
ject's father went West after marriage, and rented land until 1833, 
when he returned to Ohio and remained until his death, which occurred in 
August, 1856. He had a family of nine children — four sons and five 
daughters. Of the latter, the survivors are Sal lie, wife of Thomas Cul 
lumber, of Franklin County: Elizabeth A., wife of Moses Seads, of Picka 
way County; and Caroline, wife of William Keg, of Franklin County. 
The subject of this sketch remained at home in Franklin County with his 
parents until his marriage, when he rented a farm for five years, and in 
1864 he came to where he now lives. [n 1854, he married Sarah L. Hut 
son, daughter of John K. Hutson, whose sketch appears under the name 
of Austin S. Hutson. Mr. Eachus, by his marriage, has had six children, 
viz., Viola (wife of Frank Mitchell), Or i anna (wife of John Sifrit), Euge- 
nia J. (wife of Harry Barker), John W., Scott M. and Holton. Mr. Eachus 
is a prominent man in his township, and for nine terms served as one of 
the Board of Trustees. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church. 

ROBINSON FLORENCE, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Picka- 
way County, Ohio, December 25, L809. His father, William Florence, na- 
tive of Virginia, and came to Pickaway County «t an early day. He was a 
prominent farmer and stock raiser of that county during life, and accu- 
mulated a large property. His political opinions were Republican. He rep 
resented his district in the Ohio Legislature, an I for many years was a 
Judge of the Common Pleas Court of that county. He married Fanny Rob 
inson, a native of Virginia, and by her had eight children — five daughters 
and three sons — of whom only two are now living Mrs. K add iff. oi I Hi 
nois and our subject. Mrs. Florence died about 1819, and Mr. Florence 
married Mrs. Isabella (Barr) Denney, who had a family of four children 
— three daughters and one son. Her marriage to Mr. Florence was with- 
out issue. She died in L852, lie havi ng died previously, while in his ninety 
sixth year. Om - subject was raised on a farm and has made that occupation 
the work of his life. When twenty-three years of age, he married Elizabeth 
Williams, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of John and Mary (Phifen 
Williams. She inherited one-fourth of 1,800 acres of I and from her father, 
from which the young couple commenced their married life. By earnest and 
faithful labor, Mr. Florence has provided for a large family of children, 
and has accumulated sufficient property to enable him to live comfortably 
without work, for the remaining days of his life. He has sold a goodly part 



1152 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of his lands, now owning about 400 acres. He is a Republican in politics, 
but has never taken a very active part in politics, his official career consist- 
ing only of one term each as Township Trustee and Supervisor. He has 
had eleven children born to him, seven now living, viz.: Richard (ex-Treas- 
urer of Madison County). William, Mary, Eliza, Fannie (widow of Rev. 
John B. Clark, deceased, of Pittsburgh, a Presbyterian minister and a 
Colonel in the Union army, during the rebellion), John, Charles and Edward. 
Mrs. F. has been a member of the Methodist Church many years. 

JOHN L. GALLAGHER, farmer, was born in Sligo County, Ireland, on 
the good Friday before Easter, of the year 1826. His parents, Patrick and 
Ann (McDermont) Gallagher, emigrated to America in 1849, and located in 
South Charleston, where they remained one summer, after which they moved 
to Madison County, where the mother died in 1857. The father still lives, and 
resides with a daughter at Newport, Ky. Our subject came to America two 
years before his parents, and landed at New Orleans. He came to South 
Charleston, after spending two years in Cincinnati, and engaged with his 
father in working out a lease in that county. Teu years later, he took a lease 
himself on David Herold's land, where he worked six years. He then purchased 
1 53 acres, where he now lives, to which he has added, from time to time, until 
now he owns 515 acres. When twenty-five years of age, he married Bridget 
Gilmore, of Cincinnati, by whom he had one child — Mary Jane, born eight- 
een months after marriage, and died in infancy. Three months after the 
child's death, the mother died, and one year later Mr. Gallagher married 
Ann Dare, of Xenia, by whom he has had thirteen children, viz. : Frank, 
Margaret (died aged one year), John, Anna, Mary, Peter, Catharine, Mary, 
Ellen, James, Thomas, William and George Edward. Mr. Gallagher is a 
Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. He is a steady, hard- 
working man, and by dint of industry has become one of the large land- 
holders of the county. 

AUSTIN S. HUTSON, P. O. London, Superintendent of the Buffen- 
burg farm — probably the largest one in Ohio — was born near South Solen, 
in Stokes Township, this county, August 14, 1839. His grandfather, Skin- 
ner Hutson, was a native of London, England, and came to America and 
settled in Kentucky. He came to Madison County, locating in Stokes 
Township, in 1804, where he resided till his death. One son, John Hut- 
son, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky in 1799, but was 
reared mostly in this county. He was the owner of a farm of 266$ acres, a 
portion of which is the site of the village of South Solon. Mr. Hutson laid 
out this portion of the farm in village lots, which he donated to those wish- 
ing to locate thereon. He married Hannah Mahaffey, a native of Adams 
County, Ohio. They were the parents of twelve children — five living. 
One child, Angelina, present wife of Richard T. Colburn, of Elizabeth - 
town, N. J., married for her first husband " Major" Peter Buffenburg, the 
owner of this large estate. He departed this life in 1878. Mr. Hutson 
died in 1874, and his wife in 1874. The subject of this sketch was early 
educated in the district schools, and when thirteen years of age left his 
home to reside with " Major" Peter Buffenburg, where he remained until 
September 17, 1861. On that day, he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Ohio 
( avalrv. at Cincinnati, and formed a portion of the ten thousand men un- 
der Gen. Ormsby McKnight Mitchell, and always known as the old 
Army of the Cumberland. He subsequently served under Gens. Burnside 
and Grant, re-enlisted as a veteran, and was musterd out as a non-com- 
missioned officer, after a term of service covering four years and two 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 1153 

months. He returned to the Buffenburg farm, and was united in marriage 
on December 7, 1865 ("Thanksgiving Day "), to Fannie, daughter of Jesse 
and Charlotte (Patterson) Curtis, the former an early brick maker, of Lon- 
don. The hitter's grandfather, Patterson, was a glass-blower by trade, and 
subsequently owned the " Judge Hurt farm." near South Solon, in Stokes 
Township. After marriage, Mr. Hutson became an assistant to " Majoi 
Buff," as he was known, and upon the latter's death was placed in charge 
of the vast estate, then consisting of 5,200 acres. The farm has since been 
reduced to 4,100 acres, and is considered the best blue-grass farm in the 
State of Ohio. Besides being the Superintendent of these many acres, Mr. 
Hnt son rents from 500 to to 600 acres for his own use, >vhich he annually 
farms. He is very careful in the management of this estate, and during 
the panic of 1873, when other land-holders suffered from non-payment of 
rents, Mr. Hutson was fortunate in not losing a dollar. There are some 
fifty -two tenants on this farm, all of whom have business relations with 
Mr. Hutson, as Superintendent. Mr Hutson raises a large amount of cat- 
tle, and handles only the best grades. He is a member of Fielding Lodge, 
No. 192, Masonic, of South Charleston, and the Chapter at London. Polit- 
ically, he is a Prohibition Republican; has been a member of the School 
Board for many years, and is now one of the Board of Township Trustees. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hutson have twc adopted sons — William Rudel and Austin 
S. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Hutson are members of Pancake Chapel of the 
Methodist Episcopal denomination in Stokes Township, the former officiat- 
ing as Trustee and Recording Steward. 

JOHN C. JONES, P. O. London, a prominent and well known re- 
tired farmer and stock-raiser, of this township, was born in East Tennessee 
June 11, 1817. His grandfather, Solomon Jones, was a native of England, 
and came to the United States at an early day. One child, Zacheus .1 ones, 
the father of our subject, was born and reared in Tennessee. He came to 
Ohio in 1821, locating in Somerford Township, of this county, in the 
"Arbuckle neighborhood,'' on Deer Creek. He owned a farm of 110 acres, 
where he resided till his death, in 1823 or 1824. He was buried in the old 
" Baptist Churchyard," now the present site of the " Link Mill," on the 
" Wilson land." His wife was Elizabeth Key. also a native of Tennessee, 
who bore him four children, of whom two are now living- Sarah Ann (widow 
of John Bradley, now residing on Spring Fork, in Darin Township), and 
our subject. Mrs. Jones subsequently married Charles Atchison, who died 
five years later. She departed this life August 24, L853. " Squire Jones." 
as he is familiarly known, grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving 
only a common school education. Having been reared to an agricultural 
life, he resolved to devote his further time in life to that useful occupation. 
On October 30, 1829, he married Sarah A., daughter of Thomas aiid Isabella 
Hume, a native of Boss County, Ohio, near Chillicothe. Mr. Jones reside.] 
in Deer Creek Township until ten or twelve years after marriage, when he 
removed to his present farm. He has been an active laborer through life, 
and has accumulated some property. He is the owner of 390 acres of fine 
land in this and Union Townships, and 000 acres in Southern Missouri. 
He was an earnest Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when 
he united with the latter organization. He served two terms as Infirmary 
Director of Madison County, and one term each at Township Trustee and 
Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of nine chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living — Mary E. (wife of David Watson, a mem- 
ber of the Board of County Commissioners and a very prominent man in 



1154 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

agricultural and stock circles), William (married Sallie Minter, and re- 
sides on a farm near La Fayette, in Deer Creek Township), I. De- 
witt (an attorney of Columbus, Ohio, who married Laura Harringer), Mar- 
ion (at home). George (an attorney at law, of Columbus, Ohio, married 
Eva Lattimer), Ada, Flora and Fannie. John and Thomas are deceased 
Mrs. Jones is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lou 
don. Squire Jones and wife are well known throughout the county, and 
equally respected for their admirable traits of character. 

JACOB KULP, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Montgomery Coun 
ty, Penn., June 18, 1828. He is a son of David and Elizabeth (Shultz) Kulp, 
natives of Pennsylvania, where they married, lived and died, the former in 
1867. and the latter in 1876. Our subject, when eight years of age, was put 
to work on a farm at $10 per month, and thus he continued until he was 
married, when he engaged to work for 50 cents per day. Four years later, 
he began farming as a renter, and twenty years after first renting, he pur- 
chased 130 acres of land in Delaware, and paid $3,000 on his purchase, but 
being unable to pay the balance, he had to give up his land. In 1876, he 
emigrated to Madison County. He married Lavina Longacre, a Dative of 
Pennsylvania, February 3, 1849, and by her has had ten children, viz. : Dan 
iel, Francis. Virginia, William, Henry, Mary J.. Albert, Levi, Webster and 
Hannah E. Mr. and Mrs. Kulp are members of the Methodist Church. He 
is an honest, industrious citizen. 

BENJAMIN LINSON (deceased) was born in Madison County, Ohio, 
September 16, 1820. He was a son of George and Elizabeth (Hutsenpil 
ler) Linson, natives of Virginia, where the former was born January 7, 1790, 
and the latter December 24, 1792. They were married in Virginia, and iu 
1815, emigrated to Ohio, locating in this couDty, where they both died, he 
April 14, 1855, and she June 5, 1845. Our subject, when twenty-nine years 
of age, purchased fifty acres of land and engaged in farming and stock- rais 
ing, at which he continued through life, at his death owning 536 acres of 
good land. He married Maria Anderson, August 7, 1849, and by her had 
nine children, four living, viz. : Amanda, Benjamin. William and Lizzie 
Mr. Linson died October 5, 1876. His widow has been a member of the, 
Methodist Episcopal Church forty years. She now resides on 167 acres of" 
the old homestead farm. 

G. LINSON (deceased) was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 17, 
1827. He was a son of George and Elizabeth (Hutsenpiller) Linson, who 
are mentioned in the sketch of Benjamin Linson, deceased. Our subject 
married Martha P. Latham, on September 2, 1856. She was born Novem- 
ber 21, 1831. After marriage he engaged in farming and stock-dealing 
At his father's death, he inherited 300 acres of land, to which he added un- 
til at the time of his death, June 6, 1875, he owned 710 acres. He was a 
man of limited education, but honest and industrious. He was a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and for a long time served as trustee of Paint 
Township. His family consisted of seven children, of whom four survive, 
viz.: Gilbert B., Adda, Molly L. and George T. 

CHARLES S. MAXEY, farmer, P. O. Loudon, was horn on the farm 
where he now resides, April :!. L856. His father, John T. Maxey, was 
born in Madison Count) November 10, L81 1, and died on the farm of his 
birth July 29, L867. He was a son of Stephen and Fannie (Troxel) Maxey, 
natives of Virginia. He married Charily Stan- a daughter of Abram and 
Mary Starr, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of South Caro- 
lina. By this union six children were boru, viz., Stephen \V., Mary 1., 



TAINT TOWNSHIP. 1155 

Elizabeth E., Laura. Charles S. and Pearl. The mother died in Madison 
County January 26, 1882. Stephen Maxey, the grandfather, of our sub- 
ject, came from Virginia to Ohio at an early day, and located in Greene 
County, but after a short residence there, located in this county previous to 
1814. Our subject grew up on the farm, receiving a common school edu- 
cation. From 1876 to 1881, ho engaged in teaching school, but since that 
time has devoted his time and attention exclusively to farming. In 1879, 
he married Susan Reed, of Madison County, by whom he has had one child, 
a daughter, born September 3, 1880. Mr. Maxey is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and cast his first vote for G-arfield for President. He owns 156 acres of 
good land, on which he lives. His wife is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. His father was prominently identified with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, served the county for a term as County Commissioner, and was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 

DANIEL MULCAHY, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Limerick 
County, Ireland, August 15, 1829, and emigrated to America in 1852. He 
was a son of Daniel and Margaret Mulcahy, natives of Ireland, where the 
latter died. Oar subject, when twenty-three years of age, engaged in work- 
ing on a farm as a" hand," and thus continued one year, at the expiration of 
which time he commenced working on the railroad. Three years later, he 
became a renter, and fifteen years after that he purchased 118 acres of land. 
where he now lives. He married Margaret Sullivan, August o. 1851, but 
has had no children. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. 
He is an industrious man, and stands well in the community. 

ROBERT S. NEIL, P. O. London, a prominent farmer and stock-dealer 
of this township, was born at Columbus, Ohio, February 23, 1834. His fa- 
ther, Robert Neil, is a native of Clark County. Ky.. and formerly operated 
a stage line from Washington. D. O, to Lexington, Ky. He was 
President of the Little Miami Railroad for some time, and its princi- 
pal executive officer for many years. Ho located at [Jrbana, Champaign 
County, Ohio, in 1811, and was tkere during the war of 1812. He removed 
to Kentucky, and subsequently to Columbus, Ohio, where he has since re- 
sided. He is probably the oldest living pioneer in thai city. He married 
Mary M. , daughter of the Rev. John Hoge, D. D., who preached the first 
Presbyterian sermon in the village of Franklinton (now Columbus), Ohio, and 
who officiated as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of that city Eorover fifty 
years. Mr. and Mrs. Neil were the parents of eight children, seven living, 
two in this county. Mr. Neil is still living, in his eighty-seventh year, his 
companion having departed this life. Our subject early attended the 
Ohio University, at Athens, and subsequently spent four years in the scien- 
tific department of Yale College. He returned from college in 1853, with the 
expectation of engaging in some manufacturing enterprise, but yielding to the 
solicitations of his mother, he abandoned that idea, and engaged in banking 
ashort time; subsequently entered the employ of the Little Miami Railroad. 
He remained in this company's employ for thirteen years, at the end of which 
period (1866), ho located on his present farm of 1,065 acres in this township, 
which his father had previously purchased. Since that time he has been 
mgaged in farming and stock-dealing, meeting with moderate success. In 
his political opinions, Mr. Neil is in sympathy with the Republican party, 
and since his residence in Paint Township he has served on e term as Town- 
ship Trustee. He was united in marriage in October. 1864, to Parmelia, 
daughter of Joseph Sullivant, and a native of Columbus, Ohio. Of the 
three children born to them, two are living — David B. and Joseph S., both 

YY 



1156 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in attendance at the Columbus High School. Mrs. Neil is in very} feeble 
health, and spends the winter months in Columbus. 

NATHAN C. RICE, farmer, P. O. London, was born March 8, 1839, in 
Paint Township, near Newport. His father, Dr. Rice, was a slave-holder of 
Missouri, who came to Ohio over forty-five'years ago, married Amy Sayles, and 
returned to the South, where he died. Mrs. Rice, with Nathan, an infant, 
came North and made her home with her father, David Sayles. She died 
within a few years at Columbus. Nathan was raised by his grandmother 
until fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he went to Iowa and there en- 
gaged in farming for about five years. He then returned to his old home, 
where he resided until after marriage. On May 29, 1873, he married Sarah 
A. Hume, daughter of James S. and Rebecca (McMurray) Hume, the 
former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were 
married in Ohio, where they both came with their parents when quite young. 
Mr. Rice by his marriage had five children, viz. : Effie Belle, born June 17, 
1874; Frederick Hume, born October 14, 1877; Nettie Cole, born December 
22, 1878; Rebecca Maud, died May 0, 1881, aged three months; and an in- 
fant son, deceased. Two years after marriage, Mr. Rice became a tenant on 
bis uncle's farm, and in 1878 he purchased eighty-two acres of his present 
farm, which now consists of 106 acres. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and 
in politics a Republican. He served his township two terms as Trustee. 
Mrs. Rice is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her grandfather, 
Hume, was an early settler of Paint Township, and owned 1,500 acres, 
where our subject now lives. 

GEORGE SCHURR, P. O. Walnut Run, a prominent farmer in 
this township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 31, 1823. His 
parents, Matthias and Christina (Heller) Schurr, were natives of Ger- 
many, and came to the United States in the spring of 1829. Mr. Schurr 
came to Madison County, and in company with his brother John purchased 
from 100 to 150 acres of land, but sold this soon after and removed to 
Columbus. A year after, he purchased a tract of land on "Possum Run,'* 
lying in Madison and Pickaway Counties, consisting of 100 acres. To 
this he subsequently added thirty acres more, and resided on that portion 
lying in Pickaway County until his death. His wife died in 1841 or 1842, 
and three children at the same time, the fatal disease being the flux and 
measles. There was a family of eight children born to them, our subject 
being the eldest and the only living survivor. Mr. S. married for his sec- 
ond wife Mrs. Catherine (Tipton) Gray, widow of Benjamin Gray. They 
were the parents of three or four children, only one now living — William, 
a farmer of "Washington County. Iowa. The subject of this notice was 
reared a "farmer's boy.*' and when quite young was sent to school. He soon 
learned to speak English quite fluently, only using the German language 
at home. He remained with his father until twenty-two years of age, and 
then hired out to do farm work in Madison County, and a short time in Ill- 
inois, until his marriage, which occurred December 28, 1849. Hiswife was 
Elizabeth Carter, a native of this county, and a daughter of -lames Carter 
and wife natives of Eastern Virginia or Pennsylvania, who located here in 
early times. Ten children have been sen! to bless this union, nine living 
Mary E., wife of Johi S. Bunch, a farmer of Range Township; John A., 
married Ida Stroup, and residing in London; William L. ; Charles, a 
farmer of Payette Ohio; -lames. Esther, George (a school-teacher), 

Albert and David. Clayton is deceased. Mr. Schurr is the owner of 150 
land, and wiih his family resides in one of the best and neatest 



PAINT TOWNSHIP. 1157 

residences in Paint Township. He has been thrifty and enterprising all 
through life, and by such, methods has gained a good name and a comforta- 
ble competency. He is Republican in politics, and served a term of three 
yeai's as Justice of the Peace of this township. Mr. Schurr and wife are 
members of the Antioch Church of the Christian denomination in Pleasant 
Township, this county. 

MARTIN SIFRIT, of the firm of Withrow & Sifrit, proprietors Now- 
port Tile Works, P. 0. Walnut Hun. was born in CJnion Township, this coun- 
ty, May 22, 1S52; he is a son of John Sifrit, a native of Union Township, who 
was a son of James Sifrit, native of Virginia, who came to this county at an 
early day. His father was reared in Union and Paint Townships, and now 
resides in Union Township, near the Midway & London pike Ho has 
been a farmer through life, and married Melissa Harper, a native of Clark 
County, where she was reared. They had three children — Charlotte, wife 
of a farmer of Hardin County, Ohio; our subject, and John, a farmer in this 
township. The mother died in L855, and Mr. Sifrit subsequently married 
Lucinda Norton, a resident of this county. They have one child, Melissa. 
Our subject was reared in Union Township, living there nearly all his life. 
He received a good common school education, farmed on his father's land, 
and was married, December L3, 1S71, to Permestia Webb, a native of this 
county. After mai*riage, he engaged in farming, remaining at it until the 
spring of 1882, and was also engaged in running a threshing machine for 
eight years. He was moderately successful in that and has boon very suc- 
cessful in his present business. He is Republican in politics and has been 
Road Supervisor. He has had five children, four living, viz.: Lula May, 
John M., Clark B.. and one infant son. Loo. deceased. 

JAMES SIFRIT (deceased), was born in Virginia February 27, 
L796. He was a son of Andrew Sifrit, who came to Ross County, 
and two years later to Madison County, when our subject was ten years 
old, and located 200 acres of land on the Yankeetown pike, in Paint 
Township, probably in 1806. Ho was asoldier from Virginia in the Rev- 
olutionary war, and obtained a land grant Erom the Government. He lived 
there until his death, twenty-five or thirty years. Our subject was reared 
on the home farm, attending school a short time only. Ho stayed with his 
father until twenty-four or twenty-five years of ago, when ho married Eliza- 
beth Higgins, who came from Virginia to Pennsylvania, and subsequently to 
this county, with her father, Martin Higgins. After his marriage, Mr. 
Sifrit engaged in farming on the homo farm and remained there six years. 
He then located in Union Township, renting land of Jacob Gibson, and 
stayed there six years. In L832, he came to his preseni farm, whore he 
bought 200 acres of land, and subsequently increased it to ->1 4 acres, lying 
on both sides of the pike. He lived hero the rest of his life. He was al- 
ways a farmer, but for the last eight or ten years of his life was too old to 
work. He died April 1,1881. He was a Democrat until Harrison was 
elected, when ho turned Whig, aud then became a 1 Republican in after life, but 
he never held any office. He had six children, three living — Nathan; John, 
a farmer of Union Township; and Lavina. Nathan and his sister reside 
on the home farm. He is a Republican in politics, and was former lv a 
Whig. 

JESSE ST ROUP, farmer. P. (). South Charleston, was born in this 
county in 1S28. His grandfather. John Stroup, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and located in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1798. David Stroup, the father 
oE our subject, was born in Pennslyvania June 18, 1795, and was three 



1158 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

years old when his parents came West In 1805, he moved to Madison 
Comity with his parents, and located on a farm. He died April 30. 1876, 
on the farm in Paint Township, that he had occupied for over half a cent- 
ury. He married Mary Kay. a daughter of Andrew and Mary Hay. old 
settlers of the county. She was born September 6, 1804, and died June 3<>. 
1 S M. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four survive, viz.: 
Jesse; Alfred, born August 11, 1833, married Charity Thompson, and has 
two sons and two daughters; Rebecca, married Seth McCollum, and has four 
children living — one dead; and William L.. married Helen King, who died 
four years after marriage, and in February. 1880, he married Ida Lemon, 
with whom he lives in Elk Falls. Kan. The deceased children are: 
Jacob, born November 24,1822, and died January 31. 1 S 7 1 » . married Phebe 
Dixon: Nancy, born June 4. 1824, married John Linson. and died January. 
l ss i: David, born June 15, 1826, married Mary Cams, and died July 19, 
1867; Mary Cr.. born February 27, 1830, married Thomas Gain, and died 
December 16, 1870; and Martha, born February *JT. 1835, and died August 
01. 1839. In 1866, our subject married Lavina Woosley, daughter of Beu- 
jainin and Keturah (Hunt) Woosley. and by her has had four children, viz.: 
lveturah Woosley. born May 1. l^'iT: Mary Ellen, August 4, l s, » s : Rebecca 
Hunt, August 4, 1ST0: Emma L., born February 8, l s 74: and Jessie B.. 
born March 20, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Stroup are members of the Methodist 
Church. He held the office of School Director for several terms. He has 
been successful in life, and now own- 668 acres of land in Madison and 
Clark Counties. 

A. M. SFKBAFCtH. farmer. P. O. Cross Roads, was born in Kane 
County. 111., February 3. 1854, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Shafer) 
Surbaugh, natives of West Virginia, where the former was born May IS. 1 ^*2 1 . 
and the latter January 14. 1822. They were married in West Virginia in 
1Mb aud in 1853 moved to Kane County. 111. In 1860, they returned to 

inia, and in 1862 came to Ohio. In 1868, they mov.nl to Missouri, 
and in l^T"* settled in Madison County. Ohio. Our subject, when twenty- 
ears of a^o. commenced farming at $20 per month: then began for 
himself as a renter, and finally purchased the property where he now re- 
Oi\ May I s . '. s ' s . he married Amanda Linson. a daughter of Ben- 
jamin Linson (deceased), whose sketch appears in this work. By this union 
three children were born, two living, viz.: Ada May, born June 10, 1879; 
and Lena L.. born Jm 382. Mr. and Mrs. Surbaugh are members 

of the Christian Church. 

URIAH THORNBURGH, wagon-maker. Newport. Thomas Thorn- 
burgh, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Tennessee. He came North 
and settled in Clinton County, from there moving to West Lancaster, and 
thence to this county in 1855. He was twice married, tir-t to K.'becca 
Mann, by whom he had two children. By his second wife he had - 
children. Our subject was born near Jamestown, Greei eC , O] \uj:ust 
11. 1827, where he was reared and educated. On June 26, 1 S -">1. he mar- 
ried Mary C^x. who was born in Randolph County. Ind.. February s . 

By this union eleven children were born, viz.: Sarah, born Au 
J". W,'j. and married S. Fates, July 1. L874; Joseph W., born June 10, 
L857, and married [da Hopkins in August, 1874; Lizzie, born December 1. 

. Mary Belle, born in 1866; Almira, born January lb 1870; Louella, 
born March 1 •" " married in March. 1875, and died at the age of twen- 

ty two years two months ami seven day-. The rest died young. Uriah, the 
father of our sub; • born in Tennessee, June IT. 1791, and married 



I'M NT TOWNSHIP. 1 159 

Sarah Hiett, who came to this country when quite young and died Jun< 
1815. He then married Sarah Hill, who was born August IT. 1793, and died 
March26, L835. He had the following children, Elizabeth, G. W., Qriab, 
Margaret, Sarah, and others thai r I i • >* 1 in infancy. 

DAVID W. TWITCHELL, farmer, P. 0. South Charleston, was born 
Augusi 27, 1831. His father, Luther Twitchell, was born in Vermont in 
1802. His grandmother, who was born in Vermont, is .--till living at an 
advanced age. Our subject grew upon the farm, receiving such education 
as his Labor and facilities permitted. He has been twice married Hisfirsl 
wife was Miss Catharine Coons, and by her had born to him two children. 
IJy his second wife, whose maiden nam*' was Julia Kennedy, ho had born 
to him five children, two sons and three daughters. 

DAVID WATSON, farmer, P.O. London, was born on the farm where he 
now resides, June 2 1. 1830. Hr is a son of David Watson, whose sketch 
appears under the name of Stephen Watson, of London. Our subject, the 
ninth child of his father's family, and the youngest of bhe four survi 
was educated in the country schools and engaged with his father in work- 
ing the farm. His father divided his property among his -children, and 
David, in addition to the share that fell to him, purchased the shares of 
some of the other children, and now owns 500 acres of the old home farm. 
He also owns 100 acres of prime land lying south of it. On March 16, 
1871, he married Elizabeth Jones, a native of this county, where she was 
born September 11. 1840. She isadaughter of John C. and Sarah (Taylor) 
Jones, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Ohio. They had 
a family of ten children, of whom Mrs. Watson was the eldest. Mr. and 
Mrs. Watson have had three children, viz. : Roberl J., born January 23, 
1872; Mary, born Ma\ 9, 1ST:!, and Louis... born November 5, 1878, Mr. 
Watson occupied the office of School Director for many year-, and in 1879 
was elected a member of the Board of County Commissioners. He is a Re- 
publican, and. with his wife, is a member of the Methodisl Church. He is 
prominently identified with the banks of London, and a heavy stock- 
holder of National Hank stock. He has given his attention principally to 
farming and dealing in stock, and is also concerned in several business 
enterprises abroad. 

WASHINGTON WITHROW, P.O. Walnut Run, the oldest native 
resident of this township, was born in L T nion (now Paint) Township, this 
county. February 27, 1813. His grandfather, William Withrow, was a na- 
tive of England, and upon coming to th- United State- located in Penn- 
sylvania, where he resided till his death. One son, James, a native of that 
State, emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, in 1801, and live years later 
(1806), came to this county. He located 250 acres of land on Walnut 
Run, where he lived during life, and gained considerable property. He 
married Mary Stockton, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Robert 
Stockton. They were the parents of eight children, four now living, and 
all residents of Madison County. Mi'. Withrow died in August, I 
and his wife (who was born in 1778) in April, 1841. Both were buried on 
the home farm, the place now being a portion of the Paint Township 
Cemetery. Our subject was the sixth child and fourth son of their par* 
and was reared a "farmer - boy." At this time, schools were not as plenti- 
ful as at present, and the schooling then obtained consisted only of the three 
"R's" — "readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic." Mr. Withrow attended school 
whenever it was possible for him to be absent from the duties of the farm, 
but never after arriving at his fourteenth year. The death of his father in 



1160 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

L823, deprived the mother and family of a support, and the sons — three 
in number — stood up manfully, and although young in years, bore the 
farm burdens with fortitude. When the two elder were married, the du- 
ties of the farm devolved upon our subject. He supported his mother until 
her death, residing <~>n the home farm. When fifteen years of age, he had 
left home, and hired to work on a farm at $4 per month. He remained 
at this for two years, and subsequently bought 107 acres of good 
land. Being of an industrious and economical nature, he steadily increased 
his landed possessions until he once owned L,200 acres. He has always 
been engaged in farming and stock-raising, but of late years has somewhat 
retired from active labor. He was a Whig, subsequently a straight Repub- 
lican, and can justly be termed a Prohibition- Republican. He served one 
term as County Commissioner, and is now one of the Township Trustees, 
having held the latter position for many years. In early life, he was a 
member of the " Washingtonians," and " Sons of Temperance," and when 
forty years of age, he became connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. In this latter organization he is now serving as Trustee, Steward 
and Class-Leader of the Newport Church. He is also a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. No man is better known in Paint Township, and no fam- 
ily is better respected than that bearing the name of YVithrow. Mr. With 
row was united in marriage January 27, 1833, to Catherine, daughter of 
Martin and Catherine (Grillett) Trumain, and a native of New York. She 
accompanied her parents to this State wheu six years of age. Her father 
died in 1823, and her mother in her ninety-fourth year. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wi throw have been blessed with twelve children, seven of whom grew to 
man and womanhood, and live now reside in this county, viz.: Margaret 
(widow of Albert G. Rankin, and second wife of Isaac Kemp, a farmer of 
Union Township), William, James, John (married to Elizabeth Ross, and 
residing in Osage County, Kan.), Lucy (wife of James McDonald, a farmer 
of Deer Creek Township, in this county), David, and Fannie (wife of 
Richard Arsmtrong, of Oroya. 111.). Three of the above are more fully men- 
tioned in the following: William Withrow, of Withrow & Sifrit. proprie- 
tors of the Newport Tile Works, and of Roland & Withrow, dealers in 
general merchandise, was born in this township August '■'>. L840. He grew 
to mature years on the old homestead, and obtained a fair common school 
education. He remained with his father on the farm until October 3, 1861, 
when he married Mary J., daughter of Calvin Morris. After marriage, he 
went to Indiana, where he was engaged in farming and trailing for four 
years. He then came back to Paint Township, locating in a portion of the 
home farm, and four veal's later rented a farm, where he lived two years. 
In 1876, in company with a Mr. Durkef>, he built the Newport Tile Works. 
Soon after, Mr. Withrow bought Mr. Durkee's interest, and rented the 
works to the latter for a period of three years. He then operated them him- 
self until the spring of 1882, when Martin Sifrit first became a full partner, 
the firm being now known as Withrow & Sifrit. In the winter of 1881-82. Mr. 
Withrow, with T. H. Roland, purchased the grocery stock of Charles Doug- 
lass, and in both these business operations, Mr. Withrow has been very 
successful. He is a member of the Sods of Temperance Lodge, of New- 
port, the Republican party, and has officiated as School Director. Himself 
and wife are the parents of five children— Allie (wife of Albert BueJ, a 
farmer of Union Township), J. Russell (a clerk in the store), Minnie, Wash 
ington and Fern. Mr. Withrow and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. James Withrow. farmer, stock raiser and dealer, resi- 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 1161 

dence London, was born in Paint Township January 18, 1842. Like his 
brothers, he was reared amid rural scenes, obtaining only a common school 
education. He remained at home until July 22, L861, when ho enlisted in 
Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and was 
mustered out anon-commissioned officer, July 2 1 . L864, having served a 
three years' term. At the battle of Mission Ridge, be was severely wounded 
in the left arm, from the effect of which he has since suffered. After re- 
turning home, Mr. Withrow engaged with bis father in farming and stock- 
raising for five years. He then purchased 100 acres of the home farm, 
where he has since been engaged in farming. He also raises and deals in 
live stock. In December, 1880, he removed his family to London, where he 
resides. He is Republican in politics, but has never been an active poli- 
tician. He was married, October 2, 1865, to Clara, daughter of Gideon 
and Deborah (Kilgore) Peck, the former a native of Rosa County, Ohio, 
died in September, 1879, latter of Fayette County, Obio, now living in her 
sixty-seventh year. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow had three children born to then), 
two living — Addie and Sarah; Jennie is deceased. Mr. Withrow, wife and 
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. David M. With- 
row. farmer and stock-raiser, on the Danville pike, was born on the Wash 
ington & Charleston pike, and has resided in Paint Township during his life. 
He grew to manhood on the home farm, and in early life attended the dis 
trict schools, and subsequently the National Normal University at Lebanon. 
Ohio. He is now residing on a portion of the old bomestead, and succeed 
ing admirably in life. Mr. Withrow is a Republican in politics. He was 
married in March, 1874, to Miss V. H. Ham, native of this county. Her 
grandfather, John Hatn, was a native of Maryland, and died in 1859. 
They have one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow are members of the Meth 
odist Episcopal Church. 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 

JAMES CLARK, farmer, P.O. London, was born in Anne Arundel Coun- 
ty Md.,Augus1 L6, L826; he is the son of Henry and Mary (Collier) Clark. 
His mother dying when he was very young, he was taken in charge by an 
uncle. Henry J. Sothern. a resident of Guernsey County, Ohio, with whom 
he came to this county in L840, settling in Somerford Township. He was 
married February 2s. L861, to .Miss Martha .lane ! oster, and has a family 
of four children, viz.. Miranda, Kimball. Ada and Dellie. 

DANIEL B. FOSTER, P.O. London, a well known farmer of this 
township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 7, L828. His grand- 
father, John Foster, was a native of Virginia, and came to Ross County, 
Obio, about tic commencement of the nineteenth century. One son. John 
Foster, Jr., was born in Ross County. Ohio. March I, 1802. He was there 
reared, and in L833 came to Madison County, locating on the 
of our subject, which then comprised 875 acres. He was an early sett. 
Oak Ran Township, a Whig, and su Republican, but never 

took an active part in politics. He was an hones! and industrious citizen, 
and departed this life November 19, L880. He married Eliza Bowyer, a na- 
tive of Pike County, Ohio, and daughter of Daniel Bowyer .There were 
ten children born to tli"! ii eight now living. Mrs. Foster is still living. 



1162 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Daniel B. was the eldest son. and was reared mostly in this county. He 
received a good common school education, and has resi I on his present 
farm through life. He has been engaged in agricultu pursuits during 
this time, also the raising of all kinds of stock, principally sheep. His land 
consists of 515 acres — in three farms. Mr. Foster is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years has been a Class Leader 
in the congregation that meets in " Foster's School house." He is also con- 
nected with Bradford Grange of Range Township, Sons of Temperance of 
Divison No. 4, and the Republican party. He has been twice married. 
His first union occurred January 22, 1852, when he was united to Miranda 
McClimans. Three children were born to them, two living — Bernard, and 
Jennie, wife of John Van Wagner, of London. Mrs. Foster died August 
13, 1860, and Mr. F. married for his second wife Margaret Johnston, 
daughter of George Johnston, and born January 1, 1837. They have eight 
children — Jessie. Allie, Kemper L., E. Bruce, Eva, W. Irvin, Frank E. 
and Maud. 

T. C. FOSTER, farmer, P. O. London. The gentleman whose name 
heads this sketch was born in Oak Run Township, Madison County, Novem- 
ber 12, 1849. His parents were John Foster and Elizabeth (Bowyer) Fos- 
ter. On December 25, 1874, he was married to Ida F. Clingan, a daughter 
of A. J. Clingan, an old settler of Somerford Township. By this marriage 
three children have been born, viz., Forest, Blanche and Belva. Mr. Foster 
was reared on a farm, and receiving such an education as the surrounding 
schools afforded, and has spent his life as an agriculturist. Though compara- 
tively young, he is energetic and industrious, and has gained for himself, 
the respect and esteem of his fellows. 

CARLTON E. GREGG, farmer, R O. London, was born at Browns- 
ville, Fayette County, Penn., September 18, 1813. His parents were John 
and Margaret (Allan) Gregg, the latter being a daughter of Nathan B. 
Allan, an old Indian fighter of Hampshire County, Ya. Our subject came 
to this county with his mother and two younger brothers in 1829, and set- 
tled in the township, where he has since resided. He was three times mar- 
ried. By his second wife he has two children, John and Mary, and by his 
last wife, Minnie (Plimell) Gregg, he has had three children — Carlton A., 
Amy and Noah. Air. Gregg owns a water-power grist-mill on Oak Run, 
which he has operated for twenty years. It was built in 1831 or 1832, the 
site having been chosen two or three years before. Mr. Gregg is well known 
and generallv respected for his many good qualities. 

THO.M \S LADLEY, farmer, P* O. London, was born in "Union Town- 
ship, in this county, November 1, 1829. He is the son of Andrew Ladley, 
an old pioneer of the county, who came from Preble County, in this State. 
and settled here in about 1828, locating first in Union Township, and 
finally settling in Oak Run in 1854. 

ACHILLES C. MOORMAN, farmer, P. O. London, was born in 
Lynchburg, Va., February 7, 1833. He is the son of Thomas and Martha 
lane (Jennings) Moorman. They emigrated to this State in 1836, settling 
at Galloway Station, Franklin County, where the subject of this sketch 
was raised and educated. <>n November 12. 1854, he was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Hambleton, daughter of Stephen G. Hambleton. by whom he has 
a family of four children living, viz., Thomas A., Delos B., Lillian and 
E. W. ; and one dead — Frances Mary. In 1855, he moved to Washing- 
ton County, Iowa, and after a residence there of three years, removed to 
Franklin County, where he remained until L864, when he moved to his 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 1163 

present home ii ladison County. His educational facilities were, to a 
certain extent, li. ed; he had the good fortune however to spend the win 
ters of L851-52 arid '53, attending the Otterbein University at Wester- 
ville, where he Btudied the profession of land survej ing. He owns a very 
extensive farm in Oak Run Township, consistingof 650 acres, and is recog 
nized as one of the leading men in his neighborhood. 

CEPHAS PANCAKE (deceased) was born in this county February 
21, 1819. He was the son of Joseph and Susan (Linton) Pancake. The 
family emigrated from Virginia and set lied in Range Township this county, 
at a very early day. Our subject's early days were passed on his father's 
farm, during which time he managed to secure a moderate education. He 
was first married, February I. 1M1. to Miss Nancy Cooper, daughter of Peter 
Cooper; she died July 29, L855. The children by tin- marriage were as fol- 
lows: Margaret (deceased), William (deceased), Mary .Jane (deceased), 
Thompson (deceased), John and David S. (deceased). On Nbvember21, l85o, 
he was again married to Miss Caroline V. Mahoy, daughter of Joseph Mahoy, 
by whom he had live children, viz., Joseph, Edmund B., E. Iva. Aquilla T. 
(deceased) and Cephas Pearl. in 1860, he moved into Oak Run Township 
where in course of time he became a large land-holder. He was a wn pop 
ular man and was known throughout the county as one of the most enter 
prising farmers and stock raisers. His death took place October 12, L874. 

JOHN PANCAKE, farmer. P. 0. London. This well-known citizen 
of Oak Run Township was born in Paint Township, this county. November 
15, 1851. He is the son of Cephas and Nancj (Cooper) Pancake. He 
was married, December 9, 1875, to Ann L. Ilea, daughter of Robert Pea. 
He is a live, energetic tanner, and has, by his gentlemanly demeanor, ac 
quired quite a prominence in the section in which he lives. 

MATTHEW RE A (deceased) was horn in Rockbridge County. \a.. 
June 22, 1793. His father. Joseph Pea. was of Irish and Quaker extrac 
tion, and was born near Philadelphia. In 1810, young Matthew emigrated 
with his parents to Ross County. Joseph Pea'.- family consisted of nine 
children: Robert, who was a stock dealer at Coshocton, and died in middle 
life; Matthew, Joseph, John and Jesse, all farmers and Btock raiser 
Madison Countv: Sarah, who married John Lindsley and removed with 
him to Marion County; Elizabeth, who was the wife of Richard Wilson, 
a blacksmith of this count)', and who late in life went to Indiana: Nancy. 
wife of Willhim Jackson, a farmer of Madison County, and Mary, who 
married William B. Slyh. and settled in Wyandot County. When hostili- 
ties began in L8 12, young Matthew was a member of a militia company 
which was called into service. Ee served six months, commencing in Au- 
gust. L812, on the Ohio frontier, under Gen. Harrison. While marching 
to the front he passed through the site of London, which locality he then 
saw for the first time A few years later, he began the business of Btock-rais- 
ing, which became his life pursuit. For a few years in earl) life he was 
engaged in buying pork and shipping it by flat-boat from the mouth of 
Deer Creek to New Orleans. This proved remunerative at first, but a 
decline in the market value afterward resulted in losses bo him, and de 
stroyed Ins previous profit-. His father came from Ross County to .Madison 
in 1818, settling about a mile south of London. Matthew preceded him 
several years in the occupancy of Madison Countysoil, having been engaged 
in herding cattle on the prairie land south of London. He was married, in 
1823, to Ann Amos, whose father had emigrated to Madison County from 
Marvland. Soon after this important event in his history, he settled on the 



1164 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 

site of London, and there remained until 1835. He then removed to his large 
farm in Oak Run Township and lived there till his decease, which occurred 
September 23, 1873, in his eighty-first year. He had been an active man 
in business affairs and remained in charge of his extensive business until 
within a short time of his death. He was fond of the saddle, and when 
engaged in superintending the management of his stock always rode horse- 
back. His wife preceded him to the grave about sixteen years. Of their 
seven children, but four grew to maturity — Jeremiah, of Oak Run Town- 
ship: Joseph, who died in November, 1873, Robert, of London; and Mar- 
garet, wife of F. M. Chenoweth. of Fairfield Township. 

JEREMIAH REA, R O. London, is a life resident of Madison County, 
and a prominent stock-raiser and farmer of Oak Run Township. His. 
grandfather, Joseph Rea. was born in January. 1754 (probably in Penn- 
sylvania). He was married, January 10, 1783, to Elizabeth Conn, who was 
born January 1*7. 1762. They were residents of Rockbridge County, Va. , 
and removed to Ross County, Ohio, in 1810. They came to Madison 
County about 1818, locating on Walnut Run, in Union Township, where 
both died about 1829. They were the parents of nine children, all reach- 
ing maturity, but none now living. One son, Matthew Rea, the father of 
our subject, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., June 22. 1793. He 
came to this county with his parents in 1818, and resided in Union Town- 
ship until 1835, when he removed to a farm on Deer Creek, in Pleasant 
(now Oak Run) Township, where he resided till his death, September 23, 
1873. He was a man highly respected and enjoying the full confidence of 
all his acquaintances. He took a deep interest in stock matters, and the 
prosperity and advancement of Madison County. He married Ann Amos. 
born in Harford County. Md., November 15, 1802. They were mar- 
ried in London by Squire Patrick McLeue. Mrs. Rea departed this life 
February 22. L857, aged fifty-four years. They were the parents of seven 
children, three dying in childhood, one at the age of forty-four, and three 
now living — Robert, in London; Margaret, wife of Marion Chenowith, of 
Fairfield Township: and Jeremiah. Mr. Rea was a large land-holder, once 
owning 2.000 acres, and at his death leaving an estate of 800 acres. Both 
parents are buried in Kirkwood Cemetery. Union Township. Jeremiah Rea 
was born on the home farm in Union Township (now within the corporate 
limits of London). August 10. L824, and remained ' with his father till 
twenty-six year.-, of age. On August 23, 1850, he was married to Catherine 
Leach, a native of Pleasant Township, and daughter of Benjamin Leach. 
The following winter his father gave him some land (a portion of his present 
farm), where lie has since resided. He had 260 or 270 acres at first, w 
herited some, and purchased over 500, his present farm, consisting of over 
1,400 acres. Mi-. Rea resides in a very handsome residence, and his land 
is supplied with all the conveniences necessary to successful farming. He 
is Democratic in politics, and has seiwed as Trustee and Clerk of Oak Run 
Township. Seven children have been given to himself and wife, two living 
— Matthew A. and Sarah L.. both residing at home. Mr. Rea has about 
retired from active life, and his son has entire management of the farm. 

.1. C. SMITH, P. O. London, a prominent farmer and influential citi- 
zen of Oak Run Township, was born in Christian County, Ky. . April 7, 
1M7. H< is a son of William W. Smith, a native of Virginia, who emi- 
grate. 1 to Kentucky about 1815. After the birth of our subject, he went to 
Rockingham County, Va. , where he died in 1 S '!T. Ee married Elizabeth 
Chrisman, a Qative of Virginia, and daughter of Jacob and Barbara Chris. 



OAK RUN TOWNSHIP. 1165 

man. Mrs. Smith was the mother of only one child, our subject, and de- 
parted this life when he was but a few months old. The father then re 
turned to Virginia, as previously stated, and Jacob C. lived with his ojand- 
mother till ten years of age. He was then taken by an uncle, with whom he 
remained till of age. He obtained only a limited education, and when 
twenty-three or twenty-four years of age. came to Ohio and engaged in 
mercantile pursuits at South Charleston. Clark Coirnty. He remained 
there nine years, and then came to Oak Run Township. He purchased 
what was known as the " Oak Run Mill." running it for eighteen month-. 
The mill was then destroyed by fire, and Mr. Smith subsequently removed 
to London, and was there engaged in business for six or seven years. He 
then bought 228 acres of the old Chrisman laud, and since added to it until 
it now comprises 260 acres. Mr. Smith formerly traded in stock, and deals 
largely in cattle and sheep. He has on the farm about sixty head of cattle 
and 1,100 head of sheep. He resides in a very neal and comfortable resi- 
dence on the farm, and is a man well esteemed by his neighl tors and friend-. 
He is Republican in politics, and has officiated as Trustee and School Direc- 
tor in his township. He was married, March 14. 1844. to Amanda J. Evans, 
a native of Clark County, but reared in this county, and a daughter of 
Robert Evans (deceased). Nine children have been born to them, only two 
surviving — Peyton R. . a farmer and stock-raiser of Douglas County. Kan., 
and William P., at home. Peyton R. married .Mrs. Myra Clark. They have 
one child — Maud. Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

JOHN WALTERS, farmer, P.O. Big Plain, was born February 18, 
loll, in Ross County, this State. He is the son of Levi and Sarah (Rile} ) 
Walters. In his seventh year he lost his father, and the family then moved 
into Pickaway County. May 26, L861. He enlisted in Company B, Thir- 
teenth Ohio Infantry, and followed the fortunes of that regiment until 
-Inly. 1864. sharing in the engagements of Shiloh. Stone River. Chicka- 
mauga and Mission Ridge. He then returned to Pickaway County, where, 
in October 11, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary E. Robison, daughter of 
Thomas Robison. The family now consists of five children, viz.. Effie 
Florence. Thomas F., Carrie, Sarah A.. Daisy Ellen. He first located near 
Antioch. in this county, in IST'J. residing there some two years, then re- 
turned to Pickaway County, and linally in L878, moved back to this county 
He now rents the Wilson farm, in Oak Run Township, which consist 
about 1,200 acres. Tn politics, he is a Republican. 




I 



